Vehicle and power device

Abstract

A vehicle and a power device are provided. The vehicle includes a vehicle outlet to which a vehicle plug capable of external power supply is connectable, an electronic lock to lock the vehicle outlet and the vehicle plug, and a vehicle control device to control the electronic lock. The vehicle control device, when a request to cancel the lock by the electronic lock is accepted from a user, prohibits the cancellation of the lock by the electronic lock in a case where an output of the external power supply is greater than 16 A (a prescribed value). In addition, the vehicle control device, when the request to cancel the lock by the electronic lock is accepted from the user, cancels the lock by the electronic lock in a case where the output of the external power supply is 16 A or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicles and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-141483 discloses a vehicle equipped with a connector locking device for locking the charging connector to the charging socket and a vehicle control device. The vehicle control device automatically relocks the charging connector to restart external charging without disconnecting it from the charging socket after the connector, which is linked to a door unlocking operation, is unlocked.

[0003] In the vehicle disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-141483, charging does not occur from the time the connector is unlocked until it is relocked. Therefore, when the connector is unlocked in conjunction with the door unlocking during external charging, charging may sometimes stop unintentionally. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent unintentional stopping of external charging or external power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle and electrical device capable of suppressing unintentional stopping of external charging or external power supply.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising: a secondary battery; a vehicle socket for connecting a vehicle plug capable of power transmission, the power transmission including at least one of external charging and external power supply; an electronic lock for locking the vehicle socket and the vehicle plug; and a vehicle control device for controlling the electronic lock. When the vehicle control device receives a request from the user to unlock the electronic lock, it prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock if the output of the power transmission is greater than a predetermined value; conversely, when the vehicle control device receives a request from the user to unlock the electronic lock, it unlocks the electronic lock if the output of the power transmission is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0006] In the vehicle according to the first aspect of this disclosure, as described above, when a request to unlock the electronic lock is received, unlocking the electronic lock is prohibited if the power transmission output is greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, when the power transmission output is greater than the predetermined value due to external charging or external power supply, unlocking the electronic lock based on a request to unlock it can be prevented. As a result, unintentional cessation of external charging or external power supply can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the vehicle according to the first aspect described above, when a request to unlock the electronic lock is received, unlocking the electronic lock is performed if the power transmission output is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Therefore, when the power transmission output is less than or equal to a predetermined value due to the absence of external charging or external power supply, unlocking the electronic lock based on a request to unlock it can be performed.

[0007] In the vehicle described in the first aspect above, it is preferable that the vehicle control device prohibits power transmission when the output for initiating power transmission is greater than a predetermined value, provided that the lock implemented by the electronic lock has been released. If configured in this way, the threshold value for initiating power transmission when the lock implemented by the electronic lock has been released can be made consistent with the threshold value for the output that allows the lock to be released by the electronic lock.

[0008] The vehicle described in the first aspect above preferably also includes a reporting device that reports to the user. When the user accepts a request to unlock the electronic lock, and the unlocking of the electronic lock is prohibited due to the power transmission output being greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle control unit causes the reporting device to report that the power transmission output is greater than the predetermined value. If configured in this way, the user can be aware of the situation where the power transmission output is greater than the predetermined value through the reporting device.

[0009] The vehicle described in the first aspect above preferably also includes a communication device that communicates with a terminal capable of receiving user operations. When the vehicle control device prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock due to a power transmission output exceeding a predetermined value, the communication device sends a signal related to the unlocking of the electronic lock to the terminal. With this configuration, the user can use the terminal to access information related to the unlocking of the electronic lock.

