Adapter, anomaly detection method for an adapter and a power supply system

Abstract

An adapter 6 of the disclosure is an adapter arranged between a power supply connection 4 of a charging station 2 and a power supply inlet 10 in a vehicle 8 in which a battery 12 is installed, the adapter connecting the power supply connection 4 and the inlet 10, the adapter 6 comprising: power input connections 44a, 44b connected to power lines 20a, 20b of the power supply connection 4; a signal line 63a connecting the charging station 2 and a control device 14 on the side of the vehicle 8 via the power supply connection 4 and the inlet 10, respectively; temperature sensors 70a, 70b detecting temperatures of the power input connections 44a, 44b; and a fault generation unit 72 generating a state detectable by the control device 14 in the signal line 63a in accordance with outputs from the temperature sensors 70a, 70b.

Description

Adapter, adapter abnormality detection method, and power supply system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter, an adapter abnormality detection method, and a power supply system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter that includes a socket to which a power supply connector of a charging stand that complies with the CHAdeMO standard (registered trademark) can be connected, and a connector that can be connected to an inlet of a vehicle that complies with the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, and that connects the charging stand and the vehicle so that charging is possible.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-229230

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure is an adapter that is disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and connects the power supply connector and the inlet, and includes a power receiving terminal that is connected to the power line of the power supply connector, a connecting line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal, and an error generation unit that generates a state in the connecting line that can be detected by the device on the vehicle side according to the output of the detection unit.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for detecting an abnormality in an adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, the adapter including: a power receiving terminal connected to a power line on the power supply connector side; a connection line connecting the charging device to a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet; and a detector for detecting a temperature of the power receiving terminal. In the abnormality detection method, when the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, the temperature of the power receiving terminal is detected via the detector, and a state detectable by the device on the vehicle side is created in the connection line according to the temperature detected by the detector.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply system including: a charging device having a power supply connector; a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet; and the adapter described above that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply system. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an adapter according to a first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the main parts of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the main parts of an adapter according to a second embodiment.

[0008] [Problem to be solved by the present disclosure]

[0009] The vehicle inlet has a power receiving terminal that is connected to the power line of the power supply connector. The power receiving terminal on the vehicle side is generally equipped with a temperature sensor, and is sometimes configured to execute a process to stop charging if an abnormal temperature occurs in the power receiving terminal.

[0010] The socket of the adapter in the above-mentioned conventional example, to which the power supply connector of the charging stand is connected, also has a power receiving terminal that is connected to the power line of the power supply connector. When the charging stand and vehicle are connected using the adapter in the above-mentioned conventional example, the power receiving terminal of the vehicle inlet is equipped with a temperature sensor, but the power receiving terminal of the adapter does not have a means for detecting temperature abnormalities.

[0011] However, even if a temperature sensor is provided in the adapter, it is not easy to pull out the wiring, and the wiring becomes complicated. Furthermore, because the charging stand or vehicle does not have the function to receive the output of the temperature sensor provided in the adapter, charging cannot be stopped if a temperature abnormality occurs. To stop charging, a separate device must be provided in the charging stand or vehicle to receive the output of the temperature sensor provided in the adapter and stop charging. In other words, the configuration of the charging stand or vehicle must be modified to accommodate an adapter equipped with a temperature sensor. Such modifications are not easy. Therefore, when using the adapter of the above-mentioned conventional example, it is desirable to provide a means for detecting temperature abnormalities in the power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector without modifying the configuration of the charging device, such as the charging stand, or the vehicle.

[0012] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect a temperature abnormality in a power receiving terminal connected to a power line of a power supply connector without changing the configuration of the charging device or the vehicle side.

[0013] [Explanation of an embodiment of the present disclosure] (1) An adapter according to an embodiment is an adapter that is disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and connects the power supply connector and the inlet, and includes a power receiving terminal that is connected to the power line of the power supply connector, a connection line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal, and an error generation unit that generates a state in the connection line that can be detected by the device on the vehicle side according to the output of the detection unit.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal is detected based on the output of the detection unit, a state that can be detected by a device on the vehicle side is created in the connection line, allowing the device on the vehicle side to detect that an abnormal temperature has occurred in the power receiving terminal. This makes it possible to detect an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector without changing the configuration of the charging device or the vehicle side.

