Power supply system for a vehicle, power supply device for a vehicle, intermediate device and power supply arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

A power supply system 20 for a vehicle 10 includes a power supply device 50 and a charging device 30. The power supply device 50 is provided outside the vehicle 10 and includes a power supply unit 54. The charging device is configured to charge a battery 12 of the vehicle 10 with power supplied by the power supply device 50 and includes a charging unit 36 ​​configured to be connectable to the power supply unit 54. The power supply device 50 includes a connection state determination unit 62 configured to determine a connection state of the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system for a vehicle, a power supply device for a vehicle, an intermediate device and a power supply arrangement for a vehicle.

[0002] A power supply system that charges a battery of a vehicle with a power supply device provided outside the vehicle is disclosed, for example, in JP 2019 - 199 235 A.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system for a vehicle, a power supply device for a vehicle, an intermediate device and a power supply arrangement for a vehicle which enable a battery of a vehicle to be charged in a preferred manner.

[0004] A power supply system according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided for a vehicle. The power supply system includes a power supply device provided outside the vehicle and including a power supply unit, and a charging device configured to charge a battery of the vehicle with power supplied from the power supply device and including a charging unit configured to be connectable to the power supply unit. The power supply device includes a connection state determination unit configured to determine a connection state of the power supply device and the charging device.

[0005] In the power supply device according to the first aspect, the connection state determination unit included in the power supply device is capable of determining the connection state of the power supply device and the charging device. This enables the power supply device to charge the vehicle battery in a preferential manner.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the power supply system according to the first aspect is configured such that the power supply unit includes a resistance circuit of the power supply unit, the charging unit includes a resistance circuit of the charging unit, the resistance circuit of the power supply unit includes a first power supply unit line and a second power supply unit line, and the resistance circuit of the charging unit includes a first charging unit line and a second charging unit line. A connection of the charging unit to the power supply unit electrically connects the first charging unit line to the first power supply unit line between the power supply unit and the charging unit, and the second power supply unit line electrically connects the second charging unit line to the second charging unit line between the power supply unit and the charging unit.In the power supply system according to the second aspect, by connecting the charging unit to the power supply unit, the first charging unit line is electrically connected to the first power supply unit line, and the second power supply unit line is electrically connected to the second charging unit line. Thus, in the connected state, the resistance circuit of the charging unit is connected to the resistance circuit of the power supply unit in a preferred manner.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the power supply system according to the second aspect is configured such that the resistance circuit of the charging unit includes a pull-up resistor connected between the first charging unit line and the second charging unit line, and a first pull-down resistor connected between the second charging unit line and ground. In the power supply system according to the third aspect, the pull-up resistor and the first pull-down resistor change the voltages across the resistance circuit of the power supply unit and the resistance circuit of the charging unit in a preferred manner.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the power supply system according to the second or third aspect is configured such that the resistance circuit of the power supply unit includes a second pull-down resistor connected between the second power supply unit line and ground. In the power supply system according to the fourth aspect, the second pull-down resistor changes the voltages across the resistance circuit of the power supply unit and the resistance circuit of the charging unit in a preferred manner.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the power supply system according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the battery includes a first battery and a second battery different from the first battery. The charging device includes a first charging device configured to charge the first battery and a second charging device configured to charge the second battery. The power supply device is configured to be connected to one of the first charging device and the second charging device. The connection state includes a first connection state in which the first charging device is connected to the power supply device and a second connection state in which the second charging device is connected to the power supply device.The connection state determination unit is configured to determine whether the connection state is the first connection state or the second connection state. The power supply system according to the fifth aspect enables the determination of whether the power supply device is connected to the first charging device in the first connection state or whether the power supply device is connected to the second charging device in the second connection state.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the power supply system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects further comprises an intermediate device connected between the power supply device and the charging device. The connection state determination unit is configured to determine, when the charging unit is connected to the power supply unit via the intermediate device, whether the intermediate device is connected between the power supply device and the charging device. In the power supply system according to the sixth aspect, the power supply device can determine whether the intermediate device is connected.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to the sixth aspect, the connection state determination unit is configured to determine a type of the intermediate device connected between the power supply device and the charging device. In the power supply system according to the seventh aspect, the power supply device can determine the type of the intermediate device.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the intermediate device includes a first intermediate unit configured to be connectable to the power supply unit, a second intermediate unit configured to be connectable to the charging unit, and an intermediate unit resistance circuit provided between the first intermediate unit and the second intermediate unit. The intermediate unit resistance circuit includes a first intermediate unit line electrically connected to the first power supply unit line and the first charging unit line, a second intermediate unit line electrically connected to the second power supply unit line and the second charging unit line, and a third pull-down resistor connected between the second charging unit line and ground.In the power supply system according to the eighth aspect, the third pull-down resistor enables a change in the voltages at the resistance circuit of the power supply unit, the resistance circuit of the charging unit, and the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the second to eighth aspects, the connection state determination unit is configured to determine whether the connection state is abnormal. In the electric power supply device according to the ninth aspect, the connection state determination unit included in the power supply device is capable of determining whether the connection state is abnormal.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to the ninth aspect, the connection state determination unit is configured to determine that the connection state is abnormal when a state determination voltage between the second charging unit line and ground is outside a predetermined range. In the power supply system according to the tenth aspect, the connection state determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal when the state determination voltage is outside the predetermined range.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to the tenth aspect, the power supply device further includes a power supply memory that stores association information linking the state determination voltage to the connection state, and the connection state determination unit is configured to determine the connection state based on the state determination voltage and the association information. In the power supply system according to the eleventh aspect, the connection state is determined based on the state determination voltage and the association information.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the power supply device includes a supply state switching unit configured to switch a supply state of power to the charging device, and a power supply controller configured to control the supply state switching unit to supply power to the charging device based on a determination result of the connection state obtained by the connection state determination unit. In the power supply device according to the twelfth aspect, the power supply device switches the supply state of power to the charging device based on the determination result of the connection state.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the charging device includes an electric wire provided with the charging unit, and a connection notification unit configured to transmit a connection signal to the connection state determination unit when the charging unit is connected to the power supply unit. The connection notification unit is provided on the electric wire. In the electric power supply device according to the thirteenth aspect, the connection signal transmitted from the connection notification unit provided on the electric wire enables determination of the connection state.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, at least a portion of the charging device is provided on the vehicle. In the electric power supply device according to the fourteenth aspect, the power supply device is capable of determining the connection state of the charging device that is at least partially provided on the vehicle.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the power supply device further includes a notification unit configured to notify a user of the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit. In the power supply device according to the fifteenth aspect, the power supply device includes the notification unit. This allows the user to recognize the connection state when the charging device is connected to the power supply device.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply system according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the vehicle includes a human-powered vehicle. The power supply system according to the sixteenth aspect can preferably charge a battery of the human-powered vehicle.

[0021] A power supply device according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is for a vehicle. The power supply device is connected to a charging device configured to charge a battery of the vehicle. The power supply device includes a power supply unit provided outside the vehicle and configured to be connectable to a charging unit of the charging device, and a connection state determination unit configured to determine a connection state of the power supply device and the charging device.

[0022] With the power supply device according to the seventeenth aspect, the power supply device is capable of determining the connection state of the power supply device and the charging device. This allows the power supply device to charge the vehicle battery in a preferential manner.

[0023] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the power supply device according to the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the power supply unit includes a power supply unit resistance circuit, and the power supply unit resistance circuit includes a power supply unit line electrically connected to a charging unit line of the charging unit, and a pull-down resistor connected between the power supply unit line and ground. In the power supply system according to the eighteenth aspect, the pull-down resistor changes the voltage across the power supply unit resistance circuit in a preferential manner.

