Electric vehicle-use pallet and mechanical parking device using same

Abstract

The present invention is provided with an outlet assembly (20) that has a rectangular shape in plan view, that has an upper surface which is formed flat, and that is embedded in a vehicle mounting surface (12) on which an electric vehicle (EV) sits. The outlet assembly (20) comprises a charging outlet (22), an outlet container (24), and a container upper lid (26). The outlet container (24) has an upper section that is open, is embedded in the vehicle mounting surface, and internally accommodates the charging outlet (22). The container upper lid (26) has an outer peripheral section fixed to the vehicle mounting surface, and covers an upper surface of the outlet container. The container upper lid (26) includes, in an upper surface thereof, an access opening (27) that allows access to the charging outlet (22). The access opening (27) allows passing of a charging plug (6) for supplying power to the electric vehicle (EV), and is set to be smaller than the tire width of a vehicle (V).

Description

Pallet for electric vehicles and mechanical parking device using same

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet for an electric vehicle that can supply power to an electric vehicle while parked, and a mechanical parking device that uses the same.

[0002] The rapid spread of electric vehicles (e.g., electric cars) is expected, and as this spread continues, a shortage of charging stations for electric vehicles is predicted. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanical parking system that can supply power to electric vehicles and charge them while they are parked. To meet this need, it has been proposed to provide charging outlets for supplying power to electric vehicles on pallets on which electric vehicles are placed (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The "pallet for parking equipment" of Patent Document 1 includes a pallet main structure that is approximately rectangular when viewed from above, a vehicle-side relay terminal, a terminal support structure, a guide member, and a relay device. Of these, the vehicle-side relay terminal, the terminal support structure, and the guide member are provided on the top surface along a specific long side that is the long side of the pallet main structure.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, multiple power supply units are provided on the front, rear, left, and right edges of a pallet so as to surround the periphery of an electric vehicle parked on the pallet in a plan view. The power supply units include a box-shaped storage chamber with a bottom that opens onto the top surface of the pallet, a lid member that can open and close the top opening, and a charging cable that is stored within the storage chamber and connected to a charging connection unit of the electric vehicle. When closed, the lid member forms a continuous flat surface with no steps against the top surface of the pallet and is strong enough to withstand the weight of the electric vehicle.

[0005] JP 2014-70472 A JP 2011-231546 A

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the vehicle-side intermediate terminals, terminal support structure, and guide member (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate terminal structure") are provided on the upper surface along the specific long side, which is the long side of the pallet main structure, so vehicles must avoid the intermediate terminal structure when getting on and off the pallet. Therefore, in the case of a pallet that is rectangular in plan view and has a substantially flat upper surface (hereinafter referred to as a "flat pallet"), the vehicle width that can be parked must be set narrower than that of a non-electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a "non-electric vehicle"). In addition, because the intermediate terminal structure protrudes from the upper surface of the width end of the flat pallet, it is difficult for both electric and non-electric vehicles to operate when getting on and off the pallet.

[0007] In Patent Document 2, the lid member forms a continuous, flat surface with no steps on the top surface of the pallet when closed and is strong enough to withstand the weight of an electric vehicle, making it easy for the vehicle to get on and off the pallet without interference from the lid member when closed. However, because the power supply unit is installed to surround the periphery of the parked electric vehicle, the vehicle width required for electric vehicles to be parked must be narrower than that of non-electric vehicles to avoid interference with the upward-opening lid member. Furthermore, if the lid member is left unclosed, it may interfere with the vehicle when getting on or off, potentially damaging the vehicle, tires, and lid member. Furthermore, if an automatic closing mechanism is installed as a countermeasure against forgetting to close the lid member, this increases the number of parts, increases costs, and may lead to malfunctions.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is, the object of the present invention is to provide a pallet for electric vehicles that allows easy vehicle operation when getting on and off the flat pallet and allows the vehicle width of electric vehicles that can be parked to be set to the same as that of non-electric vehicles, and a mechanical parking system using the same.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a pallet for electric vehicles, comprising an outlet assembly having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a substantially flat upper surface, and embedded in a vehicle mounting surface on which an electric vehicle is placed, the outlet assembly comprising: a charging outlet for charging the electric vehicle; an outlet container that is embedded in the vehicle mounting surface and has an open top and that houses the charging outlet inside; and a container top lid that is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface at its outer periphery and covers the upper surface of the outlet container, the container top lid having an overall height that is lower than the vehicle's minimum ground clearance and configured to allow tires of the vehicle to pass over it, the container top lid further having an access opening on its upper surface that allows access to the charging outlet, the access opening being able to receive a charging plug that is connected to the charging outlet and supplies power to the electric vehicle via a charging cable, and which is set to be smaller than the width of the tire of the vehicle.