[0015] (2) In the adapter, the connection line preferably includes a signal line through which a notification signal is transmitted from the charging device to the vehicle-side device to notify the device of the start and stop of charging. When the notification signal is interrupted, the vehicle-side device executes a charging stop process. Therefore, when an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal is detected based on the output of the detection unit, the connection line can be opened to interrupt the notification signal, causing the vehicle-side device to execute a charging stop process.

[0016] (3) In the adapter, the error generating unit preferably includes a switch that connects and disconnects the connection line, and opens the switch in response to an output from the detection unit to create an open circuit state in the connection line that can be detected by the device on the vehicle. In this case, the open circuit state can be created in the connection line by connecting and disconnecting the connection line with the switch.

[0017] (4) In the adapter, it is preferable that the switch includes a semiconductor switch. This increases the operating speed of the switch, allowing it to be quickly opened in response to the output of the detection unit. The semiconductor switch may be a normally-on semiconductor switch. In this case, if a semiconductor switch is provided in the connecting line, the connecting line can be maintained in a conductive state without applying a drive voltage to the semiconductor switch. Furthermore, power consumption can be reduced when the conductive state, which is the intended state, is maintained. Furthermore, by connecting the adapter to the power supply connector and the inlet, the adapter can connect the power supply connector and the inlet so that charging is possible even if the drive voltage is not applied to the semiconductor switch for some reason.

[0018] (5) In the adapter, the detection unit preferably includes a thermistor, the error generation unit preferably further includes a comparator that compares the output voltage of the thermistor with a predetermined threshold voltage, and the comparator preferably operates the switch to disconnect the connection line when the output voltage of the thermistor becomes greater than the predetermined threshold voltage. In this case, the switch can be operated to disconnect the connection line when the temperature of the power receiving terminal becomes higher than a temperature corresponding to the predetermined threshold voltage.

[0019] (6) The adapter may further include a notification unit that, when the switch operates to disconnect the connection line, outputs a notification regarding an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal to an external device. In this case, the abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal can be notified to an external device.

[0020] (7) In the adapter, the notification unit may include a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the notification to the external device.

[0021] (8) In the above adapter, if the power supply connector and the inlet have different standards, and the adapter further includes a first connection part connectable to the power supply connector and a second connection part connectable to the inlet, the adapter may be configured to connect the power supply connector and the inlet, which have different standards, between the first connection part and the second connection part. In this case, the adapter can be used as a conversion adapter.

[0022] (9) According to another embodiment, there is provided an abnormality detection method for an adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, the adapter including: a power receiving terminal connected to a power line on the power supply connector side; a connection line connecting the charging device to a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet; and a detection unit that detects a temperature of the power receiving terminal. When the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, the abnormality detection method detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal via the detection unit, and causes the connection line to enter a state that can be detected by the device on the vehicle side according to the temperature detected by the detection unit.

[0023] (10) In another embodiment, a power supply system includes a charging device having a power supply connector, a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet, and the adapter described in (1) above that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

[0024] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] [Configuration of power supply system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply system 1. In Fig. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a charging stand (charging device) 2, a power supply connector 4, an adapter 6, and a vehicle 8.

[0025] The charging stand 2 outputs electric power to be supplied to a vehicle 8. The power supply connector 4 is provided at the tip of a cable 2a extending from the charging stand 2. The power supply connector 4 is connected to an adapter 6. The power supply connector 4 of this embodiment is a CHAdeMO-compliant power supply connector.

[0026] The vehicle 8 includes an inlet 10 for power supply, a battery (storage battery) 12, and a control device 14. An adapter 6 is connected to the inlet 10. The inlet 10 functions as a connector that accepts power supplied from the connected adapter 6. The inlet 10 of this embodiment is a ChaoJi-compliant inlet. That is, the adapter 6 of this embodiment is a conversion adapter that converts a CHAdeMO-compliant connector into a connector that can be connected to an inlet that complies with the ChaoJi standard.

[0027] The control device 14 is connected to the inlet 10. The control device 14 has a computer including a processor, a storage device, an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc. The control device 14 has a function of controlling charging of the battery 12. The control device 14 also has a function of performing CAN communication with the charging stand 2. The control device 14 also has a function of sending and receiving signals to and from the charging stand 2 regarding confirmation of connection between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, and signals regarding the start and end of charging, etc. The control device 14 controls charging of the battery 12 by performing CAN communication and sending and receiving signals with the charging stand 2.

[0028] The battery 12 supplies electric power to a driving motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle 8. The battery 12 is connected to the inlet 10. The battery 12 is charged by the electric power supplied via the inlet 10.

