Charging system for use in a vehicle

Abstract

Charging system for use in a vehicle, which includes: an EF monitoring unit connected to a battery and charger that are mounted in a vehicle; a measuring instrument that includes a display which has the function of colored illumination and provides a segment display; a body monitoring unit that includes a notification device; and a communication line that is installed in the vehicle and is designed to be connected to the EF monitoring unit, the measuring device and the body monitoring unit, wherein the EF monitoring unit calculates a charging capacity and outputs the calculated charging capacity and state of charge of the battery to the communication line, and the measuring device, based on the charging capacity and state of charge of the battery received via the communication line, calculates a time required to charge the battery and calculates an end time based on the time required to display the end time on the display while controlling the colored illumination that indicates remaining required time in accordance with the pre-set time, characterized by the fact that The measuring device has a function to set whether an acoustic notification is possible or not, in order to output a notification request signal to the body monitoring unit via the communication line. if the setting allows acoustic notification, and The measuring device includes a button that is operated by the user to change, by pressing the button, a setting that relates to whether a notification is possible or not, and a set time for switching the colors in the illumination color control unit, whereby the measuring device illuminates the end time shown on the display with a backlight in warm colors that switch depending on the set time while the battery is charging, and ends with a time display in non-warm colors when charging is complete.

Description

Background of the invention 1. Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system for use in a vehicle. More precisely, the present invention relates to a charging system for use in a vehicle, which is connected to an external power supply to charge a battery in a vehicle, for example in an electric vehicle (EV) and in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and which indicates a state of charge by being connected to a control unit via a communication line (LAN, CAN or similar) that is installed in the vehicle. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A vehicle, for example an electric vehicle (EF) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEF), is usually equipped with a display or charger that shows an end time to indicate when charging is complete.

[0003] The charger may include a display to show an estimated time needed to fully charge a battery. The estimated time is indicated by a light that changes color.

[0004] Such a charger is exclusively designed to determine and indicate a state in a process of charging the battery based on a flowing current or something similar.

[0005] The charger, located in the vehicle, converts externally supplied alternating current (AC) into high-voltage direct current (DC) via AC-to-DC conversion and supplies it to a high-voltage battery. At this time, an internal monitoring unit (EF unit) integrated into the high-voltage battery primarily monitors the battery's state of charge.

[0006] The EF monitoring unit also performs overall monitoring by communicating with a variety of internal monitoring units and by obtaining information regarding voltage, current, temperature, and similar parameters.

[0007] A charging completion management system for an electric vehicle is disclosed in Japanese patent application JP 2010-158133 and comprises a device that calculates the time required for charging and a portable device that includes a sensor that records charging completion information and a notification device that provides a notification regarding the charging completion information.

[0008] However, the system disclosed in Japanese patent application 2010-158133 must be specifically designed to transmit the required loading time, which needs improvement.

[0009] Furthermore, the space available to mount the charger in the vehicle as described above is limited depending on various conditions. Therefore, the display generally needs to be provided separately.

[0010] DE 10 2009 060 313 A1 describes a charging indicator device for an electric vehicle that is powered by operating a motor using a battery as a power source.

[0011] US 2011 / 0043355 A1 describes a pluggable vehicle comprising a vehicle body with an external control panel, a drive unit, for example an electric motor, a rechargeable battery, a charging port provided on the external control panel, and a subassembly of a display connected to the battery.

[0012] Because the vehicle includes a gauge grouping that groups different displays (measuring instruments, indicators, or similar), the display can be performed using the gauge grouping. The display can be provided in a gauge that shows information related to charging, with multiple displays (liquid crystals on both sides) housed within the gauge.

[0013] However, even if the information to be displayed is set (e.g., a time required to finish charging a battery), a general charger that has a built-in display is not designed to implement a communication process.

[0014] Even if the display is provided separately, the processing of the content and communication data for each device are not defined in detail until the display is ultimately performed. Therefore, they need to be configured and improved.

[0015] If the EF monitoring unit has a structure for calculating a charging end time based on the charge level, remaining battery level, or similar parameters, a clock that is to display this time by communicating with the EF monitoring unit must be configured to perform data communication of the charging end time separately from data such as the remaining battery level. Therefore, a system capable of such communication becomes more complex and its versatility is reduced.

