Charging device, abnormality detection method, abnormality detection program, and charging system

Abstract

To detect abnormality in a process of connection of a connector of a charging device relative to an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A charging device charges a battery of an electric vehicle and includes: a connector connectable to an inlet provided in the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery; a switch configured to detect a semi-connected state of the connector relative to the inlet; and an abnormality detection unit that detects connection process abnormality that is abnormality in a process of connecting the connector to the inlet based on the number of times of detection of the semi-connected state by the switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device, an abnormality detection method, an abnormality detection program, and a charging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charge / discharge control method for performing automatic charge / discharge operation on an electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, or other electric vehicle. In the charge / discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a scheduled time period (operating time period) during which the charge / discharge operation is performed is set in advance, and a relay provided in the charge / discharge device is turned on only when the current time is included in the operating time period. When the relay is turned on, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication is started between the charge / discharge device and the electric vehicle, and it is determined based on the CAN communication whether or not the connector of the charge / discharge device is connected to the electric vehicle. If the connector is connected to the electric vehicle, the charge / discharge operation is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-072488 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the connector is deformed or has foreign matter attached to it, the connector cannot be connected to the electric vehicle properly. The charge / discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes a connector that can be connected to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery, a switch that detects a semi-connected state of the connector with respect to the inlet, and an abnormality detection unit that detects a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected by the switch. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting a connector to an electric vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a charge / discharge system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging / discharging device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the function of the control circuit. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector with respect to the inlet and the latch, and shows a non-connected state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector with respect to the inlet and the latch, and shows a semi-connected state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector with respect to the inlet and the latch, and shows a connected state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of an output signal from a switch. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of an output signal from a switch when an abnormal connection is detected. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining an example of measurement of the duration of the semi-connected state. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is the first half of a flowchart showing an example of a charge / discharge control process performed by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is the second half of the flowchart showing an example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the charge / discharge system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of information providing processing in the server according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <Overview of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Below, an overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] (1) A charging device according to this embodiment is a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes a connector connectable to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery, a switch that detects a semi-connected state of the connector with respect to the inlet, and an abnormality detection unit that detects a connection process abnormality that is an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the inlet based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected by the switch. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle based on the number of times the semi-connected state of the connector is detected with respect to the inlet.

[0010] (2) In the above (1), the abnormality detection unit may detect the abnormality in the connection process when the number of times the semi-connected state is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. If the connector is deformed or has foreign matter attached thereto, it is difficult to insert the connector into the inlet, and the user ends up reinserting the connector into the inlet many times. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle.

[0011] (3) In the above item (2), the reference value may be 2. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle when the semi-connected state is detected two or more times.

[0012] (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the charging device may further include a notification unit that outputs notification information for notifying a user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality when the connection process abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, thereby making it possible to notify the user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality.

[0013] (5) In the above (4), the notification unit may output the notification information based on a history of detection of the connection process abnormality. If the connector is deformed or foreign matter adheres to the connector, it becomes difficult to insert the connector into the inlet, and the user ends up reinserting the connector into the inlet several times each time. For this reason, when the frequency of detection of connection process abnormalities increases, suspicion increases that the abnormality is not a sudden abnormality but a continuous abnormality caused by deformation of the connector or the intrusion of foreign matter. Therefore, when a continuous abnormality is strongly suspected, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality.

[0014] (6) In the above (5), the notification unit may perform a predetermined statistical process on the history of the detection of the connection process anomaly, and output the notification information based on the result of the statistical process. This makes it possible to capture changes over time in the detection of the connection process anomaly through the statistical process. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of the connection process anomaly when a continuous anomaly is strongly suspected.

[0015] (7) In the above (4), the notification unit may output the notification information when the connection process abnormality is detected a predetermined number of times or more in succession. If the connector is deformed or foreign matter adheres to the connector, it becomes difficult to insert the connector into the inlet, and the user ends up reinserting the connector into the inlet multiple times. For this reason, if connection process abnormalities are detected consecutively, suspicion of a continuous abnormality due to deformation of the connector, entry of foreign matter, etc. becomes stronger. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of a connection process abnormality when a continuous abnormality is strongly suspected.

[0016] (8) In any one of the above (1) to (7), the abnormality detection unit may detect the connection process abnormality based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected from when the semi-connected state is first detected until communication between the electric vehicle and the charging device is started. This makes it possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle before it becomes impossible to connect the connector to the inlet and to communicate between the electric vehicle and the charging device, and to take appropriate measures against the abnormality, such as repairing the connector or removing a foreign object.

[0017] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (8), the charging device may further include a measurement unit that measures the duration of the semi-connected state, and the abnormality detection unit may detect the connection process abnormality based on the duration of the semi-connected state measured by the measurement unit. If the semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet continues for a long time, there is a possibility that the connector is not properly inserted into the inlet or that the connector is broken. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle.

[0018] (10) An abnormality detection method according to this embodiment is an abnormality detection method for a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes the steps of: counting the number of times a half-connected state of a connector of the charging device is detected by a switch that detects the half-connected state with respect to an inlet of the electric vehicle; and detecting a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the counted number of times the half-connected state is detected. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle based on the number of times the half-connected state of the connector is detected with respect to the inlet.

[0019] (11) An abnormality detection program according to this embodiment is an abnormality detection program for detecting an abnormality in a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and causes a computer to execute the steps of counting the number of times a half-connected state of a connector of the charging device is detected by a switch that detects the half-connected state of the connector with respect to an inlet of the electric vehicle, and detecting a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the counted number of times the half-connected state is detected. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle based on the number of times the half-connected state of the connector is detected with respect to the inlet.