[0029] The adapter 6 is interposed between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and has the function of connecting the two so that power can be supplied. The adapter 6 includes an input connector 16, an output connector 18, and a cable 20. The power supply connector 4 is connected to the input connector 16. Therefore, the input connector 16 is a connector that complies with CHAdeMO. The output connector 18 is connected to the inlet 10. Therefore, the output connector 18 is a connector that complies with ChaoJi. The cable 20 connects the input connector 16 and the output connector 18.

[0030] The power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 of the vehicle 8 have different standards and cannot be directly connected to each other. In contrast, the adapter 6 of this embodiment functions as a conversion adapter that connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 of the vehicle 8, which have different standards. Therefore, by using the adapter 6 of this embodiment, the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 of the vehicle 8, which have different standards, can be connected to each other so that they can be charged.

[0031] [Regarding the Adapter of the First Embodiment] The circuit configuration of a conversion connector for connecting a CHAdeMO-compliant charger connector to a ChaoJi-compliant inlet is disclosed in Figure 1-6 (Copyright: China Electric CounCil, Work Name: Control Pilot Circuit for Backward Compatibility Between ChaoJi Vehicle and CHAdeMO 2.0 and Lower with CHAdeMO Vehicle Adaptor) of the "White Paper of ChaoJi EV Charging Technology" ([online], [searched February 1, 2021], Internet: https: / / www.cec.org.cn / upload / 1 / editor / 1594869131179.pdf). In Figures 2 to 4 shown below, the configuration of the connector conversion portion is based on the configuration of Figures 1-6 in the white paper.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the adapter 6 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, the power supply connector 4 is shown on the left side of the page, and the inlet 10 is shown on the right side of the page. Fig. 2 shows the adapter 6 in a state in which the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are connected. Therefore, the input connector 16 of the adapter 6 is connected to the power supply connector 4. In addition, the output connector 18 of the power supply connector 4 is connected to the inlet 10.

[0033] The power supply connector 4 includes power lines 20a and 20b, a ground line 21, communication lines 22a and 22b, and signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d. The power supply connector 4 further includes male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d.

[0034] The power lines 20a and 20b are power lines for supplying power from the charging stand 2 to the outside. The power line 20a is a positive power line, and the power line 20b is a negative power line. One end of the power lines 20a and 20b is connected to the charging stand. The other ends of the power lines 20a and 20b are connected to male terminals 24a and 24b. In other words, the male terminals 24a and 24b are power supply terminals. One end of the ground wire 21 is connected to a ground point (not shown) on the charging stand 2 side. The other end of the ground wire 21 is connected to a male terminal 25.

[0035] The communication lines 22a and 22b are lines for CAN communication between the communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 22a is a CAN High line. The communication line 22b is a CAN Low line. One end of the communication lines 22a and 22b is connected to the communication device on the charging stand 2 side. The other ends of the communication lines 22a and 22b are connected to the male terminals 26a and 26b. The signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are lines for transmitting and receiving signals between the charging stand 2 (the device on the power supply connector 4 side) and the control device 14 (the device on the vehicle 8 side). The signal lines 23a and 23d are charging start / stop signal lines. When a charging start switch is operated on the charging stand 2 side, the charging stand 2 supplies a predetermined voltage to the signal lines 23a and 23d as a signal notifying the vehicle 8 side of the start of a charging sequence. Signal line 23b is a signal line for checking connector connection. The charging stand 2 supplies a predetermined voltage to signal line 23b as a signal indicating that the power supply connector 4 is connected to the inlet 10. Signal line 23c is a signal line for permitting / prohibiting charging. Signal line 23c is a signal line for receiving a charging permit signal from the vehicle 8. One ends of signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are connected to the charging stand 2. The other ends of signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are connected to male terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d.

[0036] The power supply connector 4 includes a main body 4a that can be connected to the input connector 16. Male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d are provided on the main body 4a. The male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d are arranged on the main body 4a in accordance with the standard.

[0037] The inlet 10 includes power lines 30a and 30b, a ground line 31, communication lines 32a and 32b, and signal lines 33a and 33b. The inlet 10 further includes female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b.

[0038] The power lines 30a, 30b are power lines for supplying power from the charging stand 2 to the battery 12. The power line 30a is a positive power line, and the power line 30b is a negative power line. One end of the power lines 30a, 30b is connected to the female terminals 34a, 34b. The other end of the power lines 30a, 30b is connected to the battery 12. One end of the ground wire 31 is connected to the female terminal 35. The other end of the ground wire 31 is connected to a ground point (not shown) on the vehicle 8 side.