[0010] According to the above-described configuration of the present invention, the outer periphery of the container top lid is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface, and the container top lid is configured to cover the top surface of the outlet container that houses the charging outlet. Since the container top lid is set to have an overall height lower than the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle (electric vehicle or non-electric vehicle), there is no risk of the underside of the vehicle interfering with the container top lid, and the vehicle can get on and off the pallet by straddling the container top lid between the vehicle's tires.

[0011] Furthermore, the container top lid is configured to allow tires to pass over it, so vehicles can get on and off the pallet even when their tires are passing over the container top lid. This makes it easy for both electric and non-electric vehicles to drive and operate the vehicle when getting on and off the flat pallet.

[0012] The container's upper lid also has an access opening on its top surface that allows access to the charging outlet. This access opening is configured to allow a charging plug that is connected to the charging outlet and supplies power to the electric vehicle via a charging cable to pass through, so that power can be supplied to the electric vehicle by connecting the charging plug to the charging outlet through the access opening.

[0013] Furthermore, because the access opening is set smaller than the width of the vehicle's tires, even if the tires pass over the access opening, they will not get stuck in the access opening and can pass through without any hindrance. Therefore, both electric and non-electric vehicles can be parked freely on the flat pallet, and because there is no need to open or close the lid, the vehicle width of electric vehicles that can be parked can be set to the same as that of non-electric vehicles.

[0014] 3A is a plan view of the entrance / exit level of a mechanical parking device having a pallet for an electric vehicle of the present invention when a vehicle is entering the device; FIG. 3B is a plan view of the entrance / exit level of a mechanical parking device having a pallet for an electric vehicle of the present invention when a vehicle is leaving the device; FIG. 3C is a plan view of the pallet for an electric vehicle of the present invention; FIG. 3D is a side view of the pallet for an electric vehicle of the present invention; FIG. 3E is a plan view of a first embodiment of an outlet assembly; FIG. 3F is a view taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3B of a second embodiment of an outlet assembly; FIG. 3G is a second arrangement example of an outlet assembly; FIG. 3H is a third arrangement example of an outlet assembly; FIG. 3J is a fourth arrangement example of an outlet assembly; and FIG. 3J is a fifth arrangement example of an outlet assembly.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, common parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0016] In the present invention, vehicle V refers to an electric vehicle (EV) and a non-electric vehicle. An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle equipped with an on-board battery as a power source for driving, and refers to, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle, etc. Furthermore, a non-electric vehicle refers to, for example, a gasoline vehicle or a diesel vehicle. Hereinafter, unless a distinction is necessary, electric vehicles (EV) and non-electric vehicles will be simply referred to as "vehicle V."

[0017] 1A and 1B are plan views of the entry / exit level FL of a mechanical parking device 100 having an electric vehicle pallet 10 of the present invention. In this example, the mechanical parking device 100 is a horizontal circulation type mechanical parking device having an entry / exit room (hereinafter referred to as an entry / exit berth B) where a vehicle V enters and exits. Note that the entry / exit berth B is not required in the present invention, and the mechanical parking device 100 may be a mechanical parking device other than a horizontal circulation type. Furthermore, the mechanical parking device 100 may have other pallets as long as it has the electric vehicle pallet 10 of the present invention.

