Charger

Abstract

A charger according to the present invention is a charger for charging a battery of a vehicle, and is provided with: a cable unit having: a charging gun that can be inserted into the vehicle; a connector which can be connected to the main body part of the charger; one end of the charging cable is connected with the charging gun, and the other end of the charging cable is connected with the connector; a gun locking mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector locking mechanism that locks the connector; a current-voltage control unit that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the charging gun on the basis of the state of the charging gun when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a notification control unit that notifies whether or not the abnormality has been detected by the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charger and to a technology for charging vehicles such as electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a charger has been proposed that includes a lock unit that engages with and locks a charging gun, and that unlocks the charging gun to enable charging if user authentication succeeds (eg, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-83025 Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues In addition, it is considered that the charger is loaned to multiple unspecified users. In such a case, if the charging gun of the charger fails, the user cannot use the charger, so it is desired to be able to easily replace the charging gun.

[0005] On the other hand, if anyone can remove the charging gun from the charger, the charging gun may be stolen.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a provider to easily replace a charging gun.

[0007] Technical Solution A charger according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charger for charging a battery of a vehicle, the charger comprising: a cable unit having: a charging gun that can be inserted into the vehicle; a connector that can be connected to a main body of the charger; and a charging cable, one end of which is connected to the charging gun and the other end of which is connected to the connector; a gun locking mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector locking mechanism that locks the connector; a current and voltage control unit that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the charging gun based on the state of the charging gun when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a notification control unit that notifies whether an abnormality is detected by the detection unit.

[0008] Technical Effects According to the present invention, the charging gun can be easily replaced by a provider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the system structure for the charger rental service.

[0010] Figure 2This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing device that can be used as a server device, a user terminal, or a provider terminal.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the vehicle structure.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram to explain the steps of the charger rental service.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the external appearance structure of a charger.

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the charger.

[0015] Figure 7 : is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection notification control.

[0016] Figure 8 : is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection notification control.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing various states of the charger.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing various states of the charger.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing various states of the charger.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing various states of the charger.

[0021] Explanation of symbols 53: Charger 54: Charging gun 55: Panel 100: Cable unit 101: Connectors 102: Charging cable 120: Gun locking mechanism 130: Connector locking mechanism 151: Certification Department 152: Current and voltage control unit 153: Inspection Department 156: Communication Control Department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] <System Structure> Figure 11 is a diagram showing a system structure for a charger rental service. The system is a system that can achieve coordination between a charger provider and a user who wants to borrow a charger. In the system, a system management server device (server device 1), a user terminal 21, and a provider terminal 51 are configured to be able to communicate via a network 4.

[0023] The user is a person who is registered as a user in the charger rental service provided by the server device 1. A person who wishes to use the charger rental service can use another person's charger 53 for a fee, for example, by registering as a user.

[0024] The provider is a person who thinks that the charger 53 installed in the parking lot 52 used by the provider can be lent to others and is registered as a provider in the charger rental service provided by the server device 1. By becoming a registered provider, the provider can receive a reward in return for letting others use the charger 53.

[0025] The user terminal 21 is an information processing device for the user, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 4. For example, the information processing device in the vehicle 2 may be set as the user terminal 21, or an information processing device such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet device carried by the user may be set as the user terminal 21.

[0026] Users using these user terminals 21 can enjoy the services provided by the present system by, for example, browsing a website provided by the server device 1 or activating an application program through the user terminals 21 .

[0027] The provider terminal 51 is an information processing device used by the provider, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 4. For example, it may be a personal computer in the provider's residence 3 or the like, or it may be an information processing device built into the charger 53. In addition, a smartphone, tablet device, etc. carried by the provider may be used as the provider terminal 51. In addition, an information processing device in a vehicle (not shown) used by the provider may be used as the provider terminal 51.

[0028] Furthermore, an information processing device built into the residence 3 or the charger 53 , a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like carried by the provider may be used together in synchronization as the provider terminal 51 .

[0029] In addition, as a user interface device for the provider of the provider terminal 51 built in the residence 3 or the charger 53, a smartphone, a tablet device, etc. carried by the provider may be used.

[0030] The provider terminal 51 performs processing such as sending provided information to the server device 1 in accordance with the provider's situation, sending information related to the rental work of the charger 53 to the server device 1, etc. Therefore, the provider terminal 51 can be any information processing device as long as it can perform these processes, and the specific form is not limited. In addition, for example, the information processing device in the smartphone and the charger 53 can also cooperate to function as the provider terminal 51.

