FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 131

CHARGING APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC
VEHICLE;

ALPHA CORPORATION, A CORPORATION
ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE
LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 6-
8, FUKUURA 1-CHOME, KANAZAWA-KU,
YOKOHAMA-SHI, KANAGAWA 2360004,
JAPAN

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH
IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

DESCRIPTION
Technical Field:
The invention relates to a charging apparatus for an electric vehicle.

Backqround Art:

Charging of an electric vehicle using a charging apparatus is performed by
connecting the charging apparatus with the electric vehicle by a charging cable, as
described, for example, in Patent Document 1. A structure for preventing an accident
due to heat generation on the charging cable, such as those as described in Patent
Document 2, is known.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
PATENT DOCUMENTS
Patent Document I: JP 2007-252016 A
Patent Document 2: JP 2003-244832 A
According to the structure described in Patent Document 2, the charging cable
is housed in a state of being wound around a drum to improve storability thereof. A
wound amount of the charging cable is observed by a cord sensor adapted to check an
outermost wound position, and an electric current applied to the charging cable is
increased or decreased depending on the wound amount, thereby preventing a
dissolution loss of the charging cable due to heat generation.
However, according to the structure described in Patent Document 2, there may
be a case that a longer charging time than that expected is taken due to such
adjustment of the charging current, thereby having a poor usability. Also, the structure
can be applied to only when the charging cable is wound, thereby having an inferior
generality.
Summary of Invention:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a charging apparatus for an
electric vehicle, in which a dissolution loss of a charging cable or the like are securely
prevented and also a usability thereof is not deteriorated.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a charging
apparatus for an electric vehicle may include: a charging cable 4 including a proximal
end connected to a main body 1, a connector 2 provided on a distal end, and an extra
length absorbing section 3 provided between the distal end and the proximal end; a
measuring section 5 configured to detect an elongation of the charging cable 4 from an
initial length thereof; and an electric current control section 6 configured to start
applying an electric current to the charging cable 4, under a condition that an
elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding a threshold value is detected by the
measuring section 5.
The other features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the description of embodiments and the appended claims.
Brief Description of Drawinqs:
Figs. l(a) to l(c) are views showing a first example of embodiments, wherein
Fig. l(a) shows a charging apparatus when an electric current is not applied thereto.
Fig. l(b) shows the charging apparatus when an extra length in a measuring section is
eliminated, and Fig. l(c) shows the charging apparatus when the electric current is
applied thereto.
Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) are views showing a detecting switch according to the first
example, wherein Fig. 2(a) shows the detecting switch when a detection is not effected,
and Fig. 2(b) shows the detecting switch when a detection is effected.
Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are views showing a modification of the first example,
wherein Fig 3(a) is a schematic view of the modification of the first example, and Fig.
3(b) is an enlarged view of a main part in Fig. 3(a).

Fig. 4 is a view showing a second example of the embodiment,
Fig. 5 is a view showing a modification of the second example.
Description of Embodiments:
According to embodiments of the present invention, a charging apparatus may
include a charging cable 4 including a proximal end connected to a main body 1, a
connector 2 (i.e., a wiring connector 2) provided on a distal end thereof, and an extra
length absorbing section 3 provided between the distal end and the proximal end; a
measuring section 5 configured to detect an elongation of the charging cable 4 from an
initial length thereof; and an electric current control section 6 configured to start
applying an electric current to the charging cable 4, under the condition that the
elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding a threshold value thereof has been
detected by the measuring section 5.
The charging cable 4 is set to have an extra length to allow a wiring connector 2
to be moved to an electric power receiving section 15a of an electric vehicle 15, when
the wiring connector 2 is disposed at a certain initial position. The extra length is
absorbed in the extra length absorbing section 3 formed in a coiled shape, a curled
shape, a serpentine shape or the like. When the extra length is densely absorbed in
the extra length absorbing section 3 and the charging cable 4 is entangled, this is a
cause of heat generation due to generation of Joule's heat caused by an internal
resistance or an electronic action and due to reduction of heat radiation efficiency
caused by an overlapping.
The extra length absorbing section 3 of the charging cable 4, which causes
such a problem when an electric current is applied, is generally eliminated as the wiring
connector 2 is further spaced away from the main body 1, and at the same time, the
cause of heat generation is also eliminated. Therefore, a risk of heat generation can
be predicted to a certain extent by detecting an elongation of the charging cable 4 from
the initial length thereof.
According to embodiments, an essential requirement for starting applying an

