Charging system, vehicle, charging control device and charging method

Abstract

The charging system includes: a switch device and a control device. Each of the plurality of charging ports is provided with a cover configured to open and close a corresponding one of the plurality of charging ports. The control device is configured to: before starting to charge the electric energy storage device using any one of the plurality of charging ports, determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, keep each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device disconnected. When the cover of at least one charging port included in the plurality of charging ports and being a charging port to be used is opened, the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system, a vehicle, a charging control device, and a charging method. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-129956 (JP 2018-129956 A) discloses a charging system that charges a secondary battery (electric energy storage device) using power supplied to each of a first charging port and a second charging port. Summary of the invention

[0003] In the charging system described in JP 2018-129956A, a first relay and a second relay are respectively arranged near a first charging port and a second charging port. When the charging connector is connected to the first charging port, the first relay near the first charging port is turned on (connected), and the second relay near the second charging port is turned off (disconnected). Since the first relay is turned on, the power supplied to the first charging port is allowed to be output from the first charging port to the secondary battery side. During this charging of the secondary battery, since the second relay is turned off, no voltage is applied to the second charging port. Therefore, when charging the secondary battery using the first charging port, it is considered safe (i.e., the risk of electric shock is low) even if the terminals of the second charging port are exposed.

[0004] In the charging system described in JP 2018-129956A, safety is ensured by performing the above control. However, in the above control, the first relay and the second relay are respectively provided for the first charging port and the second charging port, and the first relay and the second relay are individually controlled to different states depending on which of the first charging port and the second charging port is used. Such complex control is disadvantageous in terms of safety and cost. The more complex the control, the more likely it is that a failure will occur.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to improve safety through simple control in a charging system that charges an electric energy storage device using power supplied to each of a plurality of charging ports.

[0006] The charging system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is configured to charge an energy storage device using power supplied to each of a plurality of charging ports. The charging system includes: a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to an energy storage device; and a control device configured to control the switch device. Each of the plurality of charging ports is provided with a cover configured to open and close a corresponding one of the plurality of charging ports. The control device is configured to determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied before starting to charge the energy storage device using any one of the plurality of charging ports, and when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the energy storage device is kept disconnected. When the cover of at least one charging port included in the plurality of charging ports and other than the charging port to be used is opened, the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0007] Hereinafter, a charging port to be used among the plurality of charging ports is also referred to as a “used port.” Charging ports other than the charging port to be used are also referred to as “unused ports.”

[0008] In the above-mentioned charging system, the charging inhibition condition is satisfied when the cover of the unused port is open. When the charging inhibition condition is satisfied, each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device remains disconnected. Unless the cover of each unused port is closed, charging cannot be started. In this configuration, since the power paths of all the charging ports remain disconnected, control can be simplified.

[0009] Even if voltage is applied to any unused port when charging starts, it is safe because the cover of the unused port is closed (ie, the terminal of the unused port is not exposed). Since the terminal of the unused port is covered by the cover, the user is physically prohibited from touching the terminal of the unused port.

[0010] As above, according to the above configuration, safety in the charging system can be improved through simple control.

[0011] The switch device may include a relay that is provided in a common portion of a plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device and is configured to switch between connection and disconnection of the common portion.

[0012] In a charging system including a switch device, a control device can switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to an electric energy storage device by switching the state (connection or disconnection state) of one relay. Thus, control is simplified and cost is reduced.

[0013] The relay can be a normally closed switch. When the relay is not energized, it is closed (open), which improves safety.

[0014] The charging port may include a plurality of contact charging ports. The control device may be configured to determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied at the moment when the charging connector is connected to any one of the plurality of contact charging ports before starting to charge the electric energy storage device using any one of the plurality of contact charging ports.

[0015] When the charging connector is connected to the charging port, it is likely that charging is performed using the charging port to which the charging connector is connected. Since the charging connector is connected to the terminals of the charging port, the terminals of the charging port are not exposed. Therefore, the user is less likely to touch the terminals of the used port.

[0016] Each of the plurality of contact-type charging ports may be a charging port that receives direct current power (hereinafter also referred to as a “DC port”).

[0017] When charging an energy storage device using an AC port that receives alternating current (AC) power (e.g., a charging port compatible with a standard charger), the AC power supplied to the AC port is converted into DC power, and the DC power is supplied to the energy storage device. On the other hand, when charging an energy storage device using a DC port that receives DC power (e.g., a charging port compatible with a fast charger), such power conversion (AC to DC conversion) is unnecessary. Because there is no AC to DC conversion circuit between the DC port and the energy storage device, the voltage of the energy storage device tends to be applied to the DC port when the DC port and the energy storage device are electrically connected. Therefore, a particularly high level of safety is required in a configuration in which each of a plurality of contact charging ports is a DC port.

[0018] The plurality of contact type charging ports may include a manual charging port to which a charging connector is connected by a user and an automatic charging port to which a charging connector is automatically connected.

[0019] In manual charging in which a user connects a charging connector to a charging port to perform charging, the user needs to do a lot of work and thus tends to forget to close the cover. On the other hand, in automatic charging in which a charging connector is automatically connected to a charging port to perform charging, the user does not have to do much work and thus tends to be distracted. In a configuration in which a contact type charging port includes both a manual charging port and an automatic charging port, a particularly high level of safety is required.

[0020] Any of the above charging systems may further include a notification device configured to be controlled by the control device. The control device may be configured to: when the control device determines that a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied before starting to charge the energy storage device, use the notification device to notify a user that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0021] In the above configuration, when the charge inhibition condition is satisfied, the notification device notifies the user that the charge inhibition condition is satisfied. The user can start charging the electric energy storage device by making the charge inhibition condition not satisfied.

[0022] The control device may be configured to prompt the user to close the cover of the unused port by using the notification device when the control device determines that the predetermined charge inhibition condition is satisfied before starting to charge the electric energy storage device. The notification device may notify the user of the position of the unused port with the cover opened.

[0023] The control device may be configured to connect the power path from the charging port to be used to the electric energy storage device to start charging the electric energy storage device when the control device determines that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is not satisfied before starting to charge the electric energy storage device. The predetermined charging prohibition condition may not be satisfied when the cover of each charging port other than the charging port to be used among all the plurality of charging ports is closed.

[0024] In the above configuration, when the cover of each unused port is closed, charging of the electric energy storage device is started. According to the above configuration, the electric energy storage device can be safely charged.

[0025] The charging inhibition condition is not limited to the above-mentioned charging inhibition condition, and the charging inhibition condition may be satisfied when the cover of any unused port is open and when the cover of any unused port is in an unlocked state. When the cover of each unused port is closed and the cover of each unused port is in a locked state, the charging inhibition condition may be set to be not satisfied.

[0026] The control device can be configured to: determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is met during charging of the electric energy storage device, and when the control device determines that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is met, disconnect each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device to stop charging the electric energy storage device.

[0027] In the above configuration, when the cover of an unused port is opened during charging of the electric energy storage device, each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device is disconnected, and charging of the electric energy storage device is stopped. Thus, safety during charging in the charging system is improved.