[0024] An intermediate device according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is connected between the power supply device according to the eighteenth aspect and the charging device. The intermediate device includes an intermediate unit resistance circuit. The intermediate unit resistance circuit includes an intermediate unit line electrically connected to the power supply unit line and a pull-down resistor connected between the intermediate unit line and ground.

[0025] In the intermediate device according to the nineteenth aspect, the third pull-down resistor included in the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit enables a change in the voltages across the resistance circuit of the power supply unit and the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit.

[0026] A power supply assembly according to a twentieth aspect is for a vehicle. The power supply assembly includes an intermediate device connected between the power supply device and the charging device. The intermediate device includes an intermediate unit resistance circuit. The intermediate unit resistance circuit includes an intermediate unit line electrically connecting the charging unit and the power supply unit, and a pull-down resistor connected between the intermediate unit line and ground.

[0027] In the power supply device according to the twentieth aspect, the pull-down resistor changes the voltage across the resistance circuit of the power supply unit and the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit in a preferable manner.

[0028] The power supply system for a vehicle, the power supply device for a vehicle, the intermediate device and the power supply arrangement for a vehicle enable a battery of a vehicle to be charged in a preferred manner.

[0029] A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages will be readily obtained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power system for a vehicle according to an embodiment and a human-powered vehicle; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the Fig. 1 shows the power supply system; Fig.3 is a circuit diagram of a resistance circuit of the charging unit and a resistance circuit of the power supply unit shown in Fig. 2 are shown; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the power supply system including an intermediate device and the human-powered vehicle; Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the Fig. 4 shows the power supply system; Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of a resistance circuit of the charging unit and a resistance circuit of the power supply unit shown in Fig. 5 are shown; Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method for determining a connection state with a Fig. 1; Fig.8 is a schematic diagram showing a power supply system for a vehicle according to a modified example and a human-powered vehicle; and Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the Fig. 8 shows the power supply system.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements in the various drawings.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 7, a power supply system 20 for a vehicle, a power supply assembly 20A for a vehicle and a power supply device 50 for a vehicle will now be described.

[0032] The Fig.The power supply system 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for supplying power from an external device to a battery 12 provided in a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes, for example, at least one of a human-powered vehicle 10A, an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, and an electric bicycle. The vehicle 10 is not necessarily electrically powered and may also include electrical components powered by electricity. The vehicle 10 of the present embodiment includes, for example, the human-powered vehicle 10A. In the following description of the embodiment, the vehicle 10 refers to the human-powered vehicle 10A.

[0033] The human-powered vehicle 10A is a vehicle that includes at least one wheel and is powered by at least one human power. The human-powered vehicle 10A includes, for example, various types of bicycles, such as a mountain bike, a racing bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, a handbike, and a recumbent bike. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle 10A is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10A includes, for example, a monocycle and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10A is not limited to a vehicle powered only by human power. The human-powered vehicle 10A also includes an e-bike that uses not only human power but also the power of an electric motor for propulsion.An e-bike is an electric-assisted bicycle that uses an electric motor for propulsion assistance. The human-powered vehicle 10A, in the embodiment described herein, refers to an electric-assisted bicycle.

[0034] The vehicle 10 includes the battery 12, which is intended for a vehicle. The battery 12 supplies power to an electrical component of the human-powered vehicle 10A. The electrical component includes, for example, at least one of a drive unit for assisting the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10A, an electric brake device, an electric transmission device, an electric seat post, an electric suspension, and a bicycle computer.

[0035] The battery 12 includes, for example, a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, or the like. The rechargeable battery may be, for example, a lead-acid battery, a solid-state battery, or the like, as long as discharging and charging can be repeated. The battery 12 is provided on the vehicle 10. The battery 12 is provided, for example, on a frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10A. The battery 12 is housed, for example, inside the frame 10F. The battery 12 may be attached to the outer surface of the frame 10F. The battery 12 may be attachable to and detachable from the frame 10F, for example. As long as the battery 12 can be mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10A, the battery 12 may be mounted anywhere on the human-powered vehicle 10A.The battery 12 is provided, for example, on a down tube of the frame 10F. The battery 12 is provided, for example, on an upper surface of the down tube. The battery 12 may be mounted on a rear carrier of the human-powered vehicle 10A. The rear carrier is attached, for example, to the rear part of the frame 10F. The frame 10F includes, for example, a battery holder that accommodates the battery 12. The battery 12 may be provided on an electrical component. When the battery 12 is provided on an electrical component, the electrical component includes a battery holder. The battery 12 is configured to be chargeable in a state in which it is held in the battery holder.In a case where the battery 12 is configured to be charged while held in the battery holder, at least one of the battery 12 and the battery holder includes a structure for supplying the battery 12 with power from the power supply system 20. For example, the battery holder includes an opening exposing a charging terminal of the battery 12 or an electrical connector for connecting a charging terminal of the battery 12 to a charging device 30 of the power supply system 20.

[0036] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 includes, for example, a vehicle controller 14. The vehicle controller 14 includes, for example, a processor configured to execute programs and various types of controls. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU). The vehicle controller 14 may include one or more microcomputers. The vehicle controller 14 may include a plurality of processors located at various locations.

[0037] The vehicle 10 may include a vehicle memory. The vehicle memory stores, for example, programs for executing various types of controls and information used in control processes. The vehicle memory includes, for example, at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, random access memory (RAM).

[0038] For example, the vehicle controller 14 performs the electrical control of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle controller 14 controls an electrical component of the human-powered vehicle 10A. For example, the vehicle controller 14 controls the charging of the battery 12.

[0039] The vehicle 10 includes, for example, a vehicle connection 16. The vehicle connection 16 is, for example, electrically connected to a charging unit 36. The vehicle 10 is configured to be connected to the charging device 30 via the vehicle connection 16.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the power supply system 20 is a system for supplying power to the battery 12. The power supply system 20 includes the charging device 30 and the power supply device 50.

[0041] The charging device 30 is configured, for example, to charge the battery 12. The charging device 30 is configured to charge the battery 12 with the current supplied by the power supply device 50. The charging device 30 is provided, for example, outside the vehicle 10.

[0042] The power supply device 50 is connected to the charging device 30. The power supply device 50 is configured to supply power to the charging device 30. The power supply device 50 supplies power to the battery 12 via an electrical wire 34C of the charging device 30. The power supply device 50 is provided outside the vehicle 10. The power supply device 50 is, for example, a vehicle charging station. The power supply device 50 is, for example, provided on a road. The power supply device 50 may be provided in a driveway of a house. The power supply device 50 includes a power supply unit 54. The power supply unit 54 is configured to be connectable to the charging unit 36 ​​of the charging device 30. The power supply unit 54 is provided outside the vehicle 10.

[0043] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the charging device 30 includes a charging controller 32A and a charging memory 32B. The charging controller 32A includes, for example, a processor configured to execute programs and various types of controls. The charging controller 32A may include one or more microcomputers. The charging controller 32A may include a plurality of processors located at various locations.

[0044] Load memory 32B stores, for example, programs for executing various types of controls and information used in control processes. Load memory 32B includes, for example, at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM.

[0045] As in the Fig.1 and Fig. 2, the charging device 30 includes, for example, a vehicle-side wire connector 34A. By connecting the vehicle-side wire connector 34A to the vehicle connector 16, the charging device 30 is electrically connected to the vehicle 10. The charging controller 32A is configured, for example, to perform CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with the vehicle controller 14 via the vehicle-side wire connector 34A. The charging controller 32A can perform Power Line Communication (PLC) or Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) communication with the vehicle controller 14.