electric current may be that a measured result of the elongation of the charging cable 4
from the initial length which is measured by the measuring section 5 exceeds a
predetermined value, i.e., a value at which elimination of a harmfully
extra-length-absorbed state can be expected. Accordingly, applying of an electric
current is securely prevented in such a state of having a poor thermal condition,
thereby improving safety during charging.
When a domestic power supply is used as a charging power source 16 to
charge the electric vehicle 15, applying of an electric current is performed for a
relatively long time under an unmanned environment. Therefore, a time at which a
fault is caused by heat generation may be lately found, thereby causing an accident,
such as a fire due to the heat generation. However, according to embodiments, such
an accident can be completely eliminated, because applying of an electric current is not
performed in a state under a risk, such as damage of an insulation coating due to the
heat generation.
Also, the elimination of a dense state in the extra length absorbing section 3 is
set as a requirement for starting applying an electric current and a value of an applied
electric current is not lowered as in the related art disclosed in Patent Document 2
described above. As a result, deterioration of usability, such that a charging time is
extended longer than that expected due to charging using a lower electric current value,
is not caused.
As the measuring section 5, for example, an optical sensor or the like may be
used.
The charging apparatus may include a charging cable 4 connected to a main
body 1 and having a wiring connector 2 at a distal end thereof; a measuring cable 7
connected at one end thereof to one of both sides of the charging cable 4, between
which the extra length absorbing section 3 is disposed, and arranged along the
charging cable 4 over a shorter length than the extra length in the extra length
absorbing section 3; a detecting switch 9 for detecting a detected portion 8 provided on
a moving end of the measuring cable 7 when a pass length of the measuring cable 7
reaches a predetermined threshold value; and an electric current control section 6 for
starting applying an electric current to the charging cable 4, on the necessary condition
that the detecting switch 9 has detected the detected portion 8. According to this
structure, elimination of the extra length absorbing section 3 of the charging cable 4
can be more exactly decided.
One end of the measuring cable 7 may be connected to one side of the
charging cable 4 between which the extra length absorbing section 3, such as a curled
section formed by curling a cord, a folded section formed by folding a cord, or a wound
section formed by winding a cord, is disposed, and the other end of the measuring
cable 7 may be arranged as a moving end along the charging cable 4. For example,
when the charging cable 4 is a curled cord, the measuring cable 7 may be arranged by
inserting the measuring cable 7 into and through a center of the curled section. If it is
not the curled cord, the measuring cable 7 may be inserted into and through cable
guide members 17 fixed at suitable locations on the charging cable 4 as shown in Fig.
5, or inserted into and through curl portions formed at suitable locations on the
charging cable 4.
For example, when the extra length absorbing section 3 is formed as the curled
section, a pass of the measuring cable 7 passing the extra length absorbing section 3
may be set on a straight path passing the center of the curled section 3. If the extra
length absorbing section 3 is a curved path, a folded section, or a wound section
having a suitable extra length, the pass of the measuring cable 7 may be set on a path
passing the extra length absorbing section 3 over a shorter length than the extra length
of the charging cable 4, such as a bended path passing suitable locations in the folded
section guided by the cable guide members 17.
The detected portion 8 may be provided on a side of the moving end of the
measuring cable 7. The detected portion 8 may be moved, as a connecting end of the
measuring cable 7 to the charging cable 4 is moved to eliminate the extra length
absorbing section 3 of the charging cable 4, and the detecting switch 9 may detect a
position of the detected portion 8 when an elongation of the charging cable 4 from the
initial length thereof exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For example, the
detecting switch 9 may be configured as an open terminal adapted to be shorted by the
detected portion 8 formed of a shorting terminal, or as a micro switch adapted to be
switched on by a passage of the moving end formed in a protruded shape or the like.
The measuring cable 7 may, for example, be applied when the curled portion 3
is, for example, meandered or the like to eliminate the extra length, while the wiring
connector 2 is disposed adjacent to the main body 1, in addition to serving as the
measuring section 5, i.e.. a means for measuring a distance of the wiring connector 2
from the main body 1.

