Vehicle and charging system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a charging system. The vehicle related to the present disclosure charges a mounted electric storage device with electric power from a charging device, wherein the vehicle is provided with: a communication section that acquires a first voltage value representing an outputtable voltage value (V0) that the charging device is able to output; and a processing section that, when a second voltage value (V2) representing a maximum voltage value of the electric storage device is greater than the first voltage value, transmits a third voltage value (V3) that is lower than the first voltage value to the charging device as the maximum voltage of the electric storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicles and charging systems. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a charging system for a vehicle, comprising a charging device installed outside the vehicle and a battery storage device, was known (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-47677). Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the aforementioned charging system, the charging device sometimes fails to start charging when the maximum voltage of the vehicle's energy storage device exceeds the maximum output voltage of the charging equipment. However, as a vehicle, it is sometimes desirable to charge the energy storage device to the maximum possible range.

[0004] This disclosure was made in view of the aforementioned issues, and its object is to provide a vehicle and a charging system that enable the charging device to start charging even when the maximum voltage of the energy storage device installed in the vehicle is greater than the maximum output voltage of the charging device.

[0005] The vehicle disclosed herein is a vehicle that uses electricity from a charging device to charge an onboard energy storage device, comprising: a communication unit that acquires a first voltage value representing an output voltage value that the charging device can output; and a processing unit that, when a second voltage value representing a maximum voltage value of the energy storage device is greater than the first voltage value, sends a third voltage value below the first voltage value as a charging voltage upper limit value to the charging device.

[0006] The charging system disclosed herein includes: a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device; and a charging device that supplies power to the energy storage device, wherein the charging device sends a first voltage value to the vehicle, indicating the output voltage value that the charging device can output, and when a second voltage value, indicating the maximum voltage value of the energy storage device, is greater than the first voltage value, the vehicle sends a third voltage value below the first voltage value as an upper limit value for charging voltage to the charging device.

[0007] The above and other objects, features, solutions, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically showing the charging system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the detection circuit 62.

[0010] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the charging process from the connection of each connector to the start of charging.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging process from the connection of each connector to the start of charging.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a block diagram schematically showing the charging system 1A according to Embodiment 2.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the charging process.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the configuration phase (S214) of various charging elements.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charging system 1B.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the control process up to the start of charging.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging parameter stage S404. Detailed Implementation

[0018] use Figures 1 to 10 This describes the charging system and vehicle involved in this embodiment. Figures 1 to 10 In the structures shown, the same symbol is added to the same or substantially the same structure, while repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0019] (Implementation Method 1)

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically showing the charging system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The charging system 1 includes a vehicle 2 and a charging device 3.

[0021] The charging device 3 includes a charging cable 11, a device-side connector 12, a converter 13, an ELB (leakage current cut-off) 14, a communication unit 15, a control unit 16, a control power supply 17, relays 18 and 19, an optocoupler 20, and an input unit 21.

[0022] The charging cable 11 has a pair of charging cables 31, a pair of communication cables 32, and a control cable 33.

[0023] Charging cables 31 and 32 are power lines that supply charging power to vehicle 2. Communication cables 32 and 32 are communication lines used for communicating with vehicle 2. Control cables 33 include a pair of charging start / stop cables 34 and 34, a connector connection confirmation cable 35, a charging prohibition / permission cable 36, and a grounding cable 37.

[0024] The device-side connector 12 is located at the front end of the charging cable 11. The device-side connector 12 includes a terminal connected to the charging cable 31, a terminal connected to the communication cable 32, a terminal connected to the control cable 33, a terminal connected to the charging start / stop cable 34, a terminal connected to the connector connection confirmation cable 35, a terminal connected to the charging prohibition / permission cable 36, and a terminal connected to the grounding cable 37.

[0025] The device-side connector 12 includes a locking device 45 and a locking device holding circuit 44. The locking device 45 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 52 via the device-side connector 12 and engages with the vehicle-side connector 52 to prevent the device-side connector 12 from disengaging from the vehicle-side connector 52. The locking device holding circuit 44 maintains the engaged state of the locking device 45 during charging to prevent the device-side connector 12 from disengaging from the vehicle-side connector 52.

[0026] The converter 13 is connected to the AC input power supply 40. The AC input power supply 40 includes an AC / DC rectifier, a DC / AC inverter, an insulation transformer, and an AC / DC rectifier.

[0027] A voltmeter 41 is installed between the terminal of the device-side connector 12 and the AC input power supply 40 to measure the voltage between the charging cables 31 and 37. The voltmeter 41 sends the measured voltage value to the control unit 16. A current meter 42 is installed on one of the charging cables 31. The voltmeter 41 sends the measured voltage value to the control unit 16. A grounding detector 43 is connected to each charging cable 31 and the grounding cable 37. The grounding detector 43 sends the detection result to the control unit 16.

[0028] The converter 13 converts the AC power supplied from the AC input power source 40 into DC power. The ELB 14 is disposed between the converter 13 and the AC input power source 40, electrically connecting or disconnecting the converter 13 and the AC input power source 40.

[0029] The communication unit 15 communicates with the vehicle 2 according to communication protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0030] The control unit 16 controls the converter 13, ELB 14, communication unit 15, relays 18 and 19, and optocoupler 20, etc.

[0031] The control unit 16 includes a storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores information such as the output voltage value V0.

[0032] The control power supply 17 is a power source that supplies driving power to the communication unit 15, the control unit 16, the relays 18 and 19, and the optocoupler 20.

