Vehicle with a stop actuation unit for stopping an external load

Abstract

A vehicle (100) capable of external charging, in which a power storage device (110) mounted in the vehicle (100) is externally charged, the vehicle (100) comprising: a stop operation unit (301) that accepts a stop operation for stopping the external charging, and a control device (300) which stops the external charging when the stop operation is accepted at the stop operation unit (301), wherein, when a specific operation different from the stop operation on the stop operation unit (301) is accepted (S112, S121; S112A, S121A; S112B, S121B), the control device (300) deactivates the acceptance of the stop operation (S122).

Description

Background area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a stop operation unit for stopping external charging, and more particularly, to a vehicle capable of external charging in which a power storage device mounted in the vehicle is externally charged. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Conventionally, a device is known in which an exchange of electrical power is stopped when an emergency stop switch is operated by a user (see, for example, JP 2013 - 188 051 A).

[0003] JP 2011-72104 A discloses a charging device for a vehicle comprising a start button for instructing the start of a charging process, a detection device for detecting a charging current flowing through a charging cable, and a charging control device. The charging control device stops the charging process by turning off a relay if the detection device does not detect a current that is not less than a predetermined value until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start button was pressed.

[0004] JP 2014-241670 A discloses a charging control device for controlling the charging of a vehicle battery and / or a power supply from the vehicle. A main control unit is provided on the vehicle and a remote control device is provided, which can be used to remotely switch between the validity and invalidity of an operation on the main control unit. Furthermore, a charging stop button and an emergency stop button are provided on the main control unit. Summary

[0005] However, in the device according to JP 2013 - 188 051 A, if the emergency stop switch fails in the state where the exchange of electric power is stopped, electric power cannot be exchanged as desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has an object to provide a vehicle that can be charged even in the event of a failure of an operation unit that accepts an operation to stop charging.

[0007] This object is achieved by a vehicle as defined in claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0009] A vehicle according to the present disclosure is a vehicle capable of external charging, in which a power storage device mounted in the vehicle is externally charged. The vehicle includes a stop operation unit that accepts a stop operation for stopping external charging and a controller that stops external charging when the stop operation is accepted at the stop operation unit. When a specific operation different from the stop operation is accepted at the stop operation unit, the controller disables acceptance of the stop operation.

[0010] With such a configuration, when the specific operation other than the stop operation for stopping external charging is accepted, the acceptance of the stop operation by the stop operation unit is disabled (invalidated). As a result, a vehicle capable of external charging can be provided even in the event of a stop operation unit that accepts a stop operation for stopping external charging.

[0011] The specific operation may be an operation that differs from a designated operation of a predetermined item. With such a configuration, when it is determined that the specific operation that differs from the designated operation of the predetermined item has been accepted, the acceptance of the stop operation by the stop operation unit is disabled (invalidated). Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of a predetermined item already provided in the vehicle. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a dedicated component.

[0012] The vehicle may further include an inlet to which a charging connector for external charging can be connected, and a detection device that detects connection of the charging connector to the inlet. The predetermined object is the charging connector. The specific operation may be a predetermined number of operations of connecting (connecting) and disconnecting (unplugging, detaching) the predetermined object within a predetermined period of time.

[0013] With such a configuration, when it is determined that the specified number of operations of connecting and disconnecting the charging connector have been accepted within the specified time period as the specific operation, the acceptance of the stop operation by the stop operation unit is disabled. Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of the charging connector already provided in the vehicle. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0014] The vehicle may further include an inlet to which a charging connector for external charging can be connected, a latching mechanism that achieves a latched state in which the charging connector connected to the inlet is not removed, and a release operation unit that accepts a release operation for releasing (unlatching, releasing) the latched state by the latching mechanism. The predetermined item may be the release operation unit. The specific operation may be a predetermined number of release operations of the predetermined item within a predetermined period of time.

[0015] With such a configuration, when it is determined that the predetermined number of release operations of the release operation unit has been accepted within the predetermined time period as the specific operation, acceptance of the stop operation by the stop operation unit is disabled. Thus, the stop operation can be accepted as an operation of the release operation unit already provided in the vehicle. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0016] The vehicle may further include an inlet to which a charging connector for external charging can be connected, a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the charging connector connected to the inlet is not removed, and in the unlocked state, the charging connector connected to the inlet can be removed, and a switching operation unit that accepts a switching operation between the locked state and the unlocked state by the locking mechanism. The predetermined item may be the switching operation unit. The specific operation may be a predetermined number of switching operations of the predetermined item within a predetermined period of time.

[0017] With such a configuration, when it is determined that the specified number of shift operations of the shift operation unit have been accepted within the specified time period as the specific operation, the acceptance of the stop operation by the stop operation unit is disabled. Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of the shift operation unit already provided in the vehicle. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0018] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows an overall block diagram of an externally chargeable vehicle according to a present embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of an inlet and its surroundings, and the arrangement of a charging cable. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the inlet and a charging connector in the locked state of a connector locking mechanism. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the inlet and the charging connector in the unlocked state of the connector locking mechanism. Fig. 5 shows an overview of a circuit related to external charging according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a charging control process according to the present embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of a charging control process according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a charging control process according to a third embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a first overall block diagram of the externally chargeable vehicle according to a variation. Fig. 10 shows a second overall block diagram of the externally chargeable vehicle according to a variation. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated. Description of a charging system

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an overall block diagram of an externally chargeable vehicle according to the present embodiment. According to Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 is a vehicle capable of external charging in which a power storage device 110 mounted in the vehicle is externally charged, for example, a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes the power storage device 110, a system main relay (SMR) 115, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 120 serving as a drive device, motor generators 130, 135, a power transmission gear 140, drive wheels 150, an engine 160 serving as an internal combustion engine, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 300 serving as a control device. The PCU 120 includes a converter 121, inverters 122, 123, and capacitors C1, C2.

