Vehicle, charging system, and vehicle control method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, a charging system, and a method for controlling a vehicle. The vehicle (2) of the present invention is configured to be able to exchange power with a charging pile (1). The charging pile (1) includes a movable unit (11) and a lifting unit (12). The movable unit (11) includes a charging connector (111) connected to the vehicle (2). The lifting unit (12) lifts and lowers the movable unit (11) between a storage state in which the movable unit (11) is stored underground and an exposure state in which the movable unit (11) is exposed above the ground. The vehicle (2) includes an HMI (26) and an ECU (27) for controlling the HMI (26). The ECU (27) controls the HMI (26) so that the HMI (26) displays the fact that the charging pile (1) is available in a form that allows the location of the charging pile (1) to be determined from the vehicle (2) when the charging pile (1) is available.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, a charging system, and a method for controlling a vehicle, and more specifically, to a control technology for a vehicle configured to enable power transmission between a vehicle and a charging device. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles capable of so-called plug-in charging, using electricity supplied from outside the vehicle, are becoming increasingly popular. Charging equipment for plug-in charging is typically installed in parking lots, etc., but this takes up a considerable amount of space. Therefore, technologies have been proposed to make charging equipment movable and store it underground. For example, the charging station disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5475407 is configured to be erected from the ground and retracted underground.

[0003] Consider a scenario where a user searches for available portable charging facilities. For example, if a user has reserved a charging facility, the user, arriving near the charging facility, searches for the reserved facility. However, unused charging facilities are often stored underground. Therefore, finding the reserved facility from the ground may be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes of the present disclosure is to make it easier for users to find available charging equipment.

[0005] (1) A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be capable of transmitting power to and from a charging device. The charging device includes: a movable device having a connection portion connected to the vehicle; and a lifting device that lifts and lowers the movable device between a storage state in which the movable device is stored underground and an exposure state in which the movable device is exposed above the ground. The vehicle includes a display device and a control device for controlling the display device. When the charging device is available, the control device controls the display device so that the display device displays the fact that the charging device is available in a form that allows the location of the charging device to be determined from the vehicle.

[0006] According to the configuration of (1) above, since the fact that the charging device is available for use is displayed on the display device, the user can easily find the available charging device.

[0007] (2) The control device controls the display device so that the display device displays the movable device in an exposed state when the charging device is usable and the movable device is in the stored state.

[0008] (3) The control device controls the display device so that the display device displays augmented reality in which the image of the movable device in the exposed state is superimposed on the image of the movable device in the stored state.

[0009] According to the configurations of (2) and (3) above, even if the mobile device is actually in the stored state, it is displayed in the exposed state, so that the user can more easily find the usable charging device.

[0010] (4) When the charging device cannot be used, the control device controls the display device so that the display device displays the fact that the charging device cannot be used.

[0011] According to the configuration of (4) above, since the fact that the charging device cannot be used is displayed on the display device, the possibility that the user mistakenly thinks that the charging device is usable can be reduced.

[0012] (5) The control device controls the display device so that the display device also displays the transaction price of the electric power traded via the charging facility.

[0013] According to the configuration of (5) above, the user can also understand the transaction price of electric power (charging fee or electricity selling fee).

[0014] (6) The display device includes a head-up display.

[0015] According to the structure of (6) above, the user can easily find the charging equipment that can be used even when driving.

[0016] (7) The vehicle is further provided with a speaker which, when the charging device is available, notifies the vehicle of its proximity to the charging device through sound.

[0017] According to the configuration of (7) above, since the sense of hearing is used in addition to the sense of sight, the user can more easily find a usable charging device.

[0018] (8) Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a charging system including the above-described vehicle and charging equipment.

[0019] (9) In a vehicle control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle is configured to include a display device and to be capable of transmitting power to and from a charging device. The charging device includes: a movable device having a connection portion connected to the vehicle; and a lifting device that raises and lowers the movable device between a storage state in which the movable device is stored underground and an exposure state in which the movable device is exposed above the ground. The control method includes: a step of obtaining whether the charging device is available; and, if the charging device is available, a step of displaying the fact that the charging device is available on the display device in a form that allows the location of the charging device to be determined from the vehicle.

[0020] According to the structure of (8) or the method of (9), as with the structure of (1), the user can easily find the charging device that can be used.

[0021] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the charging system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station and a vehicle stored underground.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a charging station and a vehicle exposed on the ground.

[0025] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of the HMI configuration.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the charge guidance process in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the power supply guidance process in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by identical reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0029] [Implementation Method 1]

[0030] <Charging system structure>

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 , a state in which one vehicle 2 is parked in each of two of a plurality of parking spaces provided in a parking lot is shown.

