Power supply device, power supply program and power supply control system

Abstract

A power supply device, a power supply program and a power supply control system. The power supply device disclosed in the present invention is a power supply device that supplies power to an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device through either wireless power supply based on a wireless method or wired power supply based on a wired connection. The power supply device is equipped with a processor. When receiving information related to a disaster, the processor recommends power supply based on a wired connection as a control method for powering the electric vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a power supply program and a power supply control system. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-531680 describes a charging device that, after supplying an external power source to a vehicle, identifies whether the vehicle to which power is supplied is charging by wire or by wireless charging, and switches to the identified method to supply power to the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] When a disaster occurs, it is desirable to charge vehicles within a limited time.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device, a power supply program, and a power supply control system that can efficiently charge a vehicle when a disaster occurs.

[0005] The power supply device disclosed in the present invention is a power supply device that supplies power to an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device through either wireless power supply based on a wireless method or wired power supply based on a wired connection. The power supply device has a processor, and when receiving information related to a disaster, the processor recommends power supply based on the wired connection as a control method for powering the electric vehicle.

[0006] In addition, the power supply procedure disclosed in the present invention enables a processor of a power supply device that supplies power to an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device by performing either wireless power supply based on a wireless method or wired power supply based on a wired connection to perform the following processing: when receiving information related to a disaster, recommending power supply based on the wired connection as a control method for powering the electric vehicle.

[0007] In addition, the power supply control system disclosed in the present invention comprises: an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a power storage device; and a power supply device, the power supply device being a power supply device for supplying power to the electric vehicle in either direction of wireless power supply based on a wireless method or wired power supply based on a wired connection, the power supply device comprising a processor, and upon receiving information related to a disaster, the processor recommends power supply based on the wired connection as a control method for supplying power to the electric vehicle.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, vehicles can be charged efficiently when a disaster occurs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the power supply control system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the power supply control system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the power supply control system according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display provided in the power supply device according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display provided in a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in all the drawings of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are marked with the same reference numerals. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0019] (Implementation Method 1)

[0020] First, the power supply control system according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a power supply control system including a power supply device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the power supply control system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The power supply control system 1 includes a power supply control device 20, a vehicle 30, and a power supply device 40. In the power supply control system 1 of this embodiment, the power supply control device 20, each vehicle 30, and the power supply device 40 are connected through a network 10 in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other. The network 10 is composed of an Internet line network, a mobile phone line network, etc. that enable communication between the power supply control device 20, the vehicle 30, and the power supply device 40. In this embodiment, the vehicle 30 is an electric vehicle that can travel in a hybrid driving mode or an EV driving mode. In the vehicle 30, the battery 37 is charged using power supplied from a wired power supply unit 41 or a wireless power supply unit 42 managed by the power supply device 40.

[0022] The power supply control device 20 transmits the acquired information on power supply control corresponding to the disaster (hereinafter referred to as power supply control information) to the power supply device 40 installed in the corresponding area.

[0023] The power supply control device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a power supply control information generating unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24. The power supply control device 20 is configured using one or more computers including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The communication unit 21 is connected to the network 10 and communicates with the vehicle 30 and the power supply device 40. The communication unit 21 is composed of a receiving unit that receives information related to the vehicle 30 from the power supply device 40, and a transmitting unit that transmits various information including a power supply signal to the vehicle 30 as a transmission target. In addition, the communication unit 21 receives information related to disasters issued by, for example, a disaster prevention center of a national or local government.

[0025] The power supply control information generating unit 22 generates disaster information based on information related to disasters acquired from the outside. The disaster information includes disasters predicted in the future as well as disasters that have already occurred.

[0026] The storage unit 23 is configured using a computer-readable recording medium, and stores various programs and various data in a writable and readable manner. The recording medium is configured to include a storage medium such as an optical disk, a flash memory, a magnetic disk, and a drive device for these storage media.

[0027] The storage unit 23 also includes a control information storage unit 231. The control information storage unit 231 stores information related to power supply control of the power supply device 40 when a disaster occurs.

[0028] The control unit 24 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the power supply control device 20 .

