Method and device for controlling charging of a vehicle

Abstract

The first charging standard adopts Wi-Fi (BLE) communication and defines automatic charging. The second charging standard adopts Ethernet (IP over CAN) communication and defines PnC. The third charging standard adopts PLC communication and defines a universal charging scheme. The fourth charging standard adopts CAN communication and defines DC (direct current) charging. The fifth charging standard adopts CPLT communication and defines AC (alternating current) charging. The method includes: performing a first connection attempt process according to the communication scheme adopted by the charging standard with the highest priority; when the first connection attempt process does not establish communication, performing a second connection attempt process according to the communication scheme adopted by the charging standard with the second highest priority. The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling charging of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling charging of a vehicle using power supplied from a charging device. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as plug-in hybrid vehicles or pure electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, which can be charged using electricity supplied from a charging device. This type of charging is also called "external charging". As a charging standard for external charging, in addition to the traditional AC charging (ordinary charging) standard, a DC charging (fast charging) standard has also been formulated. There are several charging standards that serve as fast charging standards, such as Japan's CHAdeMO (registered trademark), China's GB / T, and the United States and Europe's CCS (Combined Charging System). Aiming to further reduce charging time, Japan and China are jointly formulating a new standard called Chaoji.

[0003] In view of these circumstances, a technology capable of external charging with any of two or more charging standards has been proposed. For example, WO 2018 / 69192 discloses intelligent charging communication switching in a charging system based on CAN (Controller Area Network). Summary of the invention

[0004] Charging devices that comply with different charging standards coexist on the market. Therefore, a vehicle may encounter various charging devices that comply with different charging standards. When performing external charging of a vehicle, before the actual start of power supply, it is necessary to establish communication between the vehicle and the charging device, and exchange various information between the two. However, the communication scheme used between the vehicle and the charging device may be different for each charging standard. Therefore, for a vehicle that is capable of performing external charging according to two or more charging standards, it is desirable to select an appropriate communication scheme according to the charging standard to which the charging device complies. If an appropriate communication scheme is not selected, the vehicle cannot take advantage of the excellent characteristics provided by the charging device. Therefore, the user or the vehicle cannot benefit from such characteristics.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to allow a vehicle capable of external charging according to two or more charging standards to utilize characteristics that can be provided by a charging device.

[0006] (1) A method for controlling the charging of a vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure uses power supplied from a charging device to control the charging of the vehicle. The vehicle complies with multiple charging standards. The multiple charging standards include a charging standard adapted to a wireless communication scheme and a charging standard adapted to a wired communication scheme. The method includes a first step and a second step. The first step performs a first connection attempt process for establishing communication between the vehicle and the charging device according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard with a predetermined highest priority among multiple charging standards. The second step performs a second connection attempt process according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard with a second highest priority among multiple charging standards when communication between the vehicle and the charging device is not established in the first connection attempt. The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme.

[0007] (2) The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme includes a first charging standard. The charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme includes at least one of a second charging standard, a third charging standard, a fourth charging standard, and a fifth charging standard that are different from each other. The first charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme and defines automatic charging, in which the charging plug of the charging device is inserted into the inlet of the vehicle without user manipulation. The second charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines manual charging and plug-and-play charging, in which the charging plug is inserted into the inlet by user manipulation, and in which the charging of the vehicle is started once the charging plug is inserted into the inlet while avoiding user authentication. The third charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines direct current (DC) charging and alternating current (AC) charging. The fourth charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines only DC charging among DC charging and AC charging. The fifth charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines only AC charging among DC charging and AC charging. The first charging standard has a higher priority than the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard.

[0008] In the methods according to (1) and (2) above, the priority of the charging standards is set, and the vehicle performs connection attempt processing according to the charging standards starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority. The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme. Therefore, it is possible to establish communication between the charging device and the vehicle without having to insert the charging plug of the charging device into the inlet of the vehicle through user manipulation.

[0009] (3) The priorities of the first charging standard, the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard are in order starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority.

[0010] In the method according to (3) above, automatic charging is performed according to the first charging standard having the highest priority, and thus user convenience is improved compared to the case where manual charging is performed according to the second to fifth charging standards. In addition, plug-and-play charging is performed according to the second charging standard having the second highest priority, which avoids the need for user authentication and thus allows for improved user convenience. DC charging is performed according to the fourth charging standard having the fourth highest priority, and thus charging time can be reduced compared to AC charging performed according to the fifth charging standard. Therefore, according to the method of (3) above, an appropriate communication scheme can be selected, and the vehicle can utilize the features that can be provided by the charging device.

[0011] (4) The method further includes executing a third connection attempt process according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a third highest priority among the plurality of charging standards when communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging device in the second connection attempt process.