[0016] If different battery capacities are provided in the same vehicle, individual components cannot be used universally if the components are designed exclusively for each model. This negatively reduces the possibility of mass production. Brief description of the invention

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a charging system for use in a vehicle that improves a charging indicator function while ensuring the versatility of the system and enhancing its utility by expanding the charging indicator content.

[0018] The problem is solved by the characterizing part of independent claim 1.

[0019] A charging system for use in a vehicle preferably comprises: an EF monitoring unit connected to a battery and a charger installed in the vehicle; a measuring device including a display featuring colored illumination and a segmented display; a body monitoring unit including a notification device; and a communication line located in the vehicle to connect to the EF monitoring unit, the measuring device, and the body monitoring unit, wherein the EF monitoring unit calculates a charging capacity and outputs the calculated charging capacity and state of charge of the battery to the communication line, and the measuring device calculates, based on the charging capacity and state of charge of the battery received via the communication line, a time necessary toto end the battery charging and calculates an end time based on the time required to display the end time on the screen while controlling the colored lighting, which, in accordance with the pre-set time, indicates the remaining time. According to the invention, the measuring device has a function to set whether an acoustic notification is possible or not, in order to output a notification request signal to the body monitoring unit via the communication line when it is set that an acoustic notification is possible. In addition, according to the invention, the measuring device includes a button that is operated by the user to change, by operating the button, a setting relating to whether a notification is possible or not, and a set time for switching the colors in the lighting color control unit, wherein the measuring device displays the end time,The time displayed on the screen is illuminated with a warm-colored backlight that changes depending on the set time while the battery is charging, and switches to a non-warm-colored time display when charging is complete.

[0020] In the charging system for use in a vehicle according to the present invention, the charging indicator function can be improved while ensuring the flexibility of the system and also improving usability by expanding the charging indicator content. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a charging system for use in a vehicle according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a charge indicator control according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an end time / remaining time display mode according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the display of a charge level according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a measuring instrument according to the embodiment. Reference symbol list 1 charging system for use in a vehicle 2 batteries 3 chargers 4 EF monitoring unit 5 ads 6 measuring device 7. Notification setup 8 Body monitoring unit 9 Communications Management 10 Instrument panel 11 Instrument clock 12 buttons Detailed description of preferred designs

[0021] An object of the present invention, which improves a charging indicator function while ensuring the flexibility of the system and enhancing its utility by expanding the charging indicator content, is achieved by outputting a calculated charging capacity and state of charge of a battery to a communication line, by calculating a time required to complete charging a battery based on the charging capacity and state of charge of the battery received via the communication line, and by calculating an end time based on the time required to display the end time on a display while controlling colored illumination that indicates the remaining time required in accordance with the pre-determined set time.

[0022] The Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In Fig. Reference numeral 1 represents a charging system for use in a vehicle, which is connected to an external power supply to charge a battery in a vehicle, for example in an electric vehicle (EF) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEF).

[0024] The charging system for use in a vehicle 1 comprises an EF monitoring unit 4, which is connected to a battery 2 and a monitoring unit of a charger 3, which are arranged in the vehicle, a measuring device 6, which includes a display 5, which has the function of generating colored light and with which a segment display is enabled, a body monitoring unit (BMU) 8, which has a notification device (buzzer, bell or similar) 7, and a communication line 9, which is arranged in the vehicle to be connected to the EF monitoring unit 4, the measuring device 6 and the body monitoring unit 8.

[0025] The EF monitoring unit 4, the measuring device 6 and the body monitoring unit 8 are automatically activated during charging.

[0026] Charger 3 has a charging cable that connects to a charging port on the vehicle. When power is supplied from the external power supply, relays are switched to begin charging battery 2.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the measuring instrument 6 comprises an instrument clock 11 provided in an instrument panel 10 and the display 5 provided in the instrument clock 11.

[0028] The body monitoring unit 8 controls the notification device 7 to operate, for example to sound a sound, when a notification request signal arrives from the communication line 9.

[0029] The EF monitoring unit 4 calculates the charging capacity during the charging of battery 2 and outputs the calculated charging capacity and the state of charge of battery 2 to communication line 9. While the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, the EF monitoring unit 4 calculates the charging capacity and outputs it to the measuring device 6 via communication line 9.

[0030] Based on the charging capacity and state of charge of battery 2, received via communication line 9, the measuring device 6 calculates the time required to complete charging the battery (charging time) and then calculates an end time based on the time needed to display the end time on the display 5, while controlling the colored light that indicates the remaining required time in accordance with the pre-set time. Accordingly, the display 5 includes a timer 6A.