[0029] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the vehicle 30 is described. The vehicle 30 includes a transceiver 31, a communication unit 32, a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 33, a power supply signal processing unit 34, an input / output unit 35, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 36. In addition, a battery 37 for supplying power to each unit is provided in the vehicle 30. The battery 37 is configured to be rechargeable. The components for controlling the vehicle 30 are configured using one or more computers including a CPU, an FPGA, a ROM, and a RAM.

[0030] The transceiver 31 functions as a receiving unit that receives a power supply signal from the power supply device 40, and functions as a transmitting unit that transmits its own information in electromagnetic waves to the power supply device 40. The receiving unit and the transmitting unit that transmits its own information to the power supply device 40 may not be integrated but may be provided separately.

[0031] The communication unit 32 communicates with the power supply control device 20 by wireless communication via the network 10. The communication unit 32 receives driving support information for supporting the driving of the vehicle 30 from the power supply control device 20. In addition, the driving support information includes road traffic information such as regulation and congestion. In addition, the communication unit 32 can be configured to send its own information to the connected power supply device 40.

[0032] The GPS unit 33 receives radio waves from a GPS satellite and detects the position of the vehicle 30. The detected position is output to the outside as position information of the vehicle 30 or is stored in a storage unit.

[0033] The power supply signal processing unit 34 converts the power supply signal received from the power supply device 40 into electric power and supplies the electric power to the battery 37. The power supply signal is a wireless power supply signal received by the transceiver 31. When a wired connection is established, the supplied electric power is input to the battery 37.

[0034] The input / output unit 35 is composed of a touch panel display, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The input / output unit 35 is configured to display text, graphics, etc. on the screen of the touch panel display, output sound from the speaker, and input and output predetermined information such as information related to driving support according to the control of the ECU 36. In addition, the input / output unit 35 is configured to input predetermined information to the ECU 36 by the user of the vehicle 30, etc., operating the touch panel display and speaking to the microphone.

[0035] ECU 36 is composed of an information processing device such as a microcomputer including a CPU, FPGA, ROM, and RAM. ECU 36 comprehensively controls the electrical operation of each part of the vehicle 30. ECU 36 is configured to perform calculations using input data, pre-stored data, and programs, and output the calculation results as control command signals.

[0036] In addition, the vehicle 30 is provided with a storage unit including a storage medium such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory and a drive device for these storage media, and a sensor for detecting an object approaching the forward side, etc. The storage unit stores an operating system (OS) and various application programs required for the ECU 36 to comprehensively control the operation of each part of the vehicle 30.

[0037] In addition, the vehicle 30 includes a control mechanism and an operating mechanism for driving the vehicle 30. Specifically, the vehicle 30 includes a powertrain and drive wheels as a drive mechanism. The powertrain includes a power source that generates a drive force and outputs it from an output shaft, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force output by the power source to the drive wheels 2.

[0038] In addition, the operating mechanism is composed of a shift lever, an accelerator pedal, and the like.

[0039] When the vehicle 30 is automatically driven, each component is driven according to an instruction signal based on the control of the ECU 36 .

[0040] The power supply device 40 includes a wired power supply unit 41, a wireless power supply unit 42, and a power supply control unit 43. The power supply device 40 is configured using one or more computers including a CPU, an FPGA, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0041] The wired power supply unit 41 has a connector connected to the vehicle 30. The wired power supply unit 41 transmits a power supply signal to the vehicle 30 in a state where the connector is connected to the vehicle 30.

[0042] The wireless power supply unit 42 transmits a power supply signal to the vehicle 30 by wirelessly communicating with the transceiver unit 31 of the vehicle 30. By transmitting the power supply signal by the wireless power supply unit 42, non-contact charging is implemented between the vehicle 30 and the power supply device 40. The power supply signal is supplied to the vehicle 30 by communicating with the wireless power supply unit 42 provided in the power supply device 40 through the transceiver unit 31 provided in the vehicle 30. The transceiver unit 31 and the power supply device 40 are respectively configured using, for example, a coil, a switching circuit, and a rectifier smoothing circuit, and transmit and receive power supply signals by magnetic field resonance. Thus, the vehicle 30 and the power supply device 40 communicate in a non-contact state. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of using electromagnetic waves to perform power supply and transmit information is described, but it can also be configured to use light for power supply / information transmission.