[0033] The relay 18 is connected between the positive terminal of the control power supply 17 and the charging start / stop cable 34. According to the control signal from the control unit 16, it connects and disconnects the positive terminal of the control power supply 17 and the charging start / stop cable 34.

[0034] The relay 19 is connected between the negative terminal (ground voltage) of the control power supply 17 and the charging start / stop cable 34. According to the control signal from the control unit 16, the relay 19 connects and disconnects the negative terminal of the control power supply 17 and the charging start / stop cable 34.

[0035] The optocoupler 20 transmits a pre-preparation confirmation signal S7, corresponding to whether the connector connection confirmation cable 35 is conductive, to the control unit 16. When a conduction current flows through the light-emitting element on the input side of the optocoupler 20, the light-receiving element on the output side outputs the pre-preparation confirmation signal S7 to the control unit 16.

[0036] The input unit 21 is a user interface, such as a touch panel. The user can start charging by pressing the charging start button displayed on the input unit 21. After pressing the charging start button on the input unit 21, a charging start trigger S0 is sent to the control unit 16.

[0037] Next, let's describe vehicle 2.

[0038] Vehicle 2 includes a vehicle-side connector 52, an energy storage device 53, a communication unit 54, a control unit 55, a control system power supply 56, relays 57 and 58, an optocoupler 59 and 60, a switch 61, and a detection circuit 62.

[0039] Additionally, vehicle 2 includes a pair of charging cables 71, a pair of communication cables 72, and a control cable 73. The control cable 73 includes a pair of charging start / stop cables 74 (74A, 74B), a connector connection cable 75, a charging permission / prohibition cable 76, and a grounding cable 77. Terminals corresponding to each cable are provided in the vehicle-side connector 52.

[0040] When the device-side connector 12 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 52, the terminals provided on the device-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 52 are connected. As a result, the charging cable 31 and the charging cable 71, the communication cable 32 and the communication cable 72, the charging start / stop cable 34 and the charging start / stop cable 74, the connector connection confirmation cable 35 and the connector connection cable 75, the charging prohibition permission cable 36 and the charging permission prohibition cable 76, and the grounding cable 37 and the grounding cable 77 are electrically connected.

[0041] The energy storage device 53 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the drive unit, which includes the drive motor that propels the vehicle 2 and the inverter. The communication unit 54 communicates with the charging device 3 according to communication protocols such as CAN.

[0042] The control unit 55 controls the operation of the communication unit 54, the control system power supply 56, relays 57 and 58, and optocouplers 59, etc. The control system power supply 56 provides power to the communication unit 54, the control unit 55, and the control system power supply 56, etc.

[0043] The control unit 55 includes a storage unit 67, which stores information including the maximum battery voltage value V1 and the maximum battery endurance value V4 of the energy storage device 53. The maximum battery voltage value V1 refers to, for example, the voltage of the energy storage device 53 when fully charged. Alternatively, the maximum battery voltage value V1 may also be, for example, the voltage value of the energy storage device 53 when the SOC is 80%.

[0044] The upper limit of battery endurance V4 is the voltage at which vehicle 2 stops charging in order to protect the battery storage device 53.

[0045] Relay 57 connects and disconnects the charging cable 71 from the energy storage device 53. Relay 57 is normally open. When relays 58, 18, and 19 are closed, drive power is supplied to relay 57 from the control power supply 17 of the charging device 3.

[0046] When driving power is supplied to relay 57, relay 57 becomes closed, and energy storage device 53 and charging cable 71 are connected.

[0047] One end of relay 58 is connected to the charging start / stop cable 74A connected to relay 18, and the other end of relay 58 is connected to the charging start / stop cable 74B connected to relay 19. Furthermore, by closing relays 18, 19, and 58, drive power is supplied to relay 57, causing relay 57 to close.

[0048] When the connectors are connected to each other and the relay 18 is in the closed state, the optocoupler 59 sends a pre-preparation signal S1 to the control unit 55. Specifically, the optocoupler 59 includes a light-emitting element connected to the charging start / stop cable 74A and the ground potential, and a light-receiving element connected between the control unit 55 and the control system power supply 56.

[0049] When the connector is connected and the relay 18 is in the closed state, the light-emitting element emits light, and the light-receiving element receives the light. Furthermore, the light-receiving element sends a pre-preparation signal S1 to the control unit 55.

[0050] When all connectors are connected, the optocoupler 60 sends a charging start signal S2 to the control unit 55 according to the on / off state of relays 18 and 19. Specifically, it includes a light-emitting element connected to the charging start / stop cables 74A and 74B, and a light-receiving element connected to the control system power supply 56 and the ground potential.

[0051] Furthermore, when all connectors are connected and relays 18 and 19 are in the closed state, the light-emitting element emits light, and the light-receiving element receives the light. The light-receiving element then sends a charging start signal S2 to the control unit 55.

[0052] When the switch 61 supplies conduction current from the control unit 55 while all connectors are connected, it electrically connects the connector connection cable 75.

[0053] Specifically, switch 61 is connected between connector cable 75 and ground potential. When a conduction current is supplied to switch 61 from control unit 55, switch 61 connects connector cable 75 to ground potential.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the detection circuit 62. When the device-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 52 are connected, the detection circuit 62 sends a connector connection confirmation signal S3 to the control unit 55. The detection circuit 62 includes a switch 63, an optocoupler 64, and a switch 65. When the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 is ON, the control unit 55 supplies a conduction current to switch 63, turning switch 63 ON. When switch 63 is ON, switch 65 is closed, electrically connecting the connector cable 75 and the optocoupler 64. The optocoupler 64 includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0055] When switch 65 is in the closed state, driving power from control power supply 17 is supplied to the light-emitting element to emit light. The light-receiving element receives the light from the light-emitting element and sends a connector connection confirmation signal S3 to the control unit 55.