[0021] The power storage device 110 is an electrical power storage component configured to be chargeable and dischargeable. The power storage device 110 includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery, or a power storage element such as an electric double-layer capacitor.

[0022] The power storage device 110 is connected to the PCU 120 via power lines PL1, NL1. The power storage device supplies the PCU 120 with electrical power to generate driving force for the vehicle 100. The power storage device 110 also stores electrical power generated at the motor generators 130, 135. The power storage device 110 provides, for example, an output of approximately 200V.

[0023] The power storage device 110 includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor, both not shown, and outputs a voltage VB and a current IB of the power storage device 110 detected by these sensors to the ECU 300.

[0024] The SMR 115 includes a relay connected to a positive terminal of the power storage device 110 and the power line PL1, and a relay connected to a negative terminal of the power storage device 110 and the power line NL1. Based on a control signal SE1 from the ECU 300, the SMR 115 switches between supplying and cutting off electric power between the power storage device 110 and the PCU 120.

[0025] Based on a control signal PWC from the ECU 300, the converter 121 performs voltage conversion between the power lines PL1, NL1 and the power lines PL2, NL1.

[0026] Inverters 122, 123 are connected in parallel to the power line PL2 and the power line NL1. Based on control signals PWI1, PWI2 from the ECU 300, the inverters 122, 123 respectively convert DC power supplied from the converter 121 into AC power to drive the motor generators 130, 135, respectively.

[0027] Capacitor C1 is provided between power line PL1 and power line NL1, reducing voltage variation between power line PL1 and power line NL1. Capacitor C2 is provided between power line PL2 and power line NL1, reducing voltage variation between power line PL2 and power line NL1.

[0028] The motor generators 130, 135 are each rotating electrical AC machines, for example a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a rotor having a permanent magnet embedded therein.

[0029] Output torque from the motor generators 130, 135 is transmitted to the drive wheels 150 via the power transmission 140, which includes a speed reduction device and a power split device, to enable traveling of the vehicle 100. The motor generators 130, 135 can generate electric power using the rotational force of the drive wheels 150 during regenerative braking of the vehicle 100. The electric power thus generated is then converted by the PCU 120 into electric power for charging the power storage device 110.

[0030] The motor generators 130, 135 are also coupled to the engine 116 via the power transmission 140. The motor generators 130, 135 and the engine 160 are jointly controlled by the ECU 300 to generate a required driving power of the vehicle. Furthermore, the motor generators 130, 135 can generate electric power through the rotation of the engine 160, and this generated electric power can be used to charge the power storage device 110. According to the present embodiment, the motor generator 135 is used exclusively as a motor for driving the drive wheels 150, whereas the motor generator 130 is used exclusively as a power generator driven by the engine 160.

[0031] Although in the example according to Fig. 1 two motor generators are provided, the number of motor generators per se is not limited. One motor generator or two or more motor generators may be provided.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of an inlet 220 and its surroundings, and the arrangement of a charging cable 400. According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vehicle 100 includes, as a configuration for charging the power storage device 110 with electric power from an external power supply 500, a power conversion device 200, a charge relay (CHR (Charge Relay)) 210, the inlet 220 serving as a connection portion, a connector lock mechanism 260, a connector lock switch 177, a charge stop switch 301, and a charge cover 222.

[0033] The charging cover 222 is configured to be openable and closable, and covers the inlet 220 and the connector lock switch 177 when closed. When the charging cover is opened, a charging connector 410 of the charging cable 400 can be connected to the inlet 220, and the connector lock switch 177 can be operated.

[0034] When the charging connector 410 of the charging cable 400 is connected to the inlet 220, electric power from the external power supply 500 can be transmitted to the power storage device 110 of the vehicle 100 through the charging cable 400. Charging the power storage device 110 with electric power from the external power supply 500 is hereinafter referred to as external charging.

[0035] The connector locking mechanism 260 mechanically locks the charging connector 410 so that the charging connector 410 is not removed from the inlet 220. The connector locking switch 177 is an operation unit that accepts a user's operation to lock or unlock the connector locking mechanism 260 and is provided near the inlet 220. When the charging connector 410 is inserted into the inlet 220, an operation signal is input to a CPU 310 of the ECU 300 each time the connector locking switch 177 is operated. In response to this operation signal from the connector lock switch 177, the CPU 310 outputs a LOCK signal (lock signal) to the connector lock mechanism 260 for switching between locking and unlocking the connector lock mechanism 260.In response to the LOCK signal, the connector locking mechanism 260 switches between locking and unlocking the charging connector 410. The operations of the connector locking switch 177 for locking and unlocking the connector locking mechanism 260 are hereinafter referred to as the locking operation and the unlocking operation, respectively.

[0036] In addition to the charging connector 410, the charging cable 400 includes a plug 420 for connecting to an outlet 510 of the external power supply 500 and a cable portion 440 connecting the charging connector 410 and the plug 420. A charging circuit interrupt device (CCID) 430 for switching between supplying and disconnecting (interrupting) electrical power from the external power supply 500 is provided in the center of the cable portion 440.

[0037] The power conversion device 200 is connected to the inlet 220 via the power lines ACL1, ACL2. The power conversion device 200 is connected to the power storage device 110 via the CHR 210 through the power line PL2 and a power line NL2.

[0038] The power conversion device 200 is controlled by a control signal PWD from the ECU 300 and converts AC power supplied from the inlet 220 into DC power for charging the power storage device 110. The power conversion device 220 can also convert DC power from the power storage device 110 or DC power generated by the motor generators 130, 135 and converted into AC power at the PCU 120, and supply the AC power to the outside of the vehicle. The power conversion device 200 can be a single device capable of bidirectional power conversion for charging and power supply, or can include a charging device and a power supply device as individual devices.