[0020] (12) A charging system according to this embodiment is a charging system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes a charging device and an information providing device, the charging device including a connector connectable to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery, a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector with respect to the inlet, and an abnormality detection unit for detecting a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected by the switch, and the information providing device outputs notification information for notifying a user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality when the connection process abnormality is detected by the charging device. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector to the electric vehicle based on the number of times the semi-connected state of the connector is detected with respect to the inlet. Furthermore, it is possible to notify a user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality.

[0021] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a charging device having the above-mentioned characteristic configuration, an anomaly detection method including characteristic processing in the charging device, an anomaly detection program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned characteristic processing, and a charging system including the charging device, but also as a part or all of the charging device as a semiconductor integrated circuit.

[0022] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0023] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Charging and discharging system] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a charge / discharge system according to Embodiment 1. The charge / discharge system 10 includes an electric vehicle 100, a charge / discharge device 200, and a server 400.

[0024] The electric vehicle 100 includes a battery 110 for driving a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle. The electric vehicle 100 further includes an inlet 120 and an on-board control device 130.

[0025] The charging / discharging device 200 includes a connector 300 and a charging / discharging control device 350 (see FIG. 2). The connector 300 is attachable to the inlet 120 and detachable therefrom.

[0026] The inlet 120 is an input / output port for electric power of the battery 110, and is connected to the battery 110 by a power line. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charging / discharging device 200 charges / discharges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0027] The inlet 120 is connected to the on-board control device 130 via a communication line. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the on-board control device 130 can communicate with the charging / discharging device 200 using a specific communication protocol. For example, the on-board control device 130 can communicate via a Controller Area Network (CAN). In another example, the on-board control device 130 can communicate via Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0028] The connector 300 is provided at the tip of a cable 330 extending from the charge / discharge control device 350. The connector 300 has a plug 301 at its tip. The plug 301 can be inserted into a socket provided in the inlet 120.

[0029] A latch 302a is provided on the plug 301. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the latch 302a is caught by the inlet 120, and the latch 302a prevents the connector 300 from being removed from the inlet 120.

[0030] The connector 300 is further provided with a release button 303a. The release button 303a is used to move the latch 302a. When a user presses the release button 303a, the latch 302a moves and is released from engagement with the inlet 120. The user can pull out the connector 300 from the inlet 120 while pressing the release button 303a.

[0031] The charging / discharging device 200 and the server 400 are capable of communicating with each other. The charging / discharging device 200 and the server 400 are connected to each other, for example, via a network (not shown) (for example, the Internet).

[0032] The server 400 is connected to a database (hereinafter also referred to as "DB") 450. The DB 450 will be described later.

[0033] [1-2.Charge / discharge device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging / discharging device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The charge / discharge control device 350 includes a control circuit 360, a first communication interface (I / F) 351, a power converter 352, a battery 353, a display 354, and a second communication I / F 355.

[0035] The charging / discharging device 200 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a device for V2H (Vehicle to Home) and is arranged in a home. The power converter 352 is connected to a commercial AC power source 500, a load 510 which is an electric device arranged in the home, and a battery 353. A power line 317 extends from the power converter 352 through the inside of the sheath of the cable 330 to the connector 300.

[0036] In a state where the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the power converter 352 can charge the battery 110. That is, the power converter 352 can convert AC power from the commercial AC power supply 500 into DC power of a predetermined voltage and output it. The output DC power is provided to the battery 110 through the power line 317, and the battery 110 is charged. Furthermore, the power converter 352 can also convert the voltage of the DC power output from the battery 353 and output the converted DC power. In this way, the battery 110 can be charged by the power stored in the battery 353. However, the configuration of the charge / discharge control device 350 shown in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the charge / discharge control device 350 does not need to include the battery 353.

[0037] With connector 300 connected to inlet 120, power converter 352 can discharge battery 110. That is, power converter 352 can convert DC power output from battery 110 into AC power, output the AC power to load 510, and reversely flow the AC power to grid-connected commercial AC power source 500. Furthermore, power converter 352 may convert the voltage of the DC power output from battery 110 and output the converted DC power to battery 353. This may allow battery 353 to be charged by the power stored in battery 110.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the charging / discharging system 10 that charges and discharges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the charging system may be one that charges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 using a charging device installed in a public charging station. The public charging device does not have a discharging function for the battery 110, but only has a charging function.

[0039] The control circuit 360 is connected to the power converter 352 and controls the power converter 352. The control circuit 360 detects the connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, and causes the power converter 352 to perform charging and discharging operations for the battery 110.

[0040] A latch member 302 is disposed inside the connector 300. The latch member 302 is a lever that can rotate around a fulcrum 302b. A first end of the latch member 302 protrudes upward, and a latch 302a is formed thereon. A second end of the latch member 302 is pressed downward by a spring 302c. This biases the latch 302a upward.

[0041] The switch 310B is disposed below the latch 302a. The switch 310B is a microswitch with a b-contact. The switch 310B includes an actuator and a contact mechanism, and the contact mechanism opens and closes depending on the position of the actuator. The switch 310B is in an ON state (normal state) when the actuator is not pressed, and is in an OFF state when the actuator is pressed. When the latch 302a is in an upper position (a position pressed by the spring 302c), the latch member 302 presses the actuator, and the switch 310B is in an OFF state. When the latch 302a is in a lower position (a position where the latch 302a is pressed down against the bias of the spring 302c), the latch member 302 does not press the actuator, and the switch 310B is in an ON state. The switch 310B is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 314 passing through the inside of the sheath of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can receive an ON signal from the switch 310B.

