Charging device and mechanical parking lot

Abstract

The present invention provides a charging device and a mechanical parking lot with which high safety can be achieved.　The mechanical parking lot is provided with a movable pallet onto which a vehicle can be loaded, and comprises: a charging device which is provided on the pallet and which includes a connector to be connected to the vehicle to supply electricity to the vehicle and a cable of adjustable length that supplies electricity to the connector; and a control device including a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines, on the basis of the vehicle information, a first length which is a suitable length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, a connection determination unit that determines whether or not the connector is connected to the vehicle, and a length detection unit that detects the length of the cable. If the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not of the first length, the control device causes the pallet to operate in a safe operation mode.

Description

Charging equipment and mechanical parking

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device and a mechanical parking lot.

[0002] Charging devices for charging vehicles and mechanical parking lots equipped with charging devices have been known. Because the location of the charging port for connecting a connector varies depending on the vehicle, these types of charging devices require a long cable to accommodate various vehicles. This results in the excess cable meandering around the charging device. For this reason, in a mechanical parking lot in which vehicles are parked on multiple movable pallets equipped with charging devices, as shown in FIG. 16(a), there is a risk that the charging cable may protrude outside the pallet and come into contact with another pallet as the pallet moves, as shown in FIG. 16(b), or that the cable or connector may protrude outside the pallet and come into contact with another pallet, vehicle, or equipment when not charging, as shown in FIG. 16(c). For this reason, a mechanical parking lot has been proposed that includes a cable extension prevention structure on the top surface of the pallet that hooks the cable into a groove to prevent the cable from protruding from the pallet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Publication No. 2021-14700

[0004] However, in the mechanical parking lots using the above-mentioned conventional technology, the user or manager of the mechanical parking lot had to manually hook the cable into the anti-extension structure. As a result, particularly in mechanical parking lots used by unspecified users such as commercial facilities, there was a risk that the cable would not be properly hooked into the anti-extension structure and would end up protruding from the pallet.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a charging device and a mechanical parking lot that can solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology and achieve high safety.

[0006] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector, and a control device that has a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines, based on the vehicle information, a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and a length detection unit that detects the length of the cable, and that operates the pallet in a safe operating mode when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not at the first length.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that, in a mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the charging device is provided on the pallet and has a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that has a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and that operates the length adjustment device to set the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in a mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the charging device is provided on the pallet and has a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that has a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device to change the length of the cable to a second length that is the appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that it provides a mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, comprising: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data and determines, based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the pallet in a safe operating mode when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

[0010] The present invention is also characterized in that, in a mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the parking lot comprises: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, and determines whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the length adjustment device to set the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

[0011] In these cases, the safe operation mode may be cancelled when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable has reached the first length. The control device may further include a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable, and the control device may cause the length adjustment device to shorten the cable when the cable is not at the first length. The control device may cancel the safe operation mode after causing the length adjustment device to shorten the cable. When the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may operate the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle. The length adjustment device may adjust the length of the cable by winding up the cable. When the control device determines that the connector is not connected to the vehicle and the length of the cable is not the second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may place the operation of the pallet in the safe operation mode. When the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may operate the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to the second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle. The length adjustment device may adjust the length of the cable by winding up the cable. The length adjustment device may include a holding portion for holding the length of the cable. The control device may acquire the vehicle information via the connector. The control device may acquire the vehicle information wirelessly. The control device may acquire the vehicle information based on vehicle image data generated by capturing an image of the vehicle. The safe operation mode may stop the movement of the pallet. The safe operation mode may slow down the movement of the pallet.

[0012] The present invention also provides a charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector that is connected to the vehicle and supplies power to the vehicle; a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; and a control device that has a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle; a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information; a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle; and a length detection unit that detects the length of the cable, and that does not allow power to be supplied to the connector when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not at the first length.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a charging device for charging a vehicle comprises a connector that is connected to the vehicle and supplies power to the vehicle, a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector, a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable, and a control device that has a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information of the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and when the connector is connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device so that the length of the cable becomes the first length.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a charging device for charging a vehicle comprises a connector that is connected to the vehicle and supplies power to the vehicle, a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector, a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable, and a control device that has a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device to set the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

[0015] The present invention also provides a charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector that is connected to the vehicle and supplies power to the vehicle; a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a camera that images the cable and generates cable image data; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data and determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, and determines whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and does not allow the connector to supply power when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

[0016] a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, and determines whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

[0017] In these cases, when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable has reached the first length, the control device may supply power to the connector. The control device may further include a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable, and when the cable is not at the first length, the control device may cause the length adjustment device to shorten the cable. The control device may supply power to the connector after causing the length adjustment device to shorten the cable. When the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may operate the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle. The length adjustment device may adjust the length of the cable by winding up the cable. When the connector is not connected to the vehicle and the control device determines that the length of the cable is not the second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may not supply power to the connector. When the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device may operate the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle. The length adjustment device may adjust the length of the cable by winding up the cable. The control device may include a holding unit for holding the length of the cable. The control device may acquire the vehicle information via the connector. The control device may acquire the vehicle information wirelessly. The control device may acquire the vehicle information based on vehicle image data generated by capturing an image of the vehicle.

[0018] The present invention can provide a charging device and a mechanical parking lot that can achieve high safety.