[0039] The CHR 210 is controlled by a control signal SE2 from the ECU 300, and switches between supplying and cutting off (interrupting) electric power between the power conversion device 200 and the power storage device 110.

[0040] The ECU 300 includes a CPU (central processing unit), a memory device, and an input / output buffer, none of which are used in Fig. 1. The ECU 300 receives signals from the various sensors and the like and outputs control signals to the various devices, and controls the devices of the power storage device 110 and the vehicle 100. These types of control can be processed not only by software but also by special hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0041] The ECU 300 calculates a SOC (State of Charge) of the power storage device 110 based on detected values ​​of the voltage VB and the current IB from the power storage device 110.

[0042] The ECU 300 receives a signal PISW indicating a connection state of the charging cable 400 from the charging connector 410. The ECU 300 also receives a pilot signal CPLT from the CCID 430 of the charging cable 400. The ECU 300 performs a charging operation based on these signals, as described later with reference to Fig. 5. The ECU 300 also controls the engine 160 through a control signal DRV.

[0043] When the charging stop switch 301 is turned on by the user, the ECU 300 receives an STP signal to stop charging. Upon receiving the STP signal, the ECU 300 performs control to stop external charging.

[0044] While according to Fig. 1, a single control device is provided as the ECU 300, an individual control device may be provided for each function or for each device to be controlled, such as a control device for the PCU 120 and a control device for the power storage device 110.

[0045] The vehicle 100 further includes a connector locking mechanism 260 and a pressure force detection sensor 263. The connector locking mechanism 260 is provided above the inlet 220 (near the inlet 220). The connector locking mechanism 260 is provided for switching between the locked state in which the charging cable 400 cannot be removed from the inlet 220 and the unlocked state in which the charging cable 400 can be removed from the inlet 220.

[0046] Specifically, the connector locking mechanism 260 includes a locking rod 262 that slides in the vertical direction and an electromagnetic actuator 261 that causes the locking rod 262 to slide. The pressure force detection sensor 263 is provided at the lower end of the locking rod 262.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the inlet 220 and the charging connector 410 in the locked state of the connector locking mechanism 260. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the inlet 220 and the charging connector 410 in the unlocked state of the connector locking mechanism 260. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show cross-sectional views along III-III in Fig. 2. According to Fig. 2 to 4, a mechanism for engagement and fixation between the charging connector 410 and the inlet 220 is described.

[0048] The charging connector 410 is provided at its tip with a connecting portion 413 that is electrically conductively connected to the inlet 220. The charging connector 410 is connected to a link 416. This link 416 is mounted in a rotatable manner about a shaft 417. One end of the link 416 is provided with a convex portion for engaging with a projection 221 of the inlet 220, and the other end is provided with a push button 415. The link 416 is elastically biased by a spring 414 with respect to the body of the charging connector 410 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). When the charging connector 410 and the inlet 220 are electrically connected, a connection signal (proximity detection signal) PISW indicating an electrically connected state of the charging cable 400 is transmitted to the ECU 300 via the inlet 220. Upon receiving the PISW, the ECU 300 determines that the charging connector 410 and the inlet 220 are now electrically connected.

[0049] According to Fig. 3, when inserted into the inlet 220, the charging connector 410 is electrically connected, and the convex portion of the connecting member 416 is engaged with the protrusion 221 of the inlet 220 (hereinafter referred to as the "engagement state," "locked state"). This prevents the charging connector 410 from detaching from the inlet 220. A combination of the convex portion of the connecting member 416 and the protrusion 221 of the inlet 220 is referred to as a locking mechanism. The convex portion of the connecting member 416 is the locking mechanism on the charging cable 400 side, and the protrusion 221 of the inlet 220 is the locking mechanism on the vehicle 100 side.

[0050] In the locked state of the connector locking mechanism 260, the locking rod 262 is displaced downward and fixed at a position where the locking rod 262 comes into contact with the upper surface of the connecting member 416. As a result, even if the push button 415 is pressed, the rotation of the connecting member 416 is suppressed by the locking rod 262, and the convex portion of the connecting member 416 no longer rises to be removed from the protrusion 221 of the inlet 220. That is, even if the push button 415 is pressed by the user, the charging connector 410 can no longer be removed from the inlet 220.

[0051] When the charging connector 410 and the inlet 220 are engaged with each other and enter the locked state, the pressing force detection sensor 263 is moved together with the lower end of the locking rod 262 to a position where the pressing force detection sensor 263 prevents the convex portion of the connecting member 416 from moving out of engagement. At this time, the pressing force detection sensor 263 is brought into abutment (abutment) with the upper surface side of the connecting member 416 and pressed thereon. The pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 263 is converted into an electrical signal and sent to the ECU 300. The ECU 300 determines the locked state when the pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 263 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.The ECU 300 determines the unlocked state when the pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 263 is lower than the predetermined value.

[0052] According to Fig. 4, in the unlocked state, the locking rod 262 is displaced upward and fixed at a position where the locking rod 262 no longer suppresses the rotation of the connecting member 416. Since the locking rod 262 thus no longer suppresses the rotation of the connecting member 416, pressing the push button 415 causes the connecting member 416 to rotate about the shaft 417 and raise the convex portion provided at the other end. As a result, the convex portion of the connecting member 416 is removed from the projection 221 of the inlet 220, thus enabling removal of the charging connector 410 from the inlet 220. That is, pressing the push button 415 by the user enables removal of the charging cable 400 from the inlet 220.