[0012] (5) The method further includes executing a fourth connection attempt process according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a fourth highest priority among the plurality of charging standards when communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging device in the third connection attempt process.

[0013] (6) The method further includes executing a fifth connection attempt process according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having the lowest priority among the plurality of charging standards when communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging device in the fourth connection attempt process.

[0014] According to the methods of (4) to (6) above, even when the vehicle complies with three or more types of charging standards from the first charging standard to the fifth charging standard, as with the method of (1) above, an appropriate communication scheme can be selected and the vehicle can utilize the characteristics that can be provided by the charging device.

[0015] (7) The wireless communication solution adopts the Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) protocol or the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The wired communication solution adopts the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, the Power Line Communication (PLC) protocol, the Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol, the Internet Protocol over Controller Area Network (IPoverCAN) protocol, or a communication protocol using control signals.

[0016] Even when one of the specific communication protocols as described in (7) above is adopted, the vehicle can use an appropriate communication protocol and can utilize the characteristics that can be provided by the charging equipment.

[0017] (8) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for controlling the charging of a vehicle uses power supplied from a charging device to control the charging of the vehicle. The vehicle complies with multiple charging standards. The multiple charging standards include a charging standard adapted to a wireless communication scheme and a charging standard adapted to a wired communication scheme. The device performs a first connection attempt process for establishing communication between the vehicle and the charging device in accordance with the communication scheme adopted by the charging standard with the highest predetermined priority among the multiple charging standards; and when communication between the vehicle and the charging device is not established in the first connection attempt process, a second connection attempt process is performed in accordance with the communication scheme adopted by the charging standard with the second highest priority among the multiple charging standards. The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme.

[0018] (9) The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme includes a first charging standard. The charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme includes at least one of a second charging standard, a third charging standard, a fourth charging standard, and a fifth charging standard that are different from each other. The first charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme and defines automatic charging, in which the charging plug of the charging device is inserted into the inlet of the vehicle without user manipulation. The second charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines manual charging and plug-and-play charging, in which the charging plug is inserted into the inlet by user manipulation, and in which the charging of the vehicle is started once the charging plug is inserted into the inlet while avoiding user authentication. The third charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines direct current (DC) charging and alternating current (AC) charging. The fourth charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines only DC charging among DC charging and AC charging. The fifth charging standard is a charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme and defines only AC charging among DC charging and AC charging. The first charging standard has a higher priority than the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard.

[0019] (10) The priorities of the first charging standard, the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard are in order starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority.

[0020] According to the above configurations (8) to (10), similarly to the methods according to the above (1) to (3), the vehicle can use an appropriate communication scheme and utilize the characteristics that can be provided by the charging equipment.

[0021] 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 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a method of external charging of a vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another method of external charging of a vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 : is a diagram illustrating the priority of charging standards according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart illustrating a connection process between the vehicle 1 and the charging station according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle according to Example 1.

[0027] Figure 6 : is a flowchart illustrating a communication connection process between a vehicle and a charging station according to Example 1.

[0028] Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle according to Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 8 : is a flowchart illustrating a communication connection process between a vehicle and a charging station according to Example 2.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle according to Example 3.

[0031] Fig.10 : is a flowchart illustrating a communication connection process between a vehicle and a charging station according to Example 3.

[0032] Fig.11 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle according to Example 4.

[0033] Fig.12 : is a flowchart illustrating a communication connection process between a vehicle and a charging station according to Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar components, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0035] [Example]

[0036] <System Configuration>

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a method of external charging of a vehicle according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing another way of external charging of a vehicle according to the present embodiment. Vehicle 1 is capable of external charging according to two or more charging standards described later. Vehicle 1 is typically a pure electric vehicle (Battery Electric Vehicle, BEV). However, as long as vehicle 1 is capable of external charging, the type does not matter. For example, vehicle 1 may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (PFCEV).

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The charging station (charging device) 8 includes a charger (charger body) 80, a charging cable 81 extending from the charger 80, and a charging plug 82 attached to the end of the charging cable 81. The vehicle 1 includes an inlet unit 2 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 10.

[0039] The inlet unit 2 accommodates the charging plug 82 insertably by including a fitting mechanical coupling. When the user (the driver of the vehicle 1 or the operator of the charging station 8) inserts the charging plug 82 into the inlet unit 2, the vehicle 1 and the charger 80 are connected together via the charging cable 81. This ensures an electrical connection for the transmission of electric power between the vehicle 1 and the charger 80, and allows the vehicle 1 and the charger 80 to send / receive various signals (commands, messages or data, etc.) to / from each other. In the present embodiment, the inlet unit 2 includes inlets that conform to different charging standards (described in detail later).