[0032] In this embodiment, the charging system 10 includes a plurality of charging piles 1. The plurality of charging piles 1 are respectively arranged in a space adjacent to the parking space (e.g., a sidewalk). However, the number of charging piles 1 is not particularly limited. The number of charging piles 1 may be only one. The charging pile 1 is equivalent to the "charging equipment" involved in this disclosure.

[0033] Each charging pile 1 is configured to be able to be raised and lowered (movable in the vertical direction) between a "storage state" in which it is stored underground and an "exposed state" in which it is exposed on the ground. Figure 1 In the figure, the charging pile 1 exposed on the ground is represented by a solid line, and the charging pile 1 stored underground is represented by a dotted line.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station 1 and a vehicle 2 housed underground. Figure 3 FIG is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a charging pile 1 and a vehicle 2 exposed on the ground. Figure 2 As shown, the storage state is a state in which the charging pile 1 is lowered to a level where the upper end of the charging pile 1 is substantially the same height as the ground. Figure 3 As shown, the exposed state is a state in which the upper end of the charging pile 1 is raised to a predetermined height above the ground.

[0035] The charging pile 1 has, for example, a cylindrical housing. The charging pile 1 is installed on the bottom surface of a recess formed in the ground. The recess is formed to have a predetermined gap with the outer circumference of the housing of the charging pile 1. The depth of the recess is approximately equal to the vertical length of the charging pile 1 in the stored state.

[0036] The charging pile 1 is configured to be capable of plug-in charging of the vehicle 2. The charging pile 1 may also be configured to be capable of communicating with the vehicle 2. In this case, the charging pile 1 is controlled according to the user's operation on the HMI (Human Machine Interface) 26 (described later) of the vehicle 2. In addition, the charging pile 1 may also be configured to be capable of communicating with the user's mobile terminal (such as a smartphone) 8. In this case, the charging pile 1 can be controlled according to the user's operation on the mobile terminal 8. In addition, a dedicated operating terminal (not shown) capable of operating multiple charging piles may also be provided separately. The charging pile 1 includes a movable unit 11, a lifting unit 12 and a controller 13.

[0037] The mobile unit 11 is configured to be raised and lowered by the lifting unit 12. In this example, the lifting direction of the mobile unit 11 is vertical, but the mobile unit 11 can also be tilted at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction. The mobile unit 11 includes a charging connector 111 and a charging cable 112. The charging connector 111 and the charging cable 112 can be stored in a storage space provided above the mobile unit 11. The mobile unit 11 corresponds to the "mobile device" involved in this disclosure.

[0038] The charging connector 111 is connected to the charging port 21 (described later) of the vehicle 2. The charging connector 111 is electrically connected to one end of the charging cable 112. The other end of the charging cable 112 is electrically connected to the power supply 9. The power supply 9 is, for example, an AC power supply such as an industrial power supply. A power conversion device (not shown) may also be provided between the charging cable 112 and the power supply 9. The charging cable 112 can be extended and retracted to the charging port 21 by the user removing the charging connector 111 from the storage space. In addition, the charging connector 111 is equivalent to the "connecting portion" involved in the present disclosure.

[0039] The lifting unit 12 is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess formed in the ground. The lifting unit 12 lifts the movable unit 11 between the stored state and the exposed state. The lifting unit 12 can adopt various mechanisms. Specifically, the lifting unit 12 can have a rack and pinion type mechanism, a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder, or a magnetic type mechanism. The rack and pinion type mechanism uses an electric actuator to rotate a pinion meshing with a rack fixed to the movable unit 11, thereby lifting the movable unit 11. The mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder fixes a rod connected to a piston to the movable unit 11, increases or decreases the hydraulic pressure supplied to the cylinder body, thereby lifting the movable unit 11. The magnetic type mechanism lifts the movable unit 11 by generating a repulsive force based on magnetic force between the movable unit 11 and the lifting unit 12.

[0040] Furthermore, the lifting unit 12 preferably includes a mechanism (such as a stopper) that restricts excessive vertical movement of the movable unit 11. Thus, the lifting unit 12 is configured so that the movable unit 11 does not descend beyond a position corresponding to the stored state, and does not ascend beyond a position corresponding to the exposed state. The lifting unit 12 corresponds to the "lifting device" in the present disclosure.

[0041] The controller 13 includes a processor 131 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory 132 such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and a communication module 133 capable of wired and / or wireless communication with external devices of the charging station 1. In this embodiment, the communication module 133 is configured to exchange various information with the vehicle 2. The communication module 133 can also be configured to communicate with a management server (not shown) that can centrally control multiple charging stations 1.