[0039] The communication lines 32a and 32b are lines for CAN communication between a communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 32a is a CAN High line. The communication line 32b is a CAN Low line. One end of the communication lines 32a and 32b is connected to the female terminals 36a and 36b. The other end of the communication lines 32a and 32b is connected to the control device 14. The signal lines 33a and 33b are lines for transmitting and receiving signals between the device on the charging stand 2 side and the device on the vehicle 8 side. The signal lines 33a and 33b are signal lines for receiving signals for confirming the connection between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10. The control device 14 monitors the voltage supplied to the signal line 33a as a signal transmitted from the charging stand 2. The control device 14 confirms that the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are properly connected based on the voltage of the signal line 33a. One end of the signal lines 33a and 33b is connected to the female terminals 37a and 37b, and the other end of the signal lines 33a and 33b is connected to the control device 14.

[0040] The inlet 10 includes a main body 10a that can be connected to the output connector 18. The female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b are provided on the main body 10a. The female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b are arranged on the main body 10a in accordance with standards.

[0041] The inlet 10 further includes temperature sensors 38a and 38b. The temperature sensors 38a and 38b are, for example, thermistors. The temperature sensor 38a is provided at the female terminal 34a. The temperature sensor 38b is provided at the female terminal 34b. The temperature sensors 38a and 38b are connected to the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b are provided to the control device 14. The control device 14 has a function of stopping charging in accordance with the outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b. For example, during charging, the control device 14 compares the outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b with a predetermined threshold, and if it determines that the outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control device 14 stops charging. The predetermined threshold temperature is, for example, 90°C. In other words, if the temperature of the female terminals 34a and 34b becomes higher than 90°C, the control device 14 stops charging.

[0042] Furthermore, a switch 39 and a voltage sensor 40 are provided on the signal line 33b. The switch 39 is connected between the female terminal 37b and the control device 14 so as to be able to switch on and off. The voltage sensor 40 is connected between the female terminal 37b and the switch 39 via a branch path. The voltage sensor 40 is connected to the control device 14. Based on the output of the voltage sensor 40, the control device 14 determines whether the adapter 6 is present and the charging method of the charging station that is the power supply source. Furthermore, when starting charging, the control device 14 switches the switch 39 from a closed state to an open state.

[0043] The input connector 16 of the adapter 6 includes female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d. As will be described later, the female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d are connectable to the male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d of the power supply connector 4. The female terminals 44a and 44b are connected to the male terminals 24a and 24b that are connected to the power lines 20a and 20b of the power supply connector 4. In other words, the female terminals 44a and 44b are power receiving terminals. In the following description, the female terminals 44a and 44b may also be referred to as power receiving terminals 44a and 44b.

[0044] The output connector 18 of the adapter 6 includes male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are connectable to the female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b of the inlet 10, as will be described later.

[0045] The adapter 6 also includes power lines 58a, 58b and a connection line 60. The connection line 60 is a group of lines for connecting the charging stand 2 to devices on the vehicle 8 side. The connection line 60 connects the charging stand 2 to devices on the vehicle 8 side via the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, respectively. The connection line 60 includes a ground line 61, communication lines 62a, 62b, and signal lines 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, and 63e. The power lines 58a, 58b constitute part of the lines for supplying power supplied from the charging stand 2 to the vehicle 8 side. The power line 58a is a positive power line, and the power line 58b is a negative power line. One end of the power lines 58a, 58b is connected to the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b. The other ends of the power lines 58a, 58b are connected to the male terminals 54a, 54b. The ground wire 61 constitutes part of a line for connecting a ground point on the charging stand 2 side to a ground point on the vehicle 8 side. One end of the ground wire 61 is connected to the female terminal 45. The other end of the ground wire 61 is connected to the male terminal 55.

[0046] The communication lines 62a, 62b form part of a line used for CAN communication between the communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 62a is a CAN High line. The communication line 62b is a CAN Low line. One end of the communication lines 62a, 62b is connected to the female terminals 46a, 46b. The other end of the communication lines 62a, 62b is connected to the male terminals 56a, 56b. The signal lines 63a, 63b form part of a line for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the charging stand 2. One end of the signal lines 63a, 63b is connected to the female terminals 47a, 47b. The other end of the signal lines 63a, 63b is connected to the male terminals 57a, 57b.