[0042] The connector 300 includes a locking portion 303. The locking portion 303 locks the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. In a specific example, the locking portion 303 is an electromagnetic lock including a solenoid. The locking portion 303 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 312, and operates in response to a control signal from the control circuit 360. That is, when the control signal is given to the locking portion 303, a current is applied to the solenoid, and the movable piece 303b moves. When the latch 302a is in the upper position, the movable piece 303b moves, so that the movable piece 303b restricts the rotation of the latch member 302, and the latch member 302 is in a locked state. When the movable piece 303b returns to its original position, the restriction on the rotation of the latch member 302 is released, and the latch member 302 is in an unlocked state.

[0043] The control circuit 360 is connected to the display 354. The display 354 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an OEL (organic electroluminescence) panel. The control circuit 360 can output a video signal to the display 354. The display 354 can display text or graphic information in response to the video signal. However, the charge / discharge control device 350 does not necessarily have to include the display 354.

[0044] For example, the connector 300 may have an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 304. In one example, the LED 304 is used to notify a user that an abnormality has occurred in the process of connecting the connector 300 to the inlet 120 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "connection process abnormality"). The LED 304 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 311 passing through the sheath of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can transmit a control signal to the LED 304 and control the turning on and off of the LED 304. However, the notification of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality by the LED 304 is one example and is not limited to this. For example, the LED 304 does not have to be used to notify the occurrence of the connection process abnormality.

[0045] The first communication I / F 351 is a communication circuit for a first communication protocol, for example, CAN. In another example, the first communication I / F 351 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet. A communication line 316 extends from the first communication I / F 351 through the sheath of the cable 330 to the connector 300. The first communication I / F 351 is used for communication with the in-vehicle control device 130.

[0046] The second communication I / F 355 is a communication circuit for a second communication protocol, for example, Ethernet. The second communication I / F 355 is, for example, an interface for wired communication. The second communication I / F 355 may be an interface for wireless communication. Specifically, the second communication I / F 355 may be an interface for a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or an interface for a mobile communication system such as 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system). The second communication I / F 355 is used for communication with the server 400.

[0047] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control circuit 360. The control circuit 360 includes a processor 361, a non-volatile memory 362, a volatile memory 363, and an input / output interface (I / O) 364.

[0048] The volatile memory 363 is a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The nonvolatile memory 362 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk, or a read only memory (ROM). The nonvolatile memory 362 stores a charge / discharge control program 365, which is a computer program, and data used for executing the charge / discharge control program 365. Each function of the charge / discharge control device 350 is realized by the processor 361 executing the charge / discharge control program 365. The charge / discharge control program 365 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM.

[0049] The charge / discharge control program 365 is a program for controlling the charge / discharge of the battery 110. The charge / discharge control program 365 is also a program for detecting an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector 300 to the inlet 120. The charge / discharge control program 365 is an example of an "abnormality detection program."

[0050] The processor 361 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). However, the processor 361 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 361 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In a specific example, the processor 361 is a multi-core processor. The processor 361 may be a single-core processor. The processor 361 may be, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, the ASIC or the programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute the same process as the charge / discharge control program 365.

[0051] The I / O 364 is connected to the first communication I / F 351, the power converter 352, the display 354, and the second communication I / F 355. The control circuit 360 can input and output signals between the first communication I / F 351, the power converter 352, and the second communication I / F 355 via the I / O 364. That is, the control circuit 360 can instruct an operation by transmitting a control signal to the first communication I / F 351, the power converter 352, or the second communication I / F 355, and can receive various information from the first communication I / F 351, the power converter 352, or the second communication I / F 355. The I / O 364 can output a video signal to the display 354.

[0052] The I / O 364 is connected to signal lines 311, 312, 314, and 315. The I / O 364 outputs a control signal to the LED 304 via the signal line 311 in response to an instruction from the processor 361. This causes the LED 304 to light up or turn off. The I / O 364 outputs a control signal to the locking unit 303 via the signal line 312 in response to an instruction from the processor 361. This controls the position of the movable piece 303b of the locking unit 303. The I / O 364 receives an ON signal from the switch 310B via the signal line 314 and notifies the processor 361.

[0053] While the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the I / O 364 outputs a charge / discharge start signal for notifying the start of charging / discharging via a signal line 315 in response to a command from the processor 361. The charge / discharge start signal will be described later.

[0054] 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the control circuit 360. The control circuit 360 has each function of an acquisition unit 371, a connection determination unit 372, a notification unit 373, a signal transmission unit 374, a lock control unit 375, a charge / discharge control unit 376, an abnormality detection unit 377, and a measurement unit 378.

[0055] The acquisition unit 371 acquires the detection result of the switch 310B that detects the semi-connected state of the connector 300 with respect to the inlet 120.

[0056] The connection determination unit 372 determines whether or not the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120 based on the detection result of the switch 310B. The switch 310B is in the OFF state when the connector 300 is in a non-connected state or a connected state to the inlet 120. The switch 310B is in the ON state when the connector 300 is in a semi-connected state to the inlet 120.

[0057] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing an example of the position of the connector 300 relative to the inlet 120 and the relationship with the latch 302a.

[0058] 5A shows a state in which connector 300 is separated from inlet 120, i.e., a disconnected state. At this time, second end 302d of latch member 302 is pressed by spring 302c, and latch 302a is in the upper position. Latch 302a in the upper position protrudes to the outside of plug 301 through hole 301a provided in plug 301. Actuator 320 of switch 310B is pressed by second end 302d of latch member 302 pressed downward by spring 302c, and switch 310B is in the OFF state.

[0059] FIG. 5B shows a state in which the plug 301 of the connector 300 is being inserted into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, that is, a semi-connected state. In the middle of inserting the plug 301 of the connector 300 into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, the latch 302a is pushed downward by the inner wall of the socket 121 of the inlet 120, and the position of the latch 302a changes to the lower position. The second end 302d of the latch member 302 moves upward against the force of the spring 302c. As a result, the actuator 320 of the switch 310B is no longer pushed by the second end 302d of the latch member 302, and the switch 310B transitions to an ON state. The semi-connected state is a state in which the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121 and the latch 302a is pushed against the side of the socket 121.