[0010] In the vehicle described in the first aspect above, it is preferable that the request to unlock the electronic lock includes a first request and a second request different from the first request. When the vehicle control device receives the first request from the user, if the power transmission output is greater than a predetermined value, the unlocking of the electronic lock is prohibited. When the vehicle control device receives the first request from the user, if the power transmission output is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the unlocking of the electronic lock is performed. When the vehicle control device receives the second request from the user, regardless of the power transmission output, the power transmission output is controlled to be less than or equal to the predetermined value, and the unlocking of the electronic lock is performed. With this configuration, when the first request is received, the unlocking of the electronic lock can be controlled based on the magnitude of the power transmission output. Furthermore, when the second request is received, the unlocking of the electronic lock can be forcibly performed regardless of the magnitude of the power transmission output.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that the vehicle also includes a door for entry and exit from the vehicle interior. The first request is a release request for a lock implemented by an electronic lock, which is linked to the locking and unlocking of the door. The second request is a release request for a lock implemented by the electronic lock based on the pressing of a lock release button located at the vehicle's power outlet. With this configuration, when a release request for a lock implemented by the electronic lock, which is linked to the locking and unlocking of the door, is received, the unlocking of the lock implemented by the electronic lock can be controlled based on the magnitude of the power transmission output. Furthermore, when the aforementioned release request based on the pressing of the lock release button is received, the lock implemented by the electronic lock can be forcibly unlocked regardless of the magnitude of the power transmission output.

[0012] The second aspect of this disclosure relates to an electrical device comprising: a vehicle plug, capable of power transmission via connection to a vehicle socket of a vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, the power transmission including at least one of external charging and external power supply; and a device-side control device for controlling an electronic lock that locks the vehicle socket and the vehicle plug. When a user receives a request to unlock the electronic lock, the device-side control device prevents the unlocking of the electronic lock if the power transmission output is greater than a predetermined value; conversely, when a user receives a request to unlock the electronic lock, the device-side control device unlocks the electronic lock if the power transmission output is less than a predetermined value. It should be noted that the term "controlling the electronic lock" also includes the broader meaning of indirectly controlling the electronic lock by sending a control command to the vehicle.

[0013] In the vehicle according to the second aspect of this disclosure, as described above, when a request to unlock the electronic lock is received, unlocking the electronic lock is prohibited if the power transmission output is greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, when a request to unlock the electronic lock is received, unlocking the electronic lock is performed if the power transmission output is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Thus, a power device can be provided that can suppress unintentional interruption of external charging or external power supply when the power transmission output is greater than a predetermined value. Additionally, a power device can be provided that can unlock the aforementioned lock based on a request to unlock the electronic lock when the power transmission output is less than a predetermined value.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description relating to this disclosure, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the vehicle control device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the report display at the reporting device of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A detailed control flowchart for step S110.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a screen of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the power station and vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the station control device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The following is a detailed explanation. In the figures, the same or similar parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their explanations are not repeated.

[0023] <First Implementation Method>

[0024] <Overall Structure>

[0025] Figure 1This diagram illustrates the structure of a vehicle 100 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle 100 includes a vehicle control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 10, a battery 20, a DC / AC converter 30, a vehicle socket 40, an electronic lock 50, a current sensor 60, a reporting device 70, a communication device 80, and doors 90. It should be noted that the battery 20 is an example of a "secondary battery" as disclosed in this disclosure. Furthermore, for simplicity, only one door 90 is shown.

[0026] Vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV). Vehicle 100 can also be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Battery 20 is an energy storage device that stores the driving power of vehicle 100.

[0027] The vehicle socket 40 is configured to connect to a vehicle plug 120, which is capable of supplying external power to a household appliance 900 (e.g., a rice cooker or a refrigerator). The vehicle 100 is electrically connected to the household appliance 900 by connecting the vehicle plug 120 to the vehicle socket 40. This enables the supply of external power from the battery 20 to the household appliance 900. It should be noted that external power supply is an example of "power transmission" as described in this disclosure.

