Portable charger

Abstract

The present application relates to a portable charger. The portable charger (10A, 10B) includes an AC input unit (201, 202), a DC output unit (203), a power conversion circuit (110), and a controller (150). The DC output unit (203) includes a start switch (203b). When the start switch (203b) is operated by a user, the start switch (203b) instructs the controller (150) to control the power conversion circuit (110) so that the DC output unit (203) outputs DC power. However, when at least one of the AC input unit (201, 202) and the DC output unit (203) is not connected, the start switch (203b) is disabled.

Description

[0001] This non-temporary application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-014337 filed on February 1, 2021 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a portable charger, and particularly relates to a portable charger that receives AC power and outputs DC power. BACKGROUND

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-043636 discloses a portable charger that receives AC power and outputs DC power. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the portable charger described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-043636, a storage device of a vehicle can be charged using an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that supplies AC power. A user can start charging by connecting the portable charger to both the EVSE and the vehicle and then operating a start switch provided on the EVSE. However, the above-described process at the time of starting charging is burdensome for the user, and requiring the user to perform such a process at the time of starting charging leads to a decrease in user convenience. The portable charger described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-043636 has room for improvement in terms of user convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a portable charger having enhanced user convenience in a process of starting charging.

[0006] A portable charger according to the present disclosure includes an AC input unit, a DC output unit, a power conversion circuit, and a controller. The AC input unit is connectable to an output unit of a power supply facility, and the AC input unit receives AC power from the output unit of the power supply facility. The DC output unit is connectable to a power reception unit of a power supply target, and the DC output unit outputs DC power to the power reception unit of the power supply target. The power conversion circuit converts the AC power input from the AC input unit into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC output unit. The controller controls the power conversion circuit. The DC output unit includes a start switch. When the start switch is operated by a user, the start switch instructs the controller to control the power conversion circuit so that the DC output unit outputs the DC power. The portable charger is configured so that the start switch is disabled when at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected.

[0007] According to the above-described portable charger, the user can start the power supply (supply of DC power) to the power supply target by connecting the AC input unit of the portable charger to the output unit of the power supply facility, then connecting the DC output unit of the portable charger to the power reception unit of the power supply target, and further operating the start switch provided on the DC output unit. Since the user is likely to hold the DC output unit by hand and connect the DC output unit to the power reception unit, the user is likely to operate the start switch after the connection of the DC output unit. The user can perform the connection of the DC output unit and the operation of the start switch as a series of processes. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the user convenience in the process of starting charging can be improved.

[0008] In the above-described portable charger, the DC output unit is provided with the start switch. Therefore, when the user holds the DC output unit by hand and connects the DC output unit to the power reception unit, the user can mistakenly operate the start switch. It is undesirable to output DC power to the DC output unit in a state where the DC output unit is not connected to the power reception unit, because it can cause wasteful power consumption or malfunction. Therefore, the above-described portable charger is configured such that the start switch is disabled when at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected. As a result, it is possible to suppress the output of DC power to the DC output unit in a state where the DC output unit is not connected to the power reception unit.

[0009] The above-described portable charger can further include a presentation device described below. The presentation device provides a first presentation when the user operates the start switch in a state where both the AC input unit and the DC output unit are connected, and provides a second presentation different from the first presentation when the user operates the start switch in a state where at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected.

[0010] According to the above-described configuration, the user can more easily grasp the connection state of the AC input unit and the DC output unit when operating the start switch.

[0011] The start switch can be capable of lighting up. The presentation device can switch the lighting state of the start switch between the first presentation and the second presentation.

[0012] The user is likely to see the start switch when the user operates the start switch. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the user can more easily check the first presentation and the second presentation.

[0013] The above portable charger can further include a lock mechanism that switches the start switch between a locked state that restricts operation of the start switch by the user and an unlocked state that allows operation of the start switch by the user. The above portable charger can be configured such that when at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected, the lock mechanism causes the start switch to enter the locked state, thereby disabling the start switch.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the user can recognize whether the start switch is enabled or disabled based on whether the start switch can be normally operated.

[0015] The above portable charger can further include an input device that accepts a setting of a timer charge from the user. The above portable charger can be configured such that when the timer charge is set by the user, the start switch is disabled.

[0016] The timer charge charges according to a preset schedule. When the timer charge, charging is started at a preset start time. According to the above configuration, the start of charging by the operation of the start switch and the start of charging by the arrival of the start time of the timer charge can be used according to the situation.

[0017] The input device can be arranged on the DC output unit.

[0018] Since the user can hold the DC output unit by hand and connect the DC output unit to the power receiving unit, the user is easy to operate the input device after connecting the DC output unit. According to the above configuration, the user can perform the connection of the DC output unit and the setting of the timer charge as a series of processes.

[0019] Any of the above portable chargers can be applied to charging of an electric storage device of a vehicle. More specifically, any of the above portable chargers can be configured as follows.

[0020] In any of the above portable chargers, the power supply target can be a vehicle including an electric storage device. The power receiving unit can be a DC power inlet of the vehicle. The DC output unit can be a DC connector connectable to the DC power inlet.