[0060] FIG. 5C shows a state where the plug 301 of the connector 300 has been inserted into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, that is, a connected state. An opening 122 for inserting the latch 302a is provided on the inner wall of the socket 121 of the inlet 120. When the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121, the position of the hole 301a and the position of the opening 122 coincide with each other. As a result, the second end 302d of the latch member 302 is pushed by the spring 302c, and the latch 302a returns to the upper position. The latch 302a is inserted into the opening 122. The actuator 320 of the switch 310B is pushed by the second end 302d of the latch member 302 pushed downward by the spring 302c, and the switch 310B transitions to an OFF state. The connected state is a state where the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121 and the latch 302a is inserted into the opening 122 of the socket 121.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of an output signal from switch 310B. In Fig. 6, the vertical axis indicates the output voltage of switch 310B, and the horizontal axis indicates time. Switch 310B does not output a voltage in the OFF state (i.e., the output voltage is a reference voltage V0), and outputs a preset voltage in the ON state (i.e., the output voltage is voltage V1). In the ON state, switch 310B outputs an ON signal, which is a voltage signal with a voltage value V1.

[0062] Between time t0 and t1, the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are in a disconnected state, and the switch 310B is in an OFF state. The output voltage of the switch 310B during this period is V0.

[0063] At time t1, plug 301 of connector 300 begins to be inserted into socket 121 of inlet 120. At time t1, switch 310B transitions from an OFF state to an ON state, and the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V0 to V1. During the period from time t1 to t2, which is the midway period during which plug 301 is inserted into socket 121, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a semi-connected state, and switch 310B is in an ON state. The output voltage of switch 310B during this period is V1.

[0064] At time t2, the insertion of plug 301 into socket 121 is completed. At time t2, switch 310B transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, and the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V1 to V0. Between times t2 and t3, when the insertion of plug 301 into socket 121 is completed, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a connected state, and switch 310B is in an OFF state. The output voltage of switch 310B during this period is V0.

[0065] 4, when the state of switch 310B transitions from an OFF state to an ON state and then to an OFF state, connection determination unit 372 determines that connector 300 is connected to inlet 120. A specific description will be given below.

[0066] Connection determination unit 372 detects time t1 when the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V0 to V1, i.e., the rising point of the output voltage of switch 310B (see FIG. 6). Connection determination unit 372 determines that connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a non-connected state during the period from t0 to t1 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0067] Connection determination unit 372 detects time t2 when the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V1 to V0, i.e., the falling point of the output voltage of switch 310B (see FIG. 6). Connection determination unit 372 determines that connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a semi-connected state during the period from t1 to t2 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V1. Furthermore, connection determination unit 372 determines that connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a connected state during the period from t2 to t3 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0068] The connection determination unit 372 monitors the output voltage of the switch 310B, and detects that the voltage value has transitioned from V0 to V1 to V0, i.e., that the switch 310B has transitioned from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state, and determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120.

[0069] When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charge / discharge control unit 376 starts a charge / discharge operation for charging / discharging the battery 110. Specifically, the charge / discharge control unit 376 can control the power converter 352 and cause the power converter 352 to perform a charge / discharge operation of the battery 110.

[0070] In addition, in the case of a charging device having only a charging function, a charging control unit capable of only charging the battery 110 is included (not shown) instead of the charge / discharge control unit 376. When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charging control unit starts a charging operation for charging the battery 110.

[0071] When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the signal transmission unit 374 transmits a charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100. The charge / discharge start signal is a signal for notifying the electric vehicle 100 that a charge / discharge operation can be started. When the on-board control device 130 of the electric vehicle 100 receives the charge / discharge start signal, the on-board control device 130 starts communication with the charge / discharge device 200 and transmits battery information required for the charge / discharge operation to the charge / discharge device 200. The battery information is characteristic information of the battery 110, and includes, for example, the maximum capacity, maximum output voltage, and SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 110. When there is no response to the charge / discharge start signal from the electric vehicle 100 within a predetermined response period, the signal transmission unit 374 can periodically transmit the charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100. The transmission cycle of the charge / discharge start signal can be, for example, several seconds. When there is no response even after transmitting the charge / discharge start signal a certain number of times to the electric vehicle 100, the signal transmission unit 374 can stop transmitting the charge / discharge start signal.

[0072] The charge / discharge control unit 376 controls the first communication I / F 351 and communicates with the in-vehicle control device 130 via the first communication I / F 351. The charge / discharge control unit 376 transmits power information required for charge / discharge operation to the in-vehicle control device 130. The power information is characteristic information of the power converter 352, and includes, for example, the maximum output current and maximum output voltage of the power converter 352. After exchanging battery information and power information with the in-vehicle control device 130, the charge / discharge control unit 376 starts the charge / discharge operation by the power converter 352.

[0073] When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the connection determination unit 372 transmits a connection determination signal to the lock control unit 375. When the lock control unit 375 receives the connection determination signal from the connection determination unit 372, the lock control unit 375 causes the lock unit 303 to lock the connection state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. That is, the lock control unit 375 transmits a control signal to the lock unit 303 via the signal line 312. This applies a current to the solenoid, and the movable piece 303b is moved. The movable piece 303b restricts the rotation of the latch member 302, and the connection state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 is locked.

[0074] The abnormality detection unit 377 detects an abnormality in the process of connecting the connector 300 to the inlet 120 based on the number of times the semi-connected state by the switch 310B is detected.