[0028] A charging system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is configured to charge an energy storage device using power supplied to each of a plurality of charging ports. The charging system includes: a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to an energy storage device; and a control device configured to control the switch device. The plurality of charging ports include a first charging port and a second charging port, an AC to DC converter circuit exists in the power path from the first charging port to the energy storage device, and no AC to DC converter circuit exists in the power path from the second charging port to the energy storage device. The second charging port is provided with a cover configured to open and close the second charging port. The control device is configured to determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied before starting to charge the energy storage device using any one of the plurality of charging ports, and when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, keep each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the energy storage device disconnected. When the cover of the unused second charging port is opened, the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0029] Since the AC to DC converter circuit exists in the power path (charging path) from the first charging port to the electric energy storage device, the DC power output from the electric energy storage device is cut off by the AC to DC converter circuit. Therefore, even if the first charging port is electrically connected to the electric energy storage device, the voltage of the electric energy storage device is not applied to the first charging port. With this configuration, even if the first charging port is electrically connected to the electric energy storage device when the first charging port is not used, safety can be ensured.

[0030] In the above charging system, in a case where the cover of the second charging port that is not used before starting charging of the electric energy storage device is opened, the control device keeps each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device disconnected. Even with this configuration, the safety of the charging system can be improved by simple control.

[0031] In the charging system according to the second aspect, each of the number of the first charging port and the number of the second charging port may be one or more. Since the AC to DC converter circuit exists in the power path from the first charging port to the electric energy storage device, the first charging port may not be provided with a cover. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first charging port may be provided with a cover.

[0032] The first charging port may include a contactless charging port. The control device may be configured to determine whether a predetermined charging inhibition condition is satisfied at the time when alignment of the contactless charging port for contactless charging is started or completed before starting charging of the electric energy storage device using the contactless charging port.

[0033] Hereinafter, alignment of the contactless charging port for contactless charging is also referred to as "alignment before power transmission." When alignment before power transmission (e.g., alignment between the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil) is performed, it is likely that charging will be performed using the contactless charging port.

[0034] The control device may request the power supply device to send power in a contactless manner at the moment when preparation for sending contactless power to the contactless charging port is completed. The control device may determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied immediately before requesting the power supply device to send power in a contactless manner.

[0035] The first charging port may include a charging port that receives alternating current power (hereinafter, also referred to as an “AC port”). An AC to DC converter circuit and an insulation circuit may exist in a power path from the AC port to the electric energy storage device.

[0036] Since not only the AC to DC converter circuit but also an insulation circuit exists in the power path from the AC port to the electric energy storage device, a higher safety level of the AC port can be ensured.

[0037] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the above-mentioned charging systems. Since the vehicle includes any of the above-mentioned charging systems, the safety in the charging system can be improved through simple control.

[0038] The electrical energy storage device in any of the above-mentioned charging systems can be configured to supply electricity to the vehicle for driving. The vehicle can be an electric drive vehicle. An electric drive vehicle is a vehicle configured to operate based on the electricity stored in the electrical energy storage device. In addition to electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), electric drive vehicles also include fuel cell vehicles (FC vehicles) and range extender electric vehicles (REEV).

[0039] The vehicle may be a connected car. The communication volume of a connected car is large. Therefore, if the control is complex, a malfunction may occur.

[0040] The charging control device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to control a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device. The charging control device is configured to: before starting to charge the electric energy storage device using any one of the multiple charging ports, determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, keep each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device disconnected. The predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied when the cover of at least one charging port included in the multiple charging ports and other than the charging port to be used is opened.

[0041] Unless the cover of each unused port is closed, the charging control device keeps each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the energy storage device disconnected and will not start charging. According to the above charging control device, the safety of the charging system can be improved through simple control.

[0042] The charging method according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes the following steps A to C. In step A, before starting to charge the electric energy storage device using any one of the plurality of charging ports, it is determined by the control device whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied. When a cover of at least one charging port included in the plurality of charging ports and being a charging port to be used is opened, the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0043] In step B, when a predetermined charge prohibition condition is satisfied, each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device is disconnected by the control device so as not to start charging the electric energy storage device.

[0044] In step C, when a predetermined charging prohibition condition is not satisfied, a power path from a charging port to be used included in a plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device is connected by the control device to start charging the electric energy storage device.

[0045] In the above charging method, unless the cover of each unused port is closed, each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device remains disconnected and charging will not start. According to the above charging method, the safety of the charging system can be improved through simple control.

[0046] According to the present disclosure, in a charging system that charges an electric energy storage device by supplying electric power to each of a plurality of charging ports, safety can be improved through simple control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0048] Figure 1 shows a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 2 shows the appearance of each of a vehicle and a charging port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3 A charging system mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0051] Figure 4 is a timing chart showing a first example of the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 5 is a timing chart showing control according to a comparative example;

[0053] Figure 6 is a timing chart showing a second example of the operation of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating charging control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 8 is shown in detail in Figure 7 A flowchart of determining whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied in the process shown;

[0056] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 7 An example of a screen (notification screen) displayed by a notification device in the process of;

[0057] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 8 A flowchart of a variation of the predetermined charging inhibition condition shown in ;

[0058] Fig.11 Shown in Figure 1 One of the two charging ports shown in the figure is a variation of the automatic charging port;

[0059] Fig.12 Show Figure 3 Variations of the charging system shown;

[0060] Fig.13 Show Fig.12 An example of the configuration of a charging circuit shown in;

[0061] Fig.14An example of a configuration of a contactless charging system is shown;

[0062] Fig.15 Show Fig.14 Examples of the configurations of the power transmission unit, the power reception unit, and the charging circuit shown;

[0063] Fig.16 It is shown Figure 7 A flowchart of a variation of the process shown in ;

[0064] Fig.17 It is shown Figure 8 A flowchart of a variation of the process shown in ; and

[0065] Fig.18 Show Figure 3 A variation of the switching device shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are represented by the same symbols, and their description will not be repeated. Hereinafter, the electronic control unit will be referred to as "ECU".

[0067] Figure 1 2 shows a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment. Figure 1 The vehicle 100 includes a charging port 10a, a charging port 10b, a charging relay 40, a battery 50, a system main relay (SMR) 60, a driving device 70, a start switch 80, a vehicle state sensor 81, a driving device 82, an input device 83, a notification device 84, a communication device 85 and an ECU 300.

[0068] The vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment is an electric vehicle (EV). The battery 50 is configured to supply driving power for the vehicle 100 to the driving drive device 70. The driving drive device 70 is configured to generate traction for the vehicle 100 using the power supplied from the battery 50. The configuration of the driving drive device 70 will be described in detail later. The SMR 60 is configured to connect and disconnect the power path from the battery 50 to the driving drive device 70. The battery 50, the charging relay 40 and the ECU 300 according to the present embodiment are respectively examples of the "electric energy storage device", the "switching device" and the "charging control device (control device)" according to the present disclosure.