[0056] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging process from the connection of each connector to the start of charging. Furthermore, the instruction manual and... Figure 3 In the above, "S" means "Step".

[0057] With the device-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 52 connected, when the control unit 16 receives a charging start trigger S0 (S10), the control unit 16 closes the relay 18 (S12). While the relay 18 is closed, a pre-preparation signal S1 is sent from the optocoupler 59 to the control unit 55. Furthermore, the user can send a charging start trigger S0 from the input unit 21 to the control unit 16.

[0058] When the control unit 55 receives the pre-preparation signal S1, it determines whether it has received the connector connection confirmation signal S3 (S112).

[0059] When the control unit 55 determines that it has not received the connector connection confirmation signal S3 ("No" in S112), the control unit 55 notifies the charging device 3 of an abnormality (S113).

[0060] When the control unit 55 determines that it has received the connector connection confirmation signal S3 ("Yes" in S112), the control unit 55 sends the connector connection completion signal S4 to the control unit 16 via the communication cable 72 and the communication cable 32 (S114).

[0061] Control unit 16 determines whether it has received connector connection completion signal S4 (S14) within a predetermined period. When control unit 16 determines that it has received connector connection completion signal S4 within a predetermined period ("Yes" in S14), control unit 16 sends charger CAN data D0 to control unit 55 via communication cable 32 and communication cable 72. Charger CAN data D0 includes the output voltage value V0 of charging device 3.

[0062] The control unit 55 determines whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the battery's maximum voltage value V1 (S116). When the control unit 55 determines that the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the battery's maximum voltage value V1 ("Yes" in S116), the control unit 55 sends a charging voltage upper limit value V2 and a battery endurance upper limit value V4 to the control unit 16 (S118). At this time, the charging voltage upper limit value V2 is the battery's maximum voltage value V1. Furthermore, the charging voltage upper limit value V2 is the value sent from the control unit 55 to the control unit 16 as the maximum voltage value of the energy storage device 53.

[0063] When the control unit 55 determines that the maximum battery voltage value V1 is greater than the output voltage value V0 ("No" in S116), the control unit 55 sends the charging voltage upper limit value V2 and the battery endurance upper limit value V4 to the control unit 16 (S120). At this time, the charging voltage upper limit value V2 is set to the maximum voltage value V3, which is a value below the output voltage value V0. Alternatively, the maximum voltage value V3 can also be set to the output voltage value V0.

[0064] When the control unit 16 receives the upper limit value of the charging voltage V2, it performs a determination process (S22).

[0065] Specifically, it is determined whether the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (S22). If the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2, the control unit 16 determines that the energy storage device 53 can be charged to full charge.

[0066] On the other hand, if the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0, the control unit 16 determines that the energy storage device 53 cannot be charged to full charge.

[0067] Therefore, if the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0, the control unit 16 sends an abnormality notification to the control unit 55 (S13). This abnormality notification may also include a notification indicating that the battery is unsuitable because it cannot be fully charged to the energy storage device 53. Furthermore, the control unit 16 does not initiate charging.

[0068] When the control unit 16 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit value of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S22), it calculates the output current value I0 (S26).

[0069] The output current value I0 is calculated based on the smaller of the battery endurance limit value V4 and the output voltage value V0. The control unit 16 sends the output current value I0 to the control unit 55 (S28).

[0070] When the control unit 55 receives a current value I0 that can be output (S122), it turns the switch 61 ON (S124). When the switch 61 is ON, the light-emitting element of the optocoupler 20 emits light, and the light-receiving element of the optocoupler 20 receives light. The light-receiving element of the optocoupler 20 sends a pre-preparation confirmation signal S7 to the control unit 16. As a result, the control unit 16 receives the pre-preparation confirmation signal S7 (S30).

[0071] exist Figure 4 In the process, when the control unit 16 receives the pre-prepared confirmation signal S7, it maintains the latch (S32). Specifically, it drives the latch holding circuit 44 to maintain the latch 45 in a locked state.

[0072] Then, the control unit 16 confirms whether the relay 57 is in the open state (S34). Specifically, if the voltage value obtained from the voltmeter 41 is below the predetermined voltage, it is determined that the relay 57 is open; if it is determined that the voltage value obtained from the voltmeter 41 is greater than the predetermined voltage, it is determined that the relay 57 is in the closed state.

[0073] When the control unit 16 determines that the relay 57 is in the closed state ("No" in S34), the control unit 16 sends an abnormal notification to the control unit 55 (S36).

[0074] When the control unit 16 determines that the relay 57 is in the open state ("Yes" in S34), the control unit 16 performs an insulation diagnosis (S38).

[0075] Specifically, the drive converter 13 outputs a predetermined voltage. Furthermore, insulation testing is performed on the charging device 3 side based on the current value obtained from the ammeter 42 and the output value from the grounding detector 43.

[0076] When the insulation diagnosis result indicates an abnormality ("No" in S38), the control unit 16 sends an abnormality notification to the control unit 55 (S36).

[0077] When the insulation diagnosis result indicates no problem ("Yes" in S38), the control unit 16 closes the relay 19 (S40). With the relay 18 already closed and the relay 19 closed, the light-emitting element of the optocoupler 60 emits light, and the light-receiving element of the optocoupler 60 receives light. Furthermore, the light-receiving element of the optocoupler 60 sends a charging start signal S2 to the control unit 55. The control unit 55 then receives the charging start signal S2 (S126).