[0031] The server device 1 is a server device of a company operating a charger rental service, etc., and is composed of one or more information processing devices. The server device 1 can access a storage device 5. The storage device 5 has a provider registration database 6 for registered providers and a user registration database 7 for registered users.

[0032] The server device 1 communicates with the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51, and provides the following services: the user and the provider are adjusted to match each other so that charging can be performed at the location, date and time desired by the user. Thus, even in areas where charging piles are insufficient, the user can charge the vehicle 2. In addition, the provider is rewarded for lending the charger. Therefore, it is also possible to provide the provider with a simple business opportunity.

[0033] A charger 53 is installed in a parking lot 52 of the provider's residence 3. Usually, the provider's own vehicle is parked in the parking lot 52 and is charged by the charger 53. In the charger rental service of this embodiment, when the provider is out with the vehicle and the parking lot 52 and the charger 53 are not in use, the user can charge the vehicle.

[0034] The charger 53 is provided with a panel 55 as a display or an operation panel, which can, for example, provide the user with instructions for charging operations and usage. The user connects the charging gun 54 to the connector 67 (see FIG. 1 ) as the charging port of the vehicle 2. Figure 3 ) to charge.

[0035] A measurement circuit for measuring the charge amount is provided inside the charger 53, and the charge amount is measured during charging. The provider terminal 51 can acquire measurement information of the charge amount measured by the measurement circuit.

[0036] In addition, in this example, a camera 59 is provided in the parking lot 52. The camera 59 can capture, for example, the license plate, body, charging status, etc. of the user's vehicle 2. The provider terminal 51 can obtain information about the vehicle 2, such as the vehicle number, model, etc., based on the image captured by the camera 59. Alternatively, the provider terminal 51 can also detect the vehicle number, model, etc. on the server device 1 side by sending the image data itself to the server device 1.

[0037] It should be noted that in the figure, the charger 53 is assumed to be installed in the parking lot 52 of the residence 3, but the residence 3 has nothing to do with the type of single-family residence, collective residence, etc. In addition, the parking lot 52 can also be a place different from the residence 3, and it is a parking lot where the provider usually parks.

[0038] In this embodiment, charger 53 to be the subject of charger rental service is installed in parking lot 52 used by the provider himself, for example, a parking lot within the premises of his own residence 3, or a parking lot owned or rented by the provider although far from his own home.

[0039] Note that the charger 53 is usually used by the provider or his / her family and is owned or rented by the provider.

[0040] However, the above is an example of a case where the provider is an individual. It is also assumed that a company, a group, etc. may become a provider in this embodiment, and parking lots and chargers of companies, etc. may also adopt Figure 1 Parking lot 52, charger 53.

[0041] <Structure of Information Processing Device> Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing device 30 that can be used as a server device 1 , a user terminal 21 , or a provider terminal 51 .

[0042] The information processing device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , a bus 34 , an input / output interface 35 , an input unit 36 ​​, an output unit 37 , a storage unit 38 , a communication unit 39 , a medium drive 40 , and the like.

[0043] The CPU 31 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 32 or the program loaded from the storage unit 38 into the RAM 33. The RAM 33 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0044] The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 are connected to each other via a bus 34. In addition, the bus 34 is also connected to an input / output interface 35.

[0045] The input unit 36 ​​, the output unit 37 , the storage unit 38 , the communication unit 39 , and the medium drive 40 are connected to the input / output interface 35 .

[0046] The input unit 36 ​​is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, and the like.

[0047] The output unit 37 is composed of a display, a speaker, and the like. The display is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and the like.

[0048] The storage unit 38 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory device, etc. When the information processing device 30 having such a configuration is applied to the server device 1 , a database storing registration information and the like may be constituted by the storage unit 38 .

[0049] The communication unit 39 performs communication processing and inter-device communication via a communication network.

[0050] A removable medium 41 such as a semiconductor memory card is loaded in the medium drive 40 , and information is written to and read from the removable medium 41 .

[0051] In the information processing device 30, data and programs are uploaded and downloaded by communication using the communication unit 39. In addition, data and programs can be transferred via the removable medium 41.

[0052] The CPU 31 performs processing operations based on various programs to execute necessary information processing and communication as the server device 1 , the user terminal 21 , or the provider terminal 51 .