[0053] When the ECU 300 detects an operation of the connector lock switch 177, the ECU 300 accepts the operation of the connector lock switch 177. Upon accepting the operation of the connector lock switch 177, the ECU 300 outputs a lock command to the actuator 261 when the connector lock mechanism 260 is in the unlocked state, and outputs an unlock command to the actuator 261 when the connector lock mechanism 260 is in the locked state.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows an overview of a circuit related to external charging according to the present embodiment. According to Fig. 5, the CCID 430 includes a CCID relay 450, a CCID controller 460, a control pilot circuit 470, an electromagnetic coil 471, a leakage detector 480, a voltage sensor 481, and a current sensor 482. The control pilot circuit 470 includes an oscillation circuit 472, a resistor R20, and a voltage sensor 473.

[0055] The CCID relay 450 is inserted into the cable section 440 in the charging cable 400. The CCID relay 450 is controlled by the control pilot circuit 470. When the CCID relay 450 is opened, an electrical path in the charging cable 400 is interrupted. Conversely, when the CCID relay 450 is closed, electrical power is supplied from the external power supply 500 to the vehicle 100.

[0056] The control pilot circuit 470 outputs the pilot signal CPLT to the ECU 300 through the charging connector 410 and the inlet 220. This pilot signal CPLT is a signal for notifying the ECU 300 of a rated current of the charging cable 400 from the control pilot circuit 470. The pilot signal CPLT is also used as a signal for remotely controlling the CCID relay 450 from the ECU 300 based on a potential of the pilot signal CPLT controlled by the ECU 300. The control pilot circuit 470 controls the CCID relay 450 based on a potential variation in the pilot signal CPLT.

[0057] The pilot signal CPLT and the connection signal PISW and the configurations such as shapes and the terminal arrangement of the inlet 220 and the connector 410 described above are standardized, for example, by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) of the United States, the Japan Electric Vehicle Association, and the like.

[0058] The CCID controller 460 includes a CPU, a memory device, and an input / output buffer, all of which are not shown. The CCID controller 460 inputs and outputs signals to and from the various sensors and the control pilot circuit 470 and controls the charging operation of the charging cable 400.

[0059] When the potential of the pilot signal CPLT detected by the voltage sensor 473 is a defined potential (e.g., 12 V), the oscillation circuit 472 outputs a non-oscillating signal. When the potential of the pilot signal CPLT decreases from the defined potential (e.g., 9 V), the oscillation circuit 472 is controlled by the CCID controller 460 to output a signal that oscillates at a defined frequency (e.g., 1 kHz) and a defined duty cycle.

[0060] The potential of the pilot signal CPLT is controlled by the ECU 300. The duty cycle is set based on the rated current that can be supplied from the external power supply 500 to the vehicle 100 through the charging cable 400.

[0061] As described above, when the potential of the pilot signal CPLT decreases from the defined potential, the pilot signal CPLT oscillates in a defined cycle. A pulse width of the pilot signal CPLT is set based on the rated current that can be supplied from the external power supply 500 to the vehicle 100 through the charging cable 400. That is, by means of a duty represented as a ratio of the pulse width to the oscillation cycle, the control pilot circuit 470 notifies the ECU 300 of the vehicle 100 of the rated current using the pilot signal CPLT.

[0062] The rated current is determined for each charging cable and varies with the design (type) of the charging cable 400. Accordingly, the duty cycle of the pilot signal CPLT also varies with each charging cable 400.

[0063] Based on the duty cycle of the pilot signal CPLT received through a control pilot line L1, the ECU 300 can detect the rated current that can be supplied to the vehicle 100 through the charging cable 400.

[0064] When the potential of the pilot signal CPLT is further reduced by the ECU 300 (e.g., 6V), the control pilot circuit 470 supplies current to the electromagnetic coil 471. In response to the current supply from the control pilot circuit 470, the electromagnetic coil 471 generates an electromagnetic force and closes the contacts of the CCID relay 450 to place the CCID relay 450 in the conductive state.

[0065] The leakage detector 480 is provided in the center of the cable section 440 of the charging cable 400 in the CCID 430 and detects the presence or absence of leakage. Specifically, the leakage detector 480 detects a balance of currents flowing through a pair of cable sections 440 in opposite directions and detects that leakage has occurred when the balance is disturbed. Although not specifically shown, when leakage is detected by the leakage detector 480, the power supply to the electromagnetic coil 471 is interrupted, and the contacts of the CCID relay 450 are opened to place the CCID relay 450 in the non-conductive state.

[0066] When the plug 420 of the charging cable 400 is inserted into the outlet 510, the voltage sensor 481 detects a power supply voltage transmitted from the external power supply 500 and informs the CCID controller 460 of the detected value. The current sensor 482 detects a current flowing through the cable section 440 and informs the CCID controller 460 of the detected value.

[0067] The charging connector 410 includes a connection detection circuit 411 comprising resistors R25, R26, and a switch SW20. Resistors R25, R26 are connected in series between a connection signal line L3 and a ground line L2. Switch SW20 is connected in parallel with resistor R26.

[0068] For example, the switch SW20 is a limit switch whose contacts are closed when the charging connector 410 is securely fitted into the inlet 220. The contacts of the switch SW20 are opened when the charging connector 410 is disconnected from the inlet 220 and when the charging connector 410 is unreliably fitted into the inlet 220. The contacts of the switch SW20 are also opened upon actuation of the push button 415 provided on the charging connector 410 and operated by the user to remove the charging connector 410 from the inlet 220.

[0069] When the charging connector 410 is disconnected from the inlet 220, a voltage signal determined by a voltage of a power supply node 350 and a pull-up resistor R10 included in the ECU 300, and by a resistor R15 provided in the inlet 220, is generated as the connection signal PISW on the connection signal line L3. When the charging connector 410 is connected to the inlet 220, a voltage signal corresponding to a combined resistance value is generated by a combination of the resistors R15, R25, R26 on the connection signal line L3 depending on the fitted state, the operation state of the push button 415, and the like.

[0070] The ECU 300 can determine the connection state and the fitting state of the charging connector 410 by detecting a potential of the connection signal line L3 (ie, a potential of the connection signal PISW).