[0046] The charging device 30 includes, for example, a power-supply-side wire terminal 34B and the electric wire 34C. The connection of the power-supply-side wire terminal 34B to the power supply device 50 electrically connects the charging device 30 to the power supply device 50. The electric wire 34C is, for example, an electric cable. One end of the electric wire 34C includes the vehicle-side wire terminal 34A, and the other end of the electric wire 34C includes the power-supply-side wire terminal 34B.

[0047] The charging device 30 includes the charging unit 36. The charging unit 36 ​​is configured to be connectable to the power supply unit 54. The charging unit 36 ​​is provided, for example, on the electrical wire 34C. The battery 12 is supplied with power via the charging unit 36, for example. The charging unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a resistance circuit of the charging unit 38. The charging controller 32A and the charging storage 32B can be provided in the charging unit 36.

[0048] The electrical wire 34C is connected, for example, to a charging terminal of the battery 12 when the power supply system 20 is charging the battery 12. The electrical wire 34C is disconnected from the battery 12 when the vehicle 10 is traveling, for example. The electrical wire 34C is, for example, an external device of the vehicle 10. In an arrangement in which the charging unit 36 ​​is provided on the electrical wire 34C, the charging unit 36 ​​is provided outside the vehicle 10.

[0049] As in Fig.3, the resistance circuit of the charging unit 38 includes, for example, a first charging unit line 40A and a second charging unit line 40B. The resistance circuit of the charging unit 38 includes, for example, a pull-up resistor 42 and a first pull-down resistor 44. The pull-up resistor 42 is connected, for example, between the first charging unit line 40A and the second charging unit line 40B. The first pull-down resistor 44 is connected, for example, between the second charging unit line 40B and ground.

[0050] The power supply-side wire terminal 34B includes a first charging terminal 46A, a second charging terminal 46B, and a third charging terminal 46C. The first charging terminal 46A is connected to the first charging unit line 40A. The second charging terminal 46B is connected to the second charging unit line 40B. The third charging terminal 46C is connected to ground.

[0051] The resistance circuit of the charging unit 38 includes, for example, a connection notification unit 48. The connection notification unit 48 is configured to transmit a connection signal to a connection state determination unit 62 when the charging unit 36 ​​is connected to the power supply unit 54. The connection notification unit 48 includes, for example, the second charging terminal 46B.

[0052] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the charging device 30 includes, for example, the electric wire 34C and the connection notification unit 48. The connection notification unit 48 is provided, for example, on the electric wire 34C.

[0053] As in Fig.2, the power supply device 50 is connected, for example, to an external power supply 50X provided outside the power supply device 50. The external power supply 50X includes, for example, a commercial power supply. The power supply device 50 supplies the charging device 30 with power from the external power supply 50X. The power supply device 50 includes, for example, a converter circuit 50Y. The converter circuit 50Y converts the power from the external power supply 50X into power suitable for charging the battery 12 of the vehicle 10. The converter circuit 50Y includes, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts the alternating current supplied by the external power supply 50X into direct current, and a CC / CV converter that converts the voltage of the power supplied by the AC / DC converter into a predetermined voltage.

[0054] The power supply device 50 includes, for example, a power supply terminal 52. The connection of the power supply-side wire terminal 34B of the charging device 30 to the power supply terminal 52 electrically connects the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30. A power supply controller 68 is configured to perform CAN communication with the charging controller 32A, for example, via the power supply terminal 52. The power supply controller 68 can perform PLC or UART communication with the charging controller 32A.

[0055] The power supply unit 54 is designed to be connectable to the charging unit 36 ​​of the charging device 30. The power supply unit 54 includes, for example, a resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56.

[0056] As in Fig.3, the resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 includes, for example, a first power supply unit line 58A and a second power supply unit line 58B. The resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 includes, for example, a second pull-down resistor 60. The second pull-down resistor 60 is connected, for example, between the second power supply unit line 58B and ground.

[0057] The connection of the charging unit 36 ​​to the power supply unit 54 electrically connects the first charging unit line 40A and the first power supply unit line 58A between the power supply unit 54 and the charging unit 36. In addition, the connection of the charging unit 36 ​​to the power supply unit 54 electrically connects the second power supply unit line 58B and the second charging unit line 40B between the power supply unit 54 and the charging unit 36.

[0058] The power supply connector 52 includes a first power supply terminal 52A, a second power supply terminal 52B, and a third power supply terminal 52C. The first power supply terminal 52A is connected to the first power supply unit line 58A. The second power supply terminal 52B is connected to the second power supply unit line 58B. The third power supply terminal 52C is connected to ground. The connection of the charging unit 36 ​​to the power supply unit 54 connects the first charging terminal 46A to the first power supply terminal 52A, the second charging terminal 46B to the second power supply terminal 52B, and the third charging terminal 46C to the third power supply terminal 52C.

[0059] The power supply device 50 includes the connection state determination unit 62. The power supply device 50 includes the power supply unit 54 and the connection state determination unit 62. The connection state determination unit 62 is configured to determine the connection state of the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30. The connection state determination unit 62 is included, for example, in the resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56. The connection state determination unit 62 may be included, for example, in the power supply controller 68.

[0060] The resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 includes a voltage application unit 64. The voltage application unit 64 is connected to the first power supply unit line 58A. The voltage application unit 64 applies a voltage VDD to the first power supply unit line 58A. The voltage application unit 64 is supplied with power, for example, from the external power supply 50X. The voltage VDD of the voltage application unit 64 is, for example, 5 V. The voltage VDD of the voltage application unit 64 is not limited to 5 V and can be any predetermined voltage such as 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 12 V.

[0061] The resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 includes a first resistor 64A connected to the first power supply line 58A and a second resistor 64B connected between the first resistor 64A and ground. The connection state determination unit 62 is connected between the first resistor 64A and the second resistor 64B.

[0062] The connection state determination unit 62 includes a first input 62A and a second input 62B. The first input 62A and the second input 62B are provided in an operational amplifier of the connection state determination unit 62. The first input 62A receives the voltage ConDet from the second power supply terminal 52B. The voltage ConDet is reduced by the pull-up resistor 42, the first pull-down resistor 44, and the second pull-down resistor 60. The second input 62B receives the voltage DetLVL, which is reduced by the resistance ratio of the first resistor 64A and the second resistor 64B.

[0063] The connection state determination unit 62 is configured to determine a connection state based on a state determination voltage VX. The state determination voltage VX includes, for example, the voltage between the second power supply line 58B and ground. The state determination voltage VX includes, for example, the voltage ConDet. The connection state determination unit 62 determines the connection state by, for example, comparing the voltage ConDet and the voltage DetLVL. The connection state determination unit 62 determines, for example, that the power supply unit 54 is connected to the charging unit 36 ​​when the voltage ConDet is greater than the voltage DetLVL.