[0021] The power supply facility can be a first electric vehicle supply device including an electrical outlet. The output unit can be the electrical outlet of the first electric vehicle supply device. The AC input unit can be an AC plug connectable to the electrical outlet.

[0022] The power supply facility can be a second electric vehicle supply device including a cable. The output unit can be a connector of the cable of the second electric vehicle supply device. The AC input unit can be an AC inlet connectable to the cable connector.

[0023] Any of the above portable chargers can further include a housing, a first cable, and a second cable. The housing can have a power conversion circuit built in therein. The power conversion circuit can be connected to the AC input unit through the first cable and to the DC output unit through the second cable.

[0024] While the power conversion circuit can be built in one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit, a space for accommodating the power conversion circuit is required to build the power conversion circuit therein. In the above configuration, the power conversion circuit is provided in the housing connectable to each of the AC input unit and the DC output unit through the cables, thus realizing a reduction in size of the AC input unit and the DC output unit.

[0025] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 An example of an appearance of a portable charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A configuration in a housing of a portable charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 An example of a circuit configuration of an AC / DC conversion circuit shown. Figure 1

[0029] An example of a locking mechanism of a DC connector shown. Figure 4 Figure 1 A locked state of the locking mechanism of the DC connector shown.

[0030] Figure 5 An unlocked state of the locking mechanism of the DC connector shown. Figure 1

[0031] A flowchart showing a process related to a start of charging in a charging control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6

[0032] A DC connector in a portable charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before connection is shown. Figure 7

[0033] A state in which the DC connector shown is connected to a DC inlet. Figure 8 Figure 7 A state in which the DC connector shown is connected to a DC inlet.

[0034] Figure 9 A modification of a means for disabling a start button is shown.

[0035] ​​Figure 10 An example of a timer charging setting screen is shown.

[0036] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 a first modification of the processing shown.

[0037] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 a second modification of the processing shown.

[0038] Figure 13 A modification of the first presentation is shown.

[0039] Figure 14 A modification of the second presentation is shown.

[0040] Figure 15 is shown Figure 2 a modification of the portable charger shown.

[0041] Figure 16 is shown Figure 1 a modification of the portable charger shown.

[0042] Figure 17 is shown Figure 16 the internal structure of the portable charger shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like or corresponding parts are denoted by like reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0044] Figure 1 An example of the appearance of a portable charger according to the present embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 1 , the charger 10A is a portable charger including a housing 100A, an AC plug 201, and a DC connector 203. The housing 100A is connected to the AC plug 201 by a cable 201a, and is connected to the DC connector 203 by a cable 203a. The housing 100A further includes an AC port 101A that receives AC power received by the AC plug 201, and a DC port 103A that outputs DC power to the DC connector 203. Each of the cables 201a and 203a includes an electric wire. A first electric wire in the cable 201a and a second electric wire in the cable 203a are connected to a circuit in the housing 100A through the AC port 101A and the DC port 103A, respectively. In the present embodiment, the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 correspond to examples of an “AC input unit” and a “DC output unit” according to the present disclosure, respectively. The cable 201a and the cable 203a correspond to examples of a “first cable” and a “second cable” according to the present disclosure, respectively.

[0045] In the charger 10A according to the present embodiment, the DC connector 203 includes a start button 203b, a detector 203c, an operation panel 203d, and a display 203e. The start button 203b is capable of being illuminated. The start button 203b includes a light emitter 210 (e.g., a light emitting diode). In the present embodiment, the start button 203b corresponds to an example of the "start switch" according to the present disclosure. A lock mechanism 220 is provided inside the DC connector 203. Details of the configuration of the DC connector 203 will be described below.

[0046] Figure 2 The structure of the charger 10A according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 2 The charger 10A is shown in an enlarged manner, and is a portable charger that can be loaded onto / from the vehicle 303.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1 and 2 , the charger 10A includes a housing 100A. The charger 10A includes, inside the housing 100A, an AC / DC conversion circuit 110, a voltage sensor 121, a detection circuit 122, and a controller 150. The charger 10A includes, outside the housing 100A, an AC plug 201 and a DC connector 203. The AC plug 201 and the AC port 101A are connected to each other by a cable 201a. The DC connector 203 and the DC port 103A are connected to each other by a cable 203a.

[0048] The vehicle 303 includes a DC inlet (DC power inlet) 303a and an electrical storage device 303b. The vehicle 303 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle that travels using electric power stored by the electrical storage device 303b. The electrical storage device 303b is, for example, a secondary battery that supplies electric power to a motor (not shown) for traveling of the vehicle 303. The electrical storage device 303b can be an assembled battery including a plurality of lithium-ion secondary batteries. The DC connector 203 is used to electrically connect the charger 10A to the electrical storage device 303b. The DC connector 203 is connectable to the DC inlet 303a of the vehicle 303. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 303 and the DC inlet 303a respectively correspond to examples of the "power supply target" and the "power receiving unit" according to the present disclosure.