Also, the charging apparatus may additionally include a second measuring
cable 10 connected at one end thereof to one of both sides of the charging cable 4,
between which the extra length absorbing section 3 is disposed, and arranged along
the charging cable 4 over a shorter length than the extra length in the extra length
absorbing section 3; and a second detecting switch 12 for detecting a second detected
portion 11 provided on a moving end of the second measuring cable 10 when a pass
length of the second measuring cable 10 reaches a predetermi~ed threshold value. In
this case, the electric current control section 6 stops applying an electric current to the
wiring connector 2, under the condition that the second detecting switch 12 has
detected the second detected portion 1 1.
If a detect timing of the second detecting switch 12 is set by a dimension being
able to absorb an extra length required to prevent a load on the charging cable 4,
supplying of an electric current can be stopped before an interruption is caused due to
an overload on the charging cable 4. Therefore, a damage to the charging apparatus
or the vehicle due to such an instantaneous interruption and an electric shock accident
due to exposure of a lead wire, on which an electric voltage is applied, can be securely
prevented.
In addition, the charging apparatus may additionally include a lock unit 13 for
locking the wiring connector 2 to the main body 1 to regulate a detachment of the
wiring connector 2 from the main body 1; and an identification unit 14 for unlocking the
lock unit 13 by an identication establishment, thereby limiting users.
19 DEC 2012
The identification unit 14 may be configured as an identification unit 14 with
respect to a key code signal transmitted from a cylinder lock operated by a
lockinglunlocking key used upon lockinglunlocking of a door lock of the vehicle or from
a mobile-phone type transmitter for operating the door lock, in addition to an
identification number checking unit, a bio-identification unit 14 or the like.
According to embodiments, a dissolution loss of the charging cable 4 and the
like are securely prevent and also usability thereof is not deteriorated.

With reference to the drawings, a plurality of examples of the embodiments and
modifications thereof will be described. However, the examples and modifications are
exemplars of the present invention but not to limit the present invention, and
accordingly, all features described in the examples and modifications and combinations
thereof are not necessarily essential to the present invention.