[0040] The ECU 10 includes a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and an input / output port, all of which are not shown. Based on the program stored in the memory and the signals from various sensors, the ECU 10 coordinates with a controller (not shown) in the charger 80 to control external charging of the vehicle 1.

[0041] The charging station 8 connects the vehicle 1 and the charger 80 via the charging cable 81 through user manipulation. Figure 2The charging station 9 shown in FIG. 1 is an automatic charging system capable of automatically charging the vehicle 1 without requiring the user's hands. For example, the charging station 9 includes a charger (charger body) 90, a movable arm 91 having a power cable (not shown) disposed therein, and a charging plug 92 disposed at the end of the movable arm 91.

[0042] A controller (not shown) in the charger 90 controls the movable arm 91 based on an image of the vehicle 1 captured by a camera (not shown). Control of the movable arm 91 causes the charging plug 92 to move toward the entrance unit 2 of the vehicle 1, and the charging plug 92 is finally inserted into the entrance unit 2. Insertion of the charging plug 92 into the entrance unit 2 ensures electrical connection for transmission of electric power between the vehicle 1 and the charger 90.

[0043] <Multiple charging standards>

[0044] During external charging of the vehicle 1 using power supplied from the charging station 8, various signals are exchanged between the vehicle 1 and the charging station 8 (charger 80). Therefore, before the actual supply of power, it is required to initially establish communication between the vehicle 1 and the charging station 8. Similarly, when the charging station 9 is used, it is required to initially establish communication between the vehicle 1 and the charging station 9 (charger 90). However, the charging standard complied by the manual charging station 8 and the charging standard complied by the charging station 9 capable of automatic charging may have different communication schemes. There are also various charging standards complied by the charging station 8, such as CHAdeMO, CCS, GB / T, ChaoJi, etc.

[0045] For a vehicle 1 capable of external charging according to two or more charging standards, it is desirable that the vehicle 1 select an appropriate communication scheme according to the charging station. If an appropriate communication scheme is not selected, the vehicle 1 cannot utilize the convenience features (described later) provided by the charging station, and the user of the vehicle 1 may not benefit from the convenience of the charging station. Alternatively, the ability of the charging station to control the charging current (or charging power) may not be fully utilized.

[0046] In order to establish communication between the vehicle 1 and the charging station, the vehicle 1 attempts a communication connection to the charging station. Hereinafter, this attempt may also be referred to as a "connection attempt". In the present embodiment, the charging standards used for external charging of the vehicle 1 are prioritized in advance. The vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt starting from the charging standard with the highest priority to the charging standard with the lowest priority, according to the communication scheme defined in the charging standard.

[0047] <Priority of charging standards>

[0048] Figure 3: is a diagram illustrating the priority of charging standards according to the present embodiment. Starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority, the priorities according to the present embodiment are as follows:

[0049] (1) Wireless communication solution + automatic charging;

[0050] (2) Wired communication solution + PnC;

[0051] (3) Wired communication solution + universal charging solution (non-PnC);

[0052] (4) Wired communication solution + fast charging (non-PnC); and

[0053] (5) Wired communication solution + normal charging (non-PnC).

[0054] <<Highest Priority: Wireless Communications>>

[0055] First, regarding the priorities of the five possible charging standards listed above, the charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme is set to have a higher priority (highest priority) than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme (second highest priority to fourth highest priority). Because according to the charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme, unlike the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme, a connection attempt can be made without waiting for the charging plug of the charging station 8, 9 to be inserted into the entrance unit 2 of the vehicle 1 by user manipulation, and communication can be established between the charging station 8, 9 and the vehicle 1.

[0056] The wireless communication scheme is appropriately combined with automatic charging because automatic charging requires wireless communication, while power is supplied via a wired connection. More specifically, when using a manual charging station 8, a connection attempt can be made using the insertion of the charging plug 82 into the entrance unit 2 as a trigger, while the implementation of automatic charging by the charging station 9 (automatically inserting the charging plug 92 into the entrance unit 2) requires the establishment of communication without waiting for such user manipulation. Note that automatic charging can be fast charging or ordinary charging. Automatic charging is not limited to contact charging, and can be contactless charging.

[0057] Examples of charging standards that define (or can define) automatic charging include SAE1772 (Type 1), CCS (CCS1, CCS2), GB / T, or ChaoJi. In order to establish communication with a charging station 9 that complies with the charging standard that defines automatic charging, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt through wireless communication. Specifically, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt that complies with the Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (registered trademark) protocol or a connection attempt that complies with the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) protocol.