[0053] <Vehicle structure> In addition, the system in the vehicle can also be used as the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51. Figure 3 2 shows a configuration related to charging of the vehicle 2 and a configuration example for functioning as the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51 .

[0054] The vehicle 2 includes a control device 61 , a battery 62 , a PCU (Power Control Unit) 63 , a motor 64 , an operation unit 65 , a display unit 66 , a connector unit 67 , and a communication unit 68 .

[0055] It should be explained that Figure 3 Only a part of the configuration of the vehicle 2 is shown, and the vehicle 2 includes a map locator, various sensors used for driving, a communication device, and the like, which are not shown.

[0056] The control device 61 is configured to include a CPU, a memory, etc., and performs centralized control of the vehicle 2. The control device 61 may be provided as a single unit or may be configured by a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units). The plurality of ECUs may include, for example, a battery control ECU that performs charging control of the battery 62, a display control ECU that performs display control of a display device (including a meter, etc.) provided in the vehicle 2, an airbag control ECU, an air conditioning control ECU, and various other ECUs.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, it is also assumed that the vehicle 2 is a car that is driven by automatic driving, and therefore, an information processing device required for automatic driving is also mounted. For example, an automatic driving ECU that determines the driving path and performs control corresponding to the external environment, a driving control ECU that performs driving and stopping control based on the motor according to the instruction of the automatic driving ECU, and a steering control ECU that performs steering control according to the instruction of the automatic driving ECU, etc. can also be included in the control device 61.

[0058] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the vehicle 2 is also equipped with devices such as cameras and sensors for sensing the surroundings, and devices for detecting map information, road information, current position information, etc. for the purpose of automatic driving control.

[0059] The control device 61 realizes various functions by executing various programs stored in a memory or the like.

[0060] Therefore, the control device 61 can adopt Figure 2 The structure is the same as the structure of .

[0061] The battery 62 is a high-voltage battery used for running the vehicle 2. The battery 62 supplies power for driving the wheels, power for operating the air conditioner of the vehicle 2, and power for operating other devices. Figure 3 The power supply from the battery 62 to the driving of the wheels and the power supply to the display unit 66 are shown, and the power supply for the operation of other parts is omitted from the illustration.

[0062] The battery 62 is charged by the current supplied from the PCU 63 .

[0063] The battery 62 supplies a power supply voltage for driving the motor 64 to the PCU 63 .

[0064] The PCU 63 is configured to include an inverter, a DC / DC converter, and the like for driving the motor 64 .

[0065] The PCU 63 generates an AC current for driving the motor 64 based on the supplied power supply voltage, and supplies the AC current to the motor 64. The PCU 63 controls the torque of the motor 64 by controlling the AC current. The PCU 63 may also have an energy efficiency optimization function using regenerative energy by having a regenerative braking function.

[0066] The motor 64 is configured as a motor generator having a power generation function, and drives the wheels based on the supplied alternating current.

[0067] The operation unit 65 includes, for example, various buttons, levers, and other operating elements disposed in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 2 . The operation unit 65 may also include an MFD (Multi Function Display) having a touch panel function or a display unit of a navigation device.

[0068] The display unit 66 broadly refers to, for example, an MFD provided in front of the driver or other display devices for presenting information to the driver. The display unit 66 displays detection signals detected by various sensors provided in the vehicle 2. The display unit 66 appropriately displays various information such as the total travel distance of the vehicle, the outside temperature, and the instantaneous fuel efficiency. In addition, the display unit 66 can display map information, extracted route information, and the like.

[0069] The display unit 66 can also display the screen of the charger rental service according to the present embodiment.

[0070] The connector unit 67 has a structure that can be inserted with a charging plug (charging gun 54) provided in a charging device such as a charger 53. The connector unit 67 outputs the AC voltage supplied via the inserted charging plug to the PCU 63. The PCU 63 has an AC / DC converter and supplies the converted DC voltage to the battery 62, thereby charging the battery 62.

[0071] The communication unit 68 is constituted by a wireless communication device, and communicates with the server device 1 and the like via the network 4 , for example.

[0072] <Overview of the charger rental service> A general flow of the charger rental service provided by the server device 1 will be described.

[0073] Including the actions of users and providers, the service is based on Figure 4 The steps (ST1) to (ST11) shown are implemented.

[0074] (ST1) A user who wants to become a provider registers a rentable charger 53 in the server device 1 using the provider terminal 51. Specifically, the provider's personal information, information for settlement, location information of the parking lot 52, and information such as the model and specifications of the charger 53 are registered in advance.