Figs. l(a) to l(c), 2(a) and 2(b) show a first example of the embodiments. A
charging apparatus includes a main body 1, a charging cable 4 having a proximal end
connected to the main body 1, and a measuring section 5.
For the charging cable 4, a curled cord having a curled section (i.e., an extra
length absorbing section 3) keeping a curled shape in an unloaded state is used, and a
wiring connector 2 is provided on a distal end thereof. An electric vehicle 15 has a
battery 15b mounted therein, and charging for the battery 15b is performed by
supplying an electric current to the electric vehicle 15 in a state of connecting the wiring
connector 2 to an electric power receiving section 15a of the electric vehicle 15 and by
carrying AClDC conversion in a charging control section 15c. As the wiring connector
2, a plug, a socket, a charging paddle and the like may be used.
The main body 1, in which a commercial power supply used as a charging
power source 16 is incorporated, has an electric current switch 18 constituted of a relay
or a semiconductor relay for interruptinglconnecting a wiring path to the charging cable
4, and the electric curreni switch 18 is switched on or off depending on a relay driving
signal outputted from an electric current control section 6.
Also, the main body 1 has a switch detecting section 19, an identification unit 14
and a checking switch 20. When all conditions with respect to a detection of a
switch-on signal in the switch detecting section 19, an identification establishment in
the identification unit 14, and a detection of pushing operation in the checking switch 20
are satisfied, the electric current control section 6 drives the electric current switch 18
to be closed, thereby starting applying an electric current. As the identification unit 14,
a RFlD (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, for which a card-typed RFlD 14a is
employed as a subject to be identified, is used.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the measuring section 5 includes a measuring cable
7 connected at one end thereof to the wiring connector 2 and inserted into and through
the curled section 3, and a hollow-shaped cable receiving portion 21 fixed at one end
thereof to the main body 1 and inserted into and through the curled section 3. In other
words, the measuring cable 7 is connected to the distal end of the charging cable 4,
and the cable receiving portion 21 is provided on the proximal end of the charging
cable 4. A tactile switch (i.e., a detecting switch 9) is fixed on a distal end of the cable
receiving portion 21, and a lead 9a of the tactile switch 9 exlends through the hollow
portion and is connected to the switch detecting section 19.
A fitting recess 21a is formed on the distal end of the cable receiving portion 21.
A fitting protrusion 7a formed on the distal end of the measuring cable 7 is fitted
therein. The fitting protrusion 7a and the fitting recess 21a are connected to each
other in a fitting strength being able to prevent such a fitted-in state from being
unintentionally removed, and in the connected state, a tip (i.e., a detected portion 8) of
the fitting protrusion 7a pushes an operating button 9b of the tactile switch 9, thereby
keeping the tactile switch 9 in a switched-off state.
In the connected state between the fitting recess 21a and the fitting protrusion
7a, the measuring cable 7 and the cable receiving portion 21 have a suitable flexibility
on the whole, thereby properly bending, depending on a motion of the wiring connector
2.
In an initial state show in Fig. I(a), i.e., a state in which the charging apparatus
is not being used, the wiring connector 2 is kept at an initial position, at which the wiring
connector 2 is spaced away from the main body 1 by a suitable distance (LO), by being
engaged in the main body 1 or the like. In this state, gaps between curls in the extra
length absorbing section 3 are closed in consideration of efficient extra length
absorption, and also an extra length is set on either one or both of the measuring cable
7 and the cable receiving portion 21 inserted into and through the curled section 3.
In this state, when the wiring connector 2 is approached to the vehicle 15 to
charge the vehicle 15, the distance between the wiring connector 2 and the main body
1 is increased, and at the same time, gaps between the curls are opened, thereby
eliminating an extra length to a certain extent. Accompanying to the elimination of the
extra length, extra lengths on the measuring cable 7 and the like are properly
eliminated. As a result, when the distance (LI) between the wiring connector 2 and
the main body 1 becomes a predetermined value, and specifically gaps (D) between
the curls are sufficiently widened to become a distance in which harmful problems due
to a temperature increase in the charging cord, such as a dissolution loss of an
insulation coating, are not caused even if applying an electric current for a long time,
extra lengths in the measuring cable 7 and the like are completely eliminated as shown
in Fig. I (b).
Subsequently, when the wiring connector 2 is further spaced away from the
main body 1 (a distance L2), a tension acts between the measuring cable 7 and the
cable receiving portion 21, and thus the fitted-in state between the fitting recess 21a
and the fitting protrusion 7a is removed as shown in Fig. 2(b). As the fming protrusion
7a is separated from the fitting recess 21a, pressing of the detected portion 8 against
the operating button 9b of the tactile switch 9 is removed, and thus the tactile switch 9
is transited in a switched-on state.
Such a state of the tactile switch 9 is detected by the switch detecting section

19, and when being in the switched-on state, a measurement result flag of the electric
current control section 6 is set up.
According to the first example, charging to the vehicle 15 is performed by
connecting the wiring connector 2 to the electric power receiving section 15a of the
vehicle 15 and in addition, carrying a predetermined identification operation and
pushing the checking switch 20. When a distance between the vehicle 15 to be
charged and the main body 1 is reasonable, the tactile switch is switched on with the
wiring connector 2 connected to the electric power receiving section 15a of the vehicle
15 as shown in Fig. I(c), and thus the measurement result flag of the electric current
control section 6 is set up.
In addition to connection of the charging cable 4 to a suitable position, when an
identification in the identification unit 14 is established and the checking switch 20 is
pushed, all conditions required for applying of an electric current in the electric current
control section 6 are satisfied. Therefore, the electric current control section 6 closes
the electric current switch 18, thereby starting charging.
Contrarily, if any one of conditions described above is not satisfied, applying of
an electric current to the charging cable 4 cannot be started. In particular, because
applying of an electric current is controlled depending on whether or not the
measurement resuk flag is present, the electric current cannot be applied when the
curled section 3 is dense and a risk of causing heat generation and the like due to
applying of the electric current for a long time is present, thereby preventing an
accident during charging.
As described above, according to the first example, the measuring section 5 is
configured to detect an elongation of the charging cable 4 from an initial length thereof,
and the detecting switch 9 of the measuring section 5 is configured to be switched on
30 by the elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding a threshold value thereof. Also,
the electric current control section 6 is configured to start applying an electric current to
the charging cable 4, under the condition that the elongation of the charging cable 4
exceeding the threshold value has been detected by the measuring section 5.

Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) show a modification of the first example. Meanwhile,
components as substantially identical to the first example are designated by identical
reference numerals designate in the drawings and the detailed descriptions thereof will
not be omitted.
According to the modification of the first example, a second measuring cable 10,
a second cable receiving portion 22, a tactile switch (i.e., a second detecting switch 12),
and a second switch detecting section 19b for 0bse~ing the second detecting switch
12 are added to the charging apparatus of the first example. The second measuring
cable 10, the second cable receiving portion 22 and the second detecting switch 12 are
respectively configured to be identical to the measuring cable 7, the cable receiving
portion 21 and the detecting switch 9. The second measuring cable 10 and the
second cable receiving portion 22 are dimensioned greater than the measuring cable 7
and the cable receiving portion 21. To be exact, the second measuring cable 10 and
the second cable receiving portion 22 are dimensioned to be operated when the wiring
connector 2 is further spaced away from the main body 1 beyond an operation position
of the measuring section 5 until the charging cable 4 is tensioned, as absorbing of the
extra length of the charging cable 4 is progressed. Namely, the second measuring
cable 10 is connected to the distal end of the charging cable 4, the second cable
receiving portion 22 is provided on the proximal end of the charging cable 4, the
second detecting switch 12 is provided on a distal end of the second cable receiving
portion 22 and the second detecting switch 22 is operated when the second measuring
cable 10 and the second cable receiving portion 22 are disconnected by an elongation
of the charging cable 4 exceeding a second value more than the threshold value
thereof. Also, the electric current control section 6 stops applying an electric current
to the charging cable 4, when the second detecting switch 12 detects the elongation of
the charging cable 4 exceeding the second value.
Thus, according to the modification, when the wiring connector 2 is connected
to the electric power receiving section 15a of the vehicle 15 parked in a suitable
location, the measuring section 5 is operated as described above and the state of

applying an electric current is maintained if other conditions are satisfied. In this state.
when the wiring connector 2 is further spaced away from the main body 1 as the
vehicle 15 starts to move unintentionally, or when the charging cable 4 is caught by a
person's foot to increase pass lengths of the second cable receiving portion 22 and the
second measuring cable 10 even if the wiring connector 2 is not moved, the second
detecting switch 12 is operated, there stopping charging.

Fig. 4 shows a second example of the embodiments. A charging apparatus of
the second example has a lock unit 13. The lock unit 13 locks inseparably the wiring
connector 2 to the main body 1, and identification establishment in the identification
unit 14 is required to unlock the locked state.
As a result, when the card typed RFlD 14a being able to be identified by the
identification unit 14 is not carried, the wiring connector 2 cannot be separated.
Therefore, it is possible to limit the use right for the charging apparatus.
Also, according to the second example, the measuring cable 7 is fixed at one
end thereof to the wiring connector 2 (i.e., the distal end of the charging cable 4), and
at the other end, after being inserted into and through the curled section 3, wound onto
a cable drum 24 by guiding a running direction thereof by pulleys 23. A biasing force
in a direction of winding the measuring cable 7 is exerted to the cable drum 24 by a
spiral spring, and thus the measuring cable 7 is tensioned such that the measuring
cable 7 can pass through a shortest path.
Also, the detected portion 8 is provided at a suitable location on the measuring
cable 7, and the detecting switch 9 is configured to detect a passage of the detected
portion 8. The detected portion 8 may be formed in a protruded shape, and the
detecting switch 9 may be configured as a switch adapted to be operated when the
detected portion 8 is passed therethrough.
In addition, a second detected portion 11 is formed on the measuring cable 7 (in
a state shown in Fig. 4, the second detected portion 11 is located on a portion of the