[0049] The electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 301 supplies AC power for charging the power storage device 303b. The EVSE 301 includes an AC outlet (AC power outlet) 301a. The AC plug 201 can be connected to the AC outlet 301a of the EVSE 301. In the connected state, the AC power output from the AC outlet 301a is input to the AC plug 201. The EVSE 301 can be a non-public EVSE (e.g., a home-use EVSE) that is usable only by a specific user. In the present embodiment, the EVSE 301 and the AC outlet 301a correspond to examples of the "power supply facility" and the "output unit" according to the present disclosure, respectively. The EVSE 301 corresponds to an example of the "first electric vehicle supply equipment" according to the present disclosure.

[0050] The controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110. The AC / DC conversion circuit 110 converts the AC power input from the AC port 101A into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC port 103A. The AC / DC conversion circuit 110 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "power conversion circuit" according to the present disclosure. The circuit configuration in the housing 100A will be described in detail below.

[0051] The power lines PL1a and PL1b are connected to the first end of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110, and the power lines PL2a and PL2b are connected to the second end of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110. During charging, the AC power is input to the first end of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110, and the DC power is output from the second end of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110.

[0052] Figure 3 An example of the circuit configuration of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 is shown. Referring to Figure 3 along with Figure 2 , the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit 111, an isolation circuit 112, and a rectifier circuit 113.

[0053] The PFC circuit 111 includes a rectifier circuit 111a and an inverter 111b. The rectifier circuit 111a rectifies and steps up the input AC power. More specifically, the rectifier circuit 111a includes two sets of upper and lower arms, two inductors, and one smoothing capacitor. In each set of upper and lower arms, the upper arm includes a diode and the lower arm includes a switching element. The switching elements of the lower arms are controlled by the controller 150. Each switching element included in the rectifier circuit 111a is controlled by the controller 150, thereby allowing the rectifier circuit 111a to function as a step-up chopper circuit.

[0054] The inverter 111b is a full-bridge circuit including four switching elements. Each switching element is controlled by the controller 150. Each switching element included in the inverter 111b is controlled by the controller 150, thereby transforming the DC power input from the rectifier circuit 111a to the inverter 111b into high-frequency AC power.

[0055] The insulation circuit 112 is an isolation transformer including coils 112a and 112b. The rectifier circuit 113 is connected to the coil 112a through an electric wire, while the PFC circuit 111 is connected to the coil 112b through an electric wire. The coil 112a and the coil 112b are electrically insulated from each other. The insulation circuit 112 steps up the AC voltage applied to the coil 112b and outputs the stepped-up voltage to the coil 112a.

[0056] The rectifier circuit 113 is a diode bridge circuit including four diodes. The rectifier circuit 113 converts the AC power supplied from the coil 112a of the insulation circuit 112 into DC power.

[0057] With the above-described structure, the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 performs AC / DC conversion (conversion from AC to DC) of the AC power input to the power lines PL1a and PL1b from the AC plug 201 (refer to Figure 2 ) during charging, and outputs DC power to the power lines PL2a and PL2b. More specifically, the rectifier circuit 111a rectifies and steps up the AC power input to the power lines PL1a and PL1b, and outputs DC power to the inverter 111b, and the inverter 111b converts the DC power received from the rectifier circuit 111a into high-frequency AC power. The insulation circuit 112 transmits the output (AC power) of the inverter 111b to the rectifier circuit 113, and the rectifier circuit 113 rectifies the AC power received from the insulation circuit 112 and outputs the rectified power to the power lines PL2a and PL2b.

[0058] The configuration of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 is not limited to Figure 3 the configuration shown in the drawing. For example, the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 can be a rectifier circuit that does not include an insulation circuit. Various sensors (for example, a current sensor and a voltage sensor) can be provided at appropriate positions of the circuit shown in the drawing in order to obtain information used for control by the controller 150. Figure 3

[0059] Referring again to Figure 2 ​The voltage sensor 121 detects the voltage between the power line PL1a and the power line PL1b. The voltage between the power line PL1a and the power line PL1b corresponds to the input voltage of the AC / DC conversion circuit 110. The detection result of the voltage sensor 121 is output to the controller 150. Based on the output of the voltage sensor 121, the controller 150 determines whether the AC plug 201 is connected. When the AC power is input to the AC / DC conversion circuit 110, the controller 150 determines that the AC plug 201 is connected to the AC outlet 301a. However, the method for detecting whether the AC plug 201 is connected is not limited to the voltage sensor 121.

[0060] The detection circuit 122 detects whether the DC connector 203 is connected based on the change in the resistance when the DC connector 203 is connected to the DC inlet 303a. The detection result of the detection circuit 122 is output to the controller 150. The method for detecting whether the DC connector 203 is connected is not limited to the detection circuit 122. Whether the DC connector 203 is connected can be detected by a signal transmitted from the vehicle 303 to the controller 150 when the DC connector 203 is connected to the DC inlet 303a. Alternatively, whether the DC connector 203 is connected can be detected by a connection sensor (not illustrated) provided in the DC connector 203.

[0061] Each of the AC port 101A and the DC port 103A includes a wiring hole. The power lines PL1a and PL1b extend from the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 located inside the housing 100A to the AC plug 201 located outside the housing 100A through the AC port 101A (wiring hole) and the inside of the cable 201a. The power lines PL2a and PL2b extend from the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 located inside the housing 100A to the DC connector 203 located outside the housing 100A through the DC port 103A (wiring hole) and the inside of the cable 203a. A signal line (not illustrated) between the controller 150 and the vehicle 303 also passes through the DC port 103A (wiring hole).

