Charging device, determination method, determination program, and charging system

Abstract

To determine a relative positional relation between an inlet and a connector of an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A charging device charges a battery of an electric vehicle and includes: a connector configured to be insertable into an inlet provided in the electric vehicle; a sensor disposed in the connector and configured to output a signal corresponding to a position with respect to a detected element disposed in the inlet; and a determination unit configured to determine a state related to a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on an output signal from the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device, a determination method, a determination 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) for performing the charge / discharge operation 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] The charge / discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet and the connector of an electric vehicle, i.e., whether the connector is inserted into the inlet, whether the connector is removed from the inlet, etc. For this reason, the charge / discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires constant monitoring of the communication state between the charge / discharge device and the electric vehicle during operating hours in order to determine whether the connector is connected 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 for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes a connector that can be inserted into an inlet provided on the electric vehicle, a sensor disposed on the connector that outputs a signal corresponding to its position relative to a detectable object disposed in the inlet, and a determination unit that determines a state regarding the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on the output signal from the sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the relative positional relationship between an inlet and a connector of an electric vehicle can be determined. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a charging / discharging system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging / discharging device according to the 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 disengaged 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 half-inserted 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 the inserted state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a graph showing an example of an output signal from a switch when a connector is inserted into an inlet. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a graph showing an example of an output signal from the switch when the connector is pulled out from the inlet. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the position of the sensor relative to the object to be detected, and shows a detached state. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the position of the sensor relative to the object to be detected, showing a first example of a half-inserted state. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the position of the sensor relative to the object to be detected, showing a second example of a half-inserted state. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the position of the sensor relative to the object to be detected, and shows the inserted state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the detection principle of an object to be detected by a photoelectric sensor. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a graph showing an example of a change over time in an output signal of a sensor when a connector that has been removed from an inlet is inserted into the inlet. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a graph showing an example of a change over time in the output signal of the sensor when the connector inserted into the inlet is pulled out from the inlet. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a graph showing a first signal pattern, which is a first example of a change over time in an output signal of the sensor in an insertion interrupted state. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a graph showing a second signal pattern, which is a second example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor in the insertion interrupted state. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a graph showing a third signal pattern, which is a third example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor in the insertion interrupted state. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a graph showing a first signal pattern, which is a first example of a change over time in an output signal of the sensor in a reinserted state. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a graph showing a second signal pattern, which is a second example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor in the reinserted state. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a graph showing a third signal pattern, which is a third example of a change over time in the output signal of the sensor in the reinserted state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a charge / discharge control process performed by the charge / discharge control device according to the 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 that can be inserted into an inlet provided on the electric vehicle, a sensor disposed on the connector that outputs a signal corresponding to a position of the connector relative to a detectable element disposed on the inlet, and a determination unit that determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on the output signal from the sensor. This makes it possible to determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet of the electric vehicle and the connector.

[0010] (2) In the above (1), the determination unit may determine a state of the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor when a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet in which the first detectable element and the second detectable element are disposed changes. In this way, by using the first detectable element and the second detectable element, the state of the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet can be accurately determined.

[0011] (3) In the above (2), the intensity of the output signal of the sensor when the sensor approaches the first detectable object may be different from the intensity of the output signal of the sensor when the sensor approaches the second detectable object. This makes it possible to detect the proximity of the sensor to each of the first detectable object and the second detectable object based on the intensity of the output signal of the sensor, and to accurately determine the state of the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on the detection result.

[0012] (4) In the above (2) or (3), when the connector moves in the insertion direction into the inlet, the sensor may pass through a first position facing the first detectable element and a second position facing the second detectable element in that order. This makes it possible to identify the order in which the connector passes through the first position and the second position based on an output signal from the sensor, and thus makes it possible to identify whether the connector has moved in the insertion direction relative to the inlet or in the direction away from the inlet.

[0013] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the determination unit may determine whether or not a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is an inserted state in which the connector is inserted into the inlet, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor, thereby making it possible to determine that the connector is inserted into the inlet.