[0042] The controller 13 controls the components of the charging station 1 (such as the lifting unit 12) based on information stored in the memory 132, information received via the communication module 133, and / or information obtained from sensors (not shown). The controller 13 executes "upward control" to raise the movable unit 11 and "downward control" to lower the movable unit 11. For example, the upward control is executed when the user operates an upward button (not shown) displayed on the HMI 26 of the vehicle 2. The downward control is executed when the user operates a downward button (not shown) on the HMI 26.

[0043] In this example, vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle. Vehicle 2 can be any plug-in rechargeable vehicle, and for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle can be used. Vehicle 2 includes a charging port 21, a charger 22, a battery 23, an inverter 24, a motor generator 25, an HMI 26, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 27.

[0044] The charging port 21 is located inside a cover (not shown) or similar cover provided on the exterior of the vehicle 2. The charging port 21 is configured to accept the charging connector 111 of the charging station 1. Inserting the charging connector 111 into the charging port 21 electrically connects the charging port 21 and the charging connector 111. This enables power transmission from the charging station 1 to the vehicle 2.

[0045] When AC power is supplied from the charging port 21, the charger 22 converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to the battery 23. The battery 23 is a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the charger 22 can be configured to convert the DC power from the battery 23 into AC power and output (supply) it to the charging station 1. The power supplied to the charging station 1 can also be based on the power generated by the motor generator 25.

[0046] The inverter 24 converts the DC power stored in the battery 23 into AC power and supplies this AC power to the motor generator 25. Furthermore, the inverter 24 converts the AC power (regenerative power) from the motor generator 25 into DC power and charges the battery 23 with this DC power. The motor generator 25 receives power from the inverter 24 and applies rotational force to the drive wheels, thereby driving the vehicle 2.

[0047] HMI26 accepts the operation of the user (driver) and provides various information and data to the user. Figure 4 , which is described in more detail.

[0048] ECU27 is the same as the controller 13, and includes a processor 271 such as a CPU, a memory 272 such as a ROM and a RAM, and a communication module 273. ECU27 controls the vehicle 2 based on the input of signals from various onboard sensors (not shown) and the mapping diagram and program stored in the memory 272. In this embodiment, as the main processing performed by ECU27, the "charging guidance processing" of guiding the user of the vehicle 2 to the charging pile 1 that can be used can be cited. The guidance processing performed by ECU27 will be described later. In addition, ECU27 is equivalent to the "control device" involved in the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 4This figure shows an example of the structure of HMI 26. In this embodiment, HMI 26 displays "charging guidance information" to guide the user of vehicle 2 about available charging stations 1. Specifically, HMI 26 includes an instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel") 261, a HUD (Head-Up Display) 262, a navigation screen 263, and a speaker (not shown).

[0050] Instrument panel 261 is an instrument panel equipped with instruments that displays various statuses of vehicle 2 under control of ECU 27. Instrument panel 261 displays the speedometer, odometer, battery 23 SOC, warning lights, and charging guidance information. Alternatively, a multi-information display (MID) can be used in place of instrument panel 261.

[0051] HUD 262 projects various information as virtual images in front of the driver's field of view. Specifically, HUD 262 displays the speed of vehicle 2, the direction of travel to the destination, traffic signs, etc. Charging guidance information can also be displayed on HUD 262.

[0052] Navigation screen 263 is a display of a navigation system (not shown). The navigation system includes a GPS receiver for determining the location of vehicle 2 based on radio waves from an artificial satellite (not shown). Based on vehicle 2's GPS data and road map data, the navigation system displays vehicle 2's current location and a recommended route to vehicle 2's destination on navigation screen 263. Navigation screen 263 may also be a monitor with a touch panel (neither shown). Charging guidance information can also be displayed on navigation screen 263.

[0053] The speaker outputs information about the status of the charging station 1 and / or the vehicle 2. This allows the user to obtain various information through hearing as well as through vision.

[0054] At least one of the instrument panel 261, HUD 262, and navigation screen 263 of vehicle 2 corresponds to the "display device" referred to in this disclosure. The following description represents an example in which charging guidance information is displayed on HUD 262. However, the charging guidance information may also be displayed on instrument panel 261 or navigation screen 263.

[0055] <Processing Flow>

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the charge guidance process in the first embodiment. For example, the flowchart (and the following) is called from the main program (not shown) at predetermined intervals and repeatedly executed. Figure 6Each step is implemented by software processing by the ECU 27, but may also be implemented by hardware (electronic circuit) disposed within the ECU 27. Steps are abbreviated as S.