[0047] Signal lines 63b, 63c, 63d, and 63e are lines for matching signals handled by the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10. One end of signal line 63c is connected to female terminal 47c. The other end of signal line 63c is connected to signal line 63b. One end of signal line 63d is connected to female terminal 47d. The other end of signal line 63d is connected to signal line 63b. Connection point 63f is located closer to the inlet 10 than connection point 63g. Connection point 63f is the portion of signal line 63b to which the other end of signal line 63d is connected. Connection point 63g is the portion of signal line 63b to which the other end of signal line 63c is connected. One end of signal line 63e is connected to connection point 63g. The other end of signal line 63e is connected to ground line 61. Resistive elements 63h and 63i are provided on signal lines 63d and 63e. A resistor element 63j is connected between the connection point 63f and the connection point 63g on the signal line 63b.

[0048] The signal lines 63b, 63b, 63c, 63d, and 63e and the resistive elements 63h, 63i, and 63j are configured to connect the signal lines 23b, 23c, and 23d of the power supply connector 4 and the signal line 33b of the inlet 10 in a matched manner.

[0049] The input connector 16 includes a main body 16a (first connection portion) that can be connected to the power supply connector 4. Female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d are provided on the main body 16a. The female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d are arranged on the main body 16a in accordance with the standard. Thus, when the power supply connector 4 and the input connector 16 are connected, the female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d are connected to the male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d of the power supply connector 4.

[0050] The output connector 18 also includes a main body 18a (second connection portion) connectable to the inlet 10. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are provided on the main body 18a. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are arranged on the main body 18a in accordance with the standard. As a result, when the output connector 18 and the inlet 10 are connected, the male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are connected to the female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b of the inlet 10.

[0051] When the power supply connector 4 is connected to the input connector 16 and the output connector 18 is connected to the inlet 10, the power lines 20a and 20b of the power supply connector 4 are connected to the power lines 30a and 30b of the inlet 10. Similarly, the ground line 21 is connected to the ground line 31. Furthermore, the communication lines 22a and 22b are connected to the communication lines 32a and 32b. Furthermore, the signal lines 23a and 23b are connected to the signal lines 33a and 33b.

[0052] In this way, the adapter 6 of this embodiment connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, which have different standards, between the main body 16a and the main body 18a.

[0053] The adapter 6 of this embodiment also includes temperature sensors 70a and 70b and an error generating unit 72. The temperature sensors 70a and 70b and the error generating unit 72 will be described below.

[0054] [Error Occurrence Portion] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the main parts in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows the temperature sensors 70a and 70b, the error occurrence portion 72, and portions related thereto.

[0055] The adapter 6 includes a power supply circuit 86. The power supply circuit 86 is connected to the signal line 63a, generates the drive voltage required for the temperature sensors 70a, 70b and the error generating unit 72 from the voltage of the signal line 63a, and supplies the generated voltage to the temperature sensors 70a, 70b and the error generating unit 72. The power supply circuit 86 includes a reset switch 86a. The reset switch 86a is provided on the outer surface of the main body 16a. The reset switch 86a has the function of temporarily stopping the supply of drive voltage by receiving an external operation input.

[0056] The temperature sensors 70a and 70b are detection units for detecting the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b. The temperature sensors 70a and 70b are, for example, thermistors. The temperature sensor 70a is provided at the power receiving terminal 44a. The temperature sensor 70b is provided at the power receiving terminal 44b. The temperature sensors 70a and 70b are connected to an error generating unit 72. The outputs of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are provided to the error generating unit 72. A voltage is applied to the temperature sensors 70a and 70b from the power supply circuit 86. Based on this, the temperature sensors 70a and 70b output a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b and provide it to the error generating unit 72.

[0057] The error generating unit 72 has a function of causing the signal line 63a to enter an open-circuit state that can be detected by the control device 14, in response to the outputs of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b. The error generating unit 72 includes a first comparator 74, a second comparator 76, a first switch 78, and a second switch 80.

[0058] The first switch 78 is a semiconductor switch, and is configured, for example, by a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). The first switch 78 is provided on the signal line 63a and has the function of turning on and off the signal line 63a. The gate voltage of the first switch 78 is applied from the first comparator 74. Therefore, the opening and closing of the first switch 78 is controlled by the output from the first comparator 74. The first switch 78 is also a normally-on type. Therefore, when the gate voltage (gate-source voltage) applied from the first comparator 74 is 0 volts, the first switch 78 closes (connects) the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the gate voltage applied from the first comparator 74 is a predetermined negative voltage, the first switch 78 opens (disconnects) the signal line 63a.