[0014] (6) In the above (5), the charging device may further include a signal sending unit that sends a charging start signal to the electric vehicle when the determining unit determines that a state regarding a position of the connector relative to the inlet is the inserted state. This makes it possible to automatically start charging the battery of the electric vehicle when the connector is inserted into the inlet.

[0015] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) above, the determination unit may determine whether or not a state of the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is a detached state in which the connector is pulled out from the inlet, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor, thereby making it possible to determine that the connector has been pulled out from the inlet.

[0016] (8) In the above (7), the charging device further includes a communication control unit that controls communication with the electric vehicle having the connector connected to the inlet, and the communication control unit may set a standby period for waiting for a communication message from the electric vehicle, and release the standby period when the determination unit determines that a state regarding the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is the detached state. If the connector is pulled out from the inlet during communication between the charging device and the electric vehicle, if the standby period remains set, the connector needs to be inserted into the inlet after the standby period has elapsed. Therefore, the user cannot insert the connector into the inlet until the standby period has elapsed. With the above configuration, if the connector is pulled out from the inlet, the connector can be reinserted into the inlet without waiting for the standby period to elapse.

[0017] (9) In any one of (1) to (8) above, the determination unit may determine whether or not a state regarding the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is an insertion interrupted state in which the connector is partially inserted into the inlet and then pulled out, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor, thereby making it possible to determine that the connector has been partially inserted into the inlet and then pulled out.

[0018] (10) In any one of (1) to (9) above, the determination unit may determine, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor, whether or not a state regarding the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is a reinserted state in which the connector, which was inserted into the inlet, was partially pulled out and then reinserted into the connector, thereby making it possible to determine that the connector, which was inserted into the inlet, was partially pulled out and then reinserted.

[0019] (11) In any one of the above (1) to (10), the charging device may further include a switch that detects a half-inserted state of the connector with respect to the inlet, and the determination unit may determine a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on a combination of a detection result of the half-inserted state by the switch and the output signal from the sensor. This makes it possible to accurately determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet of the electric vehicle and the connector.

[0020] (12) In any one of the above (1) to (11), the object to be detected may be a reflector that reflects light, and the sensor may be a photoelectric sensor. In this way, the photoelectric sensor can detect the proximity of the object to be detected, which is a reflector.

[0021] (13) In any one of the above (1) to (11), the object to be detected may be a magnet, and the sensor may be a magnetic sensor. This makes it possible to detect the proximity of the object to be detected, which is the magnet, by the magnetic sensor.

[0022] (14) A determination method according to the present embodiment is a determination method for a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes the steps of acquiring an output signal from a sensor disposed in the connector, the sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a position of the connector relative to a detectable element disposed in an inlet of the electric vehicle, and determining a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on the acquired output signal from the sensor. This makes it possible to determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet of the electric vehicle and the connector.

[0023] (15) A determination program according to the present embodiment is a determination program for determining a state of a connector of a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and causes a computer to execute the steps of acquiring an output signal from a sensor disposed in the connector, the sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a position of the connector relative to a detectable element disposed in an inlet of the electric vehicle, and determining a state of the relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on the acquired output signal from the sensor. This makes it possible to determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet of the electric vehicle and the connector.

[0024] (16) A charging system according to this embodiment is a charging system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising: an electric vehicle; and a charging device, wherein the electric vehicle includes an inlet used to charge the battery and a detectable element disposed in the inlet, and the charging device includes a connector that can be inserted into the inlet, a sensor disposed in the connector and that outputs a signal corresponding to a position of the connector relative to the detectable element, and a determination unit that determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector to the inlet based on the output signal from the sensor. This makes it possible to determine the relative positional relationship between the inlet and the connector of the electric vehicle.

[0025] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a charging device having the above-mentioned characteristic configuration, a determination method including characteristic processing in the charging device, a determination 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.

[0026] <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.