[0064] As in Fig.2, the power supply device 50 includes, for example, a supply state switching unit 66 and the power supply controller 68. The supply state switching unit 66 is configured to switch the supply state of power, for example, to the charging device 30. The supply state includes, for example, a non-supply state in which the charging device 30 is not supplied with power. The supply state includes, for example, a first supply state, a second supply state in which the supplied electric power is greater than in the first supply state, and a third supply state in which the supplied electric power is greater than in the second supply state. The supplied electric power in each supply state is adjusted, for example, in accordance with the electric power conditions of the battery 12.The supplied electric power in the first supply state is, for example, an electric power of 400 W or less. The supplied electric power in the second supply state is, for example, an electric power greater than 400 W and less than 1 kW. The supplied electric power in the third supply state is, for example, an electric power greater than or equal to 1 kW. The supply state may include, for example, only the first supply state, the second supply state, or the third supply state. The supply state switching unit 66 switches the supply state from the non-supply state to one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and the third supply state to start the power supply to the charging device 30 from the power supply device 50.

[0065] The power supply controller 68 includes, for example, a processor configured to execute programs and various types of controls. The power supply controller 68 may include one or more microcomputers. The power supply controller 68 may include a plurality of processors located at various locations.

[0066] The power supply controller 68 is configured to control the supply state switching unit 66 to supply power to the charging device 30, for example, based on the connection state determination result of the connection state determination unit 62. For example, the power supply controller 68 controls the supply state switching unit 66 to control the supply state of power to the charging device 30. For example, if it is determined that the power supply unit 54 is connected to the charging unit 36, the power supply controller 68 causes the supply state switching unit 66 to switch the supply state from the non-supply state to one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and the third supply state.

[0067] The power supply device 50 also includes, for example, a power supply memory 70. The power supply memory 70 stores, for example, programs for executing various types of controls and information used in control processes. The power supply memory 70 includes, for example, at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM. The power supply memory 70 stores, for example, mapping information that links the state determination voltage VX to the connection state.

[0068] The power supply device 50 also includes, for example, a notification unit 72. The notification unit 72 is configured to notify a user of the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62. The notification unit 72 is, for example, an indicator such as a display or an indicator lamp. The notification unit 72 may be a speaker that generates voice, sounds, or the like. The user is, for example, the person using the power supply system 20. The user may be the person using the vehicle 10.

[0069] The power supply device 50 may be configured, for example, to supply power to multiple types of batteries 12. The batteries 12 include, for example, a first battery 12A and a second battery 12B that differs from the first battery 12A. The second battery 12B differs from the first battery 12A, for example, in the electrical performance conditions. The electrical performance conditions include, for example, at least one of the voltage across a power supply circuit, the current across a power supply circuit, and the supplied electrical power. The supplied electrical power is, for example, equal to the product of the voltage of the supplied electrical power and the current of the supplied electrical power.The second battery 12B may be a battery 12 provided on the same vehicle 10 as the first battery 12A, or a battery 12 provided on a vehicle 10 that is different from the vehicle 10 on which the first battery 12A is provided. During charging of the battery 12, the power supply device 50 is configured, for example, to be connected to a single battery 12. When connected, for example, to the first battery 12A, the power supply device 50 is not connected to the second battery 12B. When connected, for example, to the second battery 12B, the power supply device 50 is not connected to the first battery 12A.

[0070] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig.3, the power supply system 20 selects a charging device 30 that corresponds to the type of battery 12 from a plurality of charging device types 30. The different types of charging devices 30 differ from one another, for example, in electrical performance conditions. Of the different types of charging devices 30, the power supply system 20 uses, for example, the charging device 30 that corresponds to the electrical performance conditions of the battery 12. The charging device 30 includes, for example, a first charging device 30A and a second charging device 30B. The first charging device 30A is configured, for example, to charge the first battery 12A. The second charging device 30B is configured, for example, to charge the second battery 12B.The first charging device 30A and the second charging device 30B differ in at least one of the pull-up resistance RU of the pull-up resistor 42 and the first pull-down resistance RD10 of the first pull-down resistor 44. In one example, the pull-up resistance RU of the second charging device 30B is less than the pull-up resistance RU of the first charging device 30A when the electric power of the second charging device 30B is greater than the electric power of the first charging device 30A. Furthermore, the first pull-down resistance RD10 of the second charging device 30B is greater than the first pull-down resistance RD10 of the first charging device 30A when the supplied electric power of the second charging device 30B is greater than the electric power conditions of the first charging device 30A.

[0071] In each of the charging devices 30 and the batteries 12, the pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 are adjusted depending on the voltage, current, and supplied electrical power. The power supply system 20 allows, for example, the use of multiple types of charging devices 30. The pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 of each charging device 30 are adjusted, for example, according to the type of charging device 30. The pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 of each battery 12 are adjusted, for example, depending on the type of battery 12.

[0072] Table 1 shows examples of the pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 set depending on the electrical performance conditions of the charging devices 30 and the batteries 12. The pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 may each be set to the same value even if the electrical performance conditions are partially different. In the present embodiment, the combination of the pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10 may be referred to as the first category. The first category is set depending on the range of supplied electrical power, for example. The first category in Table 1 includes, for example, CAT11, CAT12, and CAT13.The electrical power supplied from the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30 in CAT12 is greater than the electrical power supplied from the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30 in CAT11. The electrical power supplied from the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30 in CAT13 is greater than the electrical power supplied from the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30 in CAT12. The voltage relationship in Table 1 is V1. <V2. Die Strombeziehung in Tabelle 1 ist A1<A2<A3<A4. Die Beziehung der zugeführten elektrischen Leistung in Tabelle 1 ist W1<W2<W3<W4<W5. Die Beziehung der Pull-Up-Resistenz RU in Tabelle 1 ist RU1> RU2>RU3. The relationship of the first pull-down resistance RD10 in Table 1 is RD11 <RD12<RD13. Table 1 1st category Electrical performance condition Pull-Up Resistance RU 1. Pull-Down Resistance RD10 Tension Electricity Supplied power CAT11 V1 A1 W1 RU1 RD11 V1 A2 W2 CAT12 V1 A3 W3 RU2 RD12 CAT13 V2 A3 W4 RU3 RD13 V2 A4 W5

[0073] For example, V1 is 48 V. V2 is 60 V. A1 is 5 A. A2 is 10 A. A3 is 20 A. A4 is 40 A. W1 is 240 W. W2 is 480 W. W3 is 960 W. W4 is 1.2 kW. W5 is 2.4 kW. RU1 is 5.1 Ω. RU2 is 3.3 Ω. RU3 is 2.2 Ω. RD11 is 1.8 Ω. RD12 is 5.1 Ω. RD13 is 8.1 Ω.

[0074] Table 2 illustrates the relationship between the first category, the pull-up resistance RU and the first pull-down resistance RD10, the second pull-down resistance RD20 of the second pull-down resistor 60 set for the power supply device 50, and the state determination voltage VX. In Table 2, the second pull-down resistance RD20 is a second pull-down resistance RD21 in each first category. In Table 2, the state determination voltage VX has the relationship VX1 <VX2<VX3. Die zweite Pull-Down-Resistenz RD21 ist beispielsweise gleich RU2. Table 2 1st category Pull-Up Resistance RU 1. Pull-Down Resistance RD10 2. Pull-down resistance RD20 1. Combined pull-down resistance RDA State determination voltage CAT11 RU1 RD11 RD21 RDA1 VX1 CAT12 RU2 RD12 RD21 RDA2 VX2 CAT13 RU3 RD13 RD21 RDA3 VX3

[0075] In Table 2, the first combined pull-down resistance RDA denotes the combined resistance of the first pull-down resistor 44 and the second pull-down resistor 60. The first combined pull-down resistance RDA is determined, for example, by Equation 1 shown below. The state determination voltage VX is a voltage reduced from the voltage VDD by the resistance ratio of the pull-up resistance RU and the first combined pull-down resistance RDA. RDA=RD10×RD20 / (RD10+RD20)

[0076] For example, the state determination voltage VX is set to increase with increasing electric power supplied to the charging device 30 of the power supply system 20. The pull-up resistor RU and the first pull-down resistor RD10 are set to increase the state determination voltage VX with increasing electric power supplied to the charging device 30. The state determination voltage VX can be set to decrease as the electric power supplied to the charging device 30 of the power supply system 20 increases.