[0019] FIG. 3( a ) is a schematic front view of a mechanical parking lot according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3( b ) is a block diagram of the mechanical parking lot; FIG. 3( a ) is a side cross-sectional view of the charging device and pallet with the cable pulled out; FIG. 3( b ) is a side cross-sectional view of the charging device and pallet with the cable wound up; FIG. 3( b ) is a side cross-sectional view of the charging device and pallet with the cable wound up; FIG. 3( c ) is a top view of the mechanical parking lot with the cable protruding from the pallet when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the left side; FIG. 3( c ) is a top view of the mechanical parking lot with the cable protruding from the pallet when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the right side; FIG. 3( d ) is a top view of the mechanical parking lot with the cable at the first length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the right side; and FIG. 3( e ) is a top view of the mechanical parking lot with the cable at the appropriate length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the rear side. FIG. 5(f) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable at an appropriate length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the front. FIG. 5(g) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable not connected to the vehicle sticking out from the pallet. FIG. 5(h) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable stored. A block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to a second embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot is shown. A block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to a third embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot is shown. A block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to a fourth embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot is shown. A block diagram of a charging device according to a fifth embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the operation of the charging device is shown. A block diagram of a charging device according to a sixth embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the operation of the charging device is shown. FIG. 16(a) is a schematic front view of a mechanical parking lot according to the prior art. FIG. 16(b) is a schematic front view of a mechanical parking lot according to the prior art when the cable comes into contact with another pallet or the like. FIG. 16(c) is a schematic front view of a connector of a conventional mechanical parking lot when it comes into contact with another pallet or the like.

[0020]

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a mechanical parking lot according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the mechanical parking lot, Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional side view of a charging device and a pallet with a cable pulled out, and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional side view of a charging device and a pallet with a cable wound up.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the mechanical parking lot 100 includes a plurality of plate-shaped pallets 20 formed so that a vehicle 10 can be parked on top of them. Each pallet 20 can move up and down or left and right with a vehicle 10 placed on it. The mechanical parking lot 100 allows multiple vehicles to be parked in a vertically aligned arrangement by moving each pallet 20 up and down or left and right, making it possible to park many vehicles even on a small lot.

[0022] Each pallet 20 is provided with a charging device 30 for charging the vehicle 10. The charging device 30 has a connector 31 that is coupled to a charging port of the vehicle 10, which is an electric vehicle, to be electrically connected to the vehicle 10 and supply power to the vehicle 10, and a cable 32 that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector 31.

[0023] 2, the mechanical parking lot 100 includes a charging device 30, a control device 40, a length adjustment device 50, and a pallet driving device 60. The charging device 30, the length adjustment device 50, and the pallet driving device 60 are electrically connected to the control device 40.

[0024] The charging device 30 includes a power supply unit 33 and a communication unit 34. The power supply unit 33 and the communication unit 34 are each electrically connected to a cable 32 (see FIG. 1).

[0025] The power supply unit 33 is capable of supplying power to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle 10 via the cable 32 and the connector 31 , and charges the battery of the vehicle 10 under the control of the control device 40 .

[0026] The communication unit 34 is capable of communicating with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) of the vehicle 10 via the cable 32 and the connector 31. This enables the communication unit 34 to communicate with the ECU of the vehicle 10 regarding charging control and to acquire vehicle information such as the model name, type, and location of the charging port of the vehicle 10 from the ECU of the vehicle 10.

[0027] The control device 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is capable of controlling the operation of the mechanical parking lot 100. The control device 40 includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 41, a length determination unit 42, a memory unit 43, a length detection unit 44, a connection determination unit 45, a pallet control unit 46, and a reel control unit 47.

[0028] The vehicle information acquisition unit 41 is electrically connected to the communication unit 34 of the charging device 40 and is capable of acquiring vehicle data corresponding to the vehicle information of the vehicle 10 from the communication unit 34 .

[0029] The length determination unit 42 compares the vehicle data corresponding to the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 41 with the cable length data stored in the storage unit 43 to determine an appropriate length of the cable 32 of the charging device 30. The appropriate length of the cable 32 is a first length at which the cable 32 does not protrude from the pallet 20 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and a second length at which the connector 31 and the cable 32 do not protrude from the pallet 20 when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10.

[0030] The first length of cable 32 is an appropriate length when connector 31 is connected to vehicle 10, and is set for each vehicle model as a length range that is longer than the shortest length that reaches the charging port of vehicle 10 properly parked on pallet 20 in accordance with normal usage, and that does not cause cable 32 to protrude from pallet 20 no matter what route cable 32 takes when connector 31 is connected to the charging port of vehicle 10 properly parked on pallet 20 in accordance with normal usage. More specifically, the first length of cable 32 is set in a length range of, for example, 800 mm to 1100 mm, with the position of opening 21 (see FIG. 3( a)) of pallet 20 set as the reference point, being 0 mm.

[0031] On the other hand, the second length of the cable 32 is an appropriate length when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10, and is equal to or greater than the length when the cable 32 is completely stored in the opening 21 (see FIG. 3( a) ) and is within a length range that prevents the connector 31 or the cable 32 from protruding from the pallet 20 to the surrounding area regardless of the route taken, and is preferably the length when the cable 32 is completely stored in the opening 21 of the pallet 20. While the first length varies depending on the vehicle 10, the second length is always set to the same length regardless of the vehicle 10. More specifically, the second length of the cable 32 is set within a length range of, for example, 0 mm to 100 mm, with the position of the opening 21 of the pallet 20 being set as the reference position.

[0032] The storage unit 43 stores the first length and the second length as cable length data for each vehicle model and each location of the charging port. By storing the first lengths of the cable 32 corresponding to various vehicle models, the storage unit 43 is able to support various vehicle models with different charging port locations. When the storage unit 43 receives vehicle data corresponding to the vehicle information from the length determination unit 42, the storage unit 43 outputs the cable length data corresponding to the input vehicle data to the length determination unit 42.

[0033] The length detection unit 44 is configured to detect the length of the cable 32 pulled out from the opening 21 of the pallet 20 based on a signal obtained from the sensor unit 53 of the length adjustment device 50 .