[0043] The power supply control unit 43 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the power supply device 40. When a disaster occurs, upon receiving power supply control information for controlling power supply related to the disaster from the power supply control device 20, the power supply control unit 43 controls the power supply device 40 according to the power supply control information.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power supply device 40 has a detection function for detecting the vehicle 30 located on the power supply device 40 and a receiving function for receiving information of the vehicle 30. The detection function and the receiving function are configured using, for example, a loop antenna. For example, regarding the detection function, a detection signal is sent to the power supply device 40 when the vehicle 30 is detected. In addition, if the vehicle can be detected using a coil for power supply, the coil can also be used in common for power supply and detection.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 3 The power supply control process performed by the power supply control system 1 will be described. Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system according to the first embodiment.

[0046] First, the power supply control device 20 generates power supply control information when acquiring information related to a disaster (step S101). The generated power supply control information includes information on the type and scale of the disaster and power supply by wired connection of the recommended power supply device set for the disaster.

[0047] The power supply control device 20 transmits the power supply control information to the power supply device 40 installed in the corresponding area (step S102).

[0048] On the other hand, in the power supply device 40, it is determined whether the power supply control information has been received (step S103). When the power supply control unit 43 has not received the power supply control information (step S103: No), it repeatedly determines whether the power supply control information has been received. On the other hand, when the power supply control unit 43 determines that the power supply control information has been received (step S103: Yes), it moves to step S104.

[0049] In step S104, the power supply control unit 43 performs a priority setting for power supply based on a wireless / wired method according to the power supply control information. In the first embodiment, a setting is performed to give priority to power supply based on a wired method. After the setting, the power supply control unit 43 implements power supply control based on a wired method (step S105). Thus, when the power supply device 40 supplies power to the vehicle 30, power supply processing based on a wired connection is implemented. For example, when the vehicle 30 does not support a wired connection, it can be set to allow power supply based on a wireless method, or it can be set to refuse power supply.

[0050] Then, the control unit 24 determines whether disaster elimination information has been received (step S106). Here, when the control unit 24 determines that no elimination information has been received (step S106: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that elimination information has been received (step S106: Yes), it moves to step S107.

[0051] In step S107 , the control unit 24 transmits release information for releasing the power supply control due to the disaster to the power supply device 40 .

[0052] On the other hand, the power supply control unit 43 determines whether the release information has been received (step S108). When the power supply control unit 43 determines that the release information has not been received (step S108: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the power supply control unit 43 determines that the release information has been received (step S108: Yes), it moves to step S109.

[0053] In step S109, the power supply control unit 43 returns the power supply control to the normal state, and releases the priority control of the wired mode of the power supply device 40. The normal state here refers to a state in which a disaster has not occurred or is not predicted to occur. In the normal state, it is possible to use the power supply in a manner in which neither the wired mode nor the wireless mode has priority.

[0054] In the first embodiment described above, when a disaster occurs, priority is given to power supply based on a wired method, and power supply to the vehicle 30 is implemented through a wired connection. When power supply to the vehicle 30 is implemented, the transmission efficiency of the power supply signal is higher in the power supply based on a wired connection than in the power supply based on a wireless connection. Therefore, compared with the case of implementing the power supply through a wireless connection, the remaining amount of power storage in the vehicle 30 can be increased in a short time. According to the first embodiment, the vehicle can be efficiently charged when a disaster occurs.

[0055] (Implementation Method 2)

[0056] Next, embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the power supply control system of Embodiment 2. The power supply control system 1A of Embodiment 2 has a power supply device 40A instead of the power supply device 40, compared with the structure of the power supply control system 1 of Embodiment 1. The following describes the parts that are different from Embodiment 1 (the structure of the power supply device 40A and the processing content of the power supply control system 1A).