[0059] The first comparator 74 is supplied with the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a and a reference voltage 82a. The reference voltage 82a is supplied from the power supply circuit 86. The first comparator 74 compares the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a with the reference voltage 82a. If the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is lower than the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to 0 volts. If the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is higher than the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to a voltage (negative voltage) that opens the first switch 78.

[0060] As described above, the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are thermistors, and their resistance decreases as the temperature increases. Therefore, the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b increase as the temperature increases. That is, when the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the first switch 78 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to a voltage that opens the first switch 78. Therefore, in this case, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a. In this way, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a by connecting and disconnecting the signal line 63a.

[0061] The second switch 80 is configured with a MOSFET similar to the first switch 78. The second switch 80 is provided on the signal line 63a and has the function of turning on and off the signal line 63a. The gate voltage of the second switch 80 is provided from the second comparator 76. Therefore, the opening and closing of the second switch 80 is controlled by the output from the second comparator 76. The second switch 80 is also of a normally-on type. The second comparator 76 is provided with the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b and a reference voltage 82b. The reference voltage 82b is provided from the power supply circuit 86.

[0062] The second comparator 76 compares the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b with the reference voltage 82b and controls the second switch 80 in the same manner as the first comparator 74. If the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b is lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82b, the second comparator 76 sets the gate voltage applied to the second switch 80 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the second switch 80 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, if the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b is higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82b, the second comparator 76 sets the gate voltage applied to the second switch 80 to a voltage that opens the second switch 80. Therefore, in this case, the second switch 80 opens the signal line 63a. In this way, the second switch 80 opens the signal line 63a by connecting and disconnecting the signal line 63a.

[0063] The operation of the error generating unit 72 when the power supply connector 4 and the adapter 6 are connected, the adapter 6 is connected to the inlet 10, and the battery 12 is being charged will be described below.

[0064] A predetermined voltage is supplied from the charging stand 2 to the signal line 23a as a signal notifying the vehicle 8 that a charging sequence has started. The charging stand 2 continues to supply voltage to the signal line 23a until the charging sequence ends. In other words, the voltage supplied to the signal line 23a is a notification signal for notifying the start and stop of charging.

[0065] The signal line 63a of the adapter 6 is connected to the signal line 23a. Furthermore, the signal line 33a of the inlet 10 is connected to the signal line 63a of the adapter 6. Therefore, when charging is performed normally, a voltage (notification signal) from the charging stand 2 is also applied to the signal line 33a.

[0066] As described above, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 monitors the voltage (notification signal) of the signal line 33a to confirm that the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are properly connected. If the voltage of the signal line 33a is a predetermined voltage, the control device 14 determines that the connection is normal, and if the voltage of the signal line 33a becomes a reference voltage (e.g., 0 volts), the control device 14 determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and performs processing to stop charging.

[0067] For example, assume that the temperature indicated by the reference voltages 82a and 82b is 90°C. The temperature indicated by the reference voltages 82a and 82b serves as a threshold for determining whether the temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b is abnormal. If the temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b is lower than 90°C, both switches 78 and 80 close the signal line 63a. In this case, the signal line 33a of the inlet 10 is supplied with voltage from the signal line 23a of the power supply connector 4 via the signal line 63a. Therefore, charging of the battery 12 continues.

[0068] On the other hand, if the temperature of the power receiving terminal 44a is higher than 90°C, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a. In this case, the signal line 63a of the adapter 6 is disconnected, and therefore voltage from the charging stand 2 is not applied to the signal line 33a of the inlet 10. When the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 detects that the voltage from the charging stand 2 has been cut off, it determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and performs processing to stop charging. The same applies if the temperature of the power receiving terminal 44b is higher than 90°C, and the second switch 80 opens the signal line 63a. The control device 14 of the vehicle 8 determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and performs processing to stop charging.

[0069] In this way, the error generating unit 72 opens the signal line 63a in response to the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b, thereby generating a pseudo-disconnection error in the signal line 63a. According to this configuration, when the temperature of at least one of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b exceeds 90°C and an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b is detected, the error generating unit 72 opens the signal line 63a, thereby generating a pseudo-disconnection error in the signal line 63a, and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 can detect the occurrence of a temperature abnormality in the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b of the adapter 6 through the signal line 33a. In other words, when an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b is detected, a state detectable by the control device 14 is generated in the connection line, thereby enabling the control device 14 to detect the occurrence of a temperature abnormality in the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b. This allows the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b to be detected without changing the configurations of the charging stand 2 and the vehicle 8.