[0058] <<Second highest priority: Plug and Charge>>

[0059] Among the charging standards adapted to the wired communication scheme, the charging standard defining "Plug & Charge (PnC)" is set to have a higher priority (the second highest priority) regardless of fast charging or ordinary charging. Plug & Charge means that automatic billing is an available power charging feature. The reason can be explained as follows:

[0060] External charging that does not comply with the plug-and-charge charging standard requires a user authentication process, such as swiping an IC (integrated circuit) card or a credit card in a card reader before charging begins, or launching a dedicated application on a smart phone. In contrast, with plug-and-charge, such an authentication process can be avoided by registering the identification information of vehicle 1 (such as a public key certificate unique to vehicle 1) on vehicle 1 in advance and registering information related to payment of fees for external charging (such as bank account information) in advance, and charging can be initiated when the charging plug is inserted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging standard that complies with the plug-and-charge is set to have a higher priority (the second highest priority) than the priority (the third highest priority or the fourth highest priority) of the charging standard that does not comply with the plug-and-charge. This can reduce the time and effort involved in the authentication process, thereby allowing for improved user convenience.

[0061] Examples of charging standards that comply with (or can comply with) plug-and-charge standards include CCS (CCS1, CCS2), ChaoJi, etc. Plug-and-charge-compliant CCS can use Power Line Communication (PLC) or Ethernet (registered trademark). Plug-and-charge-compliant ChaoJi can use Ethernet or Internet Protocol over Controller Area Network (IPoverCAN)). Therefore, in order to establish communication with a charging station 8 that complies with the plug-and-charge charging standard, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt that complies with the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IPoverCAN protocol.

[0062] <<Third highest priority: universal charging solution>>

[0063] Among the charging standards, there is a "universal charging scheme" charging standard that defines both fast charging and normal charging. In this embodiment, a charging standard that complies with the universal charging scheme that does not comply with plug-and-play charging is set to have the third highest priority. A charging standard that is not a universal charging scheme but complies with fast charging is set to have the fourth highest priority.

[0064] Examples of charging standards that comply with universal charging solutions include CCS (CCS1, CCS2), ChaoJi, etc. CCS that does not comply with plug-and-play can use PLC or Ethernet. ChaoJi that does not comply with plug-and-play can use a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, or IPoverCAN. Therefore, in order to establish communication with a charging station 8 that complies with a charging standard that complies with a universal charging solution, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt that complies with the CAN protocol, the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IPoverCAN protocol.

[0065] Note that using PLC enables external charging to be controlled in a more advanced way than when using CAN, such as allowing a thorough setting of the charging profile (charging current over time). Therefore, in this embodiment, a charging standard that adapts a universal charging scheme is set to have a higher priority than a charging standard that only defines fast charging. This allows full use of the charging station's ability to control the charging current.

[0066] <<Fourth highest priority: fast charging>>

[0067] Fast charging that is not a universal charging solution and does not comply with plug-and-play is set to have the fourth highest priority. Examples of charging standards that define fast charging that does not comply with plug-and-play include CHAdeMO, GB / T, CCS (CCS1, CCS2), ChaoJi, etc. CHAdeMO uses CAN. GB / T uses CAN. CCS uses not only PLC but also Ethernet. ChaoJi can use CAN, Ethernet or IPoverCAN. Therefore, in order to establish communication with a charging station 8 that complies with a fast charging standard that does not comply with plug-and-play, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt that complies with the CAN protocol, the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IPoverCAN protocol.

[0068] <<Fifth highest priority: normal charging>>

[0069] A charging standard that does not comply with plug-and-charge and defines only normal charging is set to have the lowest priority (fifth highest priority). This is because normal charging is considered to produce low user convenience because normal charging requires a longer charging time than fast charging. Examples of charging standards that do not comply with plug-and-charge and define only normal charging include SAE J1772 (Type 1), GB / T, etc. These charging standards adopt a communication protocol that uses a Control Pilot Line (CPLT) signal. The CPLT signal is a PWM (pulse width modulation) control signal. In order to establish communication with a charging station 8 that complies with the charging standard that defines only normal charging, the vehicle 1 makes a connection attempt based on the CPLT signal.

[0070] <Control Flow>

[0071] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection processing between the vehicle 1 and the charging station according to the present embodiment. For example, the calculation process in the flowchart (and the calculation process described later) is repeated in each predetermined calculation cycle. Figure 6 Each processing step is implemented by software processing of the ECU 10. However, each processing step may be implemented by hardware (circuit) created within the ECU 10. Hereinafter, each processing step is simply referred to as S.

[0072] <<First connection attempt>>

[0073] In S1, the ECU 10 determines whether the vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard that defines automatic charging. The ECU 10 is able to make this determination because the ECU 10 knows in advance which charging standard the vehicle 1 complies with based on the specifications of the vehicle 1. The same is true for the subsequent processing steps (processing steps of S4, S7, S10, and S13) for determining whether the vehicle 1 complies with other charging standards.