[0075] (ST2) A user who wants to become a user registers user information (vehicle information, personal information, etc.) in the server device 1 using the user terminal 21 .

[0076] (ST3) The provider transmits provision information including the date and time information when the charger 53 can be rented to the server device 1 via the provider terminal 51 at an arbitrary time. The provision information is information that the provider informs the server device 1 that the parking lot 52 can be provided to other people from a certain date and time to a certain date and time.

[0077] (ST4) The user sends a request for use of the charger 53 to the server device 1 via the user terminal 21 at any time. The request for use includes information such as the region and date and time of the desired use. The server device 1 selects a provider whose region and date and time match the provider whose information is received according to the user's request, and provides the user with a list of chargers 53 that can be rented. The user selects the charger 53 that he wants to use on the server device 1 and performs an operation to confirm the reservation for use. The server device 1 performs reservation settings according to the confirmation operation.

[0078] (ST5) The user's vehicle 2 moves to the parking lot 52 where the charger 53 is installed at the reserved date and time.

[0079] (ST6) When using the charger 53, the user is authenticated by the user terminal 21, the provider terminal 51, or the charger 53. The authentication result is also shared in the server device 1.

[0080] (ST7) Charging is performed. At this time, the charging amount is also measured using the provider terminal 51 .

[0081] ( ST8 ) After charging is completed, fee settlement processing is performed between the user terminal 21 and the server device 1 .

[0082] (ST9) The user transmits the evaluation information of the provider through the user terminal 21 (or a device such as a smartphone functioning as a user interface device of the user terminal 21).

[0083] ( ST10 ) The provider transmits the user's evaluation to the server device 1 via the provider terminal 51 .

[0084] (ST11) The server device 1 pays the provider a reward.

[0085] It should be noted that the order of (ST8), (ST9), (ST10), and (ST11) may be different from the above order. In addition, (ST1), (ST2), (ST3), and (ST4) are performed sequentially between an unspecified plurality of users and the server device 1.

[0086] In this way, the charger 53 is used by multiple unspecified users. Here, in the charger 53, the charging gun 54 is plugged into and removed from the connector portion 67 of the vehicle 2, or the holder portion 142 (see FIG. 1 ) for holding the charging gun 54 in the charger 53 is used. Figure 7 ) to plug or unplug.

[0087] Therefore, there is a possibility that the charging gun 54 may be damaged by the user in the charger 53. In particular, since a plurality of unspecified users use the charger 53, it is important to identify the user who has damaged the charging gun 54.

[0088] It should be noted that, in fact, the cable unit 100 (see Figure 5 ) may be damaged anywhere. However, since it is difficult to distinguish only the charging gun 54 in the cable unit 100 to perform a fault (abnormality) diagnosis, damage to any part of the cable unit 100 is recorded as damage to the charging gun 54. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the cable-side connector 101 or the charging cable 102 of the cable unit 100 is damaged, it is recorded as damage to the charging gun 54.

[0089] In addition, if the cable unit 100 is damaged, the charging gun 54 cannot be inserted into the connector portion 67 of the vehicle 2, and the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 cannot be charged using the charger 53. If the user (hereinafter referred to as the booker) who reserved the charger 53 and intends to use the charger 53 from now on does not know that the charger 53 is damaged and only finds out that the damage has occurred after arriving at the place where the charger 53 is installed, there is a possibility that the journey so far is wasted, or the battery 62 cannot be charged and runs out of power, etc. Therefore, it is also necessary to notify the booker that the charger 53 cannot be used.

[0090] Therefore, in charger 53 of the present embodiment, it is possible to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in cable unit 100 , and notify the user, provider, subscriber, and the like of the presence or absence of the abnormality.

[0091] Figure 5 53 is a diagram showing the appearance of the charger 53. Figure 5 Panel 55 is omitted. Figure 5As shown, the charger 53 is provided with a cable unit 100 that can be attached to and detached from the main body 110. The cable unit 100 includes a cable-side connector 101, a charging cable 102, and a charging gun 54.

[0092] The cable-side connector 101 is attachable to and detachable from a main body-side connector 111 provided on the main body 110. The charging cable 102 is an electric cable having one end connected to the charging gun 54 and the other end connected to the cable-side connector 101.