[0070] Furthermore, the signal line 63a that is interrupted by the error generating unit 72 in this embodiment is connected to the signal line 23a, which is the charging start / stop signal line to which the above-described notification signal is sent. As described above, when the predetermined voltage from the charging stand 2, which is the notification signal, is cut off, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 executes the charging stop process. Therefore, as in this embodiment, when an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b is detected based on the output of the temperature sensors 70a, 70b (detectors), the signal line 63a is opened, thereby cutting off the predetermined voltage from the charging stand 2. This causes the control device 14 to execute the charging stop process.

[0071] In addition, the error generating unit 72 of this embodiment includes switches 78 and 80, which are semiconductor switches that interrupt the signal line 63a. Therefore, by opening the switches 78 and 80 in accordance with the output of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b, an open circuit state that can be detected by the control device 14 can be created in the signal line 63a.

[0072] Furthermore, because the switches 78, 80 are normally-on semiconductor switches, the conduction state of the signal line 63a can be maintained without applying a drive voltage to the switches 78, 80 provided on the signal line 63a. Furthermore, power consumption can be reduced when the conduction state, which is the intended state, is maintained. Furthermore, by connecting the adapter 6 to the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, the adapter 6 can still connect the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 so that charging is possible, even if the drive voltage is not applied to the switches 78, 80 for some reason.

[0073] The adapter 6 of this embodiment further includes a notification device 87. The notification device 87 includes a processing unit 87a and a wireless transmission unit 87b. The processing unit 87a is configured by a computer or equivalent device including a processor, a storage device, etc. The processing unit 87a monitors the gate voltages of the switches 78 and 80, and when the switches 78 and 80 operate to disconnect the signal line 63a, outputs a notification regarding an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b to the outside. The wireless transmission unit 87b is capable of wireless communication with an external device and outputs the notification to the external device via wireless communication. Note that wireless communication includes Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), mobile wireless communication, etc. This allows the external device to be notified of the abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b.

[0074] Furthermore, in the adapter 6 of this embodiment, the power supply circuit 86 is equipped with a reset switch 86a. Therefore, even if the switches 78 and 80 malfunction and disconnect the signal line 63a due to, for example, noise or other factors when the temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b has not risen, the reset switch 86a temporarily stops the supply of drive voltage from the power supply circuit 86 and restores the gate voltage of the comparators 74 and 76, resetting the switches 78 and 80 to the connected state. This allows the adapter 6 to be restored and made usable again. Furthermore, if charging is started again after the adapter 6 has been restored and made usable again, the signal line 63a will be disconnected again if the temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b has risen. Therefore, there will be no problem even if the adapter 6 is restored and charging is started again.

[0075] 4 is a diagram showing the main parts of the adapter 6 according to the second embodiment. The error generating unit 72 of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes a three-input comparator 90 and a switch 92.

[0076] The switch 92 is a semiconductor switch similar to the switches 78 and 80 of the first embodiment. The gate voltage of the switch 92 is applied from the comparator 90. Therefore, the switch 92 is controlled to be opened or closed by the output from the comparator 90.

[0077] The comparator 90 is supplied with the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b, and a reference voltage 94. The reference voltage 94 is supplied from the power supply circuit 86. The comparator 90 compares the higher of the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b with the reference voltage 94. If the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are lower than the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to 0 volts. If the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are higher than the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to a voltage that opens the switch 92.

[0078] Therefore, when the temperature indicated by the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b is lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the switch 92 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b is higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to a voltage that opens the switch 92. Therefore, in this case, the switch 92 opens the signal line 63a.

[0079] As in the first embodiment, the error generating unit 72 of this embodiment also generates a pseudo-open circuit error in the signal line 63a by opening the signal line 63a when the temperature of at least one of the receiving terminals 44a, 44b becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, thereby allowing the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 to detect that the temperature of the receiving terminals 44a, 44b of the adapter 6 has become higher than 90°C, and causing the control device 14 to execute a charging stop process.

[0080] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the above-described embodiments, the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b are provided with the temperature sensors 70a, 70b, but the male terminals 54a, 54b to which the power lines 58a, 58b are connected may also be provided with temperature sensors, and the signal line 63a may be turned on or off depending on the output of the temperature sensors.