[0069] The body of the vehicle 100 has a charging port 10a and a charging port 10b. In this embodiment, the plurality of charging ports 10a and 10b are DC ports (i.e., charging ports that receive DC power). In this embodiment, the charging ports 10a and 10b are manual charging ports to which the user connects the connector of the charging cable. The battery 50 is configured so that the battery 50 can be charged with power supplied from the outside of the vehicle 100 to the charging ports 10a and 10b. The charging port 10a includes an inlet 11a, a cover 12a, an opening and closing mechanism 13a, an opening and closing sensor 14a, and a connection sensor 15a, and the charging port 10b includes an inlet 11b, a cover 12b, an opening and closing mechanism 13b, an opening and closing sensor 14b, and a connection sensor 15b. Hereinafter, unless otherwise identified, each of the charging port 10a and the charging port 10b is referred to as the “charging port 10”, each of the inlet 11a and each 11b is referred to as the “inlet 11”, each of the cover 12a and the cover 12b is referred to as the “cover 12”, each of the opening and closing mechanism 13a and the opening and closing mechanism 13b is referred to as the “opening and closing mechanism 13”, each of the opening and closing sensor 14a and the opening and closing sensor 14b is referred to as the “opening and closing sensor 14”, and each of the connection sensor 15a and the connection sensor 15b is referred to as the “connection sensor 15”.

[0070] The inlet 11 is configured so that a connector (not shown) of a charging cable connected to a power supply device (not shown) installed outside the vehicle 100 can be connected to the inlet 11. The connector is connected to the inlet 11 by a user. A connection sensor detects whether the connector is connected to the inlet, and outputs the detection result to the ECU 300. In the case where the connector is connected to the inlet 11, power can be supplied from the power supply device to the inlet 11 through the charging cable.

[0071] The cover 12 is configured to open and close the charging port 10. The cover 12 is configured so that when the cover 12 is connected to the vehicle body via an opening and closing mechanism 13 (e.g., a hinge), the cover 12 can open and close the charging port 10. When the cover 12 is closed, the use of the inlet 11 is prohibited. When the cover 12 is open, the user is allowed to use the inlet 11 from outside the vehicle 100. The cover 12 is provided with an opening and closing sensor 14. The opening and closing sensor 14 is configured to detect whether the cover 12 is open or closed, and output the detection result to the ECU 300. The opening and closing sensor 14 can be a courtesy switch. The charging port 10 may also include a cover locking device that locks and unlocks the cover 12 according to the instructions of the ECU 300. The charging port 10 may also include a connector locking device that regulates the removal of the connector connected to the inlet 11.

[0072] The charging relay 40 is configured to connect and disconnect each of the power paths from the charging ports 10a, 10b to the battery 50. When the charging relay 40 is open (disconnected state), each of the power paths from the inlets 11a, 11b to the battery 50 is disconnected. When the charging relay 40 is closed (connected state), power can be supplied from each of the inlets 11a, 11b to the battery 50. The state (connected or disconnected state) of the charging relay 40 is controlled by the ECU 300.

[0073] As described above, in the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment, the battery 50 is configured to be externally chargeable. External charging in the vehicle 100 means charging the battery 50 with power supplied from the outside of the vehicle 100 to the inlet 11 .

[0074] Figure 2 The appearance of each of the vehicle 100 and the charging port 10a is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 includes four doors 90. The doors 90 are doors for entering and leaving the vehicle 100. Figure 2 Only two doors 90 on the right side of the vehicle body are shown in the figure, but there are two more doors 90 on the left side of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, an opening and closing sensor for detecting whether the door 90 is opened or closed and a door locking device for locking and unlocking the door 90 (both not shown) are provided for each door 90.

[0075] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 has charging ports 10a and 10b on both rear sides of the vehicle body. Figure 2 Only the charging port 10a on the right side of the vehicle body is shown in FIG, but there is a charging port 10b on the left side of the vehicle body. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the charging ports 10a, 10b may be provided at any desired positions.

[0076] Return to reference Figure 1 When the vehicle 100 is traveling, the SMR 60 is closed, and power is supplied from the battery 50 to the travel drive device 70. The state of the SMR 60 is controlled by the ECU 300. For example, the SMR 60 may be an electromagnetic mechanical relay. When the SMR 60 is closed, power may be transferred between the battery 50 and the travel drive device 70. When the SMR 60 is open, the current is cut off by the SMR 60.

[0077] The travel drive device 70 includes a power control unit (PCU) and a motor generator (MG), neither of which is shown. For example, the MG is a three-phase AC motor generator. The PCU includes a converter and an inverter controlled by the ECU 300. During the power operation of the MG, the PCU converts the power stored in the battery 50 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the MG, and the MG rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 100 using the supplied AC power. During the power generation of the MG (for example, during regenerative braking), the PCU rectifies the generated power and supplies the rectified power to the battery 50.

[0078] The battery 50 includes a secondary battery (such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery) and a monitoring unit (neither of which is shown) for monitoring the state of the battery 50. The secondary battery may be an assembled battery. Other electrical energy storage devices such as double-layer capacitors may be used instead of the secondary battery. The voltage of the battery 50 may be 100V or higher. In this embodiment, the voltage of the battery 50 is approximately 400V. The monitoring unit includes various sensors for detecting the state of the battery 50 (for example, temperature, current, and voltage). The monitoring unit outputs the detection results of the sensor to the ECU 300. The monitoring unit may be a battery management system (BMS), which, in addition to the above-mentioned sensor functions, also has a state of charge (SOC) estimation function, a state of health (SOH) estimation function, a battery voltage equalization function in an assembled battery, a diagnostic function, and a communication function.

[0079] ECU 300 includes a processor 310, a random access memory (RAM) 320, a storage device 330, and a timer 340. For example, the processor 310 may be a central processing unit (CPU). RAM 320 is used as a working memory for temporarily storing data processed by the processor 310. Storage device 330 is configured to save the stored information. Storage device 330 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a rewritable non-volatile memory. In addition to storing programs, storage device 330 also stores information used in the program (e.g., maps, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). In the present embodiment, various controls in ECU 300 are performed by executing the program stored in storage device 330 by processor 310. Various controls in ECU 300 do not have to be performed by software, and may be performed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit). ECU 300 may include any number of processors, and may have a processor for each predetermined control.

[0080] The timer 340 is configured to notify the processor 310 when a set time is reached. When the time set in the timer 340 is reached, the timer 340 sends a notification signal to the processor 310. In this embodiment, the timer 340 is a timer circuit. However, the timer 340 can be implemented by software instead of hardware (timer circuit).

[0081] The start switch 80 is a switch for starting the vehicle system. By turning on the start switch 80, the vehicle system (including the ECU 300) is started. The start switch 80 is generally called a "power switch" or an "ignition switch". In the present embodiment, the vehicle system is started when the vehicle 100 is switched to the Ready-ON state, and is stopped (including the sleep state) when the vehicle 100 is switched to the Ready-OFF state. The Ready-ON state and the Ready-OFF state will be described below.

[0082] By the user pressing the start switch 80, the vehicle 100 is switched to the Ready-ON state. In the Ready-ON state, the SMR 60 is closed, and power is supplied from the battery 50 to the travel drive device 70. In the Ready-ON state, the ECU 300 can drive the vehicle 100 by controlling the travel drive device 70. When the vehicle 100 is in the Ready-ON state, the vehicle 100 is switched to the Ready-OFF state by the user pressing the start switch 80. In the Ready-OFF state, the SMR 60 is open and power is no longer supplied from the battery 50 to the travel drive device 70.