[0034] The connection determination unit 45 is capable of determining whether the connector 31 of the charging device 30 is connected to the vehicle 10. The connection determination unit 45 according to the present embodiment determines the connection state between the connector 31 and the vehicle 10 based on whether or not communication is occurring between the communication unit 34 of the charging device 30 and the ECU of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The pallet control unit 46 is electrically connected to the pallet drive device 60 and is capable of controlling the vertical and horizontal movement of the pallet 20 by controlling the pallet drive device 60. The pallet control unit 46 has a normal operation mode in which normal operation control is performed, and a safety operation mode in which operation control is performed in the event of an abnormality such as when the cable 32 protrudes from the pallet 20. In the normal operation mode, the pallet control unit 46 moves the pallet 20 in the vertical and horizontal directions at a normal speed. On the other hand, in the safety operation mode, the pallet control unit 46 stops the movement of the pallet 20.

[0036] The reel control unit 47 is electrically connected to a reel drive unit 51 of the length adjustment device 50 , and by controlling the reel drive unit 51 , the length of the cable 32 can be adjusted.

[0037] The length adjusting device 50 is electrically connected to the control device 30 and includes a reel driving unit 51 , a holding unit 52 , and a sensor unit 53 .

[0038] The reel drive unit 51 includes a motor for applying a driving force to rotate the reel 54 (see FIG. 3(a)) around which the cable 32 is wound. The reel drive unit 51 is electrically connected to the reel control unit 47 of the control device 40, and the reel control unit 47 controls the rotation of the reel 54, thereby rotating the reel 54 in the direction in which the cable 32 is wound, thereby shortening the cable. When the reel drive unit 51 is not applying a driving force to the reel 54, the reel 54 does not apply a load to the reel 54, and when the user pulls the cable 32, the reel 54 rotates and the cable 32 is unwound.

[0039] The holding unit 52 applies a braking force to the reel 54 to hold it so that it does not rotate, thereby fixing the length of the cable 32. The holding unit 52 is electrically connected to the reel control unit 47 of the control device 40, and the holding state and non-holding state of the cable 32 are controlled by the reel control unit 47. The holding unit 52 is in the non-holding state under normal circumstances when no instruction is received from the reel control unit 47.

[0040] The sensor unit 53 is a rotary encoder that converts the rotational displacement of the reel 54 into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal to the length detection unit 44. In this embodiment, the length of the cable 32 pulled out from the opening 21 of the pallet 20 is detected according to the amount of displacement in the rotational direction when the reel 54 rotates.

[0041] The pallet driving device 60 is equipped with a motor for moving the pallet 20. This pallet driving device 60 is electrically connected to the pallet control unit 46, and the pallet 20 is raised and lowered by the pallet control unit 46. The pallet driving device 60 according to this embodiment is equipped with a lifting motor provided on the pallet 20 that moves up and down, and is equipped with a traverse motor in the case of a pallet 20 that moves laterally.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A, the cable 32 is wound around a reel 54 provided on the underside of the pallet 20. The reel 54 is cylindrical, and has a reel drive unit 51, a sensor unit 53 (see FIG. 2), and a holder unit 52 (see FIG. 2) attached to it. The cable 32 wound around the reel 54 is electrically connected to the outside of the pallet 20 via a repeater 39. In the charging device 30 according to this embodiment, not only the connector 31 and the cable 32 but also the power supply unit 33 and the communication unit 34 are provided on the pallet 20. The power supply unit 33 and the communication unit 34 are incorporated in the repeater 39, but they may also be incorporated outside the pallet 20 together with the control device 40, etc.

[0043] Meanwhile, a portion of cable 32 pulled out from reel 54 passes through opening 21 formed to penetrate pallet 20 and extends to the upper surface side of pallet 20. This opening 21 has four cylindrical rollers 22 that can rotate and surround cable 32. These four rollers 22 are arranged so that the surface of each roller faces cable 32 and surrounds cable 32. As a result, when cable 32 hits opening 21, it hits via roller 22, allowing it to pass through opening 21 smoothly.

[0044] The cable 32 has a connector 31 at its tip on the upper surface side of the pallet 20. The connector 31 has a base end 31a to which the cable 32 is attached, which has a cross section substantially the same as the cross section of the cable 32, and is formed in a truncated cone shape whose cross section gradually widens toward the tip 31b.

[0045] A tip end 31b of connector 31 is provided with a terminal portion 36 for electrically connecting to the charging port of vehicle 10, and this terminal portion 36 is surrounded by a cylindrical protective cover 37. This protective cover 37 protrudes outward due to the bias of a spring, and when coupled to the charging port of vehicle 10, it slides inward toward base end 31a against the biasing force of the spring and is housed within connector 31, exposing terminal portion 36.

[0046] Furthermore, connector 31 is provided with a claw portion (not shown) near terminal portion 36, which catches inside the charging port of vehicle 10 when connected to the charging port of vehicle 10, preventing connector 31 from coming off the charging port. This claw portion is linked to a release button 38 provided on connector 31, and when release button 38 is pressed, the claw portion disengages, allowing connector 31 to come off the charging port of vehicle 10. Release button 38 is located on the side of connector 31, which has a conical surface, and is provided in a recess formed in the side of connector 31 so as not to protrude beyond the side of connector 31.

[0047] Furthermore, the truncated cone-shaped connector 31 is formed to have a smooth surface from the base end 31a to the tip end 31b. More specifically, the connector 31 is designed to have no protrusions or the like that could catch on surrounding objects when it moves toward the cable 32. This prevents the connector 31 from getting caught on uneven surfaces on the pallet 20 or on the tires of the vehicle 10 when the cable 32 is wound around the reel 54 and the connector 31 slides over the pallet 20.

[0048] When the cable 32 is completely wound around the reel 54, the connector 31 is hooked on the roller 22 and fits into the opening 21 of the pallet 20, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0049] Next, the operation process of the mechanical parking lot 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot. When the vehicle 10 is parked on the pallet 20 and the user starts charging, the control device 40 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1).

[0050] When it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: YES), the control device 40 acquires vehicle information via the communication unit 34 of the charging device 30 (step S2), determines the first length based on the acquired vehicle information (step S3), detects the current length of the cable 32 via the sensor unit 53 of the length adjustment device 50 (step S4), and determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S5).