[0018] 1A shows the vehicle V entering the shed, and FIG. 1B shows the vehicle V leaving the shed. In the figures, 1 is a mirror, 2 is a door, 3 is a pedestrian walkway, and 10 is a pallet for an electric vehicle. Hereinafter, the pallet for an electric vehicle 10 will be referred to simply as the "pallet 10" unless necessary.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in this example, at the loading / unloading berth B, the vehicle V moves forward to enter and onto the pallet 10 when entering the berth, and moves forward to exit the pallet 10 when leaving the berth. This configuration is called "forward entry / forward exit." To achieve forward entry / forward exit, the pallet 10 carrying the vehicle V rotates horizontally in a parking space (not shown) and reverses its front-to-rear direction after entering the berth and before leaving the berth. This forward entry / forward exit allows the vehicle V, whether an electric vehicle (EV) or a non-electric vehicle, to move forward relative to the pallet 10 to get on and off. Note that the present invention is not limited to forward entry / forward exit, and may also be forward entry / rear exit.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1A, when a vehicle V is brought into storage, a large mirror 1 is installed in front of the vehicle V, and the driver can drive onto a pallet 10 while looking at his or her own vehicle V reflected in the mirror 1. This configuration makes it easier to drive the vehicle V when it is brought into storage.

[0021] Furthermore, when the vehicle V enters the parking lot, the pedestrian passage 3 is provided on three sides (left, right, and rear) of the vehicle V, excluding the front. The pedestrian passage 3 is provided to allow people to safely access the vehicle V when getting on and off or loading and unloading luggage. Furthermore, when the vehicle V enters the parking lot, the pedestrian passage 3 is not provided in front of the vehicle V because a mirror 1 is installed there. Note that the installation of the mirror 1 and pedestrian passage 3 described above is mandatory according to the certification standards for the mechanical parking device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the mechanical parking device 100 may be one that does not have the mirror 1 or pedestrian passage 3 installed.

[0022] FIG. 2A is an overall plan view of the pallet 10 for an electric vehicle of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an overall side view of the pallet 10 as viewed in the width direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2B, the electric vehicle pallet 10 has a vehicle mounting surface 12 on which an electric vehicle EV is placed. The vehicle mounting surface 12 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the upper surface is formed to be substantially flat. Note that although the lower surface of the pallet 10 is illustrated as being flat in this example, rails, wheels, etc. may be provided.

[0024] 2A and 2B, the electric vehicle pallet 10 of the present invention includes an outlet assembly 20 embedded in the vehicle mounting surface 12.

[0025] (First embodiment of outlet assembly 20) Figure 3A is a plan view of a first embodiment of the outlet assembly 20, and Figure 3B is a view taken along the line B-B in Figure 3A. In Figure 3B, the outlet assembly 20 has a charging outlet 22, an outlet container 24, and a container top cover 26.

[0026] The charging outlet 22 is an outlet for charging an electric vehicle (EV). The charging outlet 22 is, for example, a grounded outlet for charging EVs and PHEVs commercially available from Panasonic Corporation. This outlet has a rated current of 20 A and 250 V and can be used with 200 V EV and PHEV charging plugs. In this case, the main body dimensions of the charging outlet 22 are 80 mm x 80 mm in front and approximately 33 mm thick. The charging outlet 22 also has a protective cover 22 a that covers the charging terminal surface in a dustproof or waterproof manner and that can be opened and closed below the container top cover 26. Note that the charging outlet 22 is not limited to this example and may be another charging outlet.