[0031] With such a structure, a charging indicator with an extended charging display function can be provided, while ensuring the flexibility of the system.

[0032] Because the charging indicator content is expanded to include time and visibility is improved through color, the overall benefit can be enhanced.

[0033] Because the newly required functions are grouped in the measuring device 6 and existing functions of the devices, such as the EF monitoring unit 4, which are already arranged in the vehicle, are used, the flexibility of the system can be ensured.

[0034] Measuring device 6 also includes a function to set whether or not an acoustic notification is possible. If an acoustic notification is possible, measuring device 6 sends a signal request to the body monitoring unit 8 via communication line 9.

[0035] The charging indicator function can be improved by providing an acoustic notification for the provision of a license plate to indicate completion of charging.

[0036] Because the necessary functions are grouped in the measuring device 6, and the notification device 7, which is already installed in the vehicle, is used, the flexibility of the system can be ensured.

[0037] In addition to the charging capacity and state of charge of the battery, the EF monitoring unit 4 outputs model information (a parameter that corresponds to a fully charged battery capacity) to communication line 9.

[0038] The measuring device 6 also stores a multitude of charging characteristic plans in advance, which differ depending on the type of battery 2, and selects one of the charging characteristic plans in accordance with the model information received from the EF monitoring unit 4. The measuring device 6 then calculates the required time based on the selected charging characteristic plan. Accordingly, the measuring device 6 includes a plan storage section 6B to store the multitude of charging characteristic plans.

[0039] Even if the newly required functions are grouped in measuring device 6 and the existing functions have a different scope of services, the flexibility of the system can be ensured because the common communication data and the existing functions for the devices, such as the EF monitoring unit 4, which are already arranged in the vehicle, are used.

[0040] The measuring device 6 includes a button 12, which is operated by the user in the instrument panel 10, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown, and a program control unit 6c for a control program that sends the notification in accordance with the setting via button 12, as shown in Fig. When 1 is shown, it switches.

[0041] By using button 12, the user can adjust the setting for turning the notification device 7 on and off when charging is complete, and adjust the setting of a lighting color change time (for example, the remaining time of a first fixed time T1 (60 minutes) and a second fixed time T2 (30 minutes)) on the display 5 in accordance with the remaining time. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a backlight 5A illuminates in red on display 5 to indicate an end time if the first set time T1 or more remains (indicated by dotted digits in Figure 4). Fig. 4) On the other side, a backlight 5A illuminates amber on display 5 to indicate the end time when less than the second set time T2 (30 minutes) remains (indicated by numbers with solid lines in Fig. 4) When charging is complete, the backlight 5A on display 5 will light up green to indicate “- - -”.

[0042] The measuring device 6 can change the setting regarding whether or not notification is possible by operating button 12, and also a set time for switching colors in the illumination color control unit. While the battery is charging, the end time displayed on the screen 5 is illuminated by the backlight in warm colors (e.g., red, yellow, amber, or similar), which change depending on the remaining charging time. Conversely, the time display switches to non-warm colors (e.g., blue, green, or similar) when charging is complete. White is also a non-warm color.

[0043] The measuring device 6 is in a setting mode when predetermined operating procedures are applied to the respective control elements of the vehicle in the specified sequence. When the measuring device 6 is in setting mode, switching and selection operations are possible by rotating and pressing button 12 on the measuring device 6.

[0044] The user can set a time by performing an input operation in accordance with the procedure steps.

[0045] Accordingly, the settings can be changed depending on the user and the visibility can be improved, which can improve the benefit.

[0046] Next, with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 2 the charging indicator control unit according to the embodiment is explained.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, when charging is started (step A01), the EF monitoring unit 4 transmits a calculated charging capacity to the measuring device 6 via the communication line 9 (step A02), and the measuring device 6 then enters an end-time / remaining-time display mode (step A03). The end-time / remaining-time display mode will be explained later.

[0048] The measuring device 6 then determines whether the notification device 7 is set to sound (step A04).

[0049] If, during step A04, it is determined that the notification device 7 is set to sound, the measuring device 6 transmits a notification delivery request signal to the body monitoring unit 8 (step A05). The body monitoring unit 8 then generates an audible tone with the notification device 7 (step A06).