[0051] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S5: YES), the control device 40 causes the holding portion 52 of the length adjustment device 50 to hold the length of the cable 32 (step S6), causes the charging device 30 to start charging the vehicle 10 (step S7), and ends the series of processes. At this time, the control device 40 controls the pallet 20 in the normal operation mode.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the first length (step S5: NO), the control device 40 switches the control of the pallet 20 to a safe operation mode (step S8), shortens the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S9), and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0053] In the judgment of step S1, if it is determined that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: NO), the control device 40 detects the current length of the cable 32 via the sensor unit 53 of the length adjustment device 50 (step S10) and determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the second length (step S11).

[0054] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the second length (step S11: YES), the control device 40 ends the series of processes. At this time, the control device 40 controls the pallet 20 in the normal operation mode.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the second length (step S11: NO), the control device 40 switches the control of the pallet 20 to a safe operation mode (step S12), shortens the length of the cable 32 to the second length (step S13), and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0056] Through the above process, when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S5: NO), the control device 40 switches the operation of the pallet 20 to the safe operation mode (step S8). Note that the control device 40 repeatedly executes the above process even while the pallet 20 is moving, so that even if the connector 31 becomes detached from the vehicle 10 or the length of the cable 32 becomes elongated, the control device 40 can switch to the safe operation mode or adjust the length of the cable 32.

[0057] In addition, when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: YES), the control device 40 is capable of operating the length adjustment device 50 to set the length of the cable 32 to a first length (step S9).

[0058] Furthermore, when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: NO), the control device 40 is capable of operating the length adjustment device 50 (step S13) to adjust the length of the cable 32 to a second length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10.

[0059] Figure 5(a) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable sticking out from the pallet when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the left side, Figure 5(b) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable at a first length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the left side, Figure 5(c) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable sticking out from the pallet when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the right side, Figure 5(d) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable at a first length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the right side, Figure 5(e) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable at an appropriate length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the rear side, Figure 5(f) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable at an appropriate length when charging a vehicle with a charging port on the front side, Figure 5(g) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable not connected to the vehicle sticking out from the pallet, and Figure 5(h) shows a top view of a mechanical parking lot with the cable stored.

[0060] The following describes how the length of the cable 32 is adjusted to an appropriate length by the above process. In this embodiment, the pallet 20 has the opening 21 located at the left rear of the vehicle 10 that is properly parked in accordance with normal use, but the opening 21 may be formed in any other position on the pallet 20.

[0061] In the case of a vehicle 10 having a charging port on the left side of the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. 5( a), there is a risk that an excessively long cable 32 will protrude beyond the left side of the pallet 20. However, as shown in FIG. 5( b), the control device 40 can adjust the length of the cable 32 to a first length to prevent the cable 32 from protruding beyond the pallet 20.

[0062] Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle 10 having a charging port on the right side of the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. 5(c), there is a risk that an excessively long cable 32 may protrude beyond the rear of the pallet 20, but the control device 40 can adjust the length of the cable 32 to a first length as shown in FIG. 5(d) to prevent the cable 32 from protruding beyond the pallet 20.

[0063] Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle 10 having a charging port on the rear side of the vehicle body, there is a risk that the cable 32 will be too long and will protrude beyond the rear of the pallet 20, but the control device 40 can adjust the length of the cable 32 to a first length as shown in Figure 5 (e) to prevent it from protruding beyond the pallet 20.

[0064] Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle 10 having a charging port on the front side of the vehicle body, there is a risk that the cable 32 will be too long and will protrude to the left side of the pallet 20, but the control device 40 can adjust the length of the cable 32 to a first length as shown in Figure 5 (f) to prevent it from protruding from the pallet 20.

[0065] Furthermore, when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10, there is a risk that the cable 32, which is too long, may protrude from the pallet 20, as shown in FIG. 5(g). However, the control device 40 can adjust the length of the cable 32 to a second length, as shown in FIG. 5(h), to accommodate the connector 31 within the opening 21, thereby preventing the cable 32 and connector 31 from protruding from the pallet 20.

[0066] The mechanical parking lot 100 according to this embodiment includes a charging device 30 provided on a pallet 20, the charging device 30 having a connector 31 connected to a vehicle 10 to supply power to the vehicle 10, and a cable 32 configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector 31; and a control device 40 having a vehicle information acquisition unit 41 that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle 10, a length determination unit 42 that determines, based on the vehicle information, a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, a connection determination unit 45 that determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and a length detection unit 44 that detects the length of the cable 32. The control device 40 operates the pallet 20 in a safe operation mode when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not at the first length. As a result, if the cable 32 is too long for the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20, the mechanical parking lot 100 switches to the safe operation mode, thereby achieving high safety.

[0067] (Second embodiment) Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the mechanical parking lot 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the mechanical parking lot 100 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a length adjustment device 50, but only a sensor unit 53 is provided separately, and the control device 140 does not have a reel control unit 47. Note that the sensor unit 53 is provided, for example, on a reel around which the cable 32 is wound, but other configurations may be used as long as the length of the cable 32 can be detected.

[0068] Next, the operation process of the mechanical parking lot 200 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot. When the vehicle 10 is parked on the pallet 20 and the user starts charging, the control device 140 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S21).

[0069] In the judgment of step S21, if it is determined that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S21: NO), the control device 140 repeats the processing of step S21 until it determines that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S21: YES).

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S21: YES), the control device 140 acquires vehicle information via the communication unit 34 of the charging device 30 (step S22), determines the first length based on the acquired vehicle information (step S23), detects the current length of the cable 32 via the sensor unit 53 (step S24), and determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S25).