[0093] The main body 110 is provided with a gun locking mechanism 120 and a connector locking mechanism 130 .

[0094] The gun locking mechanism 120 can lock the charging gun 54. The gun locking mechanism 120 is composed of, for example, a gun locking door that can open and close the storage space 112 that stores the charging gun 54. The charging gun 54 can be inserted and removed from the main body 110 when the gun locking mechanism 120 (gun locking door) is unlocked (opened). On the other hand, the charging gun 54 cannot be inserted and removed from the main body 110 when the gun locking mechanism 120 (gun locking door) is locked (closed).

[0095] Note that the gun locking mechanism 120 may not be a gun locking door, but may be a pin that engages with the charging gun 54 when the charging gun 54 is stored in the main body 110 , for example, as long as it can lock the charging gun 54 .

[0096] The connector locking mechanism 130 can lock the cable-side connector 101. The connector locking mechanism 130 is composed of, for example, a connector locking door that can open and close the storage space 113 that stores the cable-side connector 101 when the cable-side connector 101 is connected to the main body-side connector 111. The cable-side connector 101 can be inserted and removed from the main body 110 when the connector locking mechanism 130 (connector locking door) is unlocked (opened). On the other hand, the cable-side connector 101 cannot be inserted and removed from the main body 110 when the connector locking mechanism 130 (connector locking door) is locked (closed).

[0097] Note that the connector locking mechanism 130 may not be a connector locking door, but may be a pin that engages with the cable connector 101 when the cable connector 101 is accommodated in the main body 110 , for example, as long as it can lock the cable connector 101 .

[0098] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the charger 53. Figure 6As shown, the charger 53 includes a charger control unit 141 and a holder unit 142 in addition to the cable unit 100 (charging gun 54, cable-side connector 101, charging cable 102), a gun locking mechanism 120, a connector locking mechanism 130, and a panel 55. The charger control unit 141 and the holder unit 142 are provided in the main body 110.

[0099] The charger control unit 141 is a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The charger control unit 141 may be configured as the above-mentioned information processing device 30. The charger control unit 141 may also be the provider terminal 51.

[0100] The charger control unit 141 controls the entire charger 53 by executing various processes by the CPU according to the program stored in the ROM or the like. In addition, the charger control unit 141 functions as an authentication unit 151, a current and voltage control unit 152, a detection unit 153, a gun lock control unit 154, a connector lock control unit 155, and a notification control unit 156.

[0101] The holder portion 142 is provided in the storage space 112 (see Figure 5 ) and can hold the charging gun 54. In addition, the holder portion 142 is provided with electrical terminals that can be electrically connected to the electrical terminals provided on the charging gun 54 when the charging gun 54 is inserted. The electrical terminals provided on the holder portion 142 are connected to the charger control unit 141, and the charger control unit 141 can obtain the current, voltage, etc. input to the electrical terminals.

[0102] The authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53 and the provider who provides the charger 53. Here, the authentication unit 151 may authenticate the user and the provider by receiving the authentication result from the user terminal 21 or the provider terminal 51, or may authenticate by the user and the provider inputting a password into, for example, the panel 55. In the case of authentication by inputting a password into the panel 55, for example, the server device 1 issues a password to the user in advance when making a reservation, and the user may be authenticated by inputting the password when using the device.

[0103] The current and voltage control unit 152 controls the AC voltage supplied to the vehicle 2 when the charging gun 54 is connected to the connector unit 67 of the vehicle 2. When the charging gun 54 is held by the holder unit 142, the current and voltage control unit 152 applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100).

[0104] When a test current and a test voltage are applied to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100 ) while the charging gun 54 is held by the holder portion 142 , if the charging gun 54 is normal, a current and a voltage corresponding to the test current and the test voltage are applied to the electrical terminals of the holder portion 142 connected to the electrical terminals of the charging gun 54 .

[0105] The detection unit 153 acquires a voltage and a current based on a test current and a test voltage applied to the charging gun 54 when the charging gun 54 is held by the holder unit 142 via the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142. Then, the detection unit 153 calculates the resistance value of the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on the acquired current and voltage, and detects an abnormality of the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on the calculated resistance value. It should be noted that the ROM of the charger control unit 141 stores a range (normal range) of the resistance value of the charging gun 54 relative to the test current and the test voltage when the charging gun 54 is normal. The detection unit 153 determines that the charging gun 54 is normal when the resistance value is within the normal range, and determines that the charging gun 54 is abnormal (fault) when the resistance value is outside the normal range.