measuring cable 7 which is wound on the cable drum 24, and accordingly, the second
detected portion 11 is not shown in Fig. 4). Like the detected portion 8, the second
detected portion 11 may be formed as a protrusion on the measuring cable 7, and the
detecting switch 9 may be configured to detect the second detected pottion 11 by a
second operation, after detecting the detected portion 8.
Therefore, according to the second example, the measuring cable 7 acts also
as the second measuring cable 10, and the detected portion 8 and the detecting switch
9 act also respectively as the second detected portion 11 and the second detecting
switch 12. Also, the detection of the detected portion 8 allows applying of an electric
current and the detection of the second detected portion 11 stops applying an electric
current.

Fig. 5 shows a modification of the second example. According to the
modification, the charging cable 4 is contained by being wound on a winding reel 25 to
which a biasing force in a winding direction is exerted by a spiral spring and the like.
To regulate applying of an electric current when absorption of the extra length in a
portion wounded by the winding reel 25, which corresponds to the extra length
absorbing section 3, i.e., the number of turns wound is excessive, the measuring cable
7 is formed in the same way as that of the second example and act also as the second
measuring cable 10.
Also, because the charging cable 4 does not have a curled section for
absorbing the extra length, the measuring cable 7 is arranged along the charging cable
4 using cable guides (not shown) formed on cable guide members 17 fixed at suitable
locations on the charging cable 4.
According to a plurality of examples of the embodiments and modifications
thereof as described above, a charging apparatus for an electric vehicle may include a
charging cable 4 including a proximal end connected to a main body 1, a connector 2
provided on a distal end thereof, and an extra length absorbing section 3 provided
between the distal end and the proximal end; a measuring section 5 configured to
detect an elongation of the charging cable 4 from an initial length thereof; and an
electric current control section 6 configured to start applying an electric current to the
charging cable 4, under the condition that an elongation of the charging cable 4
exceeding a threshold value thereof has been detected by the measuring section 5.
The measuring section 5 may includes a measuring cable 7 connected to the
distal end of the charging cable 4, and a detecting switch 9 configured to be switched
on by the elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding the threshold value.
The measuring section 5 may further includes a cable receiving portion 21
provided on the proximal end. The detecting switch 9 may be provided on a distal end
of the cable receiving portion 21. The detecting switch 9 may be configured to be
switched on when the measuring cable 7 and the cable receiving portion 21 are
disconnected by the elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding the threshold value.
Also, the charging apparatus may further includes a second measuring cable 10
connected to the distal end of the charging cable 4, and a second detecting switch 12
configured to detect an elongation of the second measuring cable 10. The electric
current control section 6 may be configured to stop applying an electric current to the
charging cable 4, under the condition that an elongation of the charging cable 4
exceeding a second value more than the threshold value has been detected by the
second detecting switch 12.
Also, the charging apparatus may further includes a second cable receiving
portion 22 provided on the proximal end of the charging cable 4. The second
detecting switch 12 may be provided on a distal end of the second cable receiving
portion 22. The second detecting switch 12 may be operated when the second
measuring cable 10 and the second cable receiving portion 22 are disconnected by the
elongation of the charging cable 4 exceeding the second value.
A detected portion 8 may be provided on the measuring cable 7. The
detecting switch 9 may be configured to detect a movement of the detected portion 8
passing through the detecting switch 9 due to the elongation of the charging cable 4