[0071] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S25: YES), the control device 140 causes the charging device 30 to start charging the vehicle 10 (step S26), and ends the series of processes. At this time, the control device 140 controls the pallet 20 in the normal operation mode.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the first length (step S25: NO), the control device 140 switches the control of the pallet 20 to the safe operation mode (step S27) and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0073] Through the above process, if the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S21: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S25: NO), the control device 140 switches the operation of the pallet 20 to the safe operation mode (step S27). Note that the control device 140 repeatedly executes the above process even while the pallet 20 is moving, so that even if the connector 31 becomes detached from the vehicle or the length of the cable 32 becomes elongated, the control device 140 can switch to the safe operation mode or adjust the length of the cable 32.

[0074] The mechanical parking lot 100 according to this embodiment includes a charging device 30 provided on a pallet 20, the charging device 30 having a connector 31 connected to a vehicle 10 to supply power to the vehicle 10, and a cable 32 configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector 31; and a control device 140 having a vehicle information acquisition unit 41 that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle 10, a length determination unit 42 that determines, based on the vehicle information, a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, a connection determination unit 45 that determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and a length detection unit 44 that detects the length of the cable 32. The control device 140 operates the pallet 20 in a safe operation mode when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not at the first length. As a result, if the cable 32 is too long for the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20, the mechanical parking lot 100 switches to the safe operation mode, thereby achieving high safety.

[0075] (Third embodiment) Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the mechanical parking lot 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the mechanical parking lot 100 according to the first embodiment in that the length adjustment device 50 does not have the holding unit 52 and the sensor unit 53, and the control device 240 does not have the length detection unit 44.

[0076] Next, the operation process of the mechanical parking lot 300 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot. When the vehicle 10 is parked on the pallet 20 and the user starts charging, the control device 240 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S31).

[0077] In the judgment of step S31, if it is determined that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S31: NO), the control device 240 repeats the processing of step S31 until it determines that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S31: YES).

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S31: YES), the control device 240 acquires vehicle information via the communication unit 34 of the charging device 30 (step S32), determines a first length based on the acquired vehicle information (step S33), shortens the length of the cable to the first length (step S34), causes the charging device 30 to start charging the vehicle 10 (step S35), and ends the series of processes.

[0079] Through the above processing, when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S31: YES), the control device 240 is able to operate the length adjustment device 50 to set the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S34).

[0080] The mechanical parking lot 300 according to this embodiment includes a charging device 30 provided on a pallet 20, the charging device 30 including a connector 31 connected to a vehicle 10 to supply power to the vehicle 10 and a cable 32 configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector 31; a length adjustment device 50 for adjusting the length of the cable 32; and a control device 240 including a vehicle information acquisition unit 41 for acquiring vehicle information about the vehicle 10, a length determination unit 42 for determining a first length, which is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, based on the vehicle information, and a connection determination unit 45 for determining whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10. When the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, the control device 240 operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length. Thus, when the cable 32 is too long for the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20 with the connector 31 connected to the vehicle 10, the control device 240 operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length. This achieves high safety.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a mechanical parking lot according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the mechanical parking lot 400 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the mechanical parking lot 100 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a camera 70, and the control device 340 does not have a vehicle information acquisition unit 41, a memory unit 43, a length detection unit 44, or a connection determination unit 45, but instead has an image analysis unit 48.

[0082] The camera 70 is electrically connected to the control device 340 and is configured to capture an image of the cable 32 of the charging device 30. At this time, the camera also captures images of the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20 and the connector 31 of the charging device 30. The camera 70 generates cable image data based on the captured image and outputs the generated cable image data to the control device 340.

[0083] The image analysis unit 48 performs image analysis of the cable image data output from the camera 70, for example, by performing image recognition and image analysis using AI (Artificial Intelligence) image analysis using deep learning. The image analysis unit 48 determines the connection state between the connector 31 and the charging port of the vehicle 10, the length of the cable 32, the position of the charging port of the vehicle 10, the distance between the charging port of the vehicle 10 and the opening 21 of the pallet 20, etc. based on the cable image data.

[0084] The length determination unit 42 determines an appropriate length of the cable 32 of the charging device 30 based on the image analysis result by the image analysis unit 48. The appropriate length of the cable 32 is a first length at which the cable 32 does not protrude from the pallet 20 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and a second length at which the connector 31 and the cable 32 do not protrude from the pallet 20 when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10.

[0085] The first length of cable 32 is calculated, for example, using AI using deep learning, based on the distance between the charging port of vehicle 10 and opening 21 of pallet 20, determined through image analysis by image analysis unit 48. This first length is calculated each time vehicle 10 is parked on pallet 20 as a length range that is longer than the shortest length that reaches the charging port of parked vehicle 10 and that does not cause cable 32 to protrude from pallet 20 regardless of the route taken when connector 31 is connected to the charging port of vehicle 10 properly parked on pallet 20 in accordance with normal usage.

[0086] On the other hand, the second length of the cable 32 is equal to or greater than the length when the cable 32 is completely stored, and is within a length range that prevents the connector 31 or the cable 32 from protruding from the pallet 20 to the surrounding area regardless of the route taken, and is preferably the length when the cable 32 is completely stored in the opening 21 of the pallet 20. While the first length varies depending on the vehicle 10, the second length is not related to the vehicle 10, and therefore the same length is always set as the second length.

[0087] Based on the image analysis results by the image analysis unit 48, the control device 340 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and also determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10.

[0088] Next, the operation process of the mechanical parking lot 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot. When the vehicle 10 is parked on the pallet 20 and the user starts charging, the control device 340 causes the camera 70 to capture an image of the cable 32 (step S41) and generates cable image data (step S42).

[0089] When the cable image data is generated (step S42), the control device 340 causes the image analysis unit 48 to perform image analysis of the cable image data, and causes the length determination unit 42 to calculate the first length (step S43).

[0090] After causing the image analysis unit 48 to analyze the cable image data and causing the length determination unit 42 to calculate the first length, the control device 340 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S44).

[0091] If it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S44: YES), the control device 340 determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S45).