[0074] If the vehicle 1 meets the charging standard defining automatic charging (Yes in S1), the ECU 10 makes a connection attempt (first connection attempt) according to a wireless communication scheme compliant with the Wi-Fi protocol or compliant with the BLE protocol (S2). If the communication connection to the charging station 9 is successful in the first connection attempt (Yes in S3), the ECU 10 initiates communication with the charging station 9 compliant with the Wi-Fi protocol or compliant with the BLE protocol (S17).

[0075] Note that whether the communication connection is successful in the first connection attempt can be determined according to a process defined in the Wi-Fi protocol or the BLE protocol (eg, a timeout determination process). The same is true for other connection attempts described later.

[0076] If the communication connection to the charging station 9 fails in the first connection attempt because, for example, the charging station 9 does not exist around the vehicle 1 (No in S3), the ECU 10 advances the process to S4. If the vehicle 1 does not meet the charging standard defining automatic charging (No in S1), the ECU 10 skips the process steps of S2 and S3 and advances the process to S4.

[0077] <<Second connection attempt>>

[0078] In S4, the ECU 10 determines whether the vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard defining plug and charge (PnC). If the vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard defining plug and charge (Yes in S4), the ECU 10 makes a connection attempt (second connection attempt) in accordance with the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IP over CAN protocol (S5). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 is successful in the second connection attempt (Yes in S6), the ECU 10 initiates communication with the charging station 8 in accordance with the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IP over CAN protocol (S17).

[0079] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails in the second connection attempt (No in S6), the ECU 10 advances the process to S7. If the vehicle 1 does not meet the charging standard defining plug-and-play charging (No in S4), the ECU 10 skips the process steps of S5 and S6 and advances the process to S7.

[0080] <<Third connection attempt>>

[0081] In S7, ECU 10 determines whether vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard that is adapted to the universal charging scheme and does not define plug-and-play charging. If vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard that is adapted to the universal charging scheme (yes in S7), ECU 10 makes a connection attempt (third connection attempt) in accordance with the CAN protocol, in accordance with the PLC protocol, in accordance with the Ethernet protocol, or in accordance with the IP over CAN protocol (S8), assuming that for the third connection attempt, a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used in the second connection attempt is used in the CAN protocol, the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, and the IP over CAN protocol. If the communication connection to the charging station 8 is successful in the third connection attempt (yes in S8), ECU 10 initiates communication with the charging station 8 in accordance with the CAN protocol, the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, or the IP over CAN protocol (S17).

[0082] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the third connection attempt (No in S9), the ECU 10 advances the process to S10. If the vehicle 1 does not meet the charging standard adapted to the universal charging scheme (No in S7), the ECU 10 skips the process steps of S8 and S9 and advances the process to S10.

[0083] <<Fourth connection attempt>>

[0084] In S7, the ECU 10 determines whether the vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard defining fast charging. If the vehicle 1 complies with the charging standard defining fast charging (yes in S7), the ECU 10 performs a connection attempt (fourth connection attempt) in accordance with the CAN protocol, in accordance with the PLC protocol, in accordance with the Ethernet protocol, or in accordance with the IP over CAN protocol (S11), assuming that for the fourth connection attempt, a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used in the second connection attempt and the third connection attempt is used in the CAN protocol, the PLC protocol, the Ethernet protocol, and the IP over CAN protocol. If the communication connection to the charging station 8 is successful in the fourth connection attempt (yes in S11), the ECU 10 initiates communication with the charging station 8 in accordance with the CAN protocol, in accordance with the PLC protocol, in accordance with the Ethernet protocol, or in accordance with the IP over CAN protocol (S17).

[0085] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the fourth connection attempt (No in S12), the ECU 10 advances the process to S13. If the vehicle 1 does not meet the charging standard defining fast charging (No in S10), the ECU 10 skips the process steps of S11 and S12 and advances the process to S13.

[0086] <<Fifth connection attempt>>

[0087] In S13, the ECU 10 determines whether the vehicle 1 meets the charging standard that defines only normal charging. If the vehicle 1 meets the charging standard that defines only normal charging (Yes in S13), the ECU 10 makes a connection attempt based on the CPLT signal (fifth connection attempt) (S14). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 is successful at the fifth connection attempt (Yes in S13), the ECU 10 initiates communication with the charging station 8 using the CPLT signal (S17).

[0088] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the fifth connection attempt (No in S15), that is, there is no charging station to which the communication connection is successfully made. Therefore, the ECU 10 does not perform external charging (S16). After the execution of the processing step of S16 or S17, the ECU 10 returns the processing to the main routine.