[0077] For example, in Table 2, which shows examples of resistances, the state determination voltage VX1 is 0.93 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage application unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 2, which shows examples of resistances, the state determination voltage VX2 is 1.89 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage application unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 2, which shows examples of resistances, the state determination voltage VX3 is 2.58 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage application unit 64 is 5 V.

[0078] As in Fig.2, the connection state includes, for example, a first connection state and a second connection state. In the first connection state, the first charging device 30A is connected to the power supply device 50. In the second connection state, the second charging device 30B is connected to the power supply device 50. The power supply device 50 is configured, for example, to be connected to one of the first charging device 30A and the second charging device 30B. The connection state determination unit 62 is configured, for example, to determine whether the connection state is the first connection state or the second connection state. The second charging device 30B differs from the first charging device 30A, for example, in the first category.The connection state determination unit 62 determines, for example, based on the state determination voltage VX, whether the connection state is the first connection state or the second connection state.

[0079] The connection state also includes, for example, a third connection state. In the third connection state, a third charging device is connected to the power supply device 50. The third charging device is configured, for example, to charge a third battery under different electrical power conditions than the first battery 12A and the second battery 12B. The third charging device differs from the first charging device 30A and the second charging device 30B, for example, in the first category. The connection state determination unit 62 is configured, for example, to determine whether the connection state is the first connection state, the second connection state, or the third connection state.

[0080] The connection state corresponds, for example, to the first category. The connection state determination unit 62 determines, for example, the first category based on the state determination voltage VX. For example, CAT11 corresponds to the first connection state, CAT12 to the second connection state, and CAT13 to the third connection state. The connection state determination unit 62 determines, for example, based on the state determination voltage VX, whether the first category of the charging device 30 is CAT11, CAT12, or CAT13. The connection state determination unit 62 may, for example, be configured to determine at least one of the type of the charging device 30 and the type of the battery 12 by determining whether the first category is CAT11, CAT12, or CAT13.

[0081] The connection state determination unit 62 determines the connection state based on, for example, the state determination voltage VX and the mapping information. The mapping information enables, for example, the determination of the first category. The mapping information includes, for example, threshold values. The mapping information includes, for example, a table specified by threshold values. The threshold values ​​are set, for example, for each category type included in the first category. For example, if the state determination voltage VX is within a range of the threshold values ​​set for the first connection state, the connection state determination unit 62 determines that the connection state is the first connection state.For example, if the state determination voltage VX is within a range of the threshold values ​​set for the second connection state, the connection state determination unit 62 determines that the connection state is the second connection state. The threshold values ​​include, for example, an upper limit threshold and a lower limit threshold for each category. For example, if the state determination voltage VX is within a range greater than a first lower limit threshold for determining CAT11 and less than or equal to a first upper limit threshold for determining CAT11, the connection state determination unit 62 determines that the first category is CAT11.For example, if the condition determination voltage VX is in a range greater than a second lower limit threshold for determining CAT12 and less than or equal to a second upper limit threshold for determining CAT12, the connection condition determination unit 62 determines that the first category is CAT12. For example, if the condition determination voltage VX is in a range greater than a third lower limit threshold for determining CAT13 and less than or equal to a third upper limit threshold for determining CAT13, the connection condition determination unit 62 determines that the first category is CAT13.

[0082] In a case where the state determination voltage VX is set to increase with increasing electric power supplied to the charging device 30 of the power supply system 20, the first upper limit threshold may be equal to the second lower limit threshold. In a case where the state determination voltage VX is set to increase with increasing electric power supplied to the charging device 30 of the power supply system 20, the second upper limit threshold may be equal to the third lower limit threshold.

[0083] The power supply controller 68 is configured, for example, to control the electric power supplied to the charging device 30 by controlling the supply state switching unit 66 based on the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62. The power supply controller 68 is configured, for example, to control the electric power supplied to the charging device 30 based on at least one of the type of the charging device 30 and the type of the battery 12 corresponding to the determined connection state. In this way, the power supply device 50 can preferentially charge the battery 12 with the supplied electric power for the at least one of the type of the charging device 30 and the type of the battery 12 corresponding to the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62.

[0084] The connection state determination unit 62 may, for example, be configured to determine whether the connection state is abnormal. An abnormal connection state is, for example, a state in which the charging unit 36 ​​is connected to the power supply unit 54, but the power supply device 50 cannot detect whether the charging device 30 belongs to the first category. An abnormal connection state includes, for example, a case in which the charging device connected to the power supply device 50 is not assigned to the first category.

[0085] The connection state determination unit 62 is configured, for example, to determine that the connection state is abnormal when the state determination voltage VX between the second charging unit line 40B and ground is outside a predetermined range. The predetermined range is, for example, greater than the first lower limit threshold and less than or equal to the third upper limit threshold. The predetermined range includes, for example, a range of the state determination voltage VX corresponding to a normal connection state. The range of the state determination voltage VX corresponding to a normal connection state includes, for example, a range of the state determination voltage VX corresponding to the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state.For example, in a state where the charging device 30 is connected to the power supply device 50, the connection state determination unit 62 determines an abnormal connection state when the state determination voltage VX is outside the predetermined range.

[0086] The charging device 30 can be connected directly to the power supply device 50 or via an intermediate device 80 to the power supply device 50. The Fig. 1 to 3 show an example in which the charging device 30 is directly connected to the power supply device 50, and the Fig. 4 to 6 show an example in which the charging device 30 is connected to the power supply device 50 via the intermediate device 80.

[0087] The Fig.The power system 20 shown in Figure 4 also includes the intermediate device 80. The intermediate device 80 is connected between the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30. The intermediate device 80 supplies, for example, electrical power from the power supply device 50 to the charging device 30.

[0088] The power supply system 20 includes, for example, the power supply arrangement 20A. The power supply arrangement 20A is connected, for example, to the charging device 30. The power supply arrangement 20A includes the power supply device 50 and the intermediate device 80. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the intermediate device 80 is connected to the charging device 30.

[0089] As in Fig.5, the intermediate device 80 includes, for example, a first intermediate unit 82, a second intermediate unit 84, and a resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86. The first intermediate unit 82 is configured to be connectable to the power supply unit 54. The second intermediate unit 84 is configured to be connectable to the charging unit 36. The first intermediate unit 82 includes a first intermediate terminal 82A connectable to the power supply terminal 52 of the power supply device 50. The second intermediate unit 84 includes a second intermediate terminal 84A connectable to the power supply device-side wire terminal 34B of the charging device 30.

[0090] The intermediate device 80 includes, for example, an intermediate electrical wire provided between the first intermediate terminal 82A and the second intermediate terminal 84A. The intermediate electrical wire is, for example, an electrical cable. The resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86 is provided, for example, between the first intermediate unit 82 and the second intermediate unit 84. The resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86 is provided, for example, on the intermediate electrical wire.

[0091] As in Fig.6, the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86 includes, for example, a first intermediate unit line 88A, a second intermediate unit line 88B, and a third pull-down resistor 90. The first intermediate unit line 88A is electrically connected, for example, to the first power supply unit line 58A and the first charging unit line 40A. The second intermediate unit line 88B is electrically connected, for example, to the second power supply unit line 58B and the second charging unit line 40B. The third pull-down resistor 90 is connected, for example, between the second intermediate unit line 88B and ground. The intermediate device 80 does not include, for example, a pull-up resistor such as the pull-up resistor 42 of the charging device 30.