[0075] In a specific example, the abnormality detection unit 377 detects a connection process abnormality when the number of times the semi-connected state is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. The reference value is, for example, 2. However, the reference value is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more. In the following description, the reference value is assumed to be "2".

[0076] 7 is a graph showing an example of an output signal from switch 310B when an abnormal connection is detected. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of switch 310B, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0077] When the user is unable to properly insert the connector 300 into the inlet 120, the user may pull out the connector 300 from the inlet 120 or change the angle of the connector 300 with respect to the inlet 120, and then reinsert the connector 300 into the inlet 120. When the connector 300 is first inserted into the inlet 120, the state of the switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state at time t11. In this state, the connector 300 is pulled out from the inlet 120 or the angle of the connector 300 with respect to the inlet 120 is changed, and the state of the switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state at time t12. That is, a pulse signal P1 is output from the switch 310B.

[0078] At this time, since the switch 310B transitions from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120. Furthermore, the signal transmission unit 374 transmits a charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100. However, since the connector 300 is not connected to the inlet 120, the charge / discharge start signal is not received by the electric vehicle 100, and communication between the charging / discharging device 200 and the on-board control device 130 does not start. As described above, if there is no response to the charge / discharge start signal, the signal transmission unit 374 retries transmitting the charge / discharge start signal.

[0079] When connector 300 is inserted into inlet 120 again, the state of switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state at time t13. At this time, when connector 300 is completely inserted into inlet 120, the state of switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state at time t14. That is, a pulse signal P2 is output from switch 310B. At this point, a charge / discharge start signal is transmitted to in-vehicle control device 130, and communication between charging / discharging device 200 and in-vehicle control device 130 begins.

[0080] In this way, pulse signals P1 and P2 are transmitted twice from switch 310B. In other words, the semi-connected state is detected twice by switch 310B. Therefore, the number of times N that the semi-connected state is detected is equal to or greater than the reference value of 2, and abnormality detection unit 377 detects an abnormality in the process of connecting connector 300 to inlet 120.

[0081] For example, the abnormality detection unit 377 detects a connection process abnormality based on the number of times N that the semi-connected state is detected from the time when the first pulse P1 is detected until communication between the electric vehicle 100 and the charging / discharging device 200 is started.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 4, the measurement unit 378 measures the duration of the semi-connected state between the connector 300 and the inlet 120.

[0083] 8 is a graph for explaining an example of measuring the duration of the semi-connected state, in which the vertical axis indicates the output voltage of switch 310B and the horizontal axis indicates time.

[0084] The measuring unit 378 measures the period from time t21 when the switch 310B transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, i.e., time t21 of the rise of the pulse output from the switch 310B, to time t22 when the switch 310B transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, i.e., time t22 of the fall of the pulse output from the switch 310B, i.e., the pulse width PW. The pulse width PW is an example of the duration of the semi-connected state.

[0085] For example, the measurement unit 378 measures the pulse width PW by starting time measurement from pulse rise time t21 and ending the measurement at pulse fall time t22. In another example, the measurement unit 378 may record the pulse rise time t21 in an internal memory such as the volatile memory 363, record the pulse rise time t22 in the internal memory, and calculate the difference between the recorded times t22 and t21 to calculate the pulse width PW.

[0086] 4, the abnormality detection unit 377 detects an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 based on the duration of the semi-connected state measured by the measurement unit 378, i.e., the pulse width PW. In a specific example, the abnormality detection unit 377 detects an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 when the pulse width PW measured by the measurement unit 378 is equal to or greater than a certain reference value. On the other hand, the abnormality detection unit 377 determines that the connector 300 is normally connected to the inlet 120 when the pulse width PW is less than the certain reference value.

[0087] If the connector 300 is not completely inserted into the inlet 120 or if there is a defect in the latch member 302, even if the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the switch 310B may not return from the ON state to the OFF state, and the semi-connected state may continue to be detected. The abnormality detection unit 377 can detect such an abnormality by monitoring the pulse width PW as described above.

[0088] When the abnormality detection unit 377 detects an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, the notification unit 373 outputs notification information for notifying the user of the occurrence of the abnormality. Specifically, for example, the notification unit 373 outputs a control signal as the notification information to the signal line 311 and turns on the LED 304. This notifies the user of the abnormality in the connection process between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. In another example, the notification unit 373 outputs a video signal as the notification information to the display 354 and causes the display 354 to display information on the abnormality in the connection process between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. As yet another example, the notification unit 373 may output the notification information to the second communication I / F 355 and cause the notification information to be transmitted to an external device, for example, a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, mobile computer) owned by the user. The mobile terminal that receives the notification information displays, for example, information on the abnormality in the connection process on a display.

[0089] For example, the notification unit 373 outputs notification information based on a history of detection of an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. Specifically, the notification unit 373 determines whether or not the history of detection of an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 satisfies a predetermined notification condition, and outputs the notification information when the detection history of the abnormality in the connection process satisfies the notification condition.

[0090] DB450 stores the detection history of connection process abnormalities of connector 300 to inlet 120 for each charging / discharging device 200 (see FIG. 1). For example, DB450 records the detection result of connection process abnormality every time charging / discharging device 200 performs a charging / discharging operation of battery 110. For example, if a connection process abnormality is detected, the detection result of connection process abnormality is information indicating that a connection process abnormality has been detected. If a connection process abnormality is not detected, the detection result of connection process abnormality is information indicating that a connection process abnormality has not been detected.

[0091] For example, the detection result of the connection process abnormality may include the number of detections of the semi-connected state (i.e., the number of pulses) N and the duration of the semi-connected state (i.e., the pulse width) PW. As a result, the detection results of the connection process abnormality including the number of pulses N and the pulse width PW in the past are recorded in DB450 as the detection history of the connection process abnormality.