[0071] In the vehicle 100, the ECU 300 includes, in addition to the power supply node 350 and the pull-up resistor R10 described above, the CPU 310, a resistance circuit 320, and input buffers 330, 340.

[0072] The resistance circuit 320 includes pull-down resistors R1, R2 and switches SW1, SW2. The pull-down resistor R1 and the switch SW1 are connected in series between the control pilot line L1, through which the pilot signal CPLT is communicated, and a vehicle ground 360. The pull-down resistor R2 and the switch SW2 are also connected in series between the control pilot line L1 and the vehicle ground 360. The switches SW1, SW2 are controlled to be conductive or non-conductive, respectively, according to the control signals S1, S2 from the CPU 310.

[0073] This resistance circuit 320 is a circuit for controlling the potential of the pilot signal CPLT from the vehicle 100 side.

[0074] The input buffer 330 receives the pilot signal CPLT on the control pilot line L1 and outputs the received pilot signal CPLT to the CPU 310. The input buffer 340 receives the connection signal PISW from the connection signal line L3 connected to the connection detection circuit 411 of the charging connector 410 and outputs the received connection signal PISW to the CPU 310. A voltage is applied to the connection signal line L3 from the ECU 300 as described above, and the potential of the connection signal PISW varies when the charging connector 410 is connected to the inlet 220. The CPU 310 detects the connection state and the fitting state of the charging connector 410 by detecting this potential of the connection signal PISW.

[0075] The CPU 310 receives the pilot signal CPLT and the connection signal PISW from the input buffers 330, 340, respectively. The CPU 310 detects the connection state and the fit state of the charging connector 410 by detecting the potential of the connection signal PISW. The CPU 310 also detects the rated current of the charging cable 400 by detecting the oscillation state and the duty cycle of the pilot signal CPLT.

[0076] The CPU 310 then controls the potential of the pilot signal CPLT by controlling the control signals S1, S2 for the switches SW1, SW2 based on the potential of the connection signal PISW and the oscillation state of the pilot signal CPLT. The CPU 310 can thus remotely control the CCID relay 450. Electric power is then transmitted from the external power supply 500 to the vehicle 100 through the charging cable 400.

[0077] The CPU 310 receives a voltage VAC supplied from the external power supply 500 and detected by a voltage sensor 230 provided between the power lines ACL1 and ACL2.

[0078] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, when the contacts of the CCID relay 450 are closed, AC power from the external power supply 500 is supplied to the power conversion device 200 to complete the preparation for charging the power storage device 110 from the external power supply 500. The CPU 310 outputs a control signal PWD to the power conversion device 200 to convert the AC power from the external power supply 500 into DC power with which the power storage device 110 can be charged. The CPU 310 then outputs the control signal SE2 to close the contacts of the CHR 210 to perform charging of the power storage device 110. First embodiment

[0079] Conventionally, external charging is stopped when the charging stop switch 301 is operated by the user. However, if the charging stop switch 301 fails in the state where external charging is stopped (e.g., a closure failure), external charging cannot be performed as desired.

[0080] Therefore, the vehicle 100 according to the present disclosure includes the charging stop switch 301 that accepts a stop operation for stopping external charging, and the ECU 300 that stops external charging when the stop operation to the charging stop switch 301 is accepted. When a specific operation other than the stop operation to the charging stop switch 301 is accepted, the ECU 300 disables acceptance of the stop operation (makes the ECU 300 invalidate acceptance of the stop operation).

[0081] Accordingly, when the specific operation other than the stop operation for stopping external charging is accepted, the acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled (invalidated). As a result, external charging can be performed even in the event of a failure (error) of the charging stop switch 301 that accepts the stop operation for stopping external charging.

[0082] The control according to the present embodiment is described below. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a charging control process according to the present embodiment.

[0083] This charge control process is called from a higher process at regular intervals and executed by the CPU 310 of the ECU 300.

[0084] According to Fig. 6, the CPU 310 determines whether a deactivation determination wait flag is ON or not (step S111). The deactivation determination wait flag is a flag indicating whether or not waiting for a determination to deactivate (invalidate) the stop operation by the charge stop switch 301 is being performed. Specifically, it is a flag indicating whether the waiting for determinations is being performed, whether a designated operation of a predetermined item has been performed, and whether a specific operation different from the designated operation has been performed.

[0085] If it is determined that the deactivation determination wait flag is not ON (No in step S111), that is, the flag is OFF (reset), the CPU 310 determines whether the insertion of the charging connector 410 into the inlet 220 has been detected (step S112). As shown in Fig. 5, the CPU 310 can determine the fitting state of the charging connector 410 by detecting the potential of the connection signal line L3, that is, the potential of the connection signal PISW.

[0086] If it is determined that the insertion of the charging connector 410 has been detected (Yes in step S112), the CPU 310 sets the deactivation determination wait flag (step S113). If it is determined that the insertion of the charging connector 410 has not been detected (No in step S112) and after step S113, the CPU 310 proceeds to step S131 with the execution process.

[0087] When it is determined that the deactivation determination waiting flag is ON (Yes in step S111), the CPU 310 determines, in a manner similar to step S112, whether or not the insertion of the charging connector 410 into the inlet 220 has been detected (step S121).

[0088] If it is determined that the insertion of the charging connector 410 has been detected (Yes in step S121), the CPU 310 sets a stop disable flag and resets the disable determination wait flag (step S122), and proceeds to step S131. The stop disable flag is a flag indicating whether or not the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 has been disabled. Specifically, it is a flag indicating whether a specific operation different from the intended operation of the specified item has been performed.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined that the insertion of the charging connector 410 has not been detected (No in step S121), the CPU 310 determines whether or not a predetermined time period (e.g., predetermined seconds from about 2.3 seconds to about 10 seconds) has elapsed since the deactivation determination wait flag was set (step S123). If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (Yes in step S123), the CPU 310 resets the deactivation determination wait flag (step S124). If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (No in step S123) and after step S124, the CPU 310 proceeds to step S131 with the execution process.