[0092] For example, the first intermediate terminal 82A includes a first intermediate terminal 92A, a second intermediate terminal 92B, and a third intermediate terminal 92C. The first intermediate terminal 92A is connected to the first inter-unit line 88A. The second intermediate terminal 92B is connected to the second inter-unit line 88B. The third intermediate terminal 92C is connected to ground. When the first intermediate unit 82 is connected to the power supply unit 54, the first intermediate terminal 92A is connected to the first power supply terminal 52A, the second intermediate terminal 92B is connected to the second power supply terminal 52B, and the third intermediate terminal 92C is connected to the third power supply terminal 52C.

[0093] The second intermediate terminal 84A includes a fourth intermediate terminal 92D, a fifth intermediate terminal 92E, and a sixth intermediate terminal 92F. The fourth intermediate terminal 92D is connected to the first inter-unit line 88A. The fifth intermediate terminal 92E is connected to the second inter-unit line 88B. The sixth intermediate terminal 92F is connected to ground. In a case where the second intermediate unit 84 is connected to the charging unit 36, the fourth intermediate terminal 92D is connected to the first charging terminal 46A, the fifth intermediate terminal 92E is connected to the second charging terminal 46B, and the sixth intermediate terminal 92F is connected to the third charging terminal 46C.

[0094] In the Fig. 4 to 6, the voltage ConDet at the second power supply terminal 52B is reduced by the pull-up resistor 42, the first pull-down resistor 44, the second pull-down resistor 60 and the third pull-down resistor 90.

[0095] The intermediate device 80 is classified into a second category according to the electrical performance condition of the charging device 30, which the intermediate device 80 corresponds to. The second category includes, for example, CAT21, CAT22, and CAT23. The third pull-down resistor 90 of the intermediate device 80 has a third pull-down resistance RD30, which is set, for example, according to the second category.

[0096] The intermediate device 80 corresponds, for example, to one or more types of charging device 30. The intermediate device 80 classified as CAT21 corresponds, for example, to the charging device 30 classified as CAT11. The intermediate device 80 classified as CAT22 corresponds, for example, to the charging device 30 classified as CAT11 or CAT12. The intermediate device 80 classified as CAT23 corresponds, for example, to the charging device 30 classified as CAT11, CAT12, or CAT13. The intermediate device 80 can be configured such that it cannot be connected to the charging device 30.

[0097] Table 3 shows the relationship between the first category, the second category, the pull-up resistance RU, the first pull-down resistance RD10, the second pull-down resistance RD20, the third pull-down resistance RD30, and the state determining voltage VX. In Table 3, the second pull-down resistance RD20 in each type of the first category is the second pull-down resistance RD21. For example, the second pull-down resistance RD21 is equal to RU2. RD31 is equal to RD11. RD32 is equal to RD12. RD33 is equal to RD13. In Table 3, the state determining voltages VX7 and VX8 are greater than the state determining voltages VX4, VX5, and VX6. In Table 3, the state determination voltage VX9 is larger than the state determination voltages VX7 and VX8. Table 3 1st category 2nd category Pull-up resistance 1. Pull-DownResistanceRD10 2. Pull-DownResistanceRD20 3. Pull-DownResistanceRD30 2. Combined pull-down resistance RDB State determination voltage VX CAT11 CAT21 RU1 RD11 RD21 RD31 RDB1 VX4 CAT11 CAT22 RU1 RD11 RD21 RD32 RDB2 VX5 CAT11 CAT23 RU1 RD11 RD21 RD33 RDB3 VX6 CAT12 CAT22 RU2 RD12 RD21 RD32 RDB4 VX7 CAT12 CAT23 RU2 RD12 RD21 RD33 RDB5 VX8 CAT13 CAT23 RU3 RD13 RD21 RD33 RDB6 VX9

[0098] In Table 3, the second combined pull-down resistance RDB denotes the combined resistance of the first pull-down resistor 44, the second pull-down resistor 60, and the third pull-down resistor 90. The second combined pull-down resistance RDB is determined, for example, by Equation 2 shown below. The state determination voltage VX is a voltage reduced from the voltage VDD by the pull-up resistance RU and the second combined pull-down resistance RDB. RDB=1 / (1 / RD10+1 / RD20+1 / RD30)

[0099] For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX4 is 0.61 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX5 is 0.78 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX6 is 0.83 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX7 is 1.52 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V. For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX8 is 1.64 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V.For example, in Table 3, which shows examples of each resistance, the state determination voltage VX9 is 2.26 V when the voltage VDD of the voltage applying unit 64 is 5 V.

[0100] For example, the pull-up resistance RU, the first pull-down resistance RD10, the second pull-down resistance RD20, and the third pull-down resistance RD30 are set so that the state determination voltage VX4 corresponding to the combination of CAT11 and CAT21, the state determination voltage VX5 corresponding to the combination of CAT11 and CAT22, and the state determination voltage VX6 corresponding to the combination of CAT11 and CAT23 are each greater than the first lower limit threshold and less than or equal to the first upper limit threshold.For example, the pull-up resistance RU, the first pull-down resistance RD10, the second pull-down resistance RD20, and the third pull-down resistance RD30 are set so that the state determination voltage VX7 corresponding to the combination of CAT12 and CAT22 and the state determination voltage VX8 corresponding to the combination of CAT12 and CAT23 are each greater than the second lower limit threshold and less than or equal to the second upper limit threshold. For example, the pull-up resistance RU, the first pull-down resistance RD10, the second pull-down resistance RD20, and the third pull-down resistance RD30 are set so that the state determination voltage VX9 corresponding to the combination of CAT13 and CAT23 is greater than the third lower limit threshold and less than or equal to the third upper limit threshold, respectively.This enables the connection state determination unit 62 to determine the connection state in a preferable manner even when the intermediate device 80 is connected between the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30.

[0101] An abnormal connection state may be a state in which the intermediate device 80 connected between the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30 does not fall into the second category. The intermediate device 80 that does not fall into the second category includes, for example, the third pull-down resistor 90 with the third pull-down resistance RD30, so that the state determination voltage VX is outside the predetermined range. The intermediate device 80 that is not assigned to a second category includes, for example, the third pull-down resistor 90 with the third pull-down resistance RD30, so that the state determination voltage VX becomes less than or equal to the first lower limit threshold.The intermediate device 80 not assigned to a second category includes, for example, the third pull-down resistor 90 having the third pull-down resistance RD30 so that the state determination voltage VX becomes greater than the third upper limit threshold. The intermediate device 80 not assigned to a second category includes, for example, an intermediate device 80 that does not electrically connect the power supply terminal 52 of the power supply device 50 and the power supply device-side wire terminal 34B of the charging device 30. The connection state determination unit 62 can determine that the connection state is abnormal when the state determination voltage VX is not included in either of Tables 2 and 3.

[0102] An abnormal connection state may, for example, be a state in which two or more intermediate devices 80 are connected. For example, in the power supply system 20, the third pull-down resistor RD30 may be set such that the connection of two or more intermediate devices 80 causes the voltage ConDet to drop by a large amount, so that the state determination voltage VX is outside the predetermined range.