[0092] For example, the connection process anomaly detection history is acquired from DB 450. The notification unit 373 may perform a predetermined statistical process on the connection process anomaly detection history. The notification unit 373 outputs notification information based on the result of the statistical process. Specifically, the notification unit 373 outputs the notification information when a notification condition based on the result of the statistical process is satisfied.

[0093] For example, the statistical processing may be counting the number of consecutive abnormality detections. The notification condition may be that a connection process abnormality is detected consecutively a predetermined number of times or more, in other words, that the number of consecutive abnormality detections is equal to or more than a specified number. If the connector 300 is deformed or a foreign object is attached to the connector 300, it becomes difficult to insert the connector 300 into the inlet 120, so that the user will repeatedly insert the connector 300 into the inlet 120. Therefore, if the number of consecutive abnormality detections (the number of consecutive times that the number of pulses N is 2 or more, or the number of consecutive times that the pulse width PW is equal to or more than a reference value) is equal to or more than a specified number, it is strongly suspected that the abnormality detected this time is not a sudden abnormality but a continuous abnormality. In this way, if a continuous abnormality is suspected, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0094] In another example, the statistical processing may be to calculate the probability of anomaly detection in a predetermined period (hereinafter also referred to as a "judgment period"). The judgment period is, for example, a predetermined period going back from the present, and in one specific example, the past one month. The notification condition is, for example, that the probability of anomaly detection is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the probability of anomaly detection is high, it is strongly suspected that the anomaly is continuous. Therefore, if a continuous anomaly is suspected, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the anomaly. Note that the statistical processing may be to calculate the frequency of anomaly detection instead of the calculation of the probability of anomaly detection.

[0095] For example, the notification unit 373 may compare the detection history of the connection process abnormality of the charging / discharging device 200 with the detection history of the connection process abnormality of charging / discharging devices other than the charging / discharging device 200, and output notification information based on the comparison result. Specifically, the notification unit 373 calculates the detection probability of the connection process abnormality of the charging / discharging device 200 during the determination period (hereinafter also referred to as the "target detection probability") and the detection probability of the connection process abnormality of charging / discharging devices other than the charging / discharging device 200 (hereinafter also referred to as the "reference detection probability"), and compares the target detection probability with the reference detection probability. For example, the notification condition is that the target detection probability is equal to or greater than a threshold determined based on the reference detection probability. The threshold is obtained, for example, by adding a predetermined value to the reference detection probability. If the target detection probability greatly exceeds the reference detection probability, it is strongly suspected that there is a continuous abnormality. Therefore, if a continuous abnormality is suspected, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0096] [1-3. Operation of the charging / discharging system] The processor 361 of the charge / discharge device 200 executes the charge / discharge control program 365, whereby the processor 361 executes the charge / discharge control process described below. Figures 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing an example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the first embodiment.

[0097] When the charge / discharge control process is started, the processor 361 initializes the number of pulses N (step S101). The initial value of the number of pulses N is 0.

[0098] When charging or discharging battery 110 of electric vehicle 100, a user connects connector 300 of charging / discharging device 200 to inlet 120 of electric vehicle 100. Processor 361 monitors the output signal of switch 310B, and determines whether switch 310B has changed from an OFF state to an ON state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a non-connected state to a semi-connected state (step S102). If switch 310B has not changed from an OFF state to an ON state (NO in step S102), processor 361 repeats step S102.

[0099] When switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state (YES in step S102), processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a non-connected state to a semi-connected state. In this case, processor 361 increments pulse number N by 1 (step S103).

[0100] Next, processor 361 determines whether switch 310B has changed from the ON state to the OFF state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from the semi-connected state to the connected state (step S104). If switch 310B has not changed from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in step S104), processor 361 repeats step S104.

[0101] When switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in step S104), processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from the semi-connected state to the connected state. In this case, processor 361 measures the duration of the semi-connected state between connector 300 and inlet 120, i.e., pulse width PW (step S105).

[0102] Next, the processor 361 transmits a charge / discharge start signal via the signal line 315 (step S106). This notifies the on-board controller 130 that the charge / discharge operation can be started.

[0103] When the connector 300 is completely inserted into the inlet 120, the control circuit 360 and the on-board control device 130 are connected, and the charge / discharge start signal transmitted from the control circuit 360 is received by the on-board control device 130. In this case, communication is started between the charging / discharging device 200 and the on-board control device 130. In the communication between the charging / discharging device 200 and the electric vehicle 100, battery information and power information are exchanged.

[0104] On the other hand, if the connector 300 is not completely inserted into the inlet 120, the control circuit 360 is not connected to the in-vehicle control device 130. In this case, the charge / discharge start signal does not reach the in-vehicle control device 130, and communication between the charge / discharge device 200 and the in-vehicle control device 130 is not started.

[0105] The processor 361 determines whether or not communication with the on-board control device 130 (i.e., the electric vehicle 100) has started (step S107). If communication between the charging / discharging device 200 and the electric vehicle 100 has not started (NO in step S107), it can be determined that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are not connected. In this case, the processor 361 returns to step S102.

[0106] When communication between charging / discharging device 200 and electric vehicle 100 is started (YES in step S107), processor 361 outputs a control signal to locking unit 303 via signal line 312 to lock the connection state (step S108).

[0107] When the number of pulses N is 1 and the pulse width PW is less than the reference value, the processor 361 determines that the connector 300 is normally connected to the inlet 120. That is, in this case, the processor 361 does not detect an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. On the other hand, when the number of pulses N is 2 or more, or the pulse width PW is equal to or greater than the reference value, the processor 361 detects an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120.

[0108] The processor 361 determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 (step S109).