[0062] The controller 150 includes a processor 151, a random access memory (RAM) 152, a storage device 153, and a communication interface (I / F) 154. The processor 151 can be a central processing unit (CPU). The RAM 152 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores data processed by the processor 151. The storage device 153 is capable of holding stored information. The storage device 153 includes, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The communication I / F 154 includes various communication I / Fs that allow the controller 150 to communicate with the vehicle 303. In addition to programs, information used by the programs (for example, maps, mathematical equations, and various parameters) is also stored in the storage device 153. In the present embodiment, the processor 151 executes the programs stored in the storage device 153, whereby various types of control are executed in the controller 150.

[0063] Although not shown in Figure 2 , a power supply circuit of the controller 150 is provided in the housing 100A. The power supply circuit of the controller 150 generates driving power (power for operating the controller 150) for the controller 150 using electric power supplied from a prescribed power supply, and supplies the generated driving power to the controller 150. The power supply circuit of the controller 150 can generate the driving power for the controller 150 using a power supply (for example, a capacitor or a secondary battery) in the housing 100A. Alternatively, the power supply circuit of the controller 150 can generate the driving power for the controller 150 using AC electric power supplied to the AC port 101A. The power supply circuit of the controller 150 can be connected to the power lines PL1a and PL1b.

[0064] With reference to Figure 1 and 2 , the light emitter 210 of the start button 203b of the DC connector 203 is controlled by the controller 150. When the user presses the start button 203b, the start button 203b instructs the controller 150 to control the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 so that the DC connector 203 outputs DC electric power. The detector 203c detects whether the start button 203b is operated. When the start button 203b is pressed, a charging start signal is sent from the detector 203c to the controller 150. The charging start signal corresponds to the above-described instruction to the controller 150. When the controller 150 receives the charging start signal, the controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 as instructed to cause the DC connector 203 to output DC electric power. The operation panel 203d is operated by the user. The charging conditions can be set through the operation panel 203d. The display 203e displays information on charging (for example, charging electric power and charging time).

[0065] The user can start the supply of electric power to the vehicle 303 (the supply of DC electric power) by connecting the AC plug 201 of the charger 10A to the AC outlet 301A of the EVSE 301, then connecting the DC connector 203 of the charger 10A to the DC inlet 303A of the vehicle 303, and further pressing the start button 203b provided on the DC connector 203. Since the user is likely to hold the DC connector 203 by hand and connect the DC connector 203 to the DC inlet 303a, the user is likely to press the start button 203b after connecting the DC connector 203. The user can perform the connection of the DC connector 203 and the operation of the start button 203b as a series of processes. Therefore, according to the charger 10A configured as described above, the user convenience of the process at the time of starting charging can be improved.

[0066] In the charger 10A, the DC connector 203 is provided with the start button 203b. Therefore, when the user holds the DC connector 203 by hand and connects the DC connector 203 to the DC inlet 303a of the vehicle 303, the user can erroneously operate the start button 203b. It is undesirable to output DC electric power to the DC connector 203 in a state where the DC connector 203 is not connected to the DC inlet 303a, because it can cause wasteful electric power consumption or malfunction. Therefore, in the charger 10A according to the present embodiment, the start button 203b is disabled when at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected.

[0067] The lock mechanism 220 provided inside the DC connector 203 switches the start button 203b between a locked state and an unlocked state, the locked state being a state in which the user's operation of the start button 203b is restricted, and the unlocked state being a state in which the user's operation of the start button 203b is allowed. The lock mechanism 220 is controlled by the controller 150. In a state where there is no instruction from the controller 150 (for example, a non-powered state), the lock mechanism 220 causes the start button 203b to enter the locked state. When at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected, the lock mechanism 220 causes the start button 203b to enter the locked state, thereby disabling the start button 203b.

[0068] Examples of the lock mechanism 220 will be described below with reference to Figure 4 and 5

[0069] Figure 4 The lock mechanism 220 in the locked state is shown. Referring to Figure 4 ​, the lock mechanism 220 includes a restriction member 221 and an electromagnetic actuator 222 that drives the restriction member 221. The actuator 222 is controlled by the controller 150. The controller 150 controls the actuator 222 to move the restriction member 221 to a position that restricts the sliding of the start button 203b, thereby bringing the start button 203b into the locked state. The controller 150 brings the start button 203b into the locked state when at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected. When the start button 203b is in the locked state, the movement of the start button 203b in the push-in direction is restricted by the restriction member 221. Therefore, the user cannot press the start button 203b in the locked state. When the start button 203b is in the locked state, the detector 203c does not detect the operation of the start button 203b, and therefore, the charge start signal is not sent from the detector 203c to the controller 150. When the start button 203b is in the locked state, the controller 150 controls the light emitter 210 to turn off the start button 203b.