[0027] The outlet container 24 has an open top, is embedded in the vehicle mounting surface 12, and houses the charging outlet 22 inside. In this example, the outlet container 24 has a single edge portion 24a that surrounds the outside of the charging outlet 22 in a plan view and is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface 12, four side portions 24b that extend downward from the inner edge of the edge portion 24a, and a single bottom portion 24c that is located at the lower end of the side portion 24. In this example, of the four side portions 24b, two side portions 24b that are located in the longitudinal direction of the pallet 10 are formed as inclined surfaces that extend diagonally downward and inward from the inner edge of the edge portion 24a. Note that this configuration is not required, and some or all of the four side portions 24b may be formed as inclined surfaces.

[0028] The overall width of the outlet container 24 is preferably greater than the overall width of the charging outlet 22, for example, 100 mm or more.

[0029] In this example, the charging outlet 22 is fixed to a side surface 24b located in the longitudinal direction of the pallet 10 via a position adjustment base 23. Also, in this example, a power feed socket 16 is provided below the vehicle mounting surface 12. The power feed socket 16 is preferably provided on the outer peripheral surface or bottom surface of the pallet 10 so as not to protrude outside the vehicle mounting surface 12. The power feed socket 16 is electrically connected to the charging outlet 22 via a power cord 14. Also, the power feed socket 16 is configured to be connectable to a power feed plug of a power feed device connected to an external power source (not shown).

[0030] 3B, the outlet container 24 has a foreign matter discharge port 25 for discharging foreign matter that has entered the interior. The foreign matter discharge port 25 is provided on the bottom surface 24c or the side surface 24b of the outlet container 24.

[0031] The foreign object discharge port 25 is preferably sized to allow pebbles of a predetermined size to pass through. The "predetermined size" of pebbles is, for example, a maximum dimension of 3 to 8 mm. Furthermore, the foreign object discharge port 25 is preferably a circular or rectangular hole with a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm. The number of foreign object discharge ports 25 is not limited to a single port, and multiple ports are preferably provided. For example, the entire bottom surface 24c may be open, and a wire mesh or the like having multiple circular or rectangular holes may be fixed to the bottom surface 24c. Furthermore, the pallet 10 preferably has an opening below the bottom surface 24c for discharging foreign objects. Furthermore, the bottom surface 24c of the outlet container 24 may be exposed downward from the underside of the pallet 10. The above-described configuration prevents the passage of coins or keys of 1 yen or larger, while allowing pebbles, mud, snow, and the like that have entered the outlet container 24 to be smoothly discharged to the outside through the foreign object discharge port 25.

[0032] The container top lid 26 has its outer periphery fixed to the vehicle mounting surface 12 and covers the top surface of the outlet container 24. The container top lid 26 has an overall height lower than the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle V and is configured to allow the tires T of the vehicle V to pass over it. The minimum ground clearance of the vehicle V is, for example, 90 mm.

[0033] 3A , in this example, the container top lid 26 has a pair of edge portions 26a that surround the outside of the outlet container 24 in a plan view and are fixed to the vehicle mounting surface 12, four side portions 26b that extend upward from the inner edge of the edge portion 26 or from the vehicle mounting surface 12, and a single top portion 26c located at the upper end of the side portions 26b. The edge portions 26a, side portions 26b, and top portion 26c are preferably formed by press-forming a metal plate of a certain thickness. In this case, the thickness of the metal plate is, for example, 2 to 5 mm, and the metal plate should have the rigidity required when the tire T of the vehicle V passes over it.

[0034] In this example, the edge portion 26a is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface 12 by bolts or screws 7. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, of the four side portions 26b, two side portions 26b located in the longitudinal direction of the pallet 10 are formed as inclined surfaces that extend diagonally upward and inward from the inner edge of the edge portion 26a.