[0089] As described above, in the present embodiment, starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority, priorities are set to automatic charging, plug and play charging, universal charging schemes (not compliant with plug and play charging), fast charging (not compliant with plug and play charging), and normal charging (not compliant with plug and play charging and fast charging) used in external charging of vehicle 1. Setting automatic charging to have the highest priority can avoid the need for manual connection of the charging cable, thereby allowing improved user convenience. Setting plug and play charging to have the second highest priority can avoid the need for authentication processing for billing, thereby allowing improved user convenience. Setting the charging standard that defines fast charging to have a higher priority than the charging standard that defines only normal charging reduces the amount of time required for external charging of vehicle 1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle can select an appropriate communication scheme and take advantage of the features that the charging station can provide.

[0090] However, vehicle 1 may not comply with all of the five possible charging standards. Vehicle 1 may comply with any two or more of the five possible charging standards. In this case, Figure 4 The processing related to the charging standard that the vehicle 1 complies with is extracted from the series of processing steps described in the flowchart of FIG. As an example, if the vehicle 1 does not support ordinary charging, it should be easily understood that another flowchart (including the flowchart of S1 to S12, S16 and S17) that does not include the processing steps of S13 to S15 can be used.

[0091] [Example 1]

[0092] <ChaoJi+CHAdeMO>

[0093] In many cases, the number of charging standards that the vehicle 1 complies with is less than the number of charging standards described in the embodiment (a total of five charging standards). In the following examples 1 to 4, the configuration of a vehicle that complies with some of the charging standards described in the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0094] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of vehicle 1A of Example 1. Vehicle 1A has an inlet unit 2A including inlets 21, 22. Inlet 21 complies with ChaoJi, which defines automatic charging and plug-and-play charging. In addition, inlet 21 is also used for external charging in accordance with the ChaoJi universal charging scheme. In contrast, inlet 22 complies with CHAdeMO, which defines only fast charging.

[0095] Figure 5Also shown is a functional block diagram of the ECU 10. The ECU 10 includes a charging control unit 11 and a communication interface 12. The charging control unit 11 controls the external charging capability of the vehicle 1 and controls the communication interface 12. The communication interface 12 includes a Wi-Fi module 121, an Ethernet module 122, and a CAN module 124.

[0096] The Wi-Fi module 121 can perform communication in compliance with the Wi-Fi protocol using the Wi-Fi antenna 31. The charging control unit 11 controls the Wi-Fi module 121 so as to output a Wi-Fi connection attempt to the charging station 9. If the communication connection is successful at the time of the Wi-Fi connection attempt, the charging plug 92 is automatically inserted into the inlet 21. Note that, instead of the Wi-Fi module 121, the communication interface 12 may include a BLE module.

[0097] The Ethernet module 122 is connected to the inlet 21 through the Ethernet signal line 32. The Ethernet module 122 is capable of communication compliant with the Ethernet protocol adopted by ChaoJi. When the charging plug 82 is connected to the inlet 21 by user manipulation, the charging control unit 11 controls the Ethernet module 122 so that the Ethernet module 122 outputs an Ethernet connection attempt to the charging station 8 via the inlet 21. Note that instead of the Ethernet module 122, the communication interface 12 may include an IPoverCAN module.

[0098] The CAN module 124 is connected to the inlet 22 via the CAN signal line 34. The CAN module 124 is capable of communication in accordance with the CAN protocol adopted by CHAdeMO. When the charging plug 82 is connected to the inlet 22 by user manipulation, the charging control unit 11 controls the CAN module 124 so that the CAN module 124 outputs a CAN connection attempt to the charging station 8 via the inlet 22.

[0099] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection process between the vehicle 1A and the charging station according to Example 1. In S101, the ECU 10 makes a Wi-Fi connection attempt (or a BLE connection attempt) for automatic charging using ChaoJi. If the communication connection to the charging station 9 is successful at the time of the Wi-Fi connection attempt (Yes in S102), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 9 in accordance with the Wi-Fi communication protocol (S108).

[0100] If the communication connection to the charging station 9 fails during the Wi-Fi connection attempt (No in S102), the ECU 10 makes an Ethernet connection attempt (or IP over CAN connection attempt) for using ChaoJi plug and charge (S103). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds during the Ethernet connection attempt (Yes in S104), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 according to the Ethernet communication protocol (S108).

[0101] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails during the Ethernet connection attempt (No in S104), the ECU 10 makes a CAN connection attempt using CHAdeMO fast charging (S105). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds during the CAN connection attempt (Yes in S106), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 according to the CAN communication protocol (S108).