[0092] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S45: YES), the control device 340 causes the charging device 30 to start charging the vehicle 10 (step S46), and ends the series of processes. At this time, the control device 340 is controlling the pallet 20 in the normal operation mode, and if it is controlling it in the safe operation mode, it switches to the normal operation mode.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the first length (step S45: NO), the control device 340 switches the control of the pallet 20 to a safe operation mode (step S47), shortens the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S48), and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0094] If it is determined in step S44 that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S44: NO), the control device 340 switches the control of the pallet 20 to a safe operation mode (step S49), shortens the length of the cable 32 to the second length (step S50), and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0095] Through the above processing, the control device 340 performs image analysis of the cable image data (step S43), and based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S44), and determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S45).If the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S44: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S45: NO), the control device 340 operates the pallet 20 in a safe operating mode (step S49).

[0096] The mechanical parking lot 400 according to this embodiment includes a charging device 30 provided on a pallet 20, the charging device 30 having a connector 31 connected to a vehicle 10 to supply power to the vehicle 10 and a cable 32 configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector 31, a camera 70 that captures an image of the cable 32 to generate cable image data, and a control device 340 that performs image analysis of the cable image data and determines, based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and operates the pallet 20 in a safe operation mode if the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not the first length. As a result, if the cable 32 is too long for the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20, the mechanical parking lot 100 switches to the safe operation mode, thereby achieving high safety.

[0097] The mechanical parking lot 400 also includes a charging device 30 provided on a pallet 20, the charging device 30 having a connector 31 connected to the vehicle 10 to supply power to the vehicle 10, and a cable 32 configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector 31; a camera 70 that images the cable 32 and generates cable image data; a length adjustment device 50 that adjusts the length of the cable 32; and a control device 340 that performs image analysis of the cable image data and determines, based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 or not, and determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10. As a result, when the cable 32 is too long for the vehicle 10 parked on the pallet 20 with the connector 31 connected to the vehicle 10, the control device 340 operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length, thereby achieving high safety.

[0098] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of a charging device according to a fifth embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. A charging device 130 according to the fifth embodiment is a normal charging stand that does not necessarily need to be installed on a pallet 20. As shown in Fig. 12, this charging device 130 includes a control device 440 and a length adjustment device 50.

[0099] The control device 440 is capable of controlling the operation of the charging device 130. The control device 440 has a power supply unit 33, a communication unit 34, a vehicle information acquisition unit 41, a length determination unit 42, a storage unit 43, a length detection unit 44, a connection determination unit 45, and a reel control unit 47. In other words, the control unit 440 has a configuration that combines the charging device 30 and the control device 40 of the first embodiment, and each configuration is substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first length is a predetermined length that prevents the excess portion of cable 32 from spreading out too much in a meandering manner around charging device 130, and the length of the excess portion is set in advance for each vehicle model according to the needs of the installer of charging device 130. Note that the first length is set based on the distance between the charging port of vehicle 10 and the position where cable 32 is housed.

[0101] On the other hand, the second length in this embodiment is the length of the cable 32 when it is housed in the charging device 130. While the first length varies depending on the vehicle 10, the second length is always set to the same length because it is not related to the vehicle 10.

[0102] Next, the operation process of the charging device 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of the operation of the charging device. When the vehicle 10 is parked in a specified parking position and the user starts charging, the control device 440 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S51). Note that the fact that the vehicle 10 has been parked in the specified parking position is detected using a sensor or the like.

[0103] When it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S51: YES), the control device 440 acquires vehicle information via the communication unit 34 of the charging device 130 (step S52), determines the first length based on the acquired vehicle information (step S53), detects the current length of the cable 32 via the sensor unit 53 of the length adjustment device 50 (step S54), and determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S55).

[0104] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S55: YES), the control device 440 causes the holding portion 52 of the length adjustment device 50 to hold the length of the cable 32 (step S56), starts charging the vehicle 10 (step S57), and ends the series of processes.

[0105] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the first length (step S55: NO), the control device 440 shortens the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S58), and repeats the series of processes from step S51.

[0106] In the judgment of step S1, if it is determined that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S51: NO), the control device 440 detects the current length of the cable 32 via the sensor unit 53 of the length adjustment device 50 (step S59) and determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the second length (step S60).

[0107] If it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the second length (step S60: YES), the control device 440 ends the series of processes.

[0108] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the second length (step S60: NO), the control device 440 shortens the length of the cable to the second length (step S61) and repeats the series of processes from step S1.

[0109] Through the above processing, the control device 440 is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the connector 31 if the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S51: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S55: NO).

[0110] In addition, when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S1: YES), the control device 440 is capable of operating the length adjustment device 50 so that the length of the cable 32 becomes the first length (step S58).

[0111] Furthermore, when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S51: NO), the control device 440 is capable of operating the length adjustment device 50 (step S61) to adjust the length of the cable 32 to a second length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10.

[0112] The charging device 130 according to this embodiment includes a connector 31 that is connected to the vehicle 10 and supplies power to the vehicle 10, a cable 32 that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector 31, and a control device 440 that includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 41 that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle 10, a length determination unit 42 that determines, based on the vehicle information, a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, a connection determination unit 45 that determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and a length detection unit 44 that detects the length of the cable 32. The control device 440 prevents the connector 31 from supplying power when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not at the first length. As a result, if the cable 32 is too long for the parked vehicle 10, the control device 440 prevents the connector 31 from supplying power until the cable 32 reaches the first length, thereby achieving high safety.

[0113] The charging device 130 also includes a connector 31 that is connected to the vehicle 10 and supplies power to the vehicle 10, a cable 32 that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector 31, a length adjustment device 50 that adjusts the length of the cable 32, and a control device 440 that includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 41 that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle 10, a length determination unit 42 that determines a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information, and a connection determination unit 45 that determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and that operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10. As a result, if the cable 32 is too long for the parked vehicle 10, the length of the cable 32 can be shortened to an appropriate length, thereby achieving high safety.