[0035] If the container top lid 26 has sharp edges, the tire sidewalls are particularly vulnerable to scratches and can be easily damaged. Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 3A , the sidewalls 26b located on the inner side of the pallet 10 in the width direction are formed as inclined surfaces extending diagonally upward from the vehicle mounting surface 12. Furthermore, the space between the two longitudinally positioned sidewalls 26b and the inner sidewalls 26b in the width direction is closed by an inclined surface 26d extending from the vehicle mounting surface 12. This configuration reduces the risk of tire scratches, punctures, and other damage by providing an inclination to the sidewalls. In other words, the inclination of the sidewalls is effective in reducing sharp edges that come into contact with the tire at right angles. This reduces the risk of tire scratches, punctures, and wheel scratches. As a result, the risk of punctures due to tire sidewall scraping is reduced, and the aesthetic degradation due to wheel sidewall scraping is prevented.

[0036] In this example, of the four side surface portions 26b, the side surface portion 26b located on the outer side in the width direction of the pallet 10 is formed vertically from the vehicle mounting surface 12. Note that this configuration is not essential, and an inclined surface located in the width direction may be provided on the outer side in the width direction or on both sides, or if the height of the top surface portion 26c is low, for example, and there is little effect on the tires, both sides of the side surface portion 26b located in the width direction may be formed vertically from the vehicle mounting surface 12.

[0037] In this example, the upper surface of the container top lid 26 has a trapezoidal shape with a step between the lower end of the inclined surface of the side portion 26b and the upper surface of the container top lid 26 and a flat central portion (top surface 26c) of 1 cm or less. The central portion (top surface 26c) may be a gently inclined surface or an arcuate surface with a slope of 5 degrees or less. The step between the vehicle mounting surface 12 and the lower end of the inclined surface of the side portion 26b in this example substantially corresponds to the thickness of the edge portion 26a. In FIG. 3B , the slope of the side portion 26b on the outer side in the longitudinal direction (right side in the figure) is set to approximately 30 degrees, while the slope of the side portion 26b on the inner side in the longitudinal direction (left side in the figure) is set to less than 15 degrees. The height of the top surface 26c is lower than the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle V (90 mm), preferably 50 mm or less.

[0038] The overall width of the container top lid 26 is preferably greater than the overall width of the outlet container 24, for example, 150 mm or more.

[0039] 3A and 3B , container top lid 26 further has an access opening 27 on its top surface through which charging outlet 22 can be accessed. Access opening 27 is designed to allow passage of charging plug 6, which is connected to charging outlet 22 and supplies power to electric vehicle EV via charging cable 4, and is smaller than the tire width of vehicle V. The dimensions of access opening 27 are, for example, 110 mm wide and 150 mm long.

[0040] Due to the configuration of the container top lid 26 described above, there is no risk of the underside of the vehicle V interfering with the container top lid 26, and the vehicle V can get on and off the pallet 10 by straddling the container top lid 26 between the tires T of the vehicle V. Furthermore, even if the tire T passes over the container top lid 26, the vehicle V can still get on and off the pallet 10. Furthermore, for example, if the charging plug 6 is the above-mentioned 200V EV / PHEV charging plug, the charging plug 6 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of approximately 39 mm, and a person can easily connect it to the charging outlet 22 through the above-mentioned access opening 27. Furthermore, because the access opening 27 is set smaller than the width of the tire of the vehicle V, even if the tire T passes over the access opening 27, the tire T will not get stuck (fall) into the access opening 27 and can pass through without hindrance.

[0041] 3A and 3B, the container top lid 26 has a reinforcing bracket 28 surrounding the access opening 27. In this example, the reinforcing bracket 28 is made of a metal rod with a diameter of 2 to 3 mm, and is fixed by welding or the like along the edge of the access opening 27. This configuration increases the rigidity around the access opening 27 and also makes it more difficult for water or mud that has come down the slope of the container top lid 26 to enter the access opening 27.