[0028] Additionally, the electronic lock 50 locks the vehicle socket 40 and the vehicle plug 120. Specifically, the electronic lock 50 is locked by changing its position by pressing a mechanical lock (not shown) located on the vehicle plug 120. It should be noted that the aforementioned mechanical lock has the function of engaging the vehicle plug 120 with the vehicle socket 40. The position of the electronic lock 50 is controlled by the vehicle control device 10. That is, the vehicle control device 10 controls the connection state between the vehicle socket 40 and the vehicle plug 120. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the release of the lock on the vehicle socket 40 and the vehicle plug 120 implemented by the electronic lock 50 will be referred to as the release of the electronic lock 50.

[0029] The vehicle control device 10 controls the external power supply from the vehicle 100 to the appliance 900. The vehicle control device 10 includes a processor 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, and a storage device 13. The processor 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 12 includes working memory that temporarily stores data processed by the processor 11. The storage device 13 is configured to store stored information. In addition to programs, the storage device 13 stores information used by the programs (e.g., mappings, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). In a first embodiment, the processor 11 executes the programs stored in the storage device 13 to perform various controls within the vehicle control device 10.

[0030] The DC / AC converter 30 converts the DC power from the battery 20 into AC power. The AC power from the DC / AC converter is then supplied to the appliance 900 via the vehicle plug 120.

[0031] Current sensor 60 detects the output of an external power supply. Specifically, current sensor 60 detects the current value flowing between vehicle socket 40 and DC / AC converter 30. The current value detected by current sensor 60 is sent to vehicle control unit 10.

[0032] The reporting device 70 reports to the user of the vehicle 100. For example, in the first embodiment, the reporting device 70 is a car navigation system (display device). It should be noted that the reporting device 70 may also be a voice output unit that only outputs voice.

[0033] The communication device 80 communicates with the user's portable terminal 200 (e.g., a smartphone) in the vehicle 100. It should be noted that the communication device 80 can also communicate with the user's PC, tablet, etc. Furthermore, the portable terminal 200 is one example of the "terminal" disclosed herein.

[0034] In conventional vehicles where the electronic lock automatically re-locks after a predetermined time following its release, no external power is supplied during this period. Therefore, even when the electronic lock is released in conjunction with door unlocking during external power supply, the external power supply may sometimes stop unintentionally. Thus, it is desirable to prevent the unintentional stopping of external power supply.

[0035] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the vehicle control device 10 receives a request from the user to unlock the electronic lock 50, it prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock 50 if the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A, and unlocks the electronic lock 50 if the output of the external power supply is less than or equal to 16A when the user receives a request to unlock the electronic lock 50. Thus, when the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A because external power supply is being executed, it is possible to prevent the external power supply from being stopped due to the unlocking of the electronic lock 50. Specifically, refer to... Figure 2 The process shown is used to illustrate this.

[0036] <Control Methods of Electronic Locks>

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 2 The flowchart describes the control method of the electronic lock 50 performed by the vehicle control device 10.

[0038] In step S100, the vehicle control device 10 detects that the vehicle plug 120 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 detects that the vehicle plug 120 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40 based on changes in resistance (within the vehicle 100) caused by the insertion of the vehicle plug 120 into the vehicle socket 40.

[0039] In step S101, the vehicle control unit 10 accepts an operation from the user of the vehicle 100 to initiate external power supply. For example, the vehicle control unit 10 detects the initiation of external power supply by receiving a signal based on a predefined signal from the user's external power supply initiation operation. The external power supply initiation operation is, for example, the button 121 on the vehicle plug 120 (see reference). Figure 1 It is pressed once. It should be noted that button 121 is an example of the "lock-out button" of this disclosure.

[0040] In step S102, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the output of the external power supply is 16A or less. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the detection value of the current sensor 60 is 16A or less. If the output is 16A or less (yes in S102), the process proceeds to step S103. If the output is greater than 16A (no in S102), the process ends. It should be noted that at the time of step S102, the locking implemented by the electronic lock 50 has not yet been performed.