[0106] The gun lock control unit 154 controls locking and releasing of the gun lock mechanism 120 . The connector lock control unit 155 controls locking and releasing of the connector lock mechanism 130 .

[0107] The notification control unit 156 notifies the user, the reservation person, the provider, and the server device 1 whether or not there is an abnormality in the charging gun 54 .

[0108] As a notification method, the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51 may be notified of whether the charging gun 54 is abnormal. Alternatively, the panel 55 may display whether the charging gun 54 is abnormal. Furthermore, the server device 1 may be notified of whether the charging gun 54 is abnormal, and the server device 1 may notify the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51 of the abnormality.

[0109] Figure 7 and Figure 8 : is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection notification control. Figure 9~Figure 12 It is a diagram showing each state of charger 53.

[0110] Next, the abnormality detection notification control for detecting abnormality of the charging gun 54 and notifying the presence or absence of abnormality by the charger control unit 141 of the charger 53 will be described.

[0111] It should be noted that before the abnormality detection notification control is started, that is, when charging is not performed by the charger 53, Fig. 9As shown, the gun locking mechanism 120 and the connector locking mechanism 130 are locked. By locking the gun locking mechanism 120, the gun locking door is closed, so that the charging gun 54 cannot be taken out. In addition, by locking the connector locking mechanism 130, the connector locking door is closed, so that the cable side connector 101 cannot be taken out.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, when the abnormality detection notification control is started and the user starts to use the charger 53 , first, in ST21 , the authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53 .

[0113] Then, if the user is authenticated, in ST22, Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gun lock control unit 154 releases the lock of the gun lock mechanism 120. That is, the gun lock control unit 154 opens the gun lock door. Fig.11 As shown, the user can remove the charging gun 54 from the main body 110 . Then, the user inserts the charging gun 54 into the connector 67 of the vehicle 2 .

[0114] If the charging gun 54 is inserted into the connector portion 67, the current and voltage control unit 152 applies an AC voltage via the cable unit 100 in ST23 to charge the battery 62. Then, in ST24, the current and voltage control unit 152 determines whether the charging of the battery 62 has been completed. Here, for example, whether the charging has been completed is determined based on the SOC of the battery 62 transmitted from the vehicle 2 via the cable unit 100. Then, the current and voltage control unit 152 repeats ST24 and continues to charge the battery 62 until the charging of the battery 62 is completed.

[0115] If charging is completed (YES in ST24), in ST25, the notification control unit 156 instructs the user to return the charging gun 54 to its original position (insert it into the holder 142). Here, for example, "Please return the charging gun to its original position" is displayed on the panel 55 or guided by voice.

[0116] In ST26, the current and voltage control unit 152 determines whether the charging gun 54 is inserted into the holder unit 142. Here, for example, it is possible to determine whether the charging gun 54 is inserted by applying a test current and a test voltage to the cable unit 100 and monitoring the current and voltage of the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142. Alternatively, a contact sensor may be provided in the holder unit 142, and the contact sensor may be used to detect that the charging gun 54 has made contact to determine whether the charging gun 54 is inserted.

[0117] The process waits until the charging gun 54 is inserted into the holder 142 (NO in ST26). If the charging gun 54 is inserted into the holder 142 (YES in ST26), the gun lock control unit 154 locks the gun lock mechanism 120 in ST27. Thus, the user or other persons cannot remove the charging gun 54.

[0118] It should be noted that, if the charging gun 54 has not been returned to its original position, it is impossible to perform abnormal diagnosis of the charging gun 54. Therefore, if the charging gun 54 has not been returned to its original position after a predetermined time, the notification control unit 156 may also notify the server device 1 that the charging gun 54 has not been returned to its original position, and notify the reservation user through the server device 1 that the charger 53 cannot be used.

[0119] Thus, charger 53 is not used by subsequent subscribers, and thus it is possible to prevent a situation in which it becomes unclear who caused charging gun 54 to malfunction due to abnormality being detected in charging gun 54 after multiple users have used it.

[0120] Furthermore, if the user does not return the charging gun 54 to its original position, the server device 1 may impose a penalty such as a fine on the user.