[0109] If no abnormality is detected in the connection process of connector 300 to inlet 120 (NO in step S109), processor 361 registers the abnormality detection result in DB 450 (step S110) and proceeds to step S114. In this case, the abnormality detection result indicates that no abnormality is detected. For example, the abnormality detection result includes the number of pulses N and the pulse width PW.

[0110] When an abnormality is detected in the connection process of connector 300 to inlet 120 (YES in step S109), processor 361 registers the abnormality detection result in DB 450 (step S111). In this case, the abnormality detection result indicates that an abnormality has been detected. As in step S110, the abnormality detection result includes, for example, the number of pulses N and the pulse width PW.

[0111] Processor 361 determines whether or not the notification condition is met (step S112). As described above, processor 361 acquires the detection history of the connection process abnormality of charging / discharging device 200 from DB 450. Processor 361 determines whether or not the detection history of the connection process abnormality satisfies the notification condition.

[0112] When the notification condition is that the number of consecutive abnormality detections is equal to or greater than a specified number, processor 361 determines whether the number of consecutive abnormality detections is equal to or greater than the specified number. If the number of consecutive abnormality detections is equal to or greater than the specified number, processor 361 determines that the notification condition is satisfied, and if the number of consecutive abnormality detections is less than the specified number, processor 361 determines that the notification condition is not satisfied.

[0113] If the notification condition is that the probability of anomaly detection is equal to or greater than a threshold, processor 361 calculates the probability of anomaly detection in the determination period and determines whether the calculated probability of anomaly detection is equal to or greater than the threshold. If the probability of anomaly detection is equal to or greater than the threshold, processor 361 determines that the notification condition is satisfied, and if the probability of anomaly detection is less than the threshold, processor 361 determines that the notification condition is not satisfied.

[0114] If the notification condition is not met (NO in step S112), processor 361 proceeds to step S114.

[0115] If the notification condition is met (YES in step S112), processor 361 outputs notification information to notify the user of the abnormality detection (step S113). Specifically, for example, a screen for notifying the user that an abnormality has been detected is displayed on display 354. In another example, LED 304 may be turned on to notify the user of the abnormality detection. As yet another example, a screen for notifying the user of the abnormality detection may be displayed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone of the user.

[0116] Next, the processor 361 controls the power converter 352 to start the charging / discharging operation (step S114). As a result, the battery 110 is charged / discharged.

[0117] For example, charging of battery 110 is completed when the amount of power output from power converter 352 to battery 110 reaches a required charge amount calculated from the SOC of battery 110. For example, discharging of battery 110 is completed when the amount of power input from battery 110 to power converter 352 reaches a discharge amount calculated from the SOC of battery 110. Processor 361 determines whether the charge / discharge operation has ended (step S115). If the charge / discharge operation has not ended (NO in step S115), processor 361 executes step S115 again.

[0118] When the charge / discharge operation is completed (YES in step S115), the processor 361 controls the lock unit 303 to unlock the connection state (step S116). After the lock unit 303 becomes unlocked, the processor 361 notifies the on-board controller 130 of the completion of the charge / discharge operation through communication with the on-board controller 130, and ends communication with the on-board controller 130 (step S117). This ends the charge control process.

[0119] In the above example, when a connection process abnormality is detected, the charge / discharge operation is started by the power converter 352, but this is not limiting. When a connection process abnormality is detected, the charge / discharge operation by the power converter 352 may not be executed, or the start of the charge / discharge operation may be delayed until the connection process abnormality is resolved (for example, until the user reinserts the connector 300 into the inlet 120 and the connection process abnormality is no longer detected).

[0120] [2. Second embodiment] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to the second embodiment.

[0121] The server 400 includes a processor 401 , a non-volatile memory 402 , a volatile memory 403 , and a communication I / F 404 .

[0122] The volatile memory 403 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM. The non-volatile memory 402 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a ROM, etc. The non-volatile memory 402 stores an information provision program 410, which is a computer program, and data used for executing the information provision program 410. Each function of the server 400 is realized by the processor 401 executing the information provision program 410.

[0123] The information providing program 410 is a computer program for notifying a user of the detection of an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 .

[0124] The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU. However, the processor 401 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 401 may be a GPU. The processor 401 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The processor 401 may be a single-core processor. The processor 401 may be, for example, an ASIC or a programmable logic device such as an FPGA. In this case, the ASIC or the programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute the same process as the information provision program 410.

[0125] The communication I / F 404 is, for example, an Ethernet interface. The communication I / F 104 is connected to a network. The server 400 can communicate with the charging / discharging device 200 and access the DB 450 through the communication I / F 404.

[0126] Other hardware configurations of the charge / discharge system according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the charge / discharge system according to the second embodiment.

[0128] In the second embodiment, the server 400 has the function of the notification unit 420. Therefore, it is possible to omit the notification unit 373 of the control circuit 360. The server 400 is an example of an "information providing device."

[0129] The abnormality detection unit 377 transmits the detection result of the connection process abnormality to the server 400 via the second communication I / F 355. The server 400 receives the detection result of the connection process abnormality via the communication I / F 404. The server 400 registers the received detection result of the connection process abnormality in the DB 450.

[0130] Based on the received detection result of the abnormality in the connection process, the notification unit 420 determines whether or not the abnormality detection unit 377 has detected an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. When an abnormality in the connection process of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 is detected, the notification unit 420 outputs notification information for notifying the user of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0131] In the notification section 420, the determination as to whether or not to output the notification information is the same as the determination as to whether or not to output the notification information in the notification section 373 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] The notification unit 420 outputs the notification information to the communication I / F 404. For example, the notification unit 420 causes the communication I / F 404 to transmit the notification information to a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, mobile computer) owned by the user. The mobile terminal that receives the notification information displays, for example, information about an abnormality in the connection process on a display.