[0042] (Second embodiment of outlet assembly 20) Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3B of a second embodiment of the outlet assembly 20. In this example, the top surface of the container top cover 26 has an entirely flat shape with a step of 1 cm or less in the longitudinal direction. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0043] Because the main structural members of the pallet are located at the side edges of the pallet, providing an opening on the top surface may result in insufficient structural strength in a flat shape like the outlet assembly 20 in Figure 4. Therefore, in the case of the outlet assembly 20 in Figure 4, it is preferable to provide the opening in a position slightly inward, not at the side edges of the pallet, to avoid the main structural members. If an opening is provided inward from the side edges of the pallet, a vehicle may run over it. However, in the present invention, the structural strength is such that there is no problem even if a vehicle runs over it. Note that this configuration is not essential, and the outlet assembly 20 in Figure 4 may be provided at the side edges of the pallet.

[0044] 2A and 2B , the outlet assembly 20 is located inside the four corners of the vehicle mounting surface 12. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle EV is located at the center of the vehicle mounting surface 12 in a plan view, the access openings 27 of the outlet assembly 20 are located outside the front and rear tires T of the electric vehicle EV. With this configuration, even if the electric vehicle EV is located off-center (offset) from the vehicle mounting surface 12, at least one access opening 27 can be easily accessed from the passenger passage 3, and the charging plug 6 can be connected to the charging outlet 22 to charge the electric vehicle EV.

[0045] In this case, it is preferable that the charging outlet 22 of the outlet assembly 20 faces the inside of the pallet 10. This configuration reduces the possibility that the charging cable 4 connected to the charging outlet 22 will protrude outside the pallet 10.

[0046] 5A shows a second example of the placement of the outlet assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 5A, the outlet assembly 20 may be installed in only one location on the inside of one of the four corners of the vehicle mounting surface 12. This configuration can significantly reduce the cost of the electric vehicle pallet 10.

[0047] The outlet assemblies 20 may also be installed at two locations on the inside of the four corners of the vehicle mounting surface 12. In this case, they may be installed on both sides of the front end of the vehicle mounting surface 12, or at diagonal positions among the four corners. With this configuration, even if the electric vehicle EV is positioned off-center on the vehicle mounting surface 12, at least one access opening 27 can be easily accessed from the passenger passage 3, and the charging plug 6 can be connected to the charging outlet 22 to charge the electric vehicle EV.

[0048] 5B shows a third example of the placement of the outlet assembly. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the container top covers 26 constituting multiple (two in this example) outlet assemblies 20 may be integrated into one unit, with the width of the unit being equal to the width of the vehicle mounting surface 12. With this configuration, the two front tires T pass over the container top covers 26 simultaneously, allowing the vehicle V to pass over them without hindrance and facilitating driving operations.

[0049] FIG. 6A shows a fourth example of the placement of the outlet assembly 20. In this example, the outlet assembly 20 is located in the center of the inside of at least one of the four sides of the vehicle mounting surface 12. In FIG. 6A, the outlet assembly 20 is located in the center of the front and rear width of the vehicle mounting surface 12. This configuration prevents the underside of the vehicle V from interfering with the container top lid 26, and allows a vehicle to get on and off the pallet 10 by straddling the outlet assembly 20 between the two front tires T. This placement is particularly suitable for forward entry and rear exit, as it allows the outlet assembly 20 to be attached to the rear of the vehicle. FIG. 6B shows a fifth example of the placement of the outlet assembly. In FIG. 6B, the outlet assembly 20 is located in the center of the length of both sides of the vehicle mounting surface 12. This configuration prevents the underside of the vehicle V from interfering with the container top lid 26, and allows a vehicle to get on and off the pallet 10 without straddling the outlet assembly 20 between the two front tires T.

[0050] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the outer periphery of the container top lid 26 is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface 12, and the container top lid 26 is configured to cover the top surface of the outlet container 24 that houses the charging outlet 22 therein. Because the overall height of this container top lid 26 is set lower than the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle V (electric vehicle EV and non-electric vehicle), there is no risk of the underside of the vehicle V interfering with the container top lid 26, and a person can get on and off the pallet 10 by straddling the container top lid 26 between the tires T of the vehicle V.