[0078] The control unit 16 sends a vehicle rechargeable indicator S5 (S42). The vehicle rechargeable indicator S5 is sent to the control unit 16 via communication cable 32 and communication cable 72.

[0079] The control unit 55 determines whether it has received the charging start signal S2 and the vehicle charging status indicator S5 (S128). When the control unit 55 receives the vehicle charging status indicator S5 and the charging start signal S2 ("Yes" in S128), it closes the relay 58 (S130).

[0080] Here, when relay 58 is in the closed state, drive power is supplied to relay 57 from control power supply 17. As a result, relay 57 is in the closed state (S132).

[0081] The control unit 16 confirms that the relay 57 is in the closed state (S44). Specifically, when the relay 57 is in the closed state, the voltage of the energy storage device 53 is applied to the voltmeter 41. Therefore, if the voltage value obtained from the voltmeter 41 is above a predetermined value, the control unit 16 determines that the relay 57 is in the closed state.

[0082] Control unit 55 sends a charging command value to control unit 16 (S134). Control unit 55 sets the charging command value S6 to a value smaller than the output current value I0. When control unit 16 determines that relay 57 is in the closed state ("Yes" in S44), it starts charging according to the charging command value S6.

[0083] In the charging system 1 according to Embodiment 1, when the control unit 55 determines in S116 to S120 that the maximum voltage value V1 of the battery is greater than the output voltage value V0, it sends the maximum voltage value V3 that is below the output voltage value V0 as the upper limit value V2 of the charging voltage.

[0084] Therefore, in the control unit 16 of the charging device 3, it is possible to suppress the determination that the upper limit value of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage value V0 and thus prevent charging from starting. As a result, charging begins, and the energy storage device 53 can be charged to a certain extent.

[0085] (Implementation Method 2)

[0086] Figure 5 This is a block diagram schematically showing the charging system 1A according to Embodiment 2.

[0087] The charging system 1A includes a vehicle 102 and a charging device 103. The vehicle 102 includes an energy storage device 110, a charging socket 113, power wiring 114, and a vehicle controller 137.

[0088] The charging socket 113 includes a DC(+) terminal 150, a DC(-) terminal 151, a PE terminal 152, an S(+) terminal 153, an S(-) terminal 154, a CC1 terminal 155, a CC2 terminal 156, and a frame 157. Each terminal 150 to 156 is housed within the frame 157 and is insulated from the others.

[0089] Vehicle 102 includes vehicle controller 137, DC(+) wiring 130, DC(-) wiring 131, PE line 132, S(+) signal line 133, S(-) signal line 134, CC1 communication line 135, CC2 communication line 136, vehicle controller 137, contactors K5 and K6, and switches SW2 and SWv.

[0090] DC(+) wiring 130 and DC(-) wiring 131 are connected to the energy storage device 110. DC(+) wiring 130 is connected to DC(+) terminal 150, and DC(-) wiring 131 is connected to DC(-) terminal 151. PE wire 132 is the ground wire and is connected to PE terminal 152.

[0091] S(+) signal line 133, S(-) signal line 134, CC1 communication line 135, and CC2 communication line 136 are connected to the vehicle controller 137. S(+) signal line 133 is connected to S(+) terminal 153, and S(-) signal line 134 is connected to S(-) terminal 154. CC1 communication line 135 is connected to CC1 terminal 155, and CC2 communication line 136 is connected to CC2 terminal 156.

[0092] Contactor K5 is connected to DC(+) wiring 130, and contactor K6 is connected to DC(-) wiring 131. Resistor R4 is connected to CC1 communication line 135, and switch SW2 is connected in series with resistor R4 to CC1 communication line 135. Switch SWv is connected to CC2 communication line 136. Vehicle controller 137 controls the ON / OFF switching of contactors K5 and K6, and switches SW2 and SWv.

[0093] The vehicle controller 137 is equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) 138.

[0094] The charging device 103 includes a charger 122, a DC(+) wiring 160, a DC(-) wiring 161, a PE line 162, an S(+) signal line 163, an S(-) signal line 164, a CC1 communication line 165, a CC2 communication line 166, a contactor K1, a contactor K2, a switch S1, a voltage measuring device 145, a voltage divider circuit 146, an IMD (Insulation Monitoring Device) 147, and a charger controller 173.

[0095] The plug 120 includes a DC(+) terminal 180, a DC(-) terminal 181, a PE terminal 182, an S(+) terminal 183, an S(-) terminal 184, a CC1 terminal 185, a CC2 terminal 186, and a housing 187. Each terminal is housed within the housing 187.

[0096] DC(+) wiring 160 and DC(-) wiring 161 are connected to charger 122. DC(+) wiring 160 is connected to DC(+) terminal 180, and DC(-) wiring 161 is connected to DC(-) terminal 181. PE wire 162 is the ground wire and is connected to PE terminal 182.

[0097] The S(+) signal line 163, S(-) signal line 164, and CC1 communication line 165 are connected to the charger controller 173. The S(+) signal line 163 is connected to the S(+) terminal 183, and the S(-) signal line 164 is connected to the S(-) terminal 184.

[0098] CC1 communication line 165 is connected to CC1 terminal 185. One end of CC2 communication line 166 is connected to PE line 162, and the other end is connected to CC2 terminal 186.

[0099] Contactor K1 is located on DC(+) wiring 160, and contactor K2 is located on DC(-) wiring 161. A resistor R1 is provided in CC1 communication line 165, and switch SW1 is connected to CC1 communication line 165 in parallel with resistor R1.