[0057] The following processing is performed on multiple charging piles 1 respectively. Figure 1 In the example shown, the following processing is executed for each of the five charging stations 1. However, to avoid complicating the description, only the processing executed for an arbitrary one charging station 1 will be described here.

[0058] In S101, ECU 27 determines whether vehicle 2 has approached charging station 1. For example, based on the location information of charging station 1 and the GPS information of vehicle 2, ECU 27 can determine that vehicle 2 has approached charging station 1 if the distance between vehicle 2 and charging station 1 is less than a specified value (e.g., several meters to tens of meters). If vehicle 2 has not approached charging station 1 (No in S101), ECU 27 returns the process to the main routine. If vehicle 2 has approached charging station 1 (Yes in S101), ECU 27 proceeds to S102.

[0059] In S102, ECU 27 determines whether charging station 1 is available for use. For example, if charging station 1 has been reserved by the user of vehicle 2, ECU 27 determines that charging station 1 is available for use. Alternatively, ECU 27 determines that charging station 1 is available for use if charging station 1 has not been reserved by anyone (is in an idle state).

[0060] If charging station 1 has already been reserved by another user or the current time is during a prohibited time period (e.g., "No" in S102), ECU 27 controls HUD 262 to indicate that charging station 1 is unavailable (S109). For example, ECU 27 can use augmented reality (AR) technology to display a cross over the unavailable charging station 1, or to display the unavailable charging station 1 in a lighter gray (grayed out). Processing then returns to the main routine.

[0061] If charging station 1 is available (YES in S102), ECU 27 uses sound output from a speaker (not shown) to guide vehicle 2 toward charging station 1 (S103). For example, the electronic sound output from the speaker may increase in volume as vehicle 2 approaches charging station 1. Alternatively, sound may be used to inform the user of the direction and distance of charging station 1 as viewed from vehicle 2.

[0062] In S104, ECU 27 determines whether charging pile 1 is in the exposed state. ECU 27 may also obtain information about whether charging pile 1 is in the exposed state or the retracted state through communication between vehicle 2 and charging pile 1. ECU 27 may also determine whether charging pile 1 is in the exposed state or the retracted state based on an image of charging pile 1 captured by a camera (not shown) mounted on vehicle 2.

[0063] If the charging station 1 is exposed (YES in S104), the ECU 27 controls the HUD 262 to indicate that the charging station 1 is available (S105). For example, the ECU 27 can use AR technology to display a circle over the available charging station 1, change the color of the available charging station 1, add a pattern to the available charging station 1, make the available charging station 1 flash, or emphasize the outline of the available charging station 1. These displays allow the vehicle 2 (the user driving the vehicle 2) to identify the location of the available charging station 1.

[0064] In S106, ECU 27 controls HUD 262 to also display the charging price at charging station 1. The charging price may be a price per unit time, a price per unit electric energy, or a predicted price when battery 23 is fully charged.

[0065] On the other hand, when the charging pile 1 is in the stored state (No in S104), ECU27 controls HUD262 (S107) in the same way as S105 to display that the charging pile 1 can be used. At this time, it is preferred that ECU27 uses AR technology to overlap the imaginary image of the charging pile 1 in the exposed state with the position of the charging pile 1 in the stored state and display it. It can also be configured so that ECU27 also marks a circle, changes the color, adds a pattern, makes it flash, and emphasizes the outline when displaying the image of the charging pile 1 in the exposed state. Through these displays, the position of the available charging pile 1 can also be determined from the vehicle 2 (the user driving the vehicle 2).

[0066] However, AR display is not essential. That is, the ECU 27 may display an image showing the charging stand 1 in the exposed state on the HUD 262 instead of displaying the actual scenery (the charging stand 1 in the stored state).

[0067] In S108, ECU 27 controls HUD 262 so as to also display the charging price at charging station 1. After executing the process of S106 or S108, ECU 27 returns the process to the main routine.

[0068] As described above, in Embodiment 1, available charging piles 1 are displayed on HUD 262 (or alternatively, instrument panel 261 or navigation screen 263). In particular, when the charging pile 1 is in the stowed state, an AR display is performed in which a virtual image of the charging pile 1 in the exposed state is superimposed on the image of the charging pile 1 in the stowed state. This allows the user to easily find and locate an available charging pile 1 even when the charging pile 1 is in the stowed state.

[0069] [Implementation Method 2]

[0070] Charging station 1 can also be used to supply power from vehicle 2 to a distributed energy system such as a microgrid. In the second embodiment, a configuration for supplying power (selling power) from vehicle 2 to a distributed energy system via charging station 1 is described. In the second embodiment, a "power supply guidance process" is performed to guide the user of vehicle 2 to a charging station 1 that can supply power.