[0057] The power supply device 40A includes a wired power supply unit 41, a wireless power supply unit 42, a power supply control unit 43A, and a display unit 44. The power supply device 40A is configured using one or more computers including a CPU, an FPGA, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0058] The power supply control unit 43A controls the operation of each unit of the power supply device 40A in an overall manner. The power supply control unit 43A includes a display control unit 431. When a disaster occurs, upon receiving power supply control information from the power supply control device 20, the display control unit 431 controls the display of the display unit 44 according to the power supply control information.

[0059] The display unit 44 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc. The display unit 44 displays an image on the display based on the control of the display control unit 431 .

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 5 The power supply control process performed by the power supply control system 1A will be described. Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system according to the second embodiment.

[0061] and Figure 3 Similarly to steps S101 to S104 of the flowchart shown, when the power supply control device 20 acquires information related to the disaster, it transmits power supply control information to the power supply device 40A, and the power supply device 40A is set to give priority to power supply by wired method (steps S201 to S204).

[0062] After setting the control to prioritize the wired method, the power supply control unit 43A displays power supply recommendation information recommending charging by the wired method on the display unit 44 (step S205 ). Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display provided in a power supply device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 As shown, by displaying the message "Due to the disaster, wired charging is recommended." on the display unit 44 (display) of the power supply device 40A, wired charging is recommended to the user of the vehicle 30. Thus, the vehicle 30 is powered by wired charging.

[0063] At this time, the power supply control device 20 may display information recommending wired connection on a display of the vehicle 30 traveling in the disaster area. Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display provided in a vehicle according to Embodiment 2. Figure 7 In the display screen W1 shown, text information D2 is superimposed on the navigation image D1 including map information, etc. The text information D2 includes information that the current area where the vehicle is traveling is within the disaster area, and information related to the recommended charging method. Through these displays, the driver of the vehicle 30 traveling in the disaster area is informed that the vehicle is traveling in the disaster area and the recommended charging method. When the driver is supplying power in the area, the recommended charging method can be used to implement charging.

[0064] Then, the control unit 24 determines whether disaster elimination information has been received (step S206). Here, when the control unit 24 determines that no elimination information has been received (step S206: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that elimination information has been received (step S206: Yes), it moves to step S207.

[0065] In step S207 , the control unit 24 transmits release information for releasing the power supply control due to the disaster to the power supply device 40A.

[0066] On the other hand, the power supply control unit 43A determines whether the release information has been received (step S208). When the power supply control unit 43A determines that the release information has not been received (step S208: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the power supply control unit 43A determines that the release information has been received (step S208: Yes), it moves to step S209.

[0067] In step S209 , the power supply control unit 43A returns the power supply control to the normal state, and cancels the wired priority control of the power supply device 40A.

[0068] According to the second embodiment described above, when a disaster occurs, by recommending charging using a wired method with high transmission efficiency of a power supply signal through display, the vehicle can be charged efficiently.

[0069] (Implementation 3)

[0070] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. The configuration of the power supply control system of Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the power supply control system 1A of Embodiment 2, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. The processing contents different from those of Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0071] Figure 8 is a timing chart for explaining the power supply control process performed by the power supply control system of the third embodiment. Figure 5 Similarly to steps S201 to S204 of the flowchart shown, when the power supply control device 20 acquires information related to the disaster, it transmits power supply control information to the power supply device 40A, and the power supply device 40A is set to give priority to power supply by wired method (steps S301 to S304).

[0072] After the control setting that gives priority to the wired method, the power supply control unit 43A determines whether the vehicle 30 to be powered can be charged in both wired and wireless methods (step S305). At this time, the power supply control unit 43A obtains information about the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30 located in the power supply range of the power supply device 40A by wireless or wired. When the power supply control unit 43A determines that the vehicle 30 to be powered can be charged only in one of the wired and wireless methods (step S305: Yes), the process proceeds to step S309. In contrast, when the power supply control unit 43A determines that the vehicle 30 to be powered can be charged in both wired and wireless methods (step S305: No), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0073] In step S306, the power supply control unit 43A displays power supply recommendation information recommending wired charging on the display unit 44. For example, Figure 6 The information shown is displayed on the display unit 44. At this time, the recommended information (see Figure 7 ) is displayed on a display of the vehicle 30.