[0070] Figure 5 The lock mechanism 220 in the unlocked state is shown. Referring to Figure 5 , the controller 150 controls the actuator 222 to move the restriction member 221 to a position that does not restrict the sliding of the start button 203b, thereby bringing the start button 203b into the unlocked state. The controller 150 brings the start button 203b into the unlocked state when both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 are connected. When the user presses the start button 203b in the unlocked state, the operation of the start button 203b is detected by the detector 203c, and the charge start signal is sent from the detector 203c to the controller 150. When the start button 203b is in the unlocked state, the controller 150 controls the light emitter 210 to turn on the start button 203b.

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the start of charging. The processing shown in the flowchart is started, for example, when the controller 150 is started. The controller 150 can be started when the AC plug 201 is connected to the AC outlet 301a. Alternatively, the controller 150 can be started when the power switch (not shown) of the charger 10A is turned on. The power switch of the charger 10A can be provided on the housing 100A or can be included in the operation panel 203d. When the series of processing shown in Figure 6 is started, the start button 203b is in the locked state (i.e., the press is restricted state) (see Figure 4 ).

[0072] Referring to Figure 6 together with Figure 1 and 2In step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 11, the charger 10A waits until both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 are connected. In S11, the charger 10A determines whether both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 have been connected. When the AC plug 201 is connected to the AC outlet 301a and the DC connector 203 is connected to the DC outlet 303a, it is determined YES in S11.

[0073] When it is determined YES in S11, in S12, the controller 150 controls the lock mechanism 220 to bring the start button 203b into the unlocked state (see Figure 5 ). Further, in S13, the controller 150 controls the light emitter 210 to light up the start button 203b.

[0074] Figure 7 The DC connector 203 before connection is shown. Referring to Figure 7 , the start button 203b is in the off state in the DC connector 203 before connection. Although not shown in Figure 7 , the AC plug 201 is connected to the AC outlet 301a. Figure 8 The state in which Figure 7 the DC connector 203 shown is connected to the DC inlet 303a is shown. Referring to Figure 8 , when the DC connector 203 is connected to the DC inlet 303a, the start button 203b is lit up. When the DC connector 203 is connected to the DC inlet 303a, the light 303c provided in the DC inlet 303a can be lit up. However, the light 303c is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 303, and thus, the responsiveness of the light 303c tends to be slower than the responsiveness of the start button 203b (the light emitter 210).

[0075] Referring again to Figure 6 , along with Figure 1 and 2 , in S14, the controller 150 determines whether the user has pressed the start button 203b. The controller 150 makes the determination in S14 based on the presence or absence of the charge start signal. The controller 150 receiving the charge start signal from the detector 203c means that the user has pressed the start button 203b (YES in S14). The controller 150 not receiving the charge start signal means that the start button 203b has not been pressed (NO in S14). During the period in which it is determined NO in S14, S11 to S14 are repeated.

[0076] When it is determined YES in S14, in S15, the controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 to cause the DC connector 203 to output DC power. Thereby, charging of the electric storage device 303b of the vehicle 303 is started. More specifically, the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 converts the AC power input from the EVSE 301 to the AC plug 201 into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC connector 203. Then, the DC power is supplied from the DC connector 203 to the DC inlet 303a of the vehicle 303, thereby charging the electric storage device 303b.

[0077] When the charging is started by the process in S15, Figure 6 the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends. Although details of the charging control are not provided, the AC power supplied from the AC plug 201 is converted into DC power by the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 and the DC power is output from the DC connector 203, thereby charging the electric storage device 303b. The controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110, thereby controlling the output power of the DC connector 203 (and further controlling the charging power of the electric storage device 303b). The controller 150 can control the charging power in response to a request from the vehicle 303. The charging of the electric storage device 303b continues until a prescribed end condition is satisfied. Then, when the end condition is satisfied, the charging is stopped. For example, when the electric storage device 303b is fully charged, the end condition can be satisfied. When the EVSE 301 and the vehicle 303 are no longer connected to each other during the charging, the end condition can be satisfied. When an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 303 or the EVSE 301 during the charging, the end condition can be satisfied.

[0078] As described above, in the charger 10A according to the present embodiment, the start button 203b is disabled when at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected. More specifically, when at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected, the controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 so that the DC power is not output to the DC connector 203 regardless of whether the start button 203b is operated (see Figure 6 ). When at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected, the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 cuts off the power, and therefore, the start button 203b is disabled. In addition, when the lock mechanism 220 brings the start button 203b into the locked state, the start button 203b is also disabled (see Figure 4 ). With the above configuration, the output of the DC power to the DC connector 203 in the case where the DC connector 203 is not connected to the DC inlet 303a is suppressed.

[0079] The structure of the start button 203b is not limited to Figure 1 ,4 As shown in Figure 5, when at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected, the start button 203b can be locked to an inaccessible state. When both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 are connected, the start button 203b can be popped out to an accessible state.

[0080] Although in the above embodiment, the start button 203B is disabled by both the software and mechanical locking mechanism 220 of the controller 150, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The start button 203b may be disabled by only one of the software and mechanical locking mechanisms 220 of the controller 150. Alternatively, the start button 203b may be disabled in any other manner.