[0090] When the process proceeds to step S131, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a charging start condition has been met (step S131). The charging start condition is a condition that allows external charging to start. The charging start condition is met when, for example, the SOC (state of charge) of the power storage device 110 is less than a predetermined upper limit, the plug 420 is connected to the outlet 510 of the external power supply 500, and the charging connector 410 is inserted into the inlet 220. For rapid charging, the charging start condition is met when, in addition, a rapid charging device is operated by the user to start external charging.

[0091] If it is determined that the charging start condition has been met (YES in step S131), the CPU 310 determines whether or not a charging stop operation signal STP has been input from the charging stop switch 301 (step S132). The charging stop operation signal STP is input while the charging stop switch 301 is being pressed by the user and continues to be input while a closure failure occurs in the charging stop switch 301.

[0092] When it is determined that the charging stop operation signal STP has been input (YES in step S132), the CPU 310 determines whether the stop disabling flag is ON (step S133).

[0093] When it is determined that the charging stop operation signal STP has not been input (NO in step S132), and when the charging stop operation signal STP has been input but it is determined that the stop disable flag is ON (YES in step S133), the CPU 310 performs control to start external charging (step S134).

[0094] When it is determined that the charging start condition has been satisfied (YES in step S131), and it is determined that the charging stop operation signal has been input (YES in step S132), and conversely, when it is determined that the stop disabling flag is not ON (NO in step S133), that is, the stop disabling flag is OFF, the external charging is not started.

[0095] When it is determined that the charging start condition has not been satisfied (NO in step S131), when it is determined that the stop disabling flag is not ON (NO in step S133), and after step S134, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the external charging is performed (step S141).

[0096] When it is determined that the external charging is being performed (YES in step S141), the CPU 310 determines, in a similar manner to step S132, whether or not the charging stop operation signal STP has been input from the charging stop switch 301 (step S142).

[0097] When it is determined that the charging stop operation signal STP has been input (YES in step S142), the CPU 310 determines whether the stop disabling flag is ON or not (step S143).

[0098] When it is determined that the stop disable flag is not ON (NO in step S143), that is, that the stop disable flag is OFF, the CPU 310 performs control to stop the external charging (step S144).

[0099] On the other hand, when it is determined that the external charging is being performed (YES in step S141), and when it is determined that the charging stop operation signal STP has been input (YES in step S142), but when it is determined that the stop disabling flag is ON (YES in step S143), the process does not proceed to step S144, and the external charging is continued.

[0100] When it is determined that external charging is not being performed (NO in step S141), when it is determined that the charging stop operation signal STP has not been input (NO in step S142), when it is determined that the stop disable flag is ON (YES in step S143), and after step S144, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a charging end condition (charging termination condition) has been satisfied (step S151). The charging end condition is a condition that terminates external charging. The charging end condition is satisfied when, for example, the SOC of the power storage device 110 reaches the predetermined upper limit value.

[0101] When it is determined that the charging end condition has been satisfied (YES in step S151), the CPU 310 performs control to stop the external charging (step S152) and resets the stop disable flag (step S153).

[0102] When it is determined that the load end condition has not been satisfied (NO in step S151), and after step S153, the CPU 310 returns the execution process to the higher process from which the load control process was called.

[0103] In this way, according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the predetermined number of operations of connecting (connecting) and disconnecting (unplugging, detaching) the charging connector 410 to and from the inlet 220 has been accepted within the predetermined period of time, the ECU 300 disables the acceptance (acceptance) of the stop operation for stopping the external charging. Second embodiment

[0104] According to the first embodiment, when the insertion of the charging connector 410 into the inlet 220 is detected a plurality of times (twice according to the first embodiment) within the predetermined time period (in other words, when the insertion, removal, and insertion of the charging connector 410 are sequentially performed within the predetermined time period), the operation of stopping the charging by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled (rendered ineffective).

[0105] According to the second embodiment, when the operation of the push button 415 of the charging connector 410 to release the locked state is detected multiple times (twice according to the second embodiment) within the predetermined period of time, the operation of stopping the charging by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled (made ineffective).

[0106] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a charging control process according to the second embodiment. According to Fig. 7, the charging control process according to Fig. 7 has a step S112A and a step S121A respectively instead of the step S112 and the step S121 of the charging control process according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is described.

[0107] In step S112A and step S121A, the CPU 310 determines whether the depression of the push button 415 for releasing the locked state of the charging connector 410 has been detected. As described with reference to Fig. 5, the CPU 310 detects whether the push button 415 has been pressed down by detecting the potential of the connection signal L3 varying with the operation state of the push button 415, ie, the potential of the connection signal PISW through the input buffer 340.

[0108] In this way, according to the second embodiment, when it is determined that the predetermined number of release operations of the push button 415 has been accepted within the predetermined period of time, the ECU 300 disables the acceptance (acceptance) of the stop operation for stopping the external charging. Third embodiment

[0109] According to a third embodiment, when the locking operation of the connector locking switch 177 for locking the connector locking mechanism 260 is detected a plurality of times (twice according to the third embodiment) within the predetermined period of time (in other words, when the locking operation, unlocking operation, and locking operation of the connector locking switch 177 are sequentially performed within the predetermined period of time), the operation of stopping the charging by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled (rendered ineffective).

[0110] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a charging control process according to the third embodiment. According to Fig. 8 the charging control process in Fig. 8, step S112B and step S121B respectively instead of step S112 and step S121 of the Fig. 6 described charging control process according to the first embodiment.