[0083] The vehicle state sensor 81 is a group of sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the vehicle state sensor 81 includes various sensors that monitor the environment of the vehicle 100 (e.g., an external temperature sensor, an external pressure sensor, and an obstacle detector) and various sensors that monitor the travel of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a vehicle speed sensor, a position sensor, a steering angle sensor, and an odometer).

[0084] The drive device 82 is a device that accepts a drive operation of the vehicle 100 performed by a user (e.g., operations related to shifting, accelerator, braking, steering, and stopping the vehicle 100). The drive device 82 outputs a signal corresponding to the drive operation of the user to the ECU 300. The ECU 300 controls the travel of the vehicle 100 based on the signal received from the drive device 82. In this embodiment, the drive device 82 includes a shift lever, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a steering wheel, and a parking brake.

[0085] The input device 83 is a device for accepting inputs made by the user other than the driving operation. The input device 83 outputs a signal corresponding to the user's input to the ECU 300. The user can give a predetermined instruction, make a predetermined request, or set a parameter value through the input device 83. The communication method can be wired or wireless. Examples of the input device 83 include various switches, various pointing devices, keyboards, and touch panels. The input device 83 may include an intelligent speaker that accepts voice input. The input device 83 may be an operating unit of a car navigation system.

[0086] The notification device 84 is configured to execute a predetermined notification process when requested by the ECU 300. Examples of the notification device 84 include a display device (eg, an instrument panel or a head-up display), a speaker, and a lamp. The notification device 84 may be a display unit of a car navigation system.

[0087] The communication device 85 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). The communication device 85 may include a data communication module (DCM). The communication device 85 may include a communication I / F compatible with the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). The communication device 85 may include a communication I / F for wireless communication with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device, or an electronic key. The ECU 300 is configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device outside the vehicle 100 through the communication device 85. The vehicle 100 may be a connected vehicle.

[0088] Figure 3 The charging system mounted on the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 1 , in this charging system, the wire connected to the inlet 11a and the wire connected to the inlet 11b are connected to each other through the connection part E1. The connection part E1 is electrically connected to the battery 50 via the charging relay 40. The power path from the connection part E1 to the battery 50 is a common part of the power path from the charging port 10a to the battery 50 and the power path from the charging port 10b to the battery 50. The charging relay 40 is arranged between the connection part E1 and the battery 50, and is configured to connect and disconnect the common part. For example, the charging relay 40 can be an electromagnetic mechanical relay. In this embodiment, the charging relay 40 is a normally closed switch. The charging relay 40 is open (disconnected state) when it is not powered.

[0089] exist Figure 3In the example shown, the cover 12a of the charging port 10a is open, and the connector 210 of the charging cable 220 is connected to the inlet 11a. The connector 210 according to the present embodiment is an example of a "charging connector" according to the present disclosure. The charging cable 220 is connected to a power supply device not shown in the figure (more specifically, a DC power supply device that supplies DC power). The cover 12b of the charging port 10b is closed. The ECU 300 detects "cover open" and "connector connected" regarding the charging port 10a based on the signals output from the opening and closing sensor 14a and the connection sensor 15a. The ECU 300 detects "cover closed" and "not connected" regarding the charging port 10b based on the signals output from the opening and closing sensor 14b and the connection sensor 15b. When the ECU 300 is in Figure 3 When the charging relay 40 is closed in the state shown, the battery 50 is charged with the DC power supplied from the DC power supply device to the inlet 11 a .

[0090] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the charging port 10a is a used port (i.e., a used charging port), and the charging port 10b is an unused port (i.e., a charging port other than the used charging port). Hereinafter, the process of switching the charging relay 40 from the open state to the closed state is also referred to as "charging relay on". The process of switching the charging relay 40 from the closed state to the open state is also referred to as "charging relay off".

[0091] Figure 4 is a timing chart showing a first example of the operation of the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , line L11 and line L12 respectively show changes in the driving state (driving or not driving) of vehicle 100 and the state (connected or disconnected) of charging relay 40. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the first cover and the second cover respectively refer to the cover 12a and the cover 12b, and the line L13 and the line L15 respectively represent the change of the state (open or closed) of the cover 12a and the cover 12b. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the first inlet and the second inlet respectively mean the inlet 11 a and the inlet 11 b , and the line L14 and the line L16 respectively represent the state changes (connector connected or not connected) of the inlet 11 a and the inlet 11 b .

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, when the vehicle 100 is traveling, both the lid 12a, 12b are closed (see lines L13, L15). After the user parks the vehicle 100 so that the charging port 10a is located near the DC power supply device, the user operates the start switch 80 to switch the vehicle 100 to the Ready-OFF state. As a result, the vehicle 100 is switched to the non-driving state (i.e., a state in which the vehicle 100 cannot be powered to travel). Figure 4In the example shown, the vehicle 100 switches from the driving state to the non-driving state at time t11 (see line L11 ).

[0093] Then, the user opens the lid 12a at time t12 (line L13), and connects the connector of the charging cable connected to the DC power supply device to the inlet 11a at time t13 (line L14). When the connector of the charging cable is connected to the inlet 11a, the ECU 300 performs the charging relay on. As a result, the charging relay 40 is closed (connected) (line L12), and charging of the battery 50 starts.

[0094] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, when the charging connector (i.e., the connector of the charging cable) is connected to the inlet 11a, the cover of the unused port (i.e., the charging port 10b to which the charging connector is not connected) is closed. In this case, the ECU 300 performs the charging relay on. However, in the case where the cover of the unused port is open, the ECU 300 does not perform the charging relay on. Hereinafter, the effect produced by this control will be described in comparison with the control according to the comparative example.

[0095] Figure 5 : is a timing chart showing control according to the comparative example. In the control according to the comparative example, the charging relay turning on is performed even in a case where the cover of the unused port is opened when the charging connector is connected to the inlet 11 a or the inlet 11 b . Figure 5 Lines L21 to L26 in Figure 4 Lines L11 to L16 in.

[0096] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the user mistakenly opens the cover 12b between time t11 and time t12 (i.e., after the vehicle stops and before the cover 12a is opened), and forgets to close the cover 12b (see line L25). Therefore, when the charging connector is connected to the inlet 11a of the charging port 10a (the used port) (line L25), the cover 12b of the charging port 10b (the unused port) is opened. In the control according to the comparative example, the charging relay 40 is closed (connected) at time t13 (line L22). As a result, the voltage of the battery 50 is applied to the inlet 11b of the charging port 10b (the unused port). Therefore, the safety level in the charging system is low.

[0097] Return to reference Figure 3In this embodiment, the ECU 300 determines whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition (hereinafter, also referred to as "prohibition condition") is satisfied before starting charging of the battery 50 using the charging port 10a or 10b. The prohibition condition is satisfied when the cover of the unused port is opened. In this embodiment, the ECU 300 determines whether the prohibition condition is satisfied at the moment when the charging connector is connected to the charging port 10a or 10b.

[0098] When the ECU 300 determines that the prohibition condition is satisfied, the ECU 300 opens (disconnects) the charging relay 40 to not start charging the battery 50. When the charging relay 40 is opened, the power path from the charging ports 10a, 10b to the battery 50 is disconnected. As a result, the voltage of the battery 50 is no longer applied to the inlets 11a, 11b.