[0121] Thereafter, in ST28, the current and voltage control section 152 applies the test current and the test voltage to the cable unit 100. In ST29, the detection section 153 acquires the current and voltage of the charging gun 54 via the electrical terminals of the holder section 142, and calculates the resistance value of the charging gun 54 based on the acquired voltage and current. Then, the detection section 153 detects an abnormality of the charging gun 54 based on the calculated resistance value.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, in ST30, the notification control unit 156 determines whether an abnormality is detected in the charging gun 54. If an abnormality is not detected in the charging gun 54 (No in ST30), in ST31, the notification control unit 156 notifies the user and the provider of this time that no abnormality is detected in the charging gun 54.

[0123] On the other hand, when an abnormality in charging gun 54 is detected (YES in ST30 ), in ST32 , notification control unit 156 notifies the current user, the reservation person, and the provider that an abnormality has been detected in charging gun 54 .

[0124] In this case, by notifying the person who made the reservation that an abnormality has been detected in the charging gun 54 and that charging by the charger 53 is impossible, the person who made the reservation does not need to go to the place where the charger 53 is installed.

[0125] Thereafter, in ST33, the authentication unit 151 authenticates the provider who comes to replace the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100). If the provider is authenticated, the gun lock control unit 154 unlocks the gun lock mechanism 120 and the connector lock control unit 155 unlocks the connector lock mechanism 130 in ST34. Fig.12 As shown, the provider can remove the cable unit 100 from the main body 110 .

[0126] Then, after the cable unit 100 is replaced by the provider, in ST35, the current and voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and the test voltage to the cable unit 100. In ST36, the detection unit 153 obtains the current and voltage of the charging gun 54 via the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142, and calculates the resistance value of the charging gun 54 based on the obtained voltage and current. Then, the detection unit 153 detects an abnormality of the charging gun 54 based on the calculated resistance value. In this way, it is possible to confirm whether the replacement of the cable unit 100 has been completed normally.

[0127] It should be noted that the processing of ST35 and ST36 may be omitted.

[0128] <Modification> As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said specific example, Various structures can be employ|adopted.

[0129] For example, in the above embodiment, in ST28, the current and voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and the test voltage to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100). However, the current and voltage control unit 152 may control only one of the test current or the test voltage, thereby applying the test current and the test voltage to the charging gun 54 as a result.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the detector 153 detects an abnormality (failure) based on the resistance value of the charging gun 54. However, the detector 153 may detect an abnormality based on the state of the charging gun 54 such as the current, voltage, conduction, electrostatic capacitance, or inductance.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 153 detects abnormality of the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100 ) based on the resistance value calculated from the voltage and current based on the test current and test voltage applied to the charging gun 54 .

[0132] However, when the communication line for communicating with vehicle 2 during charging when charging gun 54 is connected is included in cable unit 100 , detection unit 153 may detect an abnormality of charging gun 54 (cable unit 100 ) based on the communication state with vehicle 2 using the communication line.

[0133] In addition, in the above embodiment, when the charging gun 54 is abnormal, the provider can replace the cable unit 100. However, when the charging gun 54 is abnormal, not only the provider can replace it, but also the user can replace it. In this case, the user who replaces the cable unit 100 can also be authenticated. In addition, the replacement procedure can also be displayed on the panel 55.

[0134] Summary The charger 53 for charging the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 includes: a gun locking mechanism 120, which locks the charging gun 54 inserted into the vehicle 2; a current and voltage control unit 152, which applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun 54; a detection unit 153, which detects an abnormality of the charging gun 54 based on the state of the charging gun 54 when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a notification control unit 156, which notifies whether an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 153.

[0135] Thus, whenever the user uses the charger 53, it is possible to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in the charging gun 54. Therefore, the charger 53 can easily identify the user who has caused the charging gun 54 to malfunction.

[0136] In addition, the notification control unit 156 notifies the user who uses the charger 53 and the provider who provides the charger 53 whether or not an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit 153 .

[0137] Thus, both the user and the provider can know that an abnormality has occurred in charging gun 54. Therefore, for example, the provider can immediately replace charging gun 54. In addition, since the user knows that he or she has caused a malfunction in charging gun 54, compensation can be obtained.

[0138] Furthermore, charger 53 can accept reservations from a plurality of users, and when an abnormality is detected by detection unit 153 , notification control unit 156 notifies the user who has reserved the use of charger 53 of the abnormality.

[0139] This eliminates the need for the person making the reservation to go to a place where the charger 53 is installed and the battery 62 cannot be charged due to an abnormality, thereby preventing the person making the reservation from making a wasted trip.