[0100] The voltage measuring device 145 is configured to connect a DC(+) wire 160 and a DC(-) wire 161. Specifically, it is connected between the DC(+) terminal 180 in the DC(+) wire 160 and the contactor K1, and between the DC(-) terminal 181 in the DC(-) wire 161 and the contactor K2.

[0101] IMD47 is configured between charger 122 and contactors K1 and K2, with DC(+) wiring 160 and DC(-) wiring 161 connected. Furthermore, IMD147 is also connected to PE line 162. Voltage divider circuit 146 is configured between charger 122 and contactors K1 and K2, with DC(+) wiring 160 and DC(-) wiring 161 connected.

[0102] With the plug 120 connected to the charging socket 113, DC(+) terminals 150 and 180 are connected, and DC(-) terminals 151 and 181 are connected. PE terminals 152 and 182 are connected, S(+) terminals 153 and 183 are connected, S(-) terminals 154 and 184 are connected, CC1 terminals 155 and 185 are connected, and CC2 terminals 156 and 186 are connected.

[0103] The vehicle controller 137 periodically monitors detection points P2 and P3, and the charger controller 173 periodically monitors detection point P1.

[0104] The charger controller 173 performs ON / OFF switching control of the charger 122, the switch SW1, and the contactors K1 and K2.

[0105] The vehicle controller 137 performs ON / OFF switching control of switches SW2 and SWv, and ON / OFF switching control of contactors K5 and K6.

[0106] When the plug 120 is connected to the charging socket 113 as described above, various controls for implementing charging are executed.

[0107] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the charging process. Figure 6 The charging process includes a connection confirmation phase (S210), an adhesion inspection phase (S211), an insulation test phase (S212), a charging handshake phase (S213), a configuration phase for various charging elements (S214), a charging phase (S215), and a charging completion phase (S216).

[0108] Here, during the connection confirmation phase, it is confirmed whether the charging socket 113 and the plug 120 are connected.

[0109] exist Figure 5 In the unconnected state T0 (the charging socket 113 and plug 120 are not connected), switches SW1, SW2, SWv, contactors K1, K2, and contactors K5, K6 are open. At this time, the voltage at detection point P1 is, for example, 12V. The voltage at detection point P2 is 0V.

[0110] In connection state T1 (when plug 120 is inserted into charging socket 113), switches SW1, SW2, SWv, contactors K1, K2, and contactors K5, K6 are in the off state. Detection point P1 is 2.95V, detection point P2 is 2.25V, and detection point P3 is 0V. That is, by inserting plug 120 into charging socket 113, the voltage at detection point P1 changes from 12V to 2.95V, and the voltage at detection point P2 changes from 0V to 2.25V.

[0111] Furthermore, the charger controller 173 can detect when the plug 120 is inserted into the charging socket 113 by detecting voltage changes at detection point P1. The vehicle controller 137 can detect when the plug 120 is inserted into the charging socket 113 by detecting voltage changes at detection point P2.

[0112] Upon wake-up T2 following connection state T1, switch SW1 becomes closed. Furthermore, charger controller 173 initiates the transmission of a charging handshake message when the voltage at detection point P1 reaches 8.98V. Additionally, various messages are executed via S(+) signal line 163 and S(+) signal line 133, and S(-) signal line 164 and S(-) signal line 134.

[0113] The vehicle controller 137 detects that the voltage at test point P2 is 8.28V, confirming that communication lines 136 and 166 of CC1 are connected. Then, the vehicle controller 137 and the charger controller 173 begin sending and receiving messages.

[0114] Upon waking up T2 and then T3, the charger controller 173 closes the switch SWv. Afterwards, the vehicle controller 137 detects the voltage at detection point P3 and determines the version of the connected charging device based on the voltage at detection point P3. For example, if the voltage at detection point P3 is 6V, the vehicle controller 137 determines that it is connected to a ChaoJi charger.

[0115] After determining the version of the charging device connected to the charging socket 113, the vehicle controller 137 sets the switch SWv to the off state.

[0116] After waking up T3, in waking up T4, the vehicle controller 137 turns the electronic lock ON, locking the charging socket 113 and the plug 120. Thus, the connection confirmation phase (S210) is completed.

[0117] Next, the bonding inspection stage (S211) will be described. In this stage, it is checked whether contactors K5 and K6 are bonded. Specifically, when contactors K5 and K6 are in the OFF state, the charger controller 173 sets contactors K1 and K2 to the OFF state, and the voltage measuring device 145 measures the voltage. Furthermore, if the voltage measured by the voltage measuring device 145 does not exceed, for example, 10V, the charger controller 173 determines that contactors K5 and K6 are not bonded.

[0118] Next, the insulation test phase (S212) will be described.

[0119] The vehicle controller 137 closes contactors K1 and K2 (ON). Meanwhile, contactors K5 and K6 are open (OFF). The charger controller 173 then outputs power from the charger 122 and performs an insulation test using the IMD 147. For example, it verifies the insulation between the DC(+) wiring 160 and the PE wire 162, and the insulation between the DC(-) wiring 161 and the PE wire 162.

[0120] Furthermore, after confirming that there are no problems with the insulation conditions, the charger controller 173 drives the voltage divider circuit 146, and then disconnects contactors K1 and K2. This concludes the insulation test phase.

[0121] Return to Figure 6 During the handshake phase (S213), BMS138 and charger controller 173 exchange version messages, discharge interchangeability information, and identification messages.