[0099] On the other hand, when ECU 300 determines that the prohibition condition is not satisfied, ECU 300 closes (connects) charging relay 40 to start charging battery 50. When charging relay 40 is closed, the power path from the use port (i.e., charging port 10 to which the charging connector is connected) to battery 50 is connected. As a result, the power supplied from the DC power supply device to the use port is input to battery 50 via charging relay 40.

[0100] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 6 and Figure 1 Control according to the present embodiment is described. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing a second example of the operation of the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 6 Lines L1 to L6 in Figure 4 Lines L11 to L16 in.

[0101] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the user mistakenly opens the cover 12b of the charging port 10b (unused port) between time t11 and time t12 (i.e., after the vehicle 100 stops and before the cover 12a is opened), and forgets to close the cover 12b (see line L5), as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in the example shown. The user connects the charging connector to the charging port 10a (used port) at time t13 when the cover 12b of the charging port 10b (unused port) is opened. However, the ECU 300 does not perform the charging relay turning on at time t13. When the user subsequently closes the cover 12b at time t14 (line L5), the ECU 300 performs the charging relay turning on (line L2). As a result, the charging relay 40 is closed (connected), and charging of the battery 50 starts.

[0102] As described above, in the control according to the present embodiment, the prohibition condition is met when the cover of the unused port is opened. When the prohibition condition is met, the power path from the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b to the battery 50 remains disconnected. Unless the cover of the unused port is closed, the charging of the battery 50 will not start. When the cover of the unused port is closed, the ECU 300 starts charging the battery 50 by executing the charging relay to turn on. When the charging relay 40 is closed, the voltage of the battery 50 is applied to the used port and the unused port. However, this is safe because the cover of the unused port is closed. Since the entrance is covered by the cover of the unused port, the user is physically prohibited from contacting the entrance of the unused port. In the above control, only one charging relay 40 is controlled to connect or disconnect the power path. The control of the charging system according to the present embodiment is simple. As described above, according to the above control, safety in the charging system can be improved by simple control.

[0103] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart of charging control according to the present embodiment. When a charging connector is connected to the charging port 10a or the charging port 10b, the ECU 300 executes the processing shown in the flowchart. The ECU 300 can detect the connector connection based on the signal output from the connection sensor 15a, the connection sensor 15b.

[0104] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 1 In step S11, the ECU 300 determines whether the prohibition condition is satisfied. The ECU 300 performs the following steps, for example: Figure 8 The process shown in is used to determine whether the prohibition condition is met. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of the details of S11.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 1 In S21, the ECU 300 determines whether the cover of the unused port (i.e., the charging port 10 to which the charging connector is not connected) is closed. For example, in the case where the used port is the charging port 10a (i.e., in the case where the charging connector is connected to the inlet 11a), the ECU 300 determines whether the cover 12b is closed. The ECU 300 can detect the state of the cover (open or closed) based on the signal output from the opening and closing sensor 14a, the opening and closing sensor 14b.

[0106] When the cover of the unused port is closed (YES in S21), the ECU 300 determines in S22 that the prohibition condition (ie, Figure 7 Failure to satisfy the prohibition condition means that charging is permitted.

[0107] When the cover of the unused port is open (No in S21), the ECU 300 determines in S23 that the prohibition condition (ie, Figure 7 Satisfaction of the prohibition condition means that charging is prohibited.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 1 When "yes" in S11 (the prohibition condition is satisfied), the routine proceeds to S12. In S12, the ECU 300 controls the notification device 84 to notify the user that the prohibition condition is satisfied. For example, the notification device 84 displays a screen prompting the user to make the prohibition condition unsatisfied.

[0109] Fig. 9 Shown by Figure 7 This is an example of a screen (notification screen) displayed by the notification device 84 in S12 of FIG. Fig. 9 , the screen displays an image M1 of the entire vehicle 100, a mark M2 indicating the position of an unused port with a cover opened, and a message M3 prompting the user to close the cover of the unused port.

[0110] It is not necessary to indicate the position of the unused port with the cover opened by the above notification, and only the message M3 may be displayed. It is not necessary to prompt the user to close the cover of the unused port. The user may be notified of the presence of the unused port with the cover opened only by a message such as “There is an open charging port”. Any notification method may be used. The user may be notified by displaying on a display device (e.g., display of characters or images), by sound (including voice) from a speaker, or by turning on (including flashing) a predetermined light.

[0111] Return to reference Figure 7 and Figure 1 In S13, ECU 300 performs the following steps: Figure 8 The process shown in the figure is used to determine whether the prohibition condition is satisfied. As long as the determination result in S13 is "yes" (the prohibition condition is satisfied), S12 and S13 are repeated. For example, when the user closes the cover of the unused port, the determination result in S13 becomes "no".

[0112] When the prohibition condition is not satisfied ("No" in S11 or S13), the routine proceeds to S14. In S14, the ECU 300 closes (connects) the charging relay 40. When charging starts, the ECU 300 requests the power supply device to send power and performs charging relay turning on. As a result, charging of the battery 50 starts. For example, in the case where the charging connector is connected to the inlet 11a, the power supplied from the DC power supply device to the inlet 11a via the charging cable is input to the battery 50 via the charging relay 40.

[0113] After S14, ECU 300 performs the following steps in S15 by executing, for example, Figure 8 The processing shown is used to determine whether the prohibition condition is met. Since the prohibition condition is not met at the start of charging, the determination result in S15 is "No" (the prohibition condition is not met), and the routine continues to S16. In S16, ECU 300 determines whether a predetermined charging end condition (hereinafter, also referred to as "end condition") is met. The end condition can be met when the SOC of the battery 50 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined SOC value (for example, an SOC value indicating a full charge). When the end condition is not met ("No" in S16), the routine returns to S14 and continues charging of the battery 50. ECU 300 determines whether the prohibition condition is met while charging the battery 50 (S15).

[0114] When "yes" (prohibition condition) is satisfied in S15, the routine continues to S17. In S17, the ECU 300 opens (disconnects) the charging relay 40. When charging is stopped, the ECU 300 requests the power supply device to stop sending power and performs a charging relay shutdown. As a result, the charging of the battery 50 is stopped. Thereafter, in S18, the ECU 300 notifies the user that the prohibition condition is satisfied by performing, for example, a process similar to the process of S12 described above. The routine then returns to S15. As long as the judgment result in S15 is "yes" (the prohibition condition is satisfied), S15, S17 and S18 are repeated, and the charging relay 40 remains open. For example, when the user closes the cover of an unused port, the judgment result in S15 becomes "no" (the prohibition condition is not satisfied). When it is "no" in S15, the routine continues to S14 via S16. In S14, the charging relay 40 is closed, and the charging of the battery 50 is resumed.

[0115] As the charging of the battery 50 progresses and the end condition is satisfied ("YES" in S16), the routine proceeds to S19. In S19, the ECU 300 requests the power supply device to stop sending power and performs a charging relay shutoff. As a result, the charging relay 40 opens, stopping the charging of the battery 50. The routine is completed by executing S19. Figure 7 A series of steps shown in .