[0102] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the time of the CAN connection attempt (No in S106), the ECU 10 does not perform external charging (S107). After executing the processing step of S107 or S108, the ECU 10 returns the processing to the main routine.

[0103] [Example 2]

[0104] <ChaoJi+GB / T>

[0105] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle 1B according to Example 2. The vehicle 1B has an inlet unit 2B including inlets 21, 23. As in Example 1, the inlet 21 complies with ChaoJi, which defines automatic charging, plug-and-play charging, and a universal charging scheme. In contrast, the inlet 23 complies with GB / T, which defines fast charging.

[0106] The CAN module 124 is connected to the inlet 23 via the CAN signal line 34. The CAN module 124 is capable of communication in accordance with the CAN protocol adopted by GB / T. When the charging plug 82 is connected to the inlet 23 by user manipulation, the charging control unit 11 controls the CAN module 124 so that the CAN module 124 outputs a CAN connection attempt to the charging station 8 via the inlet 23. Other configurations related to external charging are the same as those according to Example 1 (see Figure 5 ).

[0107] Figure 8 2 is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection process between the vehicle 1B and the charging station according to Example 2. This flowchart is similar to the flowchart according to Example 1 (see Figure 6 ) except including the processing step of S205 instead of the processing step of S105.

[0108] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the Ethernet connection attempt (No in S204), the ECU 10 makes a CAN connection attempt for GB / T fast charging (S205). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds at the CAN connection attempt (Yes in S206), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 in accordance with the CAN communication protocol (S208). The processing steps of the communication connection processing according to Example 2 other than the above-mentioned processing steps are the same as the corresponding processing steps according to Example 1 (see Figure 8 ) and therefore their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0109] [Example 3]

[0110] <CCS only>

[0111] Fig. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle 1C according to Example 3. The vehicle 1C has an inlet unit 2C including an inlet 24. The inlet 24 complies with a CCS that defines automatic charging, a common charging scheme, and ordinary charging only.

[0112] The communication interface 12C includes a Wi-Fi module 121 , a PLC module 123 , and a control pilot circuit 125 . The Wi-Fi module 121 and the PLC module 123 are the same as the corresponding modules according to Example 1. However, the communication interface 12C may include an Ethernet module instead of the PLC module 123 .

[0113] The control pilot circuit 125 is connected to the inlet 24 through the CPLT signal line 35. For example, the control pilot circuit 125 includes a resistor and a switch (not shown), and can operate the potential of the CPLT signal. When the charging plug 82 is connected to the inlet 24 by user manipulation, the charging control unit 11 controls the control pilot circuit 125 so that the control pilot circuit 125 outputs a CPLT connection attempt to the charging station 8 via the inlet 24.

[0114] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection process between the vehicle 1C and the charging station according to Example 3. In S301, the ECU 10 makes a Wi-Fi connection attempt for automatic charging using the CCS. If the communication connection to the charging station 9 is successful at the time of the Wi-Fi connection attempt (Yes in S302), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 9 in accordance with the Wi-Fi communication protocol (S308).

[0115] If the communication connection to the charging station fails during the Wi-Fi connection attempt (No in S302), the ECU 10 makes a PLC connection attempt (Ethernet connection attempt) for using the CCS universal charging scheme (S303). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds during the PLC connection attempt (Yes in S304), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 according to the PLC communication protocol (S308).

[0116] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the time of the PLC connection attempt (No in S304), the ECU 10 makes a CPLT connection attempt for normal charging using CCS (S305). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds at the time of the CPLT connection attempt (Yes in S306), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 using a CPLT signal (S308).

[0117] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the time of the CPLT connection attempt (No in S306), the ECU 10 does not perform external charging (S307). After execution of the processing step of S307 or S308, the ECU 10 returns the processing to the main routine.

[0118] [Example 4]

[0119] <Chaoji only>

[0120] Fig.11 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to external charging of a vehicle 1D according to Example 4. The vehicle 1D has an entrance unit 2D including an entrance 25. The entrance 25 conforms to ChaoJi which defines automatic charging, plug-and-play charging, a universal charging scheme, and ordinary charging only. Note that, as in Example 1 (see Figure 5 ), the communication interface 12 may include a BLE module instead of the Wi-Fi module 121, and may include an IPoverCAN module instead of the Ethernet module 122.

[0121] The CAN module 124 is connected to the inlet 25 via the CAN signal line 34. The CAN module 124 is capable of communication in accordance with the CAN protocol adopted by ChaoJi. When the charging plug 82 is connected to the inlet 25 by user manipulation, the charging control unit 11 controls the CAN module 124 so that the CAN module 124 outputs a CAN connection attempt to the charging station 8 via the inlet 25.