[0122] Next, the charging configuration phase (S214) will be explained. After the charging handshake phase is completed, the charger controller 173 and BMS 138 send and receive various charging configuration messages to determine whether bidirectional charging is possible. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the configuration phase (S214) of various charging elements.

[0123] BMS138 sends charging information BCP (Step 220) to charger controller 173.

[0124] The charging information BCP includes information such as the upper limit of the charging voltage (maximum permissible total charging voltage) V2 of the energy storage device 10, the maximum permissible charging current value, and the maximum permissible temperature. Here, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2, as an initial value, is set to the maximum battery voltage value V1.

[0125] Furthermore, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is the maximum voltage of the energy storage device 110, which is sent from the BMS 138 to the charger controller 173. Additionally, the maximum battery voltage V1 is, for example, the voltage of the energy storage device 110 when it is fully charged. Furthermore, the maximum battery voltage V1 can also be the voltage of the energy storage device 110 when its SOC is 80%.

[0126] When the charger controller 173 receives the charging element message BCP (S250), the charger controller 173 sends the charger time synchronization information message CTS, the charger maximum output capacity message CML, and the charger charge / discharge direction request message CCD (S252).

[0127] The Charger Time Synchronization Information (CTS) message includes time synchronization information sent by the Charger Controller 173 to the BMS 138.

[0128] The charger's maximum output capability message CML includes information indicating the maximum output voltage value (maximum output voltage) V0, the minimum output voltage value, the maximum output current value, and the minimum output current value.

[0129] The charger charge / discharge direction request message CCD includes information indicating the charge / discharge direction from the charging device 103. For example, "00" indicates charging, and "01" indicates discharging.

[0130] BMS138 performs a determination process (S224) based on the output voltage value V0 contained in the charger maximum output capability message CML. Specifically, it determines whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the charging voltage upper limit value V2. Here, the initial value of the charging voltage upper limit value V2 is set to the battery maximum voltage value V1. In the initial determination process, it is determined whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the battery maximum voltage value V1.

[0131] Here, when BMS138 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S224), it sends a charging preparation complete message BRO (S230).

[0132] The charging preparation complete message BRO indicates that the BMS138 has completed charging the charging device 103 and is in standby mode. When the BMS138 enters standby mode, it closes contactors K5 and K6 (ON) (S232). Then, the BMS138 ends the charging configuration phase S214.

[0133] After sending a charger time synchronization information message (CTS), the charger controller 173 performs a determination process (S254). Specifically, it determines whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the charging voltage V2. Furthermore, the initial value of the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 stored in the charging various element messages (BCP) is the maximum battery voltage value V1. Therefore, during the initial determination process, the charger controller 173 determines whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the maximum battery voltage value V1.

[0134] When the charger controller 173 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (the maximum battery voltage value V1) ("Yes" in S254), the charger controller 173 sends a charger output preparation complete message CRO. The charger output preparation complete message CRO is a standby message indicating that the charging device 103 has completed charging the BMS 138. Then, the charger controller 173 turns contactors K1 and K2 ON (S262).

[0135] Here, in the above S224, if the upper limit value of the charging voltage V2 (the maximum voltage value of the battery V1) is greater than the output voltage value V0 (in S224, "No"), the BMS138 determines whether to send a retry message S10 (S225).

[0136] When BMS138 determines that a retry message has not been sent in S10 ("No" in S225), BMS138 sets the maximum voltage value V3 to the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (S226). Specifically, the initial value of the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is set to the battery's maximum voltage value V1, and BMS138 updates the value of the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 to the maximum voltage value V3. The maximum voltage value V3 is a value that can output a voltage value below V0. Alternatively, the maximum voltage value V3 can also be set to allow the output voltage value V0.

[0137] After updating the charging voltage upper limit value V2 to the value of the charging voltage upper limit value V2 (S226), BMS138 sends a retry message S10 (S228).

[0138] Then, BMS138 sends the charging element message BCP again (S220). At this time, the upper limit value V2 of the charging voltage contained in the charging element message BCP is the maximum voltage value V3.

[0139] BMS138 receives the charger time synchronization information message CTS again (S222) and performs a judgment process (S224). Specifically, BMS138 determines whether the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2. At this time, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is the maximum voltage value V3. The maximum voltage value V3 is below the output voltage value V0.

[0140] Therefore, when BMS138 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (maximum voltage value V3) ("Yes" in S224), it sends a charging preparation complete message BRO (S230) and turns contactors K5 and K6 ON (S232).

[0141] In S254 above, when the charger controller 173 determines that the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0 ("No" in S254), the charger controller 173 determines whether a retry message S10 has been received (S256). Furthermore, if the charger controller 173 initially performs the determination process, the maximum battery voltage V1 is set as the upper limit of the charging voltage V2.

[0142] When the charger controller 173 determines that it has received a retry message S10 ("Yes" in S256), the charger controller 173 receives charging element message BCP from the BMS 138 (S250).

[0143] At this point, BMS138 updates the upper limit value V2 of the charging voltage contained in the charging element message BCP to the maximum voltage value V3.

[0144] Charger controller 173 sends a charger time synchronization information message CTS, a charger maximum output capacity message CML, and a charger charge / discharge direction request message CCD (S252).

[0145] Then, the charger controller 173 performs the determination process again (S254). Specifically, it determines whether the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2. At this time, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 becomes the maximum voltage value V3, which is a value below the output voltage value V0.

[0146] Therefore, the charger controller 173 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2.