[0116] As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, when the cover of the unused port is opened before starting to charge the battery 50 using the charging port 10a or the charging port 10b, the ECU 300 opens (disconnects) the charging relay 40 so as not to start charging the battery 50. As a result, when the cover of the unused port is opened, the voltage of the battery 50 is not applied to the inlet 11a, the inlet 11b. When the cover of the unused port is closed, the ECU 300 starts charging the battery 50 by executing the charging relay turning on. Since the inlet is covered by the cover of the unused port, the user is physically prohibited from contacting the inlet of the unused port. With the ECU 300 (charging control device) according to the present embodiment, the safety of the charging system can be improved by simple control.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the ECU 300 determines whether the prohibition condition is satisfied when charging the battery 50. When the ECU 300 determines that the prohibition condition is satisfied, the ECU 300 opens the power path from the inlet 11a, the inlet 11b to the battery 50 to stop charging the battery 50. However, it is not necessary to determine whether the prohibition condition is satisfied when charging the battery 50. Figure 7 In the process shown in , S15, S17, and S18 may be omitted.

[0118] The prohibition condition (predetermined charging prohibition condition) only needs to be satisfied when the cover of the unused port is opened, and is not limited to the case where the charging Figure 8 The processing shown in determines whether the condition is satisfied or not satisfied. For example, ECU 300 may execute the following Fig.10 Instead of the process shown in Figure 8 The processing shown in .

[0119] Fig.10 2 is a flowchart showing a variation of the prohibition condition. In S211, ECU 300 determines whether the cover of an unused port (ie, a charging port to which charging connector 10 is not connected) is closed.

[0120] When the cover of the unused port is closed (YES in S211 ), ECU 300 determines in S212 whether the cover of the unused port is locked.

[0121] When the cover of the unused port is closed and locked (YES in S211 and S212), the ECU 300 determines in S22 that the prohibition condition is not satisfied. When NO in S211 or S212, the ECU 300 determines in S23 that the prohibition condition is satisfied.

[0122] exist Figure 7 The prohibition condition (predetermined charging prohibition condition) judged to be satisfied or not satisfied in each of S11, S13, and S15 in the ECU 300 is not necessarily the same. Figure 7 Each of S11 and S15 is executed Figure 8 shown in the process and can be Figure 7 Executed in S13 Fig.10 The processing shown. Figure 7 In the illustrated process, the notification step of S12 and the notification step of S18 may be different from each other.

[0123] In this embodiment, the charging ports 10a and 10b are manual charging ports to which a user connects a charging connector. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least one of the charging ports 10a and 10b may be an automatic charging port to which a charging connector is automatically connected. Fig.11 A variation is shown in which Figures 1 to 3 Of the charging ports 10 a and 10 b in the vehicle shown in FIG. 8 , the charging port 10 b is an automatic charging port.

[0124] Reference Fig.11 The vehicle 100A according to this modification basically has the same Figures 1 to 3 The same configuration as the vehicle 100 shown. However, the charging port 10a of the vehicle 100A is a manual charging port, and the charging port 10b of the vehicle 100A is an automatic charging port. In addition to the inlet 11b, the cover 12b, the opening and closing mechanism 13b, the opening and closing sensor 14b, and the connection sensor 15b, the charging port 10b of the vehicle 100A also includes an actuator 16b. The actuator 16b is configured to drive the opening and closing mechanism 13b to open and close the cover 12b. The actuator 16b is controlled by the ECU 300.

[0125] The robot 400 includes a charging connector 410, an arm 420, and a power supply 430. The charging connector 410 is located at the end of the arm 420. The power supply 430 supplies power to the charging connector 410. When the ECU 300 controls the actuator 16b to open the cover 12b and then sends a power transmission request to the robot 400, the robot 400 moves the arm 420 to connect the charging connector 410 to the inlet 11b of the vehicle 100A. When the charging connector 410 is connected to the inlet 11b, power is supplied from the power supply 430 to the inlet 11b. The vehicle 100A can charge the battery 50 using the power supplied to the inlet 11b.

[0126] Since the vehicle 100A includes both a manual charging port and an automatic charging port, the battery 50 can be charged by both manual charging and automatic charging. Figure 3 The charging system shown in FIG. 1 and ECU 300 executes Figure 7 and Figure 8 Therefore, the safety of the charging system can be improved through simple control.

[0127] Fig.12 Show Figure 3 A variation of the charging system shown. Fig.12 The vehicle 100B is equipped with a charging system including a charging port 20 and a power receiving unit 30 in addition to the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b. The charging system includes an ECU 300B instead of the ECU 300. The ECU 300B basically has functions similar to those of the ECU 300 according to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, the functions of the ECU 300B different from those of the ECU 300 will be described.

[0128] The charging port 20 includes an inlet 21, a cover 22, an opening and closing mechanism 23, and an opening and closing sensor 24. The charging port 20 is an AC port that receives AC power. A connector of a charging cable connected to an unillustrated AC power supply device (i.e., a device that supplies AC power) is connected to the inlet 21. The ECU 300B detects whether the charging connector is connected to or disconnected from the inlet 21 based on a cable connection signal output from the AC power supply device. Examples of the cable connection signal include a control pilot signal (CPLT signal) and a proximity signal.

[0129] There is a charging circuit 25 in the power path from the charging port 20 to the battery 50. The charging circuit 25 is configured to convert the power supplied from the AC power supply device to the charging port 20 into power suitable for charging the battery 50.

[0130] Fig.13 An example of the configuration of the charging circuit 25 is shown. Fig.13 , the charging circuit 25 includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit 251, an isolation transformer 253, an AC to DC converter circuit 255, and a capacitor 256. The PFC circuit 251 improves the power factor by making the AC power input from the AC power supply device to the inlet 21 closer to a sine wave. The isolation transformer 253 includes a primary coil 252 and a secondary coil 254. The isolation transformer 253 converts the AC voltage at a ratio corresponding to the turns ratio between the primary coil 252 and the secondary coil 254. The converted AC voltage is applied to the secondary coil 254. The AC to DC converter circuit 255 converts the AC voltage applied to the secondary coil 254 into DC power and outputs the DC power to the capacitor 256. The isolation transformer 253 according to this variation is an example of an “insulation circuit” according to the present disclosure.

[0131] Fig.14 An example of the configuration of a contactless charging system is shown. Fig.14 , the power receiving unit 30 is mounted under the floor of the vehicle 100B. The power receiving unit 30 corresponds to a contactless charging port. The contactless power supply device includes a power transmission unit 500, a power supply 600, and a control device 700 that controls the power transmission unit 500 and the power supply 600. The power receiving unit 30 includes a power receiving coil 30a, and the power transmission unit 500 includes a power transmission coil 500a. The power supply 600 supplies AC power to the power transmission unit 500. The control device 700 is configured so that the control device 700 can wirelessly communicate with the ECU 300B of the vehicle 100B. The power transmission unit 500 is configured to transmit the power supplied from the power supply 600 from the power transmission coil 500a to the power receiving coil 30a in a contactless manner, wherein the power transmission coil 500a and the power receiving coil 30a are aligned with each other. The alignment between the power transmission coil 500a and the power receiving coil 30a is an example of "alignment before power transmission". There is a charging circuit 35 in the power path from the power receiving unit 30 to the battery 50. The charging circuit 35 is configured to convert the power supplied from the power transmitting unit 500 to the power receiving unit 30 into power suitable for charging the battery 50.