[0111] In step S112B and step S121B, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the locking operation of the connector locking switch 177 for locking or unlocking the charging connector 410 has been detected by the connector locking mechanism 260. As described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the operation signal is input to the CPU 310 each time the connector lock switch 177 is depressed. The operation signal from the connector lock switch 177, which is input for the first time since the charging connector 410 is inserted into the inlet 220, is an operation signal for locking the connector lock mechanism 260.

[0112] In this way, according to the third embodiment, when it is determined that the predetermined number of switching operations of the connector lock switch 177 has been accepted within the predetermined period of time, the ECU 300 disables the acceptance (acceptance) of the stop operation for stopping the external charging. Variations (1) According to the embodiments described above, the vehicle 100 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. However, without being limited as such, the vehicle 100 may be any vehicle capable of external charging in which the vehicle-mounted power storage device 110 is externally charged, for example, an electric vehicle and a fuel cell vehicle. (2) According to the embodiments described above, when it is determined that the specific operation different from the intended operation of the predetermined item has been accepted, the acceptance of the stop operation for stopping the external charging is disabled.

[0113] In particular, according to the first embodiment, the predetermined object is the charging connector 410. The intended actuation of the predetermined object is the insertion of the charging connector 410 into the inlet 220 in a normal manner (in particular, a single insertion within the predetermined time period). The specific actuation is the insertion of the charging connector 410 into the inlet 220 in a specific manner (in particular, a plurality of insertions within the predetermined time period), as described in Fig. 6 has been shown.

[0114] According to the second embodiment, the predetermined object is the push button 415 of the charging connector 410 for releasing the locked state. The intended operation of the predetermined object is the operation of the push button 415 in a normal manner (in particular, a single operation within the predetermined time period). The specific operation is the operation of the push button 415 in a specific manner (in particular, a plurality of operations within the predetermined time period), as described in Fig. 7 has been shown.

[0115] According to the third embodiment, the predetermined object is the connector locking switch 177 for locking or unlocking the charging connector 410 by the connector locking mechanism 260. The intended operation of the predetermined object is the operation of the connector locking switch 177 in a normal manner (specifically, a single operation within the predetermined time period). The specific operation is the operation of the connector locking switch 177 in a specific manner (specifically, a plurality of locking operations within the predetermined time period), as described in Fig. 8 has been shown.

[0116] However, without being particularly limited thereto, the predetermined object and the specific operation may each be a different predetermined object and a different specific operation. For example, the predetermined object may be the charging cover 222, and the specific operation may be an operation of the charging cover 222 in a specific manner (e.g., a plurality of opening operations within the predetermined time period). The intended operation of the charging cover 222 is a single opening operation within the predetermined time period.

[0117] (3) According to the embodiments described above, when it is determined that the specific operation has been accepted, the stop disabling flag is set by the control signal generated in step S122 of Fig. 6 to 8, so that the acceptance of the operation to stop external charging by software is disabled. However, without being limited as such, a switching circuit may be provided that is capable of switching between a state in which the charging stop operation signal STP can be input to the CPU 310 and a state in which the signal cannot be input to the CPU 310, and when the specific operation is accepted, the switching circuit may be switched to the

[0118] State in which the signal cannot be input, so that the acceptance of the operation to stop external charging is disabled by hardware.

[0119] (4) According to the embodiments described above, the specific operation is an operation that differs from the intended operation of the given object, as described in Fig. 6 to 8. However, without being limited as such, the predetermined object may be a component pre-provided in the vehicle 100 or a component provided in the vehicle 100 for accepting the specific operation (in this case, the specific operation is the intended operation of the predetermined object). The specific operation may not be the operation of the predetermined object or may be any other operation that can be detected by the vehicle 100.

[0120] According to the embodiments described above, the ECU 300 determines whether the specific operation other than the stop operation on the charge stop switch 301 has been accepted, as described in step S112, step S121, step S112A, step S121A, step S112B, step S121B in the Fig. 6 to 8 has been shown.

[0121] However, without being limited as such, a specific operation determination unit that determines whether a specific operation other than the stop operation has been accepted may be provided separately from the ECU 300. In this case, the specific operation determination unit transmits to the ECU 300 information indicating a result of the determination as to whether or not the specific operation has been accepted. The ECU 300 according to the first embodiment and the third embodiment described above can be considered to have the specific operation determination unit.

[0122] Fig. 9 shows a first overall block diagram of the externally chargeable vehicle according to a variation. With reference to Fig. 9, according to the first embodiment, a specific operation determination unit 390A determines the fitting state of the charging connector 410 by detecting the potential of the connection signal PISW, determines that the specific operation has been accepted when the insertion of the charging connector 410 is detected a plurality of times, and transmits to the ECU 300 a signal indicating the result of the determination as to whether or not the specific operation has been accepted.

[0123] With further reference to Fig. 9, according to the second embodiment, the specific operation determination unit 390A determines whether the push button 415 has been pressed down or not by detecting the potential of the connection signal PISW, determines that the specific operation has been accepted when a predetermined number of release operations of the push button 415 have been accepted within the predetermined period of time, and transmits to the ECU 300 a signal indicating a result of the determination as to whether the specific operation has been accepted or not.

[0124] Fig. 10 shows a second overall block diagram of the externally chargeable vehicle according to a variation. According to Fig. 10, a specific operation determination unit 390b determines that the specific operation has been accepted when the locking operation of the connector locking switch 177 for locking the connector locking mechanism 260 has been detected a plurality of times within the predetermined period of time, and sends to the ECU 300 a signal indicating a result of the determination as to whether or not the specific operation has been accepted. Conclusion

[0125] (1) As in the Fig. 1 to 5, the vehicle 100 includes the charging stop switch 301 that accepts the stop operation to stop the external charging, and the ECU 300 that stops the external charging when the stop operation is accepted at the charging stop switch 301. As shown in Fig. 6 to 8, the ECU 300 determines whether or not the specific operation other than the stop operation on the charge stop switch 301 has been accepted (step S112, step S121, step S112A, step S121A, step S112B, step S121B), and when it is determined that the specific operation has been accepted, it disables the acceptance of the stop operation (step S122).