[0074] Then, the control unit 24 determines whether disaster elimination information has been received (step S307). Here, when the control unit 24 determines that no elimination information has been received (step S307: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that elimination information has been received (step S307: Yes), it moves to step S308.

[0075] In step S308 , the control unit 24 transmits release information for releasing the power supply control due to the disaster to the power supply device 40A.

[0076] On the other hand, the power supply control unit 43A determines whether the release information has been received (step S309). When the power supply control unit 43A determines that the release information has not been received (step S309: No), it repeatedly performs reception confirmation. On the other hand, when the power supply control unit 43A determines that the release information has been received (step S309: Yes), it moves to step S310.

[0077] In step S310 , the power supply control unit 43A returns the power supply control to the normal state, and cancels the wired priority control of the power supply device 40A.

[0078] In the third embodiment described above, when a disaster occurs, by recommending charging using a wired method with high transmission efficiency of a power supply signal, the vehicle can be charged efficiently.

[0079] In the third embodiment, an example in which the recommendation information is displayed on the power supply device 40A is described. However, as in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the power supply device 40A controls the power supply method itself may be applied.

[0080] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, an example of controlling power supply by a power supply device based on reception of disaster information is described, but this is not limited to disaster information. For example, it can also be applied to situations where there are continuous reservations for use of the power supply device and the charging time required for each vehicle 30 is shortened.

[0081] (Recording Medium)

[0082] In one embodiment, a program capable of executing a processing method involved in a power supply control system may be recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer, etc.). By making a computer, etc. read and execute the program of the recording medium, the computer, etc. functions as a control unit of each device of the power supply control system. Here, a recording medium readable by a computer, etc. refers to a non-transient recording medium that can store information such as data or programs and be read by a computer, etc. through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical effects. As such a recording medium that can be removed from a computer, etc., for example, there are memory cards such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), BDs, DATs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, etc. In addition, as a recording medium fixed to a computer, etc., there are hard disks, ROMs, etc. Moreover, SSDs can be used as recording media that can be removed from a computer, etc., and can also be used as recording media fixed to a computer, etc.

[0083] (Other Embodiments)

[0084] In the power supply control system of one embodiment, the term "unit" can be replaced by "circuit" etc. For example, the term "communication unit" can be replaced by a communication circuit.

[0085] Furthermore, the program executed by each device of the power supply control system according to one embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0086] Further effects and variations can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. The broader technical solutions disclosed herein are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the conceptual spirit or scope of the general invention defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A power supply control system, comprising: An electric vehicle comprising a power storage device; a power supply device for supplying power to the electric vehicle by either wireless power supply based on a wireless method or wired power supply based on a wired connection, the power supply device comprising a processor, and upon receiving information on power supply control corresponding to a disaster, namely, power supply control information, the processor recommends power supply based on the wired connection as a control method for supplying power to the electric vehicle; and a power supply control device, the power supply control device transmitting the acquired power supply control information to the power supply device installed in the region to which it belongs, and comprising a second processor for controlling the power supply device, The power supply control device, the electric vehicle, and the power supply device are connected via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. When the power supply device receives the power supply control information from the power supply control device, the power supply device controls the power supply device according to the power supply control information. The power supply device includes a display unit having a display, and the processor of the power supply device causes the display unit to display information recommending the wired power supply. The second processor of the power supply control device causes a display of the electric vehicle located in a disaster area to display information that the electric vehicle is currently located in a disaster area and information recommending the wired power supply.

2. The power supply control system according to claim 1, The processor preferentially uses the power supply based on the wired connection as the power supply mode.

3. The power supply control system according to claim 1, The processor determines whether the electric vehicle, which is a power supply target of the power supply device, can be charged based on both the wireless power supply and the wired power supply, and performs control according to the determination result.

4. The power supply control system according to claim 1, The processor performs control to recommend power supply by the wired connection when it is determined that the electric vehicle can be charged by both the wireless power supply and the wired power supply.

5. The power supply control system according to claim 1, The processor cancels the control of recommending power supply based on the wired connection when disaster relief information is released at the location where the power supply device is located.

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