[0132] Fig.15 An example of the configuration of the power transmission unit 500, the power reception unit 30, and the charging circuit 35 is shown. Fig.15 , the power transmission unit 500 includes a resonant circuit 510, a filter circuit 520, an inverter 530, and a PFC circuit 540. The resonant circuit 510 is an inductor-capacitor (LC) resonant circuit including a power transmission coil 500a. The power receiving unit 30 includes a resonant circuit 301 and a filter circuit 302. The resonant circuit 301 is an LC resonant circuit including a power receiving coil 30a. The charging circuit 35 includes an AC to DC converter circuit 351 and a capacitor 352. The AC to DC converter circuit 351 converts the AC voltage output from the power receiving unit 30 into DC power, and outputs the DC power to the capacitor 352.

[0133] Return to reference Fig.12 In this charging system, the wire connected to the inlet 11b and the wire connected to the charging circuit 25 are connected to each other through the connection portion E2. The wire connected to the inlet 11a and the wire connected to the charging circuit 35 are connected to each other through the connection portion E3. The wire connecting the connection portion E2 and the connection portion E3 and the wire connected to the charging relay 40 are connected to each other through the connection portion E1. The connection portion E1 is electrically connected to the battery 50 via the charging relay 40.

[0134] The power path from the connection part E1 to the battery 50 is a common part of the power path from the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b, the charging port 20, and the power receiving unit 30 to the battery 50. The charging relay 40 is provided between the connection part E1 and the battery 50, and is configured to connect and disconnect the common part. When the charging relay 40 is disconnected, the power path from the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b, the charging port 20, and the power receiving unit 30 to the battery 50 is disconnected.

[0135] ECU 300B executes the following Fig.16 The processing shown instead of Figure 7 Processing shown. Fig.16 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of a variation of the process shown. ECU 300B executes the process shown in this flowchart when a charging connector is connected to any one of the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b, and the charging port 20 and when alignment before power transmission is completed.

[0136] Fig.16 The processing shown is similar to Figure 7 The processing shown is essentially the same. Fig.16 The process shown includes S11A, S13A and S15A, instead of Figure 7 In each of S11A, S13A and S15A, ECU 300B executes, for example, the following Fig.17 The process shown in is used to determine whether the prohibition condition is met. Fig.17 It is shown Figure 8 Flowchart of a variation of the process shown.

[0137] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.12 , in S21A, ECU 300B determines whether the cover of the unused DC port is closed. For example, when the used port is the charging port 10a (that is, when the charging connector is connected to the inlet 11a), ECU 300B determines whether the cover 12b is closed. When the used port is the charging port 20 (that is, when the charging connector is connected to the inlet 21), ECU 300B determines whether both the cover 12a and the cover 12b are closed. When the used port is the power receiving unit 30 (that is, when the alignment before power transmission is completed), ECU 300B determines whether both the cover 12a and the cover 12b are closed. When the used port is the charging port 20 or the power receiving unit 30, when at least one of the covers 12a and 12b is open, the determination result of S21A is "No".

[0138] When the cover of the unused DC port is closed (YES in S21A), ECU 300B determines in S22 that the prohibition condition is not satisfied (ie, Fig.16 Failure to satisfy the prohibition condition means that charging is permitted.

[0139] When the cover of the unused DC port is open (NO in S21A), ECU 300B determines in S23 that the prohibition condition is satisfied (i.e., Fig.16 (“Yes” in S11A, S13A, and S15A in FIG. 1 ). Satisfaction of the prohibition condition means that charging is prohibited.

[0140] In the charging system according to the present variation, when the cover of an unused port is opened before starting charging of the battery 50 using the charging port 10a, the charging port 10b, the charging port 20, or the power receiving unit 30, the ECU 300B opens (disconnects) the charging relay 40 to not start charging the battery 50. The charging ports 10a and 10b are DC ports. There is no AC to DC converter circuit in the power path from the charging ports 10a and 10b to the battery 50. There is an AC to DC converter circuit (e.g., Fig.13 An AC to DC converter circuit (e.g., AC to DC converter circuit 255 shown) is present in the power path from the power receiving unit 30 to the battery 50. Fig.15 The AC to DC converter circuit 351 shown in the figure). Each of the charging ports 10a and 10b according to this modification is an example of the “second charging port” according to the present disclosure. Each of the charging port 20 and the power receiving unit 30 according to this modification is an example of the “first charging port” according to the present disclosure.

[0141] Since there is an AC to DC converter circuit in each of the power path from the charging port 20 to the battery 50 and the power path from the power receiving unit 30 to the battery 50, the DC power output from the battery 50 is cut off by the AC to DC converter circuit. Therefore, even when the charging port 20 or the power receiving unit 30 is electrically connected to the battery 50, the voltage of the battery 50 is not applied to the charging port (charging port 20 or power receiving unit 30). With this configuration, safety is ensured even when each of the charging port 20 and the power receiving unit 30 is electrically connected to the battery 50.

[0142] In the charging system according to the above modification, in the case where the cover of the unused DC port (charging port 10a or 10b) is opened before charging of the battery 50 starts, the ECU 300B opens (disconnects) the charging relay 40. Since the charging relay 40 is open, the voltage of the battery 50 is not applied to the inlet 11a, 11b. When the cover of the unused DC port is closed, the ECU 300B starts charging the battery 50 by performing charging relay turning on. Even with this configuration, the safety of the charging system can be improved by simple control.

[0143] In the above modification, whether the prohibition condition is satisfied is determined at the time when the alignment before power transmission is completed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and whether the prohibition condition is satisfied may be determined at the time when the alignment before power transmission is started.

[0144] In the above-mentioned variation, the AC port and the contactless charging port are used as the first charging port, and the two DC ports are used as the second charging port. However, the number of the first charging port and the number of the second charging port can be appropriately changed. For example, in the above-mentioned variation, the charging port 20 or the power receiving unit 30 can be omitted, or the charging port 10a or the charging port 10b can be omitted. In the above-mentioned variation, the power receiving unit 30 is not provided with a cover. However, a contactless charging port with a cover can be used as the first charging port.

[0145] The position of each charging port is not limited to the position shown in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, and can be changed appropriately. For example, the DC port can be set on the front or rear side of the vehicle, on the roof of the vehicle, or under the floor of the vehicle.

[0146] Each charging port may be provided with an actuator that drives an opening and closing mechanism to open and close the cover. A mobile terminal capable of communicating with a communication device mounted on a vehicle may have a button for operating the cover of the charging port. In this case, when the user operates the button, the mobile terminal may instruct the vehicle to close the cover of a predetermined charging port. The button may be a button for specifying a port for use. When the user specifies a port for use before starting charging, the mobile terminal may instruct the vehicle to open the cover of the designated port for use and close the cover of an unused port. The button may be a button for closing the cover of an unused port. When the user presses the button during charging, the mobile terminal may instruct the vehicle to close the cover of each charging port that is not used for charging. The control device mounted on the vehicle may open and close the cover of the charging port by controlling the actuator.

[0147] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the charging relay 40 provided in the common portion of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the battery 50 is used as the switching device. However, the switching device may be any device that connects and disconnects the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device, and any opening and closing method may be used. Fig.18 A variation of the switch arrangement is shown.