exceeding the threshold value.
A second detected portion 11 may be provided on the measuring cable 7. The
detecting switch 9 may be configured to detect a movement of the second detected
portion 11 passing through the detecting switch 9 due to an elongation of the charging
cable 4 exceeding a second value more than the threshold value. The electric current
control section 6 may be configured to start applying an electric current to the charging
cable 4 under the condition that the movement of the detected portion 8 passing
through the detecting switch 9 has been detected, and to stop applying an electric
current to the charging cable 4 under the condition that the movement of the second
detected portion 11 passing through the detecting switch 9 has been detected.
In addition, the charging apparatus may further include a lock unit 13 for locking
the connector 2 to the main body 1 to regulate a detachment of the connector 2 from
the main body 1, and an identification unit 14 for unlocking the lock unit by an
identification establishment.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Main Body
Wiring Connector
Extra Length Absorbing Section
Charging Cable
Measuring Section
Electric Current Control Section
Measuring Cable
Detected Portion
Detecting Switch
Second Measuring Cable
Second Detected Portion
Second Detecting Switch
Lock Unit
Identification Unit

We Claim :
1. A charging apparatus for an electric vehicle, the charging apparatus comprising:
a charging cable (4) including a proximal end connected to a main body (I), a
connector (2) provided on a distal end, and an extra length absorbing section (3)
provided between the distal end and the proximal end;
a measuring section (5) configured to detect an elongation of the charging cable
(4) from an initial length thereof; and
an electric current control section (6) configured to start applying an electric
current to the charging cable (4), under a condition that an elongation of the charging
cable (4) exceeding a threshold value is detected by the measuring section (5).
2. The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring section (5)
includes a measuring cable (7) connected to a side of the distal end of the charging
cable (4), and a detecting switch (9) configured to be switched on by the elongation of
the charging cable (4) exceeding the threshold value.
3. The charging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the measuring section (5)
further includes a cable receiving portion (21) provided on a side of the proximal end;
wherein the detecting switch (9) is provided on a distal end of the cable
receiving portion (21); and
wherein the detecting switch (9) is configured to be switched on by a
disconnection between the measuring cable (7) and the cable receiving portion (21)
due to the elongation of the charging cable (4) exceeding the threshold value.
4. The charging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further
comprising:
a second measuring cable (10) connected to a side of the distal end of the
charging cable (4); and
a second detecting switch (12) configured to detect an elongation of the second
measuring cable (10);
wherein the electric current control section (6) is configured to stop applying an
electric current to the charging cable (4), under a condition that an elongation of the
charging cable (4) exceeding a second value more than said threshold value is
detected by the second detecting switch (12).
5. The charging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
a second cable receiving portion (22) provided on a side of the proximal end of
5 the charging cable (4);
wherein the second detecting switch (12) is provided on a distal end of the
second cable receiving portion (22); and
wherein the second detecting switch (12) is operated when the second
measuring cable (10) and the second cable receiving portion (22) are disconnected by
the elongation of the charging cable (4) exceeding the second value.
6. The charging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a detected portion (8) is
provided on the measuring cable (7); and
wherein the detecting switch (9) is configured to detect a movement of the
detected portion (8) passing through the detecting switch (9) due to the elongation of
the charging cable (4) exceeding the threshold value.
7. The charging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a second detected
portion (I I) is provided on the measuring cable (7);
wherein the detecting switch (9) is configured to detect a movement of the
second detected portion (11) passing through the detecting switch (9) due to an
elongation of the charging cable (4) exceeding a second value more than said
threshold value; and
wherein the electric current control section (6) is configured to start applying an
electric current to the charging cable (4) under a condition that the movement of the
detected porlion (8) passing through the detecting switch (9) is detected, and also to
stop applying the electric current to the charging cable (4) under a condition that the
movement of the second detected portion (1 1) passing through the detecting switch (9)
is detected.
8. The charging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 7, further
comprising:a lock unit (13) that locks the connector (2) to the main body (1) so as to
regulate a detachment of the connector (2) from the main body (1); and
an identification unit (14) that unlocks the lock unit upon an identification
establishment.
9. The charging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
a lock unit (13) that locks the connector (2) to the main body (1) so as to
regulate a detachment of the connector (2) from the main body (1); and
an identication unit (14) that unlocks the lock unit upon an identification
establishment.