[0081] Figure 9 A modification to the device for disabling the start button 203b is shown. (Reference) Figure 9 The circuit includes switches 231 and 232 connected in series. Switches 231 and 232 are positioned on the signal line of the charging start signal, and the charging start signal is input to the controller 150 when both switches 231 and 232 are closed. Switch 231 operates in conjunction with the start button 203b. When the start button 203b is not pressed, switch 231 is in the OFF state. When the start button 203b is pressed, switch 231 enters the ON state. Switch 232 is a normally open switch and is in the OFF state during non-powered conditions. Switch 232 is controlled by the controller 150. When at least one of the AC plug 201 and DC connector 203 is not connected, the controller 150 causes switch 232 to enter the OFF state. When both the AC plug 201 and DC connector 203 are connected, the controller 150 causes switch 232 to enter the ON state. When switch 232 is in the off state, no charging start signal is input to controller 150 regardless of whether start button 203b is operated. Therefore, start button 203b is disabled when switch 232 is in the off state.

[0082] The control panel 203d can accept timer charging settings from the user. The charger 10A (portable charger) can be configured to disable the start button 203b when the user sets a timer for charging.

[0083] Figure 10 An example of a timer charging settings screen is shown. (Reference) Figure 10 Together Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the user operates the operation panel 203d, the screen displayed on the monitor 203e is switched. The user can switch the screen from the main screen (not shown) to, for example... Figure 10 The timer charging settings screen shown.

[0084] The timer charging settings screen displays a title M11, a charging schedule M12, and the current time M13. The operation panel 203d includes a home button M20, cursor keys M31 and M32, a key button M41, and a cancel button M42. Each button in the operation panel 203d can be either a physical button or a virtual button displayed on the touch panel screen.

[0085] Cursor keys M31 and M32 are used to input the charging schedule M12. The Enter button M41 is used to fix the charging schedule M12. The Cancel button M42 is used to cancel the fix. The user can use cursor keys M31 to select the input position, use cursor keys M32 to change the input content (charging schedule M12), and use the Enter button M41 to fix the input content. When the Enter button M41 is pressed, timer charging is set in the controller 150 according to the charging schedule M12 (i.e., the start and end times input by the user). Subsequently, when the Cancel button M42 is pressed, the set timer charging is canceled. When the Home button M20 is pressed, the screen displayed on the monitor 203e switches to the main screen, and the timer charging setting is complete.

[0086] Despite Figure 10 The example shown sets the start and end times for timer charging, but the method for setting timer charging is not limited to the method described above. For example, the time period from the connection of AC plug 201 and DC connector 203 to the start of timer charging can be set. Timer charging can end when the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 303b reaches a specified SOC value (e.g., an SOC value indicating a fully charged state). The operation panel 203d can be located on the housing 100A.

[0087] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the first modification to the process. Figure 11 In the process shown, Figure 6 The process shown includes S21 and S22. S21 and S22 will be described below.

[0088] refer to Figure 11 Together Figure 1 and 2Between S11 and S12, S21 is provided. In S21, the controller 150 determines whether the user has set the timer charging. When the timer charging is not set (No in S21), the processing proceeds to S12. When the timer charging is set (Yes in S21), the controller 150 determines in S22 whether the start time of the timer charging has come. When the start time of the timer charging has not come (No in S22), the processing returns to S11, and S11, S21, and S22 are repeated until the start time comes. When the start time of the timer charging has come (Yes in S22), in S15, the controller 150 controls the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 to cause the DC connector 203 to output the DC power. Thereby, the charging of the electrical storage device 303b of the vehicle 303 is started.

[0089] In the portable charger according to the above-described first modification (see Figure 11 ), when the timer charging is set in the controller 150 and when the start time of the timer charging has come, the charging is started with both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 connected, regardless of whether the start button 203b is operated. In contrast, when the timer charging is not set in the controller 150, the charging is started by pressing the start button 203b in a state where both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 are connected. According to this portable charger, the charging start caused by the operation of the start button 203b and the charging start caused by the arrival of the start time of the timer charging can be used according to the situation. In addition, since the operation panel 203d is arranged on the DC connector 203, the user can perform the connection of the DC connector 203 and the setting of the timer charging as a series of processes. In the above-described first modification, the operation panel 203d corresponds to an example of the "input device" of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the processing of the second modification. The portable charger according to the second modification is also basically configured as shown in Figure 2 . However, in the portable charger according to the second modification, the lock mechanism 220 is not provided, and therefore, the start button 203b is disabled only by the software of the controller 150. In the processing shown in Figure 12 , S31 to S33 are added to the processing shown in Figure 6 , and S12 and S13 Figure 6 are omitted. S31 to S33 will be described below.

[0091] Reference is made to Figure 12 along with Figure 1 and 2S31 is provided between S14 and S15. In S31, the controller 150 performs control of the first presentation. For example, the controller 150 controls the light emitter 210 to cause the start button 203b to be lit up. In the second modification, causing the start button 203b (including the light emitter 210) to be lit up corresponds to the first presentation.

[0092] When at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected (No in S11), the process proceeds to S32. Similarly to S14, in S32, the controller 150 determines whether the user has pressed the start button 203b. During a period in which the determination is No in S32, S11 and S32 are repeated.