[0041] In step S103, the vehicle control device 10 performs the locking operation (locks it) by the electronic lock 50. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 changes the position (moves) of the electronic lock 50 by pressing the aforementioned mechanical lock (the movement of the mechanical lock is restricted by the electronic lock 50).

[0042] In step S104, the vehicle control unit 10 initiates control of supplying external power from the battery 20 to the appliance 900. Specifically, the vehicle control unit 10 initiates external power supply by controlling the on / off switching of a (not shown) switching element of the DC / AC converter 30.

[0043] In step S105, the vehicle control device 10 is subject to a release operation (release request) of the electronic lock 50 performed by the user.

[0044] In step S106, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 50 accepted in step S105 was performed on button 121 of the vehicle plug 120 (see reference). Figure 1 The operation involves the button 121 being pressed multiple times consecutively (e.g., 3 times). If button 121 has been pressed multiple times consecutively (yes in S106), the process proceeds to step S120. If button 121 has not been pressed multiple times consecutively (no in S106), the process proceeds to step S107. It should be noted that the release operation when button 121 has not been pressed multiple times consecutively is related to the door 90 (refer to...). Figure 1 The electronic lock 50 is released by locking and unlocking linkage.

[0045] In step S107, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the detection value of the current sensor 60 is greater than 16A. If the output is greater than 16A (yes in S107), the process proceeds to step S108. If the output is less than or equal to 16A (no in S107), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0046] In step S108, the vehicle control device 10 rejects the unlocking request of the electronic lock 50. In other words, the vehicle control device 10 prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock 50. As a result, the locking state implemented by the electronic lock 50 continues.

[0047] In step S109, the vehicle control device 10 sends a command signal to the reporting device 70 (car navigation system) in a manner that indicates the output of the external power supply (detected by the current sensor 60) is greater than 16A. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown, screen 71 of the reporting device 70 displays a message indicating that the request to release the electronic lock 50 has been rejected. Additionally, screen 71 displays a message indicating that the external power supply output exceeds 16A. As a result, the user is aware that external power supply is in progress. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from starting the vehicle 100 while external power is being supplied.

[0048] Refer again Figure 2In step S110, the vehicle control device 10 sends a signal related to the release of the electronic lock 50 to the portable terminal 200. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 controls the transmission of a signal indicating that the release request for the electronic lock 50 has been rejected to the portable terminal 200 via the communication device 80. Thus, on screen 202 of the portable terminal 200 (see reference...) Figure 5 The message indicates that the release request of electronic lock 50 has been rejected. Detailed processing of step S110 will be described later.

[0049] In step S120, the vehicle control device 10 controls the reporting device 70 to report that the vehicle plug 120 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40. As a result, especially when the electronic lock 50 is released along with the unlocking of the door 90 (not in S106), it is possible to prevent the user from starting the vehicle 100 while the vehicle plug 120 is connected.

[0050] In step S121, the vehicle control device 10 controls the external power supply to make its output 16A or less. For example, the vehicle control device 10 controls the external power supply to make its output 16A or less by changing the on / off cycle (duty cycle) of a switching element (not shown) of the DC / AC converter 30. It should be noted that if the output of the external power supply is already 16A or less, the process in step S121 is not performed.

[0051] In step S122, the vehicle control device 10 performs the process of releasing the electronic lock 50. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 changes the position (moves) of the electronic lock 50 in a manner that releases the pressure of the electronic lock 50 on the mechanical lock.

[0052] In step S123, the vehicle control device 10 performs a process to stop the external power supply. For example, the vehicle control device 10 stops the external power supply by stopping the on / off switching of a switching element (not shown) of the DC / AC converter 30 (making it always off). After that, the process ends.