[0140] When the user has finished charging the vehicle 2 , the notification control unit 156 notifies the user by returning the charging gun 54 to a predetermined position.

[0141] Thus, the user returns the charging gun 54 to the original position (holder portion 142 ), and thus the possibility that the abnormality diagnosis cannot be performed due to the charging gun 54 not being returned to the original position can be reduced.

[0142] After the user of the charger 53 finishes charging the vehicle 2 , the current and voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and the test voltage in a state where the charging gun 54 is returned to a predetermined position and locked by the gun locking mechanism 120 .

[0143] This can prevent the charging gun 54 from being removed during the abnormality diagnosis process. In addition, it can prevent the next user from trying to charge the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 using the abnormal charging gun 54 without knowing that the abnormality has occurred in the charging gun 54.

[0144] In addition, the charger 53 for charging the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 includes: a cable unit 100, which has a charging gun 54 that can be inserted into the vehicle 2, a cable-side connector 101 that can be connected to the main body 110 of the charger 53, and a charging cable 102 connected to the charging gun 54 at one end and to the cable-side connector 101 at the other end; a gun locking mechanism 120 that locks the charging gun 54; a connector locking mechanism 130 that locks the cable-side connector 101; a current and voltage control unit 152 that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun 54; a detection unit 153 that detects an abnormality of the charging gun 54 based on the state of the charging gun 54 when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a notification control unit 156 that notifies whether an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 153.

[0145] Thus, when a failure occurs in the charging gun 54 of the charger 53 used by multiple unspecified users, only the provider can remove the cable unit 100 from the main body 110. Thus, the provider can easily replace the failed cable unit 100. In addition, attempts to steal the cable unit 100 by multiple unspecified users or other persons can be prevented.

[0146] An authentication unit 151 is provided for authenticating a provider of the charger 53 . When the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit 151 , the connector lock mechanism 130 releases the lock of the cable-side connector 101 .

[0147] Thus, the provider only needs to remove the cable-side connector 101 from the main body 110. Therefore, the cable unit 100 can be prevented from being stolen, and the provider can easily replace the cable unit 100.

[0148] After the abnormality is detected by the detection unit 153 , if the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit 151 , the connector lock mechanism 130 releases the lock of the cable-side connector 101 .

[0149] This can prevent the cable-side connector 101 from being removed carelessly when no abnormality is detected in the charging gun 54 .

[0150] The authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53 , and when the user is authenticated or the provider is authenticated, the gun locking mechanism 120 unlocks the charging gun 54 .

[0151] Although the provider can remove the cable-side connector 101, if not only the provider but also the user cannot remove the charging gun 54, the user cannot use the charger 53. Therefore, the charging gun 54 is unlocked by both the user and the provider, so that the user can easily use the charger 53.

[0152] When the user of the charger 53 finishes charging the vehicle 2 , the notification control unit 156 notifies the user by returning the charging gun 54 to a predetermined position, and the current and voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and the test voltage after the charging gun 54 is returned to the predetermined position.

[0153] This can prevent the charging gun 54 from being removed during the abnormality diagnosis process. In addition, it can prevent the next user from charging the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 using the abnormal charging gun 54 without realizing that the abnormality has occurred.

Claims

1. A charger, It is characterized in that Charge the vehicle's battery. The charger has: a cable unit having a charging gun that can be inserted into the vehicle, a connector that can be connected to a main body of the charger, and a charging cable having one end connected to the charging gun and the other end connected to the connector; a gun locking mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector locking mechanism that locks the connector; A current and voltage control unit, which applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the charging gun based on a state of the charging gun when the test current and the test voltage are applied; as well as A notification control unit notifies whether or not the detection unit has detected an abnormality.

2. The charger according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The charger includes an authentication unit for authenticating a provider of the charger. If the provider is authenticated by the authentication section, the connector lock mechanism releases the lock of the connector.

3. The charger according to claim 2, It is characterized in that After the abnormality is detected by the detection section, if the provider is authenticated by the authentication section, the connector lock mechanism releases the lock of the connector.

4. The charger according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The authentication unit authenticates a user who uses the charger. The gun locking mechanism unlocks the charging gun when the user is authenticated and when the provider is authenticated.

5. The charger according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that When the user of the charger finishes charging the vehicle, the notification control unit notifies the user by returning the charging gun to a predetermined position. The current and voltage control unit applies the test current and the test voltage after the charging gun is returned to a predetermined position.

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