[0071] The configurations of the charging station 1 and the vehicle 2 are similar to those described in the first embodiment (see Figures 1 to 4 ) are basically the same, so the description will not be repeated. The vehicle 2 is configured to be capable of not only charging from the charging station 1 but also supplying (discharging) power to the charging station 1.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the power supply guidance process in Embodiment 2. In S201, ECU 27 determines whether vehicle 2 has approached charging station 1. If vehicle 2 has approached charging station 1 (YES in S201), ECU 27 advances the process to S202.

[0073] In S202, ECU 27 determines whether charging station 1 is capable of supplying power to the distributed energy system. For example, if demand for power in the distributed energy system exceeds supply (or if demand is predicted to exceed supply in the near future), charging station 1 receives notification of this from the distributed energy system management server (not shown). In this case, charging station 1 provides vehicle 2 with information indicating that it is capable of supplying power to the distributed energy system. Vehicle 2 may also receive this information from the management server.

[0074] If the current time is a time period with low power demand, and the charging station 1 cannot be used to supply power to the distributed energy system (No in S202), the ECU 27 controls the HUD 262 to display that power cannot be supplied to the charging station 1 (S109). As this display form, the same processing as S109 can be used (see Figure 5 )Same technique.

[0075] On the other hand, when the power supply to the charging stand 1 is possible (YES in S202 ), the ECU 27 guides the vehicle 2 toward the charging stand 1 using a sound output from a speaker (not shown) ( S203 ).

[0076] In S204, ECU27 determines whether the charging pile 1 is in an exposed state. If the charging pile 1 is in an exposed state (yes in S204), ECU27 controls HUD262 (S205) to display that power can be supplied to the charging pile 1. As this display form, the same processing as 105 can also be used (see Figure 5 ) The same method is used. ECU 27 controls HUD 262 to also display the electricity price at charging station 1 (S206). The electricity price is, for example, the charge per unit of electricity.

[0077] On the other hand, when the charging pile 1 is in the storage state (No in S204), the ECU 27 controls the HUD 262 to display that power can be supplied to the charging pile 1 (S207). As the display form, AR display and the like can be used in conjunction with the processing of S107 (see Figure 5 ) The same method is used. Then, the ECU 27 controls the HUD 262 so as to display the charging price at the charging station 1 (S208).

[0078] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the charging pile 1 that can supply power is displayed on HUD 262 (which can also be the instrument panel 261 or the navigation screen 263). In particular, when the charging pile 1 is in the stored state, an AR display is performed in which a virtual image of the charging pile 1 in the exposed state is superimposed on the image of the charging pile 1 in the stored state. As a result, even if the charging pile 1 is in the stored state, the user can easily find the charging pile 1 that can supply power and determine its location.

[0079] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, all points of the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A vehicle configured to transmit electric power to and from a charging device, wherein: The charging device includes: a movable device having a connection portion for connection to the vehicle; and a lifting device for lifting the movable device between a stored state in which the movable device is stored underground and an exposed state in which the movable device is exposed above the ground; The vehicle has: display device; and a control device that controls the display device so that, when the charging device is available, the display device displays the fact that the charging device is available in a form that allows the location of the charging device to be determined from the vehicle. The control device controls the display device so that, when the charging device is usable and the movable device is in the stored state, the display device displays augmented reality in which the image of the movable device in the exposed state is superimposed on the image of the movable device in the stored state.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein In a case where the charging device cannot be used, the control device controls the display device to cause the display device to display that the charging device cannot be used.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The control device controls the display device so that the display device also displays a transaction price of electric power traded via the charging facility.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The display device includes a head-up display.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The vehicle further includes a speaker configured to notify a user of the vehicle by sound that the vehicle is approaching the charging facility when the charging facility is available.

6. A charging system, wherein: The charging system comprises: The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and The charging device.

7. A method for controlling a vehicle comprising a display device and capable of transmitting power to a charging device, wherein: The charging device includes: a movable device having a connection portion for connection to the vehicle; and a lifting device for lifting the movable device between a stored state in which the movable device is stored underground and an exposed state in which the movable device is exposed above the ground; The control method includes: A step of obtaining whether the charging device can be used; and If the charging device is available, the step of displaying the fact that the charging device is available on the display device in a form that allows the location of the charging device to be determined from the vehicle, In which, when the charging equipment is usable and the movable device is in the stored state, the display device is controlled to display augmented reality in which the image of the movable device in the exposed state is superimposed on the image of the movable device in the stored state.

Images