[0053] <Processing in step S110>

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S111, the control unit 201 of the portable terminal 200 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) to make the screen 202 of the portable terminal 200 (refer to Figure 1 The display shows a selection button 202a for performing the process of reducing the output of the external power supply (see reference). Figure 5 Additionally, the control unit 201 displays a selection button 202b on the screen 202 for performing the process of stopping external power supply (see reference). Figure 5Additionally, the control unit 201 displays a selection button 202c on the screen 202 for maintaining the status quo (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0055] In step S112, the control unit 201 of the portable terminal 200 determines whether the process of reducing the output of the external power supply (or stopping the external power supply) has been selected by selecting selection button 202a (or selection button 202b). If the process of reducing the output of the external power supply (or stopping the external power supply) has been selected (yes in S112), the process proceeds to step S113. If the process of maintaining the status quo has been selected by selecting selection button 202c (no in S112), the process ends.

[0056] In step S113, if selection button 202a was selected in step S112, the vehicle control device 10 performs a process to reduce the output of the external power supply. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 reduces the output of the external power supply to 16A or less by, for example, controlling the on / off cycle (duty cycle) of a switching element (not shown) of the DC / AC converter 30.

[0057] Additionally, if selection button 202b is selected in step S112, the vehicle control unit 10 performs a process to stop the external power supply. Specifically, the vehicle control unit 10 stops the external power supply by, for example, stopping the on / off switching of a (not shown) switching element of the DC / AC converter 30 (making it always off).

[0058] In step S114, the vehicle control device 10 releases the electronic lock 50. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 changes the position of the electronic lock 50 by releasing the pressure of the electronic lock against the aforementioned mechanical lock.

[0059] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the vehicle control device 10 receives a request from the user to unlock the electronic lock 50, it prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock 50 if the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A. Therefore, the unlocking of the electronic lock 50 can be suppressed during the process of supplying external power to the appliance 900 based on the magnitude of the external power supply output. As a result, unintentional interruptions of external power supply can be suppressed, thus improving the efficiency of external power supply.

[0060] <Second Implementation Method>

[0061] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment which supplies power to the household appliance 900, power is supplied to the power station 400. Structures identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0062] <Overall Structure>

[0063] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the vehicle 300 and the power station 400 according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that the power station 400 is an example of the "electrical device" of this disclosure.

[0064] The vehicle 300 includes a vehicle control unit 110, a battery 20, a DC / AC converter 30, a vehicle socket 40, an electronic lock 50, a current sensor 60, a reporting device 70, a communication device 180, and a door 90. The vehicle control unit 110 includes a processor 111, RAM 112, and a storage device 113.

[0065] The communication device 180 communicates with the user's portable terminal 200 in the vehicle 300 and the communication unit 413 of the power station 400 (described later).

[0066] The vehicle control unit 110 controls the transmission of the current value detected by the current sensor 60 to the communication unit 413 of the power station 400 via the communication device 180.

[0067] The power station 400 includes a station control device 410 and an operation terminal 420. The station control device 410 includes a processor 411, a memory 412, and a communication unit 413. The processor 411 controls the communication unit 413. The memory 412 stores, in addition to the program executed by the processor 411, information used by the program (e.g., mappings, mathematical expressions, and various parameters). It should be noted that the station control device 410 is an example of the "device-side control device" of this disclosure.

[0068] The power station 400 is equipped with a vehicle plug 430 that enables external power supply (power supply from vehicle 300 to power station 400) by connecting to vehicle socket 40.

[0069] <Control Methods of Electronic Locks>

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 7 The flowchart describes the control method of the electronic lock 50 performed by the station control device 410. Processes similar to those in the first embodiment described above will be simplified or omitted in the explanation.

[0071] In step S200, the station control device 410 detects that the vehicle plug 430 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40. For example, the station control device 410 detects that the vehicle plug 430 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40 based on a signal sent from the vehicle 300. Alternatively, the station control device 410 may also detect that the vehicle plug 430 is inserted into the vehicle socket 40 based on a change in the resistance value within the station control device 410.