[0147] When the charger controller 173 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S254), the charger controller 173 sends a charger output preparation complete message CRO. The charger output preparation complete message CRO is a standby message indicating that the charging device 103 has completed charging the BMS 138. Furthermore, the charger controller 173 turns contactors K1 and K2 ON (S262).

[0148] In the above S224, BMS138 determines that the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0 ("No" in S224), and then determines that a retry message S10 has been sent ("Yes" in S225), and BMS138 sends an error message (S234).

[0149] Thus, in this embodiment, BMS138 does not send a second retry message S10.

[0150] In the above S254, when the charger controller 173 determines that the upper limit value of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage value V0 ("No" in S254), and determines that the retry message S10 has not been received ("No" in S256), it sends an error message (S258).

[0151] Furthermore, during the charging configuration phase S214, when contactors K1, K2, K5, and K6 become ON (in S232 and S262), the process transitions to the charging phase S215.

[0152] During the charging phase S215, BMS138 sends the required voltage (V) and required current (A) to the charger controller 173, which then supplies power to the vehicle 102 based on the received required voltage (V) and required current (A).

[0153] Furthermore, when the SOC of the energy storage device 110 reaches the target SOC, the BMS 138 and the charger controller 173 end charging and transition to the charging end stage S216.

[0154] During the charging completion phase S216, the BMS138 and the charger controller 173 exchange and receive statistical data. For example, the charger controller 173 sends information such as the cumulative charging time of the semiconductor substrate to the BMS138.

[0155] (Implementation Method 3)

[0156] use Figure 8 The following describes the charging system 1B involved in Embodiment 3.

[0157] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charging system 1B.

[0158] The charging system 1B includes a vehicle 201 and a charging device 202.

[0159] Vehicle 201 includes an energy storage device 210, a charging connector 211, a power line 212, a CPLT (control pilot line) 213, and an EVCC (electric vehicle communication controller) 214.

[0160] Power line 212 is connected to energy storage device 210 and charging connector 211. CPLT line 213 is connected to charging connector 211 and EVCC 214.

[0161] The charging device 202 includes a converter 230, a charging cable 231, a charging plug 232, a power line 233, a CPLT line 234, and a SECC (supply equipment communication controller) 235.

[0162] The converter 230 is connected to an external power supply 236. The converter 230 converts the AC power supplied from the external power supply 236 into DC power. The charging plug 232 is located at the front end of the charging cable 231.

[0163] Power line 233 is connected to converter 230 and charging plug 232. CPLT line 234 is connected to SECC 235 and charging plug 232.

[0164] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the control process up to the start of charging.

[0165] The charging process includes the communication debugging phase S400, service discovery phase S401, service selection phase S402, authentication phase S403, charging parameter phase S404, cable inspection phase S405, pre-charging phase S406, charging phase S407, charging end phase S408, splice inspection phase S409, and session end phase S410.

[0166] During the communication debugging phase of S400, the data link between EVCC214 and SECC235 is established.

[0167] During the service discovery phase S401, EVCC214 obtains the service content provided by charging device 202.

[0168] In the service selection phase S402, EVCC214 selects and determines the service content to be accepted from charging equipment 202.

[0169] During the certification phase S403, EVCC214 sends the billing method and electricity contract information to SECC235. SECC235 then has the electricity contract information content certified by an external auxiliary participant.

[0170] In the charging parameter stage S404, information related to various charging parameters is exchanged between EVCC214 and SECC235.

[0171] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging parameter stage S404.

[0172] EVCC214 sends a charge parameter discovery request (S20) to SECC235 (S500). This charge parameter discovery request S20 includes a maximum charging voltage value V2, a maximum charging current value, and a minimum charging current value. Here, the initial value of the maximum charging voltage value V2 is the battery maximum voltage value V1. Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the battery maximum voltage value V1 is equivalent to "EV Maximum Voltage".

[0173] When the SECC235 receives a charging parameter discovery request S20 ("Yes" in S600), it performs a determination process (S602). In this determination process, it determines whether the output voltage value V0 is greater than or equal to the upper limit value V2 of the charging voltage.

[0174] Then, when it is determined that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S602), a charging parameter discovery response (ChargeParameterDiscoveryRes) S21 is sent (S604). The charging parameter discovery response S21 includes a response code S22, which stores a code indicating "OK".

[0175] On the other hand, when SECC235 determines that the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0 ("No" in S602), it sends a charging parameter discovery response S21 (S606). At this time, the response code S22 stored in the charging parameter discovery response S21 is "No".

[0176] Furthermore, when SECC235 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed ("No" in S608), it repeats the above steps S600 to S606. In addition, SECC235 determines whether the predetermined period has elapsed since the initial receipt of the charging parameter discovery request S20.

[0177] The charging parameter discovery response S21 includes the ability to output a voltage value V0, a ​​maximum charging power value, and a maximum charging current value. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ability to output a voltage value V0 is equivalent to "EVSE Maximum Voltage".

[0178] After sending a charging parameter discovery request S20, EVCC214 waits (S501) until it receives a charging parameter discovery response S21. Upon receiving the charging parameter discovery response S21 ("Yes" in S501), EVCC214 performs a determination process (S502). Specifically, it determines whether the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2. Furthermore, in the initial state, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is set to the battery's maximum voltage value V1.

[0179] Furthermore, when EVCC214 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S502), it sends a charging parameter discovery request S20 again (S503). The upper limit of the charging voltage V2 in this charging parameter discovery request S20 is the maximum battery voltage value V1. Then, it proceeds to the cable inspection stage S405.