[0093] When the determination is Yes in S32, in S33, the controller 150 performs control of the second presentation. For example, the controller 150 controls the light emitter 210 to keep the start button 203b in an extinguished state. In the second modification, keeping the start button 203B (including the light emitter 210) in the extinguished state corresponds to the second presentation.

[0094] In the portable charger according to the above-described second modification (see Figure 12 ), when the user operates the start button 203b, the start button 203b provides the first presentation in a case where both the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 are connected, and the start button 203b provides the second presentation different from the first presentation in a case where at least one of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 is not connected when the user operates the start button 203b. In the above-described second modification, the controller 150 switches the lit state of the start button 203b between the first presentation and the second presentation. According to this portable charger, the user can more easily grasp the connection state of the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 203 when the user operates the start button 203b. In the above-described second modification, the controller 150 and the start button 203B (including the light emitter 210) correspond to an example of the "presentation device" according to the present disclosure.

[0095] In the above-described Figure 12 The first presentation (S31) and the second presentation (S33) in the process illustrated in FIG. 8 are not limited to the above-described lighting and extinguishing of the start button 203b. For example, the start button 203B can be lit up in the first presentation, and can be flickered in the second presentation. Alternatively, the controller 150 can cause the start button 203b to be lit up in different colors in the first presentation and the second presentation. The start button 203b can be lit up in green in the first presentation, and can be lit up in red in the second presentation.

[0096] The controller 150 can cause the display 203e to display different messages in the first presentation and the second presentation. In such a configuration, the controller 150 and the display 203e correspond to an example of a "presentation device" according to this disclosure. The display 203e can be mounted on the housing 100A.

[0097] Figure 13 The modifications shown in the first presentation are illustrated. (Reference) Figure 13 In the first presentation ( Figure 12 In step S31), the controller 150 can cause the display 203e to show a charging start screen. The title M11A, message M12A, and current time M13A are displayed. Figure 13 The charging start screen shown displays a message from message M12A notifying users that charging has begun.

[0098] Figure 14 The modified version of the second presentation is shown. (Reference) Figure 14 In the second presentation ( Figure 12 In step S33), controller 150 can cause display 203e to display a connection error screen. Title M11B, message M12B, and current time M13B are displayed. Figure 14 The connection error screen shows a message M12B prompting the connection of the portable charger (charging cable).

[0099] The controller 150 can control a speaker (not shown) to emit different sounds (including speech) in a first presentation and a second presentation. The speaker may not emit any sound in the first presentation and may emit an error sound (a sound indicating an anomaly) in the second presentation. The speaker may emit a first sound in the first presentation and a second sound different from the first sound in the second presentation. The speaker may emit a voice message such as "Start charging" in the first presentation and a voice message such as "Connect cable" in the second presentation. In these configurations, the controller 150 and the speaker (not shown) correspond to an example of a "presentation device" according to this disclosure.

[0100] In a portable charger, the AC input unit that receives AC power is not limited to an AC plug. The AC input unit of a portable charger can be an AC inlet that can be connected to an AC connector of an EVSE. Alternatively, the AC input unit of a portable charger can be an AC connector that can be connected to an AC inlet of an EVSE.

[0101] Figure 15 Show Figure 2 The portable charger shown is a modification. (Reference) Figure 15, the charger 10B (portable charger) includes an AC inlet 202, a cable 202a, and an AC port 102A, instead of the AC plug 201, the cable 201a, and the AC port 101A( Figure 2 ). The AC inlet 202 and the AC port 102A are connected to each other by the cable 202a. The electric wire in the cable 202a is connected to the circuit in the case 100B through the AC port 102A (wiring hole). The AC inlet 202 is connectable to the AC connector 302a of the AC cable 302b of the EVSE 302. In the connected state, the AC power supplied from the EVSE 302 to the AC inlet 202 is input to the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 in the case 100B. The EVSE 302 has a control circuit 302c built therein, and the control circuit 302c generates a control pilot signal (CPLT signal). The controller 150 is able to receive the CPLT signal. The controller 150 determines whether the AC inlet 202 is connected using the CPLT signal instead of the voltage sensor 121( Figure 2 ). The EVSE 302 can be a public EVSE that is usable by many unspecified users. In this modification, the EVSE 302, the AC connector 302a, and the AC inlet 202 correspond to examples of the “power supply facility”, the “output unit”, and the “AC input unit” according to the present disclosure, respectively. The EVSE 302 corresponds to an example of the “second electric vehicle supply device” according to the present disclosure.

[0102] The AC port 101A( Figure 2 ) can be a connector that allows the AC plug 201 to be attached to / detached from the case 100A. The case 100A can be connectable to a plurality of types of AC plugs different in specification through the AC port 101A (connector). The AC port 102A( Figure 15 ) can be a connector that allows the AC inlet 202 to be attached to / detached from the case 100B. The case 100B can be connectable to a plurality of types of AC inlets (e.g., Type 1 (single phase / three phase), Type 2 (single phase / three phase), and GB / T AC inlets) different in specification through the AC port 102A (connector).