[0148] Reference Fig.18 The switch device includes relays 41a and 42a provided in the power path from the charging port 10a to the battery 50 and relays 41b and 42b provided in the power path from the charging port 10b to the battery 50. The ECU 300C controls the relays 41a, 42a, 41b and 42b.

[0149] In the case where the cover of the charging port 10b (unused port) is closed when charging the battery 50 starts using the charging port 10a, the ECU 300C closes (connects) the relays 41a, 42a and opens (disconnects) the relays 41b, 42b to connect the power path from the charging port 10a to the battery 50. In the case where the cover of the charging port 10a (unused port) is closed when charging the battery 50 starts using the charging port 10b, the ECU 300C opens (disconnects) the relays 41a, 42a and closes (connects) the relays 41b, 42b to connect the power path from the charging port 10b to the battery 50.

[0150] When the cover of the unused port is opened when charging the battery 50 starts using the charging port 10a or 10b, the ECU 300C opens (disconnects) the relays 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b to disconnect the power path from the charging port 10a, 10b to the battery 50. The relays 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b may be normally closed switches. When the relays 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b are normally closed switches, the relays 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b are open when not powered. Therefore, a malfunction is less likely to occur in the disconnected state.

[0151] According to the above control, even if the power path from the unused port to the battery 50 is connected due to a failure at the moment of connecting the power path from the used port to the battery 50, it is safe because the cover of the unused port is closed.

[0152] The switch arrangement need not necessarily include a normally closed switch. A normally open switch may be used in place of a normally closed switch.

[0153] The vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle (EV). Figure 1 The illustrated travel drive device 70 may further include an engine (internal combustion engine) not shown. The vehicle may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) capable of running based on both the power stored in the battery 50 and the output of the engine. The configuration of the vehicle is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration shown in . The vehicle may be a passenger car, a bus, or a truck. The vehicle may be configured to be driven without human assistance by autonomous driving or remote driving. The vehicle may be an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or a MaaS vehicle managed by a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) operator. The number of wheels is not limited to four and may be changed appropriately. The number of wheels may be three, or five or more.

[0154] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A charging system configured to charge an electric energy storage device using power supplied to each of a plurality of charging ports, characterized in that: The charging system comprises: a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device, the switch device including a relay provided in a common portion of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device and configured to switch between connection and disconnection of the common portion; and A control device configured to control the switch device, wherein: each of the plurality of charging ports is provided with a cover configured to open and close a corresponding one of the plurality of charging ports; The control device is configured as In response to a charging connector being connected to any one of the plurality of charging ports to use any one of the charging ports, before starting to charge the electric energy storage device, determining whether a predetermined charging inhibition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined charge prohibition condition is satisfied, each of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device is kept disconnected by turning off the relay provided in the common portion; and The predetermined charge prohibition condition is satisfied when a cover of at least one charge port included in the plurality of charge ports and being other than a charge port to be used is opened.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of charging ports comprises a plurality of contact charging ports; and The control device is configured to: before starting to charge the energy storage device using any one of the multiple contact charging ports, at the moment when the charging connector is connected to any one of the multiple contact charging ports, determine whether the predetermined charging prohibition condition is met.

3. The charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of contact-type charging ports is a DC port that receives direct current power.

4. The charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of contact type charging ports include a manual charging port to which the charging connector is connected by a user and an automatic charging port to which the charging connector is automatically connected.

5. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a notification device, which is configured to be controlled by the control device, wherein the control device is configured to: when the control device determines that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied before starting to charge the energy storage device, use the notification device to notify the user that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied.

6. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control device being configured to connect a power path from a charging port to be used to the electric energy storage device to start charging the electric energy storage device when the control device determines that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is not satisfied before starting charging the electric energy storage device; and When a cover of each of the charging ports other than the charging port to be used among all of the plurality of charging ports is closed, the predetermined charging prohibition condition is not satisfied.

7. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control device is configured to determine whether the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied during charging of the electric energy storage device, and when the control device determines that the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, disconnect each of the multiple power paths from the multiple charging ports to the electric energy storage device to stop charging the electric energy storage device.

8. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of charging ports include a first charging port and a second charging port, an AC to DC converter circuit is present in a power path from the first charging port to the electrical energy storage device, and no AC to DC converter circuit is present in a power path from the second charging port to the electrical energy storage device.

9. The charging system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The charging system is installed in a vehicle; The vehicle includes a first side and a second side arranged in a vehicle width direction; the first charging port being disposed on a first side of the vehicle; as well as The second charging port is disposed on a second side of the vehicle.

10. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control device is configured to determine whether the predetermined charge prohibition condition is satisfied before the switch device connects each of the plurality of power paths to start charging the electric energy storage device.

11. A charging system configured to charge an electric energy storage device using power supplied to each of a plurality of charging ports, characterized in that: The charging system comprises: a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device, the switch device including a relay provided in a common portion of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device and configured to switch between connection and disconnection of the common portion; and A control device configured to control the switch device, wherein: the plurality of charging ports including a first charging port and a second charging port, an AC to DC converter circuit being present in a power path from the first charging port to the electrical energy storage device, and no AC to DC converter circuit being present in a power path from the second charging port to the electrical energy storage device; The second charging port is provided with a cover configured to open and close the second charging port; the control device being configured to: in response to a charging connector being connected to any one of the plurality of charging ports to use any one of the charging ports, before starting to charge the electric energy storage device, determine whether a predetermined charging inhibition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined charging inhibition condition is satisfied, keep each of a plurality of electric power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device disconnected by disconnecting the relay provided in the common portion; and When the cover of the unused second charging port is opened, the predetermined charging inhibition condition is satisfied.

12. The charging system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first charging port includes an AC port for receiving alternating current power; and The AC to DC converter circuit and the isolation circuit are present in the power path from the AC port to the electrical energy storage device.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that Comprising a charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A charging control device configured to control a switch device configured to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to an electric energy storage device, characterized in that: The switch device includes a relay disposed in a common portion of a plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device and configured to switch between connection and disconnection of the common portion; the charging control device being configured to: in response to a charging connector being connected to any one of the plurality of charging ports to use any one of the charging ports, before starting to charge the electric energy storage device, determine whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, keep each of a plurality of electric power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device disconnected by disconnecting the relay provided in the common portion; and The predetermined charge prohibition condition is satisfied when a cover of at least one charge port included in the plurality of charge ports and being other than a charge port to be used is opened.

15. A charging method, characterized in that: include: a switch device controlled by a control device to switch between connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of power paths from a plurality of charging ports to an electric energy storage device, the switch device comprising a relay provided in a common portion of the plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device and configured to switch between connection and disconnection of the common portion; in response to the charging connector being connected to any one of the plurality of charging ports to use any one of the charging ports, before starting to charge the electric energy storage device, determining by the control device whether a predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied; when the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied, disconnecting each of a plurality of power paths from the plurality of charging ports to the electric energy storage device by the control device by disconnecting the relay provided in the common portion so as not to start charging the electric energy storage device; as well as When the predetermined charging prohibition condition is not satisfied, the control device connects the power path from the charging port to be used included in the multiple charging ports to the energy storage device by closing the relay provided in the common part to start charging the energy storage device, wherein the predetermined charging prohibition condition is satisfied when the cover of at least one charging port included in the multiple charging ports and other than the charging port to be used is opened.

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