[0133] The notification information may be transmitted to, for example, charging / discharging device 200. Based on the received notification information, charging / discharging device 200 turns on LED 304 or displays information about the connection process abnormality on display 354.

[0134] Next, the operation of the charge / discharge system according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0135] In the second embodiment, steps S112 and S113 can be omitted in the charge / discharge control process in the charge / discharge device 200. Other operations of the charge / discharge device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] The processor 401 of the server 400 executes the information provision process described below by executing the information provision program 410. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the information provision process in the server according to the second embodiment.

[0137] Server 400 receives a connection process abnormality detection result transmitted from charging / discharging device 200 (step S201). Processor 401 registers the received abnormality detection result in DB 450.

[0138] Processor 401 determines whether or not the notification condition is met (step S202). That is, processor 401 acquires, from DB 450, a detection history of a connection process abnormality of target charging / discharging device 200 (i.e., charging / discharging device 200 that is the transmission source of the abnormality detection result received in step S201). Processor 361 determines whether or not the detection history of the connection process abnormality satisfies the notification condition. Step S202 is the same as step S112 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] If the notification condition is not met (NO in step S202), the processor 401 ends the information providing process.

[0140] If the notification condition is met (YES in step S202), the processor 401 outputs notification information to notify the user of the abnormality detection (step S203). Specifically, for example, a screen for notifying the user of the abnormality detection is displayed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone of the user. This ends the information provision process.

[0141] [3. Modifications] In the above embodiment, the OFF state of the switch 310B corresponds to the disconnected state and connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, and the ON state of the switch 310B corresponds to the semi-connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, but this is not limited thereto. The switch 310B may be a microswitch with an a-contact. In this case, when the latch 302a is in the upper position, the actuator 320 of the switch 310B is pressed and the switch 310B is in the ON state. That is, the ON state of the switch 310B corresponds to the disconnected state and connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. When the latch 302a is in the lower position, the actuator 320 of the switch 310B is not pressed and the switch 310B is in the OFF state (normal state). That is, the OFF state of the switch 310B corresponds to the semi-connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120.

[0142] [4. Additional Notes] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above-described embodiments, and includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10. Charging and discharging system 100 Electric vehicles 110 Battery 120 Inlet 121 Socket 122 Opening 130 Vehicle control device 200 Charging and discharging equipment (charging equipment) 300 Connectors 301 Plug 301a hole 302 Latch member 302a Latch 302b Fulcrum 302c Spring 302d 2nd end 303 Rock Club 303a Release button 303b Movable piece 304 LED 310B Switch 311, 312, 314, 315 signal lines 316 Communication Line 317 Power Lines 320 Actuator 330 Cable 350 Charge / discharge control device 351 First communication interface (First communication I / F) 352 Power Converter 353 Battery 354 Display 355 Second communication interface (Second communication I / F) 360 Control circuit 361 processor 362 Non-volatile memory 363 Volatile Memory 364 Input / Output Interface (I / O) 365 Charge / discharge control program (abnormality detection program) 371 Acquisition Department 372 Connection Judgment Unit 373 Notification Department 374 Signal Transmitter 375 Lock control section 376 Charge / Discharge Control Unit 377 Anomaly Detection Unit 378 Measurement Division 400 Server (information provider) 401 Processor 402 Non-volatile memory 403 Volatile Memory 404 Communication Interface (Communication I / F) 410 Information Program 420 Notification Department 500 Commercial AC power supply 510 Load

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, a connector connectable to an inlet provided in the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery; a switch for detecting a partial connection state of the connector to the inlet; an abnormality detection unit that detects a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in a process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected by the switch; Equipped with Charging device.

2. the abnormality detection unit detects the connection process abnormality when the number of times the semi-connected state is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. The reference value is 2. The charging device according to claim 2.

4. the charging device further includes a notification unit that outputs notification information for notifying a user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality when the connection process abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit. The charging device according to claim 1 .

5. The notification unit outputs the notification information based on a history of detection of the connection process abnormality. The charging device according to claim 4.

6. The notification unit performs a predetermined statistical processing on the history of the detection of the connection process abnormality, and outputs the notification information based on a result of the statistical processing. The charging device according to claim 5.

7. The notification unit outputs the notification information when the connection process abnormality is detected consecutively a predetermined number of times or more. The charging device according to claim 4.

8. the abnormality detection unit detects the connection process abnormality based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected from when the semi-connected state is first detected until communication between the electric vehicle and the charging device is started. The charging device according to claim 1 .

9. The charging device further includes a measurement unit that measures a duration of the semi-connected state, the abnormality detection unit detects the connection process abnormality based on the duration of the semi-connected state measured by the measurement unit. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for detecting an abnormality in a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising: a step of counting the number of times a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of a connector of the charging device with respect to an inlet of the electric vehicle detects the semi-connected state; detecting a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in a process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the counted number of times the semi-connected state is detected; Including, Anomaly detection methods.

11. An abnormality detection program for detecting an abnormality in a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, On the computer, a step of counting the number of times a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of a connector of the charging device with respect to an inlet of the electric vehicle detects the semi-connected state; detecting a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in a process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the counted number of times the semi-connected state is detected; In order to execute Anomaly detection programs.

12. A charging system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, A charging device; An information providing device; Equipped with The charging device is a connector connectable to an inlet provided in the electric vehicle in order to charge the battery; a switch for detecting a partial connection state of the connector to the inlet; an abnormality detection unit that detects a connection process abnormality, which is an abnormality in a process of connecting the connector to the inlet, based on the number of times the semi-connected state is detected by the switch; Including, the information providing device outputs notification information for notifying a user of the occurrence of the connection process abnormality when the connection process abnormality is detected by the charging device. Charging system.

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