[0126] Accordingly, when it is determined that the specific operation other than the stop operation for stopping external charging has been accepted, the acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled. As a result, external charging can be performed even in the event of a failure of the charging stop switch 301 that accepts the stop operation for stopping external charging.

[0127] (2) As it is in the Fig. 6 to 8, the specific operation is an operation different from the intended operation of the predetermined item. Accordingly, when it is determined that the specific operation different from the intended operation of the predetermined item has been accepted, acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled. Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of a predetermined item already provided in the vehicle. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0128] (3) As it is in Fig. 1 to 5, the vehicle 100 has the inlet 220 to which the charging connector 410 can be connected for external charging. As shown in Fig. 6, the ECU 300 detects the connection of the charging connector 410 to the inlet 220 (step S112, step S121), the predetermined object is the charging connector 410, and the specific operation is the predetermined number of operations of connecting and disconnecting the predetermined object within the predetermined period of time.

[0129] Accordingly, when it is determined that the predetermined number of operations of connecting and disconnecting the charging connector 410 within the predetermined time period has been accepted as the specific operation, the acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled. Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of the charging connector 410 already provided in the vehicle 100. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0130] (4) As it is in Fig. 1 to 5, the vehicle 100 further includes the inlet 220 to which the charging connector 410 can be connected for external charging, the locking mechanism (the combination of the convex portion of the connecting member 416 and the projection 221 of the inlet 220) that achieves a locked state in which the charging connector 410 connected to the inlet 220 is not removed, and the push button 415 that accepts the release operation for releasing the locked state by the locking mechanism. As shown in Fig. 7, the predetermined item is the push button 415, and the specific actuation is the predetermined number of release actuations of the predetermined item within the predetermined period of time.

[0131] Accordingly, when it is determined that the predetermined number of release operations of the push button 415 has been accepted as the specific operation within the predetermined period of time, the acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled (invalidated). Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of the push button 415 already provided in the vehicle 100. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0132] (5) As it is in Fig. 1 to 5, the vehicle 100 further includes the inlet 220 to which the charging connector 410 can be connected for external charging, the connector locking mechanism 260 that switches between the locked state in which the charging connector 410 connected to the inlet 220 is not removed and the unlocked state in which the charging connector 410 connected to the inlet 220 can be removed, and the connector locking switch 177 that accepts a switching operation between the locked state and the unlocked state by the connector locking mechanism 260. As shown in Fig. 8, the predetermined item is the connector lock switch 177, and the specific operation is the predetermined number of switching operations of the predetermined item within the predetermined period of time.

[0133] Accordingly, if it is determined that the predetermined number of switching operations of the connector lock switch 177 within the predetermined period of time has been accepted as the specific operation, the acceptance of the stop operation by the charging stop switch 301 is disabled. Thus, the specific operation can be accepted as an operation of the connector lock switch 177 that has already been provided in the vehicle 100. As a result, the specific operation can be accepted without the need to provide a special component.

[0134] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and is intended to include any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0135] As described above, a vehicle includes a charging stop switch (301) that accepts a stop operation for stopping external charging, and an ECU (300) that stops external charging when the stop operation at the charging stop switch is accepted. The ECU determines whether a specific operation different from the stop operation at the charging stop switch has been accepted (S112, S121; S112A, S121A; S112B, S121B), and if it is determined that the specific operation has been accepted, disables acceptance of the stop operation (S122). The specific operation is an operation different from a designated operation of a predetermined item. The vehicle includes an inlet (220) to which a charging connector (410) for external charging can be connected.The ECU detects the connection of the charging connector to the inlet (S112, S121), the predetermined object is the charging connector, and the specific operation is a number of operations of connecting and disconnecting the predetermined object within a predetermined period of time.

Claims

[1] A vehicle (100) capable of external charging, in which a power storage device (110) mounted in the vehicle (100) is externally charged, the vehicle (100) comprising: a stop operation unit (301) that accepts a stop operation for stopping the external charging, and a control device (300) which stops the external charging when the stop operation is accepted at the stop operation unit (301), wherein, when a specific operation different from the stop operation on the stop operation unit (301) is accepted (S112, S121; S112A, S121A; S112B, S121B), the control device (300) deactivates the acceptance of the stop operation (S122). [2] The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the specific actuation is an actuation that differs from a designated actuation of a given object. [3] Vehicle (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: an inlet (220) to which a charging connector (410) for external charging can be connected, and a detection device (S112, S121) which detects a connection of the charging connector (410) to the inlet (220), wherein the predetermined object is the charging connector (410), and the specific operation is a predetermined number of operations of connecting and disconnecting the specified object within a predetermined period of time. [4] Vehicle (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: an inlet (220) to which a charging connector (410) for external charging can be connected, a locking mechanism (416, 221) that achieves a locked state in which the charging connector (410) connected to the inlet (220) is not removed, and a release operation unit (415) which accepts a release operation for releasing the locked state by the locking mechanism (416, 221), wherein the predetermined object is the solution actuation unit (415), and the specific actuation is a predetermined number of release actuations of the predetermined object within the predetermined period of time. [5] Vehicle (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: an inlet (220) to which a charging connector (410) for external charging can be connected, a locking mechanism (260) that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the charging connector (410) connected to the inlet (220) is not removed in the locked state and the charging connector (410) connected to the inlet (220) can be removed in the unlocked state, and a switching operation unit (177) which accepts a switching operation between the locked state and the unlocked state by the locking mechanism (260), wherein the predetermined object is the switching actuating unit (177), and the specific actuation of a predetermined number of switching operations of the predetermined object within a predetermined period of time.

Images