[0072] In step S201, the station control device 410 initiates operation upon receiving external power from the user. For example, the station control device 410 operates based on the operation terminal 420 (see reference). Figure 6 If the power supply start button 421 is selected, the system detects the start of the external power supply operation. It should be noted that in step S201, information on various parameters related to the external power supply (such as power supply voltage and power supply current) is exchanged between the vehicle 300 and the power station 400.

[0073] In step S202, the station control device 410 determines whether the output of the external power supply is 16A or less. Specifically, the station control device 410 determines whether the detection value of the current sensor 60 is 16A or less. If the output of the external power supply is 16A or less (yes in S202), the process proceeds to step S203. If the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A (no in S202), the process ends. It should be noted that at the time point of step S202, the locking implemented by the electronic lock 50 has not yet been performed.

[0074] In step S203, the power station 400 sends a locking command signal implemented by the electronic lock 50 to the vehicle 300 via the communication unit 413. In step S301, the vehicle control device 110 activates the electronic lock 50 (locks it) based on the command signal from step S203. In step S302, the vehicle control device 110 notifies the power station 400 that the electronic lock 50 is activated (locked) via the communication device 180.

[0075] In step S204, the station control device 410 begins controlling the external power supply from the vehicle 300 to the power station 400.

[0076] In step S205, the station control device 410 receives a release operation (release request) from the user on the electronic lock 50.

[0077] In step S206, the station control device 410 determines whether the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 50 accepted in step S205 was performed on the operation terminal 420 of the power station 400 (see reference). Figure 6 The operation involves pressing the emergency stop button 422. If the emergency stop button 422 is pressed (yes in S206), the process proceeds to step S220. If the emergency stop button 422 is not pressed (no in S206), the process proceeds to step S207. It should be noted that the release operation when the emergency stop button 422 is not pressed is related to the door 90 (refer to...). Figure 6 The electronic lock 50 is released by locking and unlocking linkage.

[0078] In step S207, the station control device 410 determines whether the output of the external power supply is greater than 16A. Specifically, the station control device 410 determines whether the detection value of the current sensor 60 is greater than 16A. If the output is greater than 16A (yes in S207), the process proceeds to step S208. If the output is less than 16A (no in S207), the process proceeds to step S220.

[0079] In step S208, the station control device 410 rejects the release request of the electronic lock 50. In other words, the station control device 410 prohibits the release of the electronic lock 50. In this case, no release command for the electronic lock 50 is sent from the power station 400 to the vehicle 300, and therefore the locking state implemented by the electronic lock 50 continues.

[0080] In step S209, the station control device 410 sends a command signal to the vehicle 300 in a manner that causes the reporting device 70 (car navigation system) to report that the output of the external power supply (the detection value of the current sensor 60) is greater than 16A. The vehicle control device 110 controls the reporting device 70 based on the aforementioned command signal, and the screen 71 of the reporting device 70 (see reference...) Figure 3 The message indicates that the release request of electronic lock 50 has been rejected.

[0081] In step S210, the station control device 410 displays the content of the screen 202 shown on the portable terminal 200 in the first embodiment (refer to...). Figure 5 The content is displayed on the operation terminal 420 of the station control device 410. It should be noted that the station control device 410 can also display the above content on the screen 202 of the portable terminal 200 in the same way as in the first embodiment described above.

[0082] In step S220, the station control device 410 notifies the vehicle 110 via the communication unit 413 that the vehicle plug 120 has been inserted into the vehicle socket 40.

[0083] In step S221, the station control device 410 controls the external power supply to achieve an output of 16A or less. For example, the station control device 410 sends a command signal to the vehicle 300 by varying the on / off cycle (duty cycle) of a switching element (not shown) of the DC / AC converter 30. It should be noted that if the output of the external power supply is already 16A or less, step S221 is not performed.

[0084] In step S222, the station control device 410 sends a command signal to the vehicle 300 to release the electronic lock 50.

[0085] In step S223, after detecting the command signal based on step S222 and unlocking the electronic lock 50 in the vehicle 300, the station control device 410 stops the external power supply. The process then ends.