[0103] The DC port 103A( Figure 2 and 15 ) can be a connector that allows the DC connector 203 to be attached to / detached from the case 100A or 100B. The case 100A, 100B can be connectable to a plurality of types of DC connectors (e.g., CHAdeMO, Combined Charging System (CCS), GB / T, and Tesla DC connectors) different in specification through the DC port 103A (connector).

[0104] In the portable charger, the AC / DC conversion circuit 110 (power conversion circuit) can be housed in the housing of the DC connector 203. Figure 16 A modification of the portable charger shown. Figure 1 A modification of the portable charger shown. Figure 17 A modification of the portable charger shown. Figure 16 A modification of the portable charger shown.

[0105] Referring to Figure 16 , the charger 10C (portable charger) includes an AC plug 201 and a DC connector 100C. A cable 201a extending to the AC plug 201 is directly connected to the DC connector 100C. No housing 100A is provided between the AC plug 201 and the DC connector 100C. Figure 1 ).

[0106] Referring to Figure 17 , the cable 201a includes a sheath (external covering) SH. Power lines and ground lines of the AC plug 201 are connected to the DC connector 100C through the sheath SH. The AC / DC conversion circuit 110, the voltage sensor 121, the detection circuit 122, the power supply circuit 130, and the controller 150 are housed in the housing of the DC connector 100C. The power supply circuit 130 generates driving power of the controller 150 using AC power supplied from the AC plug 201. The DC connector 100C is provided with a start button 203b. When the start button 203b is pressed, a signal indicating that the start button 203b has been pressed is sent from the start button 203b to the controller 150.

[0107] The controller 150 can be capable of switching between a plurality of types of charging modes. For example, the controller 150 can be capable of switching between a first charging mode that is a mode in which charging is started when the start button 203b of the DC connector 100C is pressed in a cable connection state (i.e., a state in which a power supply facility and a power supply target are connected to each other) and a second charging mode that is a mode in which charging is started as soon as the power supply facility and the power supply target are connected to each other. The controller 150 can receive an input from a user and execute one of the first charging mode and the second charging mode in accordance with the input from the user. The user can input a charging mode to the controller 150 through an operation panel 203d.

[0108] Although a button-type start switch has been shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the type of the start switch can be changed as appropriate. The start switch can be lever-type, or can be slide-type. In addition, the circuit configuration in the housing of the portable charger is not limited to the circuit configuration shown in Figure 2 and 15 . A switch and / or a sensor can be added as necessary.

[0109] The vehicle including the electrical storage device is not limited to a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and can be, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In addition, the power supply target (i.e., a target to be supplied with electric power from a power supply facility through a portable charger) can be a vehicle other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an airplane, or can be an unmanned mobile body such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV), an agricultural machine, a mobile robot, or a drone, or can be a mobile device such as a smartphone or a wearable device, or can be a building such as a house or a factory.

[0110] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the present disclosure only and not limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is to be defined by the terms of the claims, and intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning of equivalents to the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable charger, comprising: An AC input unit is connected to the output unit of a power supply facility, and the AC input unit receives AC power from the output unit of the power supply facility. A DC output unit is connected to a power receiving unit of a power supply target, and the DC output unit outputs DC power to the power receiving unit of the power supply target. A power conversion circuit that converts AC power input from the AC input unit into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC output unit; Controller, the controller controls the power conversion circuit, wherein The DC output unit includes a start switch. When the start switch is operated by the user, the start switch instructs the controller to control the power conversion circuit, causing the DC output unit to output the DC power, and The start switch is disabled when at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected. The portable charger further includes a presentation device, which is used for: When both the AC input unit and the DC output unit are connected, a first presentation is provided when the user operates the start switch, and When at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected, a second presentation different from the first presentation is provided when the user operates the start switch. The portable charger further includes a locking mechanism that toggles the start switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state restricts the user's operation of the start switch, while the unlocked state allows the user to operate the start switch. When at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is not connected, the locking mechanism causes the start switch to enter the locked state, thereby disabling the start switch.

2. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein The start switch can be turned on, and The presentation device switches the lighting state of the start switch between the first presentation and the second presentation.

3. The portable charger of claim 1 further includes an input device, the input device receiving a timer charging setting from the user, wherein... When the timer charging is set by the user, the start switch is disabled.

4. The portable charger according to claim 3, wherein The input device is arranged on the DC output unit.

5. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein The target of the power supply is vehicles including those with energy storage devices. The power receiving unit is the DC power input of the vehicle, and The DC output unit is a DC connector that can be connected to the DC power input.

6. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein The power supply equipment is a first electric vehicle power supply equipment that includes an electrical outlet. The output unit is the electrical outlet of the first electric vehicle supply device, and The AC input unit is an AC plug that can be connected to the electrical outlet.

7. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein The power supply facility is a second electric vehicle power supply device that includes cables. The output unit is the connector of the cable of the second electric vehicle supply device, and The AC input unit is the AC inlet of the connector that can be connected to the cable.

8. The portable charger according to claim 1, further comprising: case; First cable; as well as The second cable, in which The housing has the power conversion circuit built into it, and The power conversion circuit is connected to the AC input unit via a first cable and to the DC output unit via a second cable.

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