[0122] Fig.12 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication connection processing between the vehicle 1D and the charging station according to Example 4. This flowchart is similar to the flowchart according to Example 1 (see Figure 6 ) except including the processing step of S407 instead of the processing step of S107.

[0123] If the communication connection to the charging station 8 fails at the Ethernet connection attempt (No in S404), the ECU 10 makes a CAN connection attempt for using ChaoJi fast charging (S405). If the communication connection to the charging station 8 succeeds at the CAN connection attempt (Yes in S406), the ECU 10 communicates with the charging station 8 in accordance with the CAN communication protocol (S408). The processing steps of the communication connection processing according to Example 4 other than the above-mentioned processing steps are the same as the corresponding processing steps according to Example 1, so the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0124] Note that even in Examples 1 to 4, the vehicle may not comply with all the charging standards described in the respective flowcharts, and may comply with any two or more possible charging standards. The processing related to the charging standard that the vehicle complies with can be extracted from the series of processing steps described in the flowcharts of Examples 1 to 4.

[0125] Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described above, the embodiments disclosed at present should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes and equivalents of the claims falling within the scope of the claims are intended to be included in their scope.

Claims

1. A method for controlling charging of a vehicle using electric power supplied from a charging device, wherein: The vehicle complies with multiple charging standards; The multiple charging standards include a charging standard adapted to a wireless communication solution and a charging standard adapted to a wired communication solution, The method comprises: performing a first connection attempt process for establishing communication between the vehicle and the charging device according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a predetermined highest priority among the plurality of charging standards; as well as When communication between the vehicle and the charging device is not established in the first connection attempt process, a second connection attempt process is performed according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a second highest priority among the plurality of charging standards, wherein The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme, The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme includes a first charging standard, The charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme includes at least one charging standard among a second charging standard, a third charging standard, a fourth charging standard, and a fifth charging standard which are different from each other, The first charging standard is a charging standard that adapts a wireless communication scheme and defines automatic charging in which a charging plug of the charging device is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle without user manipulation, The second charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines manual charging and plug-and-charge, in which the charging plug is inserted into the inlet by the user manipulation, and in which charging of the vehicle is started as soon as the charging plug is inserted into the inlet while avoiding user authentication. The third charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines DC charging and AC charging, The fourth charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines only the DC charging of the DC charging and the AC charging, The fifth charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines only the AC charging of the DC charging and the AC charging, The first charging standard has a higher priority than the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard, and The priorities of the first charging standard, the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard are in order starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging equipment in the second connection attempt process, a third connection attempt process is performed according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a third highest priority among the plurality of charging standards.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: When communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging equipment in the third connection attempt process, a fourth connection attempt process is performed according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a fourth highest priority among the plurality of charging standards.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: When communication is not established between the vehicle and the charging equipment in the fourth connection attempt process, a fifth connection attempt process is performed according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having the lowest priority among the plurality of charging standards.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The wireless communication scheme adopts the wireless fidelity protocol or the Bluetooth low energy protocol, and The wired communication scheme adopts a controller area network protocol, a power line communication protocol, an Ethernet protocol, an Internet protocol for a controller area network, or a communication protocol using a control pilot signal.

6. An apparatus for controlling charging of a vehicle using electric power supplied from a charging device, wherein: The vehicle complies with multiple charging standards; The multiple charging standards include a charging standard adapted to a wireless communication solution and a charging standard adapted to a wired communication solution, The device: performing a first connection attempt process for establishing communication between the vehicle and the charging device according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a highest predetermined priority among the plurality of charging standards; and When communication between the vehicle and the charging device is not established in the first connection attempt process, a second connection attempt process is performed according to a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard having a second highest priority among the plurality of charging standards, wherein The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme, The charging standard adapted to the wireless communication scheme includes a first charging standard, The charging standard adapted to the wired communication scheme includes at least one charging standard among a second charging standard, a third charging standard, a fourth charging standard, and a fifth charging standard which are different from each other, The first charging standard is a charging standard that adapts a wireless communication scheme and defines automatic charging in which a charging plug of the charging device is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle without user manipulation, The second charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines manual charging and plug-and-charge, in which the charging plug is inserted into the inlet by the user manipulation, and in which charging of the vehicle is started as soon as the charging plug is inserted into the inlet while avoiding user authentication. The third charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines DC charging and AC charging, The fourth charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines only the DC charging of the DC charging and the AC charging, The fifth charging standard is a charging standard that adapts to a wired communication scheme and defines only the AC charging of the DC charging and the AC charging, The first charging standard has a higher priority than the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard, and The priorities of the first charging standard, the second charging standard, the third charging standard, the fourth charging standard, and the fifth charging standard are in order starting from the highest priority to the lowest priority.

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