[0114] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 14 shows a block diagram of a charging device according to a sixth embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, a charging device 230 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the charging device 130 according to the fifth embodiment in that it includes a camera 70 and that a control device 540 does not include a vehicle information acquisition unit 41, a storage unit 43, a length detection unit 44, or a connection determination unit 45, but instead includes an image analysis unit 48.

[0115] Camera 70 is electrically connected to control device 540 and is configured to capture an image of cable 32 of charging device 230. At this time, camera 70 also captures an image of connector 31 of charging device 230. Camera 70 generates cable image data based on the captured image and outputs the generated cable image data to control device 540.

[0116] The image analysis unit 48 performs image analysis of the cable image data output from the camera 70, for example, by performing image recognition and image analysis using AI image analysis using deep learning. The image analysis unit 48 determines the connection state between the connector 31 and the charging port of the vehicle 10, the length of the cable 32, the position of the charging port of the vehicle 10, the distance between the charging port of the vehicle 10 and the opening 21 of the pallet 20, etc. based on the cable image data.

[0117] The length determination unit 42 determines the first length and the second length, which are appropriate lengths of the cable 32 of the charging device 230, based on the image analysis result by the image analysis unit 48.

[0118] The first length of the cable 32 is calculated, for example, using AI using deep learning, based on the distance between the charging port of the vehicle 10 and the position where the cable 32 is accommodated, as determined by image analysis by the image analysis unit 48.

[0119] Based on the image analysis results by the image analysis unit 48, the control device 540 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and also determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10.

[0120] Next, the operation process of the charging device 230 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows a flowchart of the operation of the mechanical parking lot. When the vehicle 10 is parked in a specified parking space and the user starts charging, the control device 540 causes the camera 70 to capture an image of the cable 32 (step S71) and generates cable image data (step S72).

[0121] When the cable image data is generated (step S72), the control device 540 causes the image analysis unit 48 to perform image analysis of the cable image data, and causes the length determination unit 42 to calculate the first length (step S73).

[0122] After causing the image analysis unit 48 to analyze the cable image data and causing the length determination unit 42 to calculate the first length, the control device 540 determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74).

[0123] If it is determined that the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74: YES), the control device 340 determines whether the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S75).

[0124] When it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is the first length (step S75: YES), the control device 340 causes the charging device 30 to start charging the vehicle 10 (step S76), and ends the series of processes.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current length of the cable 32 is not the first length (step S75: NO), the control device 340 shortens the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S77), and repeats the series of processes from step S71.

[0126] If it is determined in step S74 that the connector 31 is not connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74: NO), the control device 340 shortens the length of the cable 32 to the second length (step S78) and repeats the series of processes from step S71.

[0127] Through the above processing, the control device 540 performs image analysis of the cable image data (step S73), and based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74), and determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S75).If the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S75: NO), the control device 540 does not supply power to the connector 31.

[0128] In addition, the control device 540 performs image analysis of the cable image data (step S73), and based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74), and determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length, which is the appropriate length of the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S75).If the connector 32 is connected to the vehicle 10 (step S74: YES) and the cable 32 is not at the first length (step S75: NO), the control device 540 operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length (step S77).

[0129] The charging device 230 according to this embodiment includes a connector 31 that is connected to the vehicle 10 and supplies power to the vehicle 10, a cable 32 that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector 31, a camera 70 that captures an image of the cable 32 and generates cable image data, and a control device 540 that performs image analysis of the cable image data, determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and does not allow the connector 31 to supply power when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not the first length. This ensures high safety because, if the cable 32 is too long for the parked vehicle 10, the connector 31 is not allowed to supply power until the cable 32 reaches the first length.

[0130] The charging device 230 also includes a connector 31 that is connected to the vehicle 10 and supplies power to the vehicle 10, a cable 32 that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector 31, a camera 70 that captures an image of the cable 32 and generates cable image data, a length adjustment device 50 that adjusts the length of the cable 32, and a control device 540 that performs image analysis of the cable image data, determines whether the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the length of the cable 32 is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable 32 when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10, and operates the length adjustment device 50 to adjust the length of the cable 32 to the first length when the connector 31 is connected to the vehicle 10 and the cable 32 is not the first length. This allows the length of the cable 32 to be shortened to an appropriate length when the cable 32 is too long for the parked vehicle 10, thereby achieving high safety.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, vehicle information is acquired directly from the vehicle 10 via the cable 32 and the connector 31, but this is not limiting. If vehicle information can be acquired, the vehicle information may be acquired by comparing vehicle image data generated by capturing an image of the vehicle 10 with a camera against a database, or by wireless communication with the vehicle 10.

[0132] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first length of the cable 32 is set within a length range within which the cable 32 does not protrude from above the pallet 20, regardless of the route taken when the connector 31 is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 10 properly parked on the pallet 20 in accordance with normal use, but is not limited to this. If there is no risk of the cable 32 coming into contact with an adjacent pallet 20 or objects such as surrounding devices or vehicles while the pallet 20 is moving, the first length of the cable 32 may be set to a length that causes the cable 32 to protrude from above the pallet 20.

[0133] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the length determiner 42 acquires the cable length data stored in the storage unit 43, but is not limited to this. As long as the first length can be determined, the cable length data may be acquired from an external source via the Internet or the like.

[0134] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a rotary encoder is used as the sensor unit 53, but this is not limiting. Any other sensor may be used as long as it can detect the length of the pulled-out cable 32.

[0135] In addition, in some embodiments, the movement of the pallet 20 is stopped in the safe operation mode, but this is not limiting. If the mechanical parking lot can operate more safely than in the normal operation mode, the movement of the pallet 20 may be slowed down, or the pallet 20 may operate only while the user directly operates the controller while visually checking the status of the mechanical parking lot.

[0136] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the opening 21 formed in the pallet 20 is located at the left rear of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is properly parked in accordance with normal usage, but is not limited to this. The opening 21 may be formed at any other position on the pallet 20 as long as it serves as a reference for the first length of the cable 32. In this case, the reference for the first length of the cable 32 does not have to be the opening, and may be based on a charging device or other structure provided on the pallet 20, such as a charging stand provided on the pallet 20.