[0086] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples are shown where the threshold values ​​for both the external power supply output that enables external power supply to be started and the external power supply output that disables the electronic lock 50 are 16A, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The threshold values ​​for the external power supply output that enables external power supply to be started and the external power supply output that disables the electronic lock 50 may also be different values.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments described above, control during external power supply is shown as an example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The same control as in the first and second embodiments described above can also be performed during external charging (charging a vehicle from a household appliance or power station).

[0088] In the first embodiment described above, an example is shown where the portable terminal 200 and the reporting device 70 are controlled separately when the release of the electronic lock 50 is prohibited, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, either the portable terminal 200 or the reporting device 70 may be controlled. Alternatively, neither the portable terminal 200 nor the reporting device 70 may be controlled. Similarly, in the second embodiment, when the release of the electronic lock 50 is prohibited, either the operation terminal 420 of the power station 400 or the reporting device 70 may be controlled. Alternatively, neither the operation terminal 420 nor the reporting device 70 may be controlled.

[0089] In the first (second) embodiment described above, an example was shown where the electronic lock 50 was released regardless of the external power supply output when the button 121 of the vehicle plug 120 (emergency stop button 422 of the power station 400) was pressed, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Even in the above-described case, the release of the electronic lock 50 can be prevented when the external power supply output is greater than 16A.

[0090] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described, they should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle has the following features: Car doors are used for entering and exiting the vehicle from inside. Secondary batteries; A vehicle socket for connecting a vehicle plug capable of transmitting power, the power transmission including at least one of external charging and external power supply; An electronic lock secures the vehicle socket and the vehicle plug. and The vehicle control unit controls the electronic lock. The vehicle control device receives a request from the user to release the electronic lock and determines whether the request is a first request or a second request. The first request is a release request initiated by the electronic lock in conjunction with the locking and unlocking of the door. The second request is a release request initiated by the electronic lock based on the pressing of the lock release button located at the vehicle's door. If the release request is determined to be the second request, regardless of the power transmission output, the power transmission output will be controlled below a predetermined value and the lock imposed by the electronic lock will be released. If it is determined that the release request is the first request. If the output of the power transmission is below the specified value, the lock implemented by the electronic lock is released; if the output of the power transmission is greater than the specified value, the release of the lock implemented by the electronic lock is prohibited.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, When the lock implemented by the electronic lock is released, the vehicle control device prohibits the power transmission from starting when the output of the power transmission is greater than the specified value.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle also includes a reporting device that reports to the user. When the vehicle control device receives the first request from the user, and if the unlocking of the electronic lock is prohibited because the output of the power transmission is greater than the predetermined value, the reporting device shall report that the output of the power transmission is greater than the predetermined value.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle also has a communication device that communicates with a terminal capable of processing the user's operations. If the vehicle control device prohibits the unlocking of the electronic lock due to the power transmission output being greater than the specified value, the communication device will send a signal related to the unlocking of the electronic lock to the terminal.

5. An electrical device, wherein, The power device includes: The vehicle plug enables power transmission by connecting to a vehicle socket of a vehicle equipped with a secondary battery, the power transmission including at least one of external charging and external power supply. and The device-side control unit controls the electronic lock, which locks the vehicle socket and the vehicle plug. The device-side control unit receives a request from the user to release the electronic lock and determines whether the request is a first request or a second request. The first request is a release request initiated by the electronic lock in conjunction with the locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors used for entry and exit from the vehicle interior. The second request is a release request initiated by the electronic lock based on the pressing of the lock release button located at the vehicle's access point. If the release request is determined to be the second request, regardless of the power transmission output, the power transmission output will be controlled below a predetermined value and the lock imposed by the electronic lock will be released. If it is determined that the release request is the first request. If the output of the power transmission is below the specified value, the lock implemented by the electronic lock is released; if the output of the power transmission is greater than the specified value, the release of the lock implemented by the electronic lock is prohibited.

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