[0081] In the above embodiments, normally-on MOSFETs are used as the switches 78, 80, and 92. However, normally-off MOSFETs may also be used. Furthermore, relay switches having mechanical contacts may also be used as the switches 78, 80, and 92.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the switches 78, 80, and 92 of the error generating unit 72 are provided on the signal line 63a to which the notification signal is sent, but the switches 78, 80, and 92 may be provided on the communication lines 62a and 62b. If the switches 78, 80, and 92 are provided on the communication lines 62a and 62b, when the switches 78, 80, and 92 open the communication lines 62a and 62b, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 determines that CAN communication with the charging stand 2 has been disconnected and executes charging stop processing. However, if the switches 78, 80, and 92 are provided on the signal line 63a as in the present embodiment, charging can be stopped without interrupting CAN communication.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter 6 is shown as being connected between a CHAdeMO-compliant power supply connector 4 and a ChaoJi-compliant inlet 10, but this is not limiting. For example, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between a ChaoJi-compliant power supply connector 4 and a CHAdeMO-compliant inlet 10, or may be configured to be connected between a connector and an inlet that conforms to another different standard. For example, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between a power supply connector 4 such as a GBT or CCS and the inlet 10. Furthermore, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between a power supply connector 4 and an inlet 10 that conform to the same standard, for example, between a CHAdeMO-compliant power supply connector 4 and a CHAdeMO-compliant inlet 10.

[0084] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0085] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Power supply system 2 Charging stand 2a Cable 4 Power supply connector 4a Main body 6 Adapter 8 Vehicle 10 Inlet 10a Main body 12 Battery 14 Control device 16 Input connector 16a Main body 18 Output connector 18a Main body 20 Cable 20a, 20b Power line 21 Ground wire 22a, 22b Communication line 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d Signal line 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d Male terminal 30a, 30b Power line 31 Ground wire 32a, 32b Communication line 33a, 33b Signal line 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b Female terminal 38a, 38b Temperature sensor 39 Switch 40 Voltage sensor 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d Female terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b Male terminals 58a, 58b Power line 60 Connection line 61 Ground line 62a, 62b Communication line 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e Signal line 63f, 63g Connection point 63h, 63i, 63j Resistance element 70a, 70b Temperature sensor 72 Error generation unit 74 First comparator 76 Second comparator 78 First switch 80 Second switch 82a Reference voltage 82b Reference voltage 86 Power supply circuit 86a Reset switch 87 Notification device 87a Processing unit 87b Wireless transmission unit 90 Comparator 92 Switch 94 Reference voltage

Claims

1. An adapter that is placed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and connects the power supply connector and the inlet, comprising: a power receiving terminal that is connected to the power line of the power supply connector; a connection line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively; a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal; and an error generation unit that generates a state in the connection line that can be detected by the device on the vehicle side according to the output of the detection unit.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the connection wire includes a signal wire through which a notification signal is transmitted from the charging device to the device on the vehicle side to notify the device of the start and stop of charging.

3. An adapter as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the error generating unit includes a switch that connects and disconnects the connection line, and by opening the switch in response to the output of the detection unit, causes an open circuit state in the connection line that can be detected by the vehicle-side device.

4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the switch comprises a semiconductor switch.

5. The adapter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the detection unit includes a thermistor, and the error generation unit further includes a comparator that compares the output voltage of the thermistor with a predetermined threshold voltage, and the comparator operates the switch to disconnect the connection line when the output voltage of the thermistor becomes greater than the predetermined threshold voltage.

6. The adapter according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that outputs a notification regarding an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal to an external device when the switch operates to disconnect the connection line.

7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit includes a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the notification to the external device.

8. An adapter as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power supply connector and the inlet have mutually different standards, and further comprising: a first connection part connectable to the power supply connector; and a second connection part connectable to the inlet, and the adapter connects the power supply connector and the inlet, which have mutually different standards, between the first connection part and the second connection part.

9. A method for detecting an abnormality in an adapter that is arranged between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and that connects the power supply connector and the inlet, wherein the adapter comprises: a power receiving terminal that is connected to a power line on the power supply connector side; a connection line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively; and a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal, wherein the abnormality detection method detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal via the detection unit when the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, and causes a state in the connection line that can be detected by the device on the vehicle side according to the temperature detected by the detection unit.

10. A power supply system comprising: a charging device having a power supply connector; a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet; and the adapter according to claim 1 that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

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