[0051] Furthermore, the container top lid 26 is configured to allow the tire T to pass over it, so that the vehicle V can get on and off the pallet 10 even when the tire T passes over the container top lid 26. Therefore, for both electric vehicles EV and non-electric vehicles, driving the vehicle V when getting on and off the flat pallet is easy.

[0052] Furthermore, the container upper lid 26 has an access opening 27 on its upper surface through which the charging outlet 22 can be accessed. This access opening 27 is configured to allow the charging plug 6 to pass through, which is connected to the charging outlet 22. Therefore, by connecting the charging plug 6 to the charging outlet 22 through the access opening 27, power can be supplied to the electric vehicle EV.

[0053] Furthermore, because the access opening 27 is set smaller than the tire width of the vehicle V, even when the tire T passes over the access opening 27, it can pass through without getting stuck in the access opening 27. Therefore, both electric and non-electric vehicles can be parked freely on the flat pallet, and because there is no need to open or close a lid, the vehicle width of the electric vehicles EV that can be parked can be set to the same as that of non-electric vehicles.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] B: loading / unloading berth, FL: loading / unloading level, T: tire, V: vehicle, EV: electric vehicle, 1: mirror, 2: door, 3: aisle for passengers, 4: charging cable, 6: charging plug, 7: bolt or screw, 10: pallet for electric vehicle, 12: vehicle loading surface, 14: power cord, 16: power supply socket, 20: outlet assembly, 22: charging outlet, 22a: protective cover, 23: position adjustment table, 24: outlet container, 24a: edge, 24b: side, 24c: bottom, 25: foreign object discharge port, 26: container top cover, 26a: edge, 26b: side, 26c: top, inclined surface 26d, 27: access opening, 100: mechanical parking device

Claims

1. A pallet for an electric vehicle comprising: an outlet assembly having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a substantially flat upper surface, the outlet assembly comprising: a charging outlet for charging the electric vehicle; an outlet container with an open top that is embedded in the vehicle mounting surface and houses the charging outlet inside; and a container top lid whose outer periphery is fixed to the vehicle mounting surface and covers the upper surface of the outlet container, the container top lid having an overall height lower than the vehicle's minimum ground clearance and configured to allow tires of the vehicle to pass over it, the container top lid further having an access opening on its upper surface through which the charging outlet can be accessed, the access opening allowing a charging plug that is connected to the charging outlet and supplies power to the electric vehicle via a charging cable to pass through, and which is set to be smaller than the width of the tires of the vehicle.

2. A pallet for electric vehicles as described in claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the container top lid has a step between the lower end of the inclined surface and the upper surface of the container top lid in the length direction of the container that is 1 cm or less, has a gradient of 30° or less, and has a trapezoidal shape with a flat or gently inclined or arcuate central portion.

3. A pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the container top cover has an entirely flat shape with a step of 1 cm or less in the longitudinal direction.

4. The pallet for electric vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the outlet container has a foreign object discharge port for discharging foreign objects that have entered the interior thereof.

5. A pallet for electric vehicles as described in claim 4, wherein the foreign object discharge port is provided on a bottom or side surface of the outlet container.

6. A pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the foreign object discharge port is set to a size that allows small stones of a predetermined size to pass through.

7. The pallet for electric vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the charging outlet has a protective cover that covers the charging terminal surface in a dustproof or waterproof manner and that can be opened and closed below the container upper cover.

8. The pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing bracket surrounding said access opening.

9. The pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the access opening of the outlet assembly is located outside the front and rear tires of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is located at the center of the vehicle mounting surface.

10. The pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the outlet assembly is located inside at least one of the four corners of the vehicle mounting surface.

11. The pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the outlet assembly is located at the center of the inside of at least one of the four sides of the vehicle mounting surface.

12. The pallet for electric vehicles according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply socket that is electrically connected to the charging outlet below the vehicle mounting surface and that can be connected to a power supply plug of a power supply device that is connected to an external power source.

13. A mechanical parking device comprising the pallet for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

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