[0103] With reference to Fig. 7, a process executed by the connection state determination unit 62 will now be described. The connection state determination unit 62 starts the process from Fig. 7 from step S11, for example, when the power supply unit 54 is supplied with power. If the process of the Fig.7, for example, the connection state determination unit 62 repeatedly executes the process from step S11 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed until the supply of power stops.

[0104] In step S11, the connection state determination unit 62 determines whether the state determination voltage VX is greater than a predetermined voltage. The state determination voltage VX is, for example, the voltage ConDet at the second power supply terminal 52B. The predetermined voltage is, for example, the voltage DetLVL. If the state determination voltage VX is greater than the predetermined voltage, the connection state determination unit 62 proceeds to step S12. If the state determination voltage VX is not greater than the predetermined voltage, the connection state determination unit 62 ends the process of Fig.7. In a case where the state determination voltage VX is not greater than the predetermined voltage, for example, the charging device 30 is not connected to the power supply device 50.

[0105] In step S12, the connection state determination unit 62 determines the connection state and then proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the connection state determination unit 62 outputs the determined connection state to the power supply controller 68 and then ends the process of Fig. 7.

[0106] The power supply controller 68, for example, controls the supply state switching unit 66 depending on the connection determined by the connection state determination unit 62. The power supply controller 68, for example, controls the supply state switching unit 66 to switch from a non-supply state to one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and the third supply state according to the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62. For example, the power supply controller 68 controls the supply state switching unit 66 so that it does not switch from a non-supply state to a supply state when the connection state is abnormal.

[0107] For example, the power supply controller 68 can control the notification unit 72 depending on the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62. The notification unit 72 informs the user, for example, of the content of the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit 62.

[0108] In the power supply system 20 of the present embodiment, the power supply device 50 determines the connection state of the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30. This allows the battery 12 to be charged preferentially according to the supply state selected by the power supply device 50. In the power supply device 50 of the present embodiment, the resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 and the resistance circuit of the charging unit 38, which are activated when the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30 are connected, enable early determination of the connection state. The power supply device 50 determines the connection state by detecting the state determination voltage VX. This allows the connection state to be determined with a simple structure.

[0109] The description of the above embodiment illustrates, without intending to limit, applicable forms of a power supply system for a vehicle, a power supply assembly for a vehicle, and a power supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention. The power supply system for a vehicle, the power supply assembly for a vehicle, and the power supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention are applicable, for example, to modified examples of the above-described embodiment described below and to combinations of at least two of the modified examples that are compatible with each other. In the modified embodiments described below, the elements identical to the corresponding elements of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Such elements will not be described in detail.

[0110] As in the Fig. 8 and Fig.9, at least a part of the charging device 30 may be provided on the vehicle 10. The entire charging device 30 may be provided on the vehicle 10. In the present modified example, the charging device 30 is housed, for example, in the frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10A. The charging unit 36 ​​is provided between the vehicle terminal 16 and the battery 12. In a case where the power supply system 20 includes the intermediate device 80, the second intermediate unit 84 of the intermediate device 80 may be configured to be connected to the vehicle terminal 16. In the present modified example, the electric wire 34C extending from the charging device 30 between the charging unit 36 ​​and the battery 12 is omitted, and the charging device 30 may be directly connected to the battery 12 by clamps or the like. At least a part of the charging device 30 may be provided on an electrical component.At least a part of the charging device 30 may be provided on the battery 12.

[0111] The power supply device 50 may be configured to determine the connection state using information other than the state determination voltage VX. The charging memory 32B stores, for example, information about the electrical power conditions of the charging device 30. In a case where the power supply device 50 is connected to the charging device 30, for example, the power supply device 50 requests information about the electrical power conditions of the charging device 30 from the charging device 30. The connection state determination unit 62 is configured, for example, to determine the connection state based on the electrical power conditions of the charging device 30.

[0112] As long as the connection state determination unit 62 of the power supply device 50 determines the connection state, there are no particular restrictions on the structures of the resistance circuit of the charging unit 38 and the resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56. For example, a structure may be added to the resistance circuit of the charging unit 38 to apply a voltage to the power supply unit 54 corresponding to the state determination voltage VX assigned to the first category of the charging device 30. The resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86 may include an additional structure that applies a voltage to the power supply unit 54 corresponding to the state determination voltage VX assigned to the second category of the intermediate device 80.

[0113] The state determination voltage VX may be a voltage between the voltage ConDet at the second power supply terminal 52B and the voltage VCC at the first power supply terminal 52A. As long as the state determination voltage VX reflects the resistances of the pull-up resistor 42 and the first pull-down resistor 44, the state determination voltage VX may be the voltage measured at any part.

[0114] The connection state determination unit 62 may be configured not to determine whether the connection state is abnormal. In the present modified example, for example, the connection state determination unit 62 is configured to determine only whether the connection state is the first connection state, the second connection state, or the third connection state.

[0115] The charging device 30 may be configured to charge a battery 12 that is different from the first battery 12A, the second battery 12B, and the third battery. The charging device 30 may be capable of charging four or more types of battery 12.

[0116] The electrical wire 34C between the charging unit 36 ​​and the power supply device 50 may be omitted from the charging device 30. In the present modified example, for example, an electrical cable having the power supply terminal 52 may be provided at one end of the power supply device 50.

[0117] The power supply device 50 does not need to include the notification unit 72.

[0118] The connection state determination unit 62 may be configured to determine whether the intermediate device 80 is connected between the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30 when the charging unit 36 ​​is connected to the power supply unit 54 via the intermediate device 80. For example, in the present modified example, the third pull-down resistor RD30 is set so that the connection of the intermediate device 80 can be determined based on the state determination voltage VX. In the present modified example, the power supply system 20 may further include a resistance circuit to determine whether the intermediate device 80 is connected.

[0119] The connection state determination unit 62 may be configured to determine the type of the intermediate device 80 connected between the power supply device 50 and the charging device 30. The type of the intermediate device 80 includes, for example, the second category of the intermediate device 80. In the present modified example, the third pull-down resistor RD30 is set, for example, to determine the type of the intermediate device 80 based on the state determination voltage VX. In the modified example, the power supply system 20 may further include a resistance circuit for determining the type of the intermediate device 80.

[0120] As long as the resistance circuit of the power supply unit 56 includes a power supply unit line and a charging unit line, other structures can be omitted from the power supply device 50. The power supply unit line includes, for example, the second power supply unit line 58B, which is electrically connected to the second charging unit line 40B included in the charging unit line of the charging unit 36. The pull-down resistor includes, for example, the second pull-down resistor 60, which is connected between the second power supply unit line 58B and ground.

[0121] As long as the intermediate device 80 includes the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86, and the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 86 includes an inter-unit line and a pull-down resistor, other structures can be omitted from both the intermediate device 80 and the power supply assembly 20A. The inter-unit line includes the second inter-unit line 88B electrically connected to the second power supply line 58B included in the power supply line. The pull-down resistor includes the third pull-down resistor 90 connected between the second inter-unit line 88B and ground. The second inter-unit line 88B electrically connects the charging unit 36 ​​and the power supply unit 54.