[0137] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the control device 440 adjusts the length of the cable 32 to be shortened to the first length in step S58, but this is not limited to this. If it is possible to prevent the cable 32 from becoming too long during charging, the length adjustment device 50 and the corresponding steps such as step S58 may be omitted, and charging may not be performed until the cable 32 reaches the first length.

[0138] Additionally, some embodiments do not include, but are not limited to, a retaining portion 52. If the cable length is likely to vary, a retaining portion 52 may be provided in any embodiment to hold the cable as needed.

[0139] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle 20, 120 Pallet 21 Opening 22 Roller 30, 130, 230 Charging device 31 Connector 31a Base end 31b Tip 32 Cable 33 Power supply unit 34 Communication unit 36 ​​Terminal unit 37 Protective cover 38 Release button 39 Repeater 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540 Control device 41 Vehicle information acquisition unit 42 Length determination unit 43 Memory unit 44 Length detection unit 45 Connection determination unit 46 Pallet control unit 47 Reel control unit 48 Image analysis unit 50 Length adjustment device 51 Reel drive unit 52 Holding unit 53 Sensor unit 54 Reel 60 Pallet drive device 100, 200, 300, 400 Mechanical parking lot

Claims

1. A mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the charging device being provided on the pallet and having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; and a control device having a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines, based on the vehicle information, a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and a length detection unit that detects the length of the cable, and which operates the pallet in a safe operating mode when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not at the first length.

2. A mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, comprising: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that has a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle, a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and that operates the length adjustment device to set the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle.

3. A mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the mechanical parking lot comprising: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that has a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and that, when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device to change the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

4. A mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, the mechanical parking lot comprising: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, and based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle and whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the pallet in a safe operating mode when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

5. A mechanical parking lot equipped with a movable pallet that can carry a vehicle, comprising: a charging device provided on the pallet, the charging device having a connector that is connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and a cable that is configured to be adjustable in length and supplies power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, and determines based on the image analysis results of the cable image data whether the connector is connected to the vehicle and whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the length adjustment device to set the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

6. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the safe operation mode is cancelled when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable reaches the first length.

7. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 4, further comprising a length adjustment device for adjusting the length of the cable, wherein the control device causes the length adjustment device to shorten the cable when the cable is not at the first length.

8. A mechanical parking lot as described in claim 7, characterized in that the control device cancels the safe operation mode after causing the length adjustment device to shorten the cable.

9. A mechanical parking lot as described in claim 7, characterized in that, when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length, which is the appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

10. A mechanical parking lot as described in claim 7, characterized in that the length adjustment device adjusts the length of the cable by winding up the cable.

11. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the control device switches the operation of the pallet to the safe operation mode when it determines that the connector is not connected to the vehicle and the length of the cable is not a second length, which is the appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

12. A mechanical parking lot as described in claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the control device operates the length adjustment device when the connector is not connected to the vehicle so that the length of the cable becomes a second length, which is the appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

13. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the length adjustment device adjusts the length of the cable by winding up the cable.

14. A mechanical parking lot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is provided with a holding part for holding the length of the cable.

15. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information via the connector.

16. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information wirelessly.

17. A mechanical parking lot as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information based on vehicle image data generated by capturing an image of the vehicle.

18. A mechanical parking lot according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the safe operation mode stops the movement of the pallet.

19. A mechanical parking lot according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the safe operation mode slows down the movement of the pallet.

20. A charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle; a cable configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector; and a control device having a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle; a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information; a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle; and a length detection unit that detects the length of the cable, and the control device does not allow the connector to supply power when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not at the first length.

21. A charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle; a cable configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device having a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle; a length determination unit that determines a first length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the vehicle information; and a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and when the connector is connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to the first length.

22. A charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle; a cable configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device having a connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle, and that, when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

23. A charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle; a cable configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, and determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, and determines whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and does not allow power to be supplied to the connector when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

24. A charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: a connector connected to the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle; a cable configured to be adjustable in length and supplying power to the connector; a camera that images the cable to generate cable image data; a length adjustment device that adjusts the length of the cable; and a control device that performs image analysis of the cable image data, determines whether the connector is connected to the vehicle based on the image analysis results of the cable image data, and determines whether the length of the cable is a first length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is connected to the vehicle, and operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to the first length when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable is not the first length.

25. A charging device according to claim 20 or 23, characterized in that when the connector is connected to the vehicle and the cable reaches the first length, the charging device causes the connector to supply power.

26. A charging device in a mechanical parking lot as described in claim 20 or 23, further comprising a length adjustment device for adjusting the length of the cable, wherein the control device causes the length adjustment device to shorten the cable when the cable is not at the first length.

27. The charging device according to claim 26, wherein the control device causes the length adjustment device to shorten the cable and then causes power to be supplied to the connector.

28. A charging device according to claim 26, characterized in that, when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length of the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

29. The charging device according to claim 26, wherein the length adjustment device adjusts the length of the cable by winding the cable.

30. A charging device as claimed in claim 20 or 23, characterized in that the control device does not allow the connector to supply power when it determines that the connector is not connected to the vehicle and that the length of the cable is not a second length, which is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

31. A charging device according to claim 21 or 24, characterized in that, when the connector is not connected to the vehicle, the control device operates the length adjustment device to adjust the length of the cable to a second length that is an appropriate length for the cable when the connector is not connected to the vehicle.

32. A charging device according to claim 21 or 24, characterized in that the length adjustment device adjusts the length of the cable by winding up the cable.

33. A charging device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that it is provided with a holding portion for holding the length of the cable.

34. A charging device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information via the connector.

35. A charging device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information wirelessly.

36. A charging device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the control device acquires the vehicle information based on vehicle image data generated by capturing an image of the vehicle.

Images