[0180] When EVCC214 determines that the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is greater than the output voltage V0 ("No" in S502), EVCC214 sets the maximum voltage V3 to the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (S504). Furthermore, the maximum voltage V3 is a value lower than the output voltage V0. Alternatively, the maximum voltage V3 can be the same as the output voltage V0.

[0181] EVCC214 sends the charging parameter discovery request S20 (S506) again. At this time, the upper limit value of charging voltage V2 included in the charging parameter discovery request S20 is set to the maximum voltage value V3.

[0182] Here, SECC235 repeats S600 to S606 as described above until a predetermined period has elapsed since the initial receipt of the charging parameter discovery request S20.

[0183] Therefore, after receiving the charging parameter discovery request S20 again, SECC235 performs a determination process (S602).

[0184] At this time, the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is set to the maximum voltage value V3, which is the voltage value V0 that can be output.

[0185] Therefore, SECC235 determines that the output voltage value V0 is above the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 ("Yes" in S602), and SECC235 sends a charging parameter discovery response S21 (S604). At this time, the response code S22 is "OK".

[0186] When SECC235 determines that the predetermined period has elapsed ("Yes" in S608), SECC235 determines whether the final response code S22 is "OK" (S610).

[0187] Then, if the response code S22 for the detection of the last sent charging parameters is "OK" ("Yes" in S610), the process normally transitions to the cable inspection stage S405. On the other hand, if the response code S22 for the detection of the last sent charging parameters is "No" ("No" in S610), SECC235 sends an error message (S612). In this case, SECC235 does not transition to the cable inspection stage S405.

[0188] Then, return to Figure 9After EVCC214 and SECC235 transition to the cable inspection phase S405, EVCC214 and SECC235 perform a cable inspection. Specifically, EVCC214 sends a CableCheckReq (cable inspection request) signal to SECC235. SECC235 then sends back a CableCheckRes (cable inspection response) signal. EVCC214 and SECC235 then verify that the charging plug 232 and charging connector 211 are properly connected.

[0189] During the pre-charging phase S406, the charging device 202 supplies power to the vehicle 201 at a low power level.

[0190] Specifically, the EVCC214 sends a PreChargeReq signal. This PreChargeReq signal contains the target voltage value, etc. The SECC235 sends a PreChargeRes signal. In this way, by performing pre-charging, it is possible to check in advance whether there are any problems in each component.

[0191] Then, in the charging phase S407, formal charging begins. Specifically, EVCC214 sends a PowerDeliveryReq (power delivery request) signal and a CurrentDemandReq (current demand request) signal. The PowerDeliveryReq signal includes a "Start" flag requesting the start of charging. The CurrentDemandReq signal includes, for example, the maximum charging power (EVMaximumChargePower), the maximum charging current (EVMaximumChargeCurrent), the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 (maximum charging voltage (EVMaximumVoltage)), and the target charging power (EVTargetEnergyRequest). The upper limit of the charging voltage V2 is set to the maximum voltage value V3 in the case of the retransmission of the charging parameter discovery request S20 in S506 described above.

[0192] Then, the SECC235 sends a PowerDeliveryRes signal and a CurrentDemandRes signal. The PowerDeliveryRes signal includes an OK flag indicating the start of charging. The CurrentDemandRes signal includes the output voltage (EVSEPresentVoltage), output current (EVSEPresentCurrent), the maximum output voltage V0 (EVSEMaximumChargeVoltage), the maximum output current (EVSEMaximumChargeCurrent), and the maximum output power (EVSEMaximumChargePower).

[0193] Then, after charging is complete, the EVCC214 sends a PowerDeliveryReq signal. This PowerDeliveryReq signal includes a "Stop" flag requesting that charging be stopped.

[0194] The SECC235 sends back a PowerDeliveryRes signal. The PowerDeliveryRes signal includes an OK flag indicating the end of charging. Then, the EVCC214 ends charging.

[0195] During the splice check phase S409, EVCC214 and SECC235 perform splice checks. Then, during the session termination phase S410, EVCC214 and SECC235 end their communication with each other.

[0196] According to the charging system 1B described above, in the charging parameter stage S404, EVCC214 adjusts the upper limit of the charging voltage V2 according to the output voltage value V0 to suppress the situation where charging does not start.

[0197] Thus, vehicle 201 can receive power from charging equipment 202 and charge energy storage device 210.

[0198] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A charging system, comprising: Vehicles equipped with energy storage devices; and The charging equipment supplies power to the energy storage device. in, The charging device sends a first voltage value to the vehicle, representing the maximum output voltage value that the charging device can output. When the vehicle sends a third voltage value, which represents the maximum voltage value of the energy storage device, to the charging equipment as the upper limit of the charging voltage, if the second voltage value representing the maximum voltage value of the energy storage device is greater than the first voltage value. Before obtaining the first voltage value, the vehicle sends the second voltage value as the upper limit of the charging voltage. When the vehicle obtains the first voltage value and the second voltage value is greater than the first voltage value, it sends a retry message. After sending the retry message, the vehicle sends the third voltage value as the upper limit of the charging voltage to the charging device again. When the first voltage value is above the upper limit of the charging voltage received from the vehicle, the charging device sends a charger output ready-to-work message. When the first voltage value is less than the upper limit of the charging voltage received from the vehicle and the charging device receives the retry message, the charging device sends the first voltage value to the vehicle, and When the first voltage value is less than the upper limit of the charging voltage received from the vehicle and the charging device does not receive the retry message, the charging device sends an error message to the vehicle.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, When the second voltage value is below the first voltage value, the vehicle sends the second voltage value as the upper limit of the charging voltage to the charging device.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The third voltage value is the first voltage value.

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