[0122] In this specification, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" when the number of selections is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of two or more selections" when the number of selections is three or more. Furthermore, the term "and / or" as used in this disclosure means "either one of or both of." For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B." REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 vehicles 10A human-powered vehicle 10F frame 12 Battery 12A first battery 12B second battery 14 vehicle controllers 16 Vehicle connection 20 Power supply system 20A power supply arrangement 30 loading device 30A first charging device 30B second charging device 32A charging controller 32B load storage 34A vehicle-side wire connection 34B power supply side wire connection 34C electrical wire 36 loading units 38 Resistance circuit of the charging unit 40A first charging unit line 40B second charging unit line 42 pull-up resistor 44 first pull-down resistor 46A first charging terminal 46B second charging terminal 46C third charging terminal 48 Connection notification unit 50 Power supply device 50X external power supply 50Y converter circuit 52 Power supply connection 52A first power supply terminal 52B second power supply terminal 52C third power supply terminal 54 Power supply unit 56 Resistor circuit of the power supply unit 58A first power supply unit line 58B second power supply unit line 60 second pull-down resistor 62 Connection state determination unit 62A first entrance 62B second entrance 64 Voltage application unit 64A first resistance 64B second resistor 66 Supply state switching unit 68 power supply controllers 70 power supply storage 72 Notification unit 80 intermediate device 82 first intermediate unit 82A first intermediate connection 84 second intermediate unit 84A second intermediate connection 86 Resistance circuit of the intermediate unit 88A first intermediate unit line 88B second intermediate unit line 90 third pull-down resistor 92A first intermediate terminal 92B second intermediate terminal 92C third intermediate terminal 92D fourth intermediate terminal 92E fifth intermediate terminal 92F sixth intermediate terminal S11-S13 Process steps QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019 - 199 235 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] A power supply system (20) for a vehicle (10), the power supply system (20) comprising: a power supply device (50) provided outside the vehicle (10) and including a power supply unit (54); and a charging device (30) configured to charge a battery (12) of the vehicle (10) with power supplied by the power supply device (50), and including a charging unit (36) configured to be connectable to the power supply unit (54), wherein the power supply device (50) includes a connection state determination unit (62) configured to determine a connection state of the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30). [2] Power supply system (20) according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit (54) includes a resistance circuit of the power supply unit (56), the charging unit (36) includes a resistance circuit of the charging unit (38), the resistance circuit of the power supply unit (56) includes a first power supply unit line (58A) and a second power supply unit line (58B), the resistance circuit of the charging unit (38) includes a first charging unit line (40A) and a second charging unit line (40B), and a connection of the charging unit (36) to the power supply unit (54) electrically connects the first charging unit line (40A) to the first power supply unit line (58A) between the power supply unit (54) and the charging unit (36) and electrically connects the second power supply unit line (58B) to the second charging unit line (40B) between the power supply unit (54) and the charging unit (36). [3] Power supply system (20) according to claim 2, wherein the resistance circuit of the charging unit (38) includes a pull-up resistor (42) connected between the first charging unit line (40A) and the second charging unit line (40B), and a first pull-down resistor (44) connected between the second charging unit line (40B) and ground. [4] The power supply system (20) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the resistance circuit of the power supply unit (56) includes a second pull-down resistor (60) connected between the second power supply unit line (58B) and ground. [5] Power supply system (20) according to claim 4, wherein the battery (12) includes a first battery (12A) and a second battery (12B) which is different from the first battery (12A), the charging device (30) includes a first charging device (30A) configured to charge the first battery (12A), and a second charging device (30B) configured to charge the second battery (12B), the power supply device (50) is configured to be connected to one of the first charging device (30A) and the second charging device (30B), the connection state includes a first connection state in which the first charging device (30A) is connected to the power supply device (50), and a second connection state in which the second charging device (30B) is connected to the power supply device (50), and the connection state determination unit (62) is configured to determine whether the connection state is the first connection state or the second connection state. [6] Power supply system (20) according to one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: an intermediate device (80) connected between the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30), wherein the connection state determination unit (62) is designed to determine, when the charging unit (36) is connected to the power supply unit (54) via the intermediate device (80), whether the intermediate device (80) is connected between the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30). [7] The power supply system (20) according to claim 6, wherein the connection state determination unit (62) is configured to determine a type of the intermediate device (80) connected between the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30). [8] Power supply system (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the intermediate device (80) includes a first intermediate unit (82) configured to be connectable to the power supply unit (54), a second intermediate unit (84) configured to be connectable to the charging unit (36), and an intermediate unit resistance circuit (86) provided between the first intermediate unit (82) and the second intermediate unit (84), the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit (86) includes a first intermediate unit line (88A) electrically connected to the first power supply unit line (58A) and the first charging unit line (40A), a second intermediate unit line (88B) electrically connected to the second power supply unit line (58B) and the second charging unit line (40B), and a third pull-down resistor (90) connected between the second charging unit line (40B) and ground. [9] The power supply system (20) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the connection state determining unit (62) is configured to determine whether the connection state is abnormal. [10] The power supply system (20) according to claim 9, wherein the connection state determination unit (62) is configured to determine that the connection state is abnormal when a state determination voltage between the second charging unit line (40B) and ground is outside a predetermined range. [11] Power supply system (20) according to claim 10, wherein the power supply device (50) further includes a power supply memory (70) that stores association information linking the state determination voltage to the connection state, and the connection state determination unit (62) is configured to determine the connection state based on the state determination voltage and the allocation information. [12] Power supply system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the power supply device (50) includes a supply state switching unit (66) configured to switch a supply state of power to the charging device (30), and a power supply controller (68) configured to control the supply state switching unit (66) so as to supply power to the charging device (30) based on a determination result of the connection state obtained by the connection state determination unit (62). [13] Power supply system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the charging device (30) includes an electric wire (34C) provided with the charging unit (36), and a connection notification unit (48) configured to transmit a connection signal to the connection state determination unit (62) when the charging unit (36) is connected to the power supply unit (54), and the connection notification unit (48) is provided on the electric wire (34C). [14] Power supply system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a part of the charging device (30) is provided on the vehicle (10). [15] The power supply system (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the power supply device (50) further includes a notification unit (72) configured to notify a user of the connection state determined by the connection state determination unit (62). [16] The power supply system (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vehicle (10) includes a human-powered vehicle (10A). [17] Power supply device (50) for a vehicle (10), wherein the power supply device (50) is connected to a charging device (30) which is designed to charge a battery (12) of the vehicle (10), wherein the power supply device (50) comprises: a power supply unit (54) provided outside the vehicle (10) and is designed to be connectable to a charging unit (36) of the charging device (30); and a connection state determination unit (62) configured to determine a connection state of the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30). [18] Power supply device (50) according to claim 17, wherein the power supply unit (54) includes a resistance circuit of the power supply unit (56), the resistance circuit of the power supply unit (56) includes a power supply unit line (58A, 58B) which is electrically connected to a charging unit line (40A, 40B) of the charging unit (36), and a pull-down resistor (44, 60, 90) connected between the power supply line (58A, 58B) and ground. [19] An intermediate device (80) connected between the power supply device (50) according to claim 18 and the charging device (30), the intermediate device (80) comprising: a resistance circuit of the intermediate unit (86), wherein the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit (86) includes an intermediate unit line (88A, 88B) electrically connected to the power supply unit line (58A, 58B), and a pull-down resistor (44, 60, 90) connected between the inter-unit line (88A, 88B) and ground. [20] Power supply arrangement (20A) for a vehicle (10), wherein the power supply device (50) is connected to the charging device (30), the power supply arrangement (20A) comprising: the power supply device (50) according to claim 17 or 18; and an intermediate device (80) connected between the power supply device (50) and the charging device (30), wherein the intermediate device (80) includes a resistance circuit of the intermediate unit (86), the resistance circuit of the intermediate unit (86) includes an intermediate unit line (88A, 88B) electrically connecting the charging unit (36) and the power supply unit (54), and a pull-down resistor (44, 60, 90) connected between the inter-unit line (88A, 88B) and ground.

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