[0050] If during step A04 it is determined that the notification device 7 is not set to sound, or if the procedure is terminated after step A06, the loading is complete (step A07).

[0051] The end time / remaining time display mode in measuring device 6 during step A03 runs as described in Fig. 3 shown from.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in step 3, the end time / remaining time display mode is called up (step B01), one of the charging characteristic plans is selected based on the model information (step B02), and then the charging time is calculated based on the charging capacity, the charging characteristic plan, and the state of charge of the battery (step B03).

[0053] The charging end time is then calculated based on the calculated charging time (step B04), and it is also determined whether the first set time T1 (60 minutes) or more remains from the current time until the charging end time (step B05). Furthermore, the first set time T1 can be freely configured by the user.

[0054] If, during step B05, it is determined that the first set time T1 or more will not remain, the first set time T1 (60 minutes) and the second set time T2 (30 minutes) are compared with each other, with reference to the current time until the end of the charging time, to determine whether T1 or T2 is greater (step B06). The second set time T2 can also be set by the user.

[0055] If step B06 determines that T1 does not equal T2 or more, it is determined whether charging is complete or not (step B07). If it is determined that charging is not complete, the backlight 5A on display 5 illuminates green to indicate “---” (step B08).

[0056] On the other hand, the backlight 5A on display 5 illuminates red to indicate "end time" if it is determined that the first set time T1 or more remains at step B05, or if it is determined that T1 equals T2 or more at step B06 (step B09). In other words, the aforementioned illuminations and indications occur when the time remaining from the current time to the end time is less than the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 or more.

[0057] On the other hand, the backlight 5A on display 5 lights up amber to indicate "end time" when it is determined that the charging process is complete at step B07 (step B10).

[0058] After processing at step B08, processing at step B09 or processing at step B10, the program goes back (step B11).

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, the measuring device 6 calculates a charging completion time based on the charge content information, the model information (for switching the charging characteristic plans), and the battery's state of charge from the EF monitoring unit 4. The measuring device 6 then displays an estimated completion time on the display 5, utilizing a clock function within the device based on the remaining charging time, and changes the illumination color of the display 5 in accordance with the time remaining until the expected completion time. When charging is complete, the notification device 7 outside the vehicle sounds an alarm.The use of button 12 and display 5 in the gauge 6 allows the presence or absence of the buzzer function to be set outside the vehicle and the illumination color to be set depending on the time remaining until the end time (how many minutes are left until the illumination color is to be changed).

[0060] Thus, the estimated end time can even be displayed when charging at home. Because the time remaining until the estimated end time is reached is indicated by the colored light on display 5, the remaining time can be easily confirmed without being in the vehicle. Furthermore, the user can be notified that charging is complete, even if they are away from the vehicle, by an external notification device 7 that sounds when charging is finished. Additionally, the remaining time calculation function and a notification device request function for notification device 7 are grouped within the meter 6, and other devices besides meter 6 are only minimally modified compared to the conventional system.Accordingly, new functions can be added simply by replacing the measuring device 6, and it is therefore not necessary to add new components.

[0061] The charging system for use in a vehicle according to the present invention is applicable to various electric vehicles.

Claims

[1] Charging system for use in a vehicle, comprising: an EF monitoring unit connected to a battery and charger that are mounted in a vehicle; a measuring instrument that includes a display which has the function of colored illumination and provides a segment display; a body monitoring unit that includes a notification device; and a communication line that is installed in the vehicle and is designed to be connected to the EF monitoring unit, the measuring device and the body monitoring unit, wherein the EF monitoring unit calculates a charging capacity and outputs the calculated charging capacity and state of charge of the battery to the communication line, and the measuring device, based on the charging capacity and state of charge of the battery received via the communication line, calculates a time required to charge the battery and calculates an end time based on the time required to display the end time on the display while controlling the colored illumination that indicates remaining required time in accordance with the pre-set time, characterized by , that The measuring device has a function to set whether an acoustic notification is possible or not, in order to output a notification request signal to the body monitoring unit via the communication line. if the setting allows acoustic notification, and The measuring device includes a button that is operated by the user to change, by pressing the button, a setting that relates to whether a notification is possible or not, and a set time for switching the colors in the illumination color control unit, whereby the measuring device illuminates the end time shown on the display with a backlight in warm colors that switch depending on the set time while the battery is charging, and ends with a time display in non-warm colors when charging is complete.

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