[0027] [1. Charging and discharging system] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a charge / discharge system according to an embodiment. The charge / discharge system 10 includes an electric vehicle 100 and a charge / discharge device 200.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] [2.Charge / discharge device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging / discharging device according to the embodiment.

[0036] The charge / discharge control device 350 includes a control circuit 360 , a communication interface (I / F) 351 , a power converter 352 , a battery 353 , and a display 354 .

[0037] The charging / discharging device 200 according to the 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In this embodiment, the charging / discharging system 10 that charges and discharges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 has been described, but 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The plug 301 of the connector 300 is provided with a sensor 400. The sensor 400 is used to determine a state regarding the relative position of the connector 300 with respect to the inlet 120 (hereinafter also referred to as a "relative position state of the connector 300"). The sensor 400 according to the embodiment is a photoelectric sensor. A detection surface of the sensor 400 is exposed on the surface of the plug 301.

[0046] The sensor 400 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 313 that passes through the inside of the coating of the cable 330. A signal (voltage signal) output from the sensor 400 is input to the control circuit 360 via the signal line 313.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The communication I / F 351 is a communication circuit for a specific communication protocol, for example, CAN. In another example, the communication I / F 351 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet. A communication line 316 extends from the communication I / F 351 through the sheath of the cable 330 to the connector 300. The communication I / F 351 is used for communication with the in-vehicle control device 130.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 determining the relative position state of the connector 300. The charge / discharge control program 365 is an example of a "determination program".

[0053] 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.

[0054] The I / O 364 is connected to the communication I / F 351, the power converter 352, and the display 354. The control circuit 360 can input and output signals between the communication I / F 351 and the power converter 352 via the I / O 364. That is, the control circuit 360 can instruct the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352 to operate by transmitting a control signal to the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352, and can receive various information from the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352. The I / O 364 can output a video signal to the display 354.

[0055] The I / O 364 is connected to signal lines 311, 312, 313, 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.

[0056] The I / O 364 receives an output signal from the sensor 400 via the signal line 313. The I / O 364 performs, for example, analog / digital conversion on the signal received from the sensor 400 and outputs the converted digital signal to the processor 361. The sensor 400 outputs an analog signal continuously over time. The I / O 364 performs analog / digital conversion at a predetermined sampling period. As a result, the detection value by the sensor 400 is provided to the processor 361 as a time-series digital value.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 determination unit 372, a notification unit 373, a signal transmission unit 374, a lock control unit 375, a communication control unit 376, and a charge / discharge control unit 377.

[0059] The acquiring unit 371 acquires the detection result of the switch 310B that detects the half-insertion state of the connector 300 relative to the inlet 120.

[0060] The switch 310B is in the OFF state when the connector 300 is not inserted or inserted into the inlet 120. The switch 310B is in the ON state when the connector 300 is half-inserted into the inlet 120.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 5A shows a state in which connector 300 is separated from inlet 120, i.e., a detached 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.

[0063] FIG. 5B shows a state where the plug 301 of the connector 300 is inserted halfway into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, that is, a half-inserted state. When the plug 301 of the connector 300 is being inserted 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 half-inserted state is a state where the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121 and the latch 302a is pushed by the side of the socket 121.

[0064] FIG. 5C shows a state where the plug 301 of the connector 300 has been completely inserted into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, that is, the inserted 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 completely 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 the OFF state. The inserted 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.

[0065] Fig. 6A is a graph showing an example of an output signal from switch 310B when connector 300 is inserted into inlet 120. In Fig. 6A, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of switch 310B, and the horizontal axis represents 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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, during which plug 301 is being inserted into socket 121, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a half-inserted state, and switch 310B is in an ON state. The output voltage of switch 310B during this period is V1.

[0068] 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 time t2 and t3, when the insertion of plug 301 into socket 121 is completed, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in the inserted state, and switch 310B is in the OFF state. The output voltage of switch 310B during this period is V0.

[0069] Fig. 6B is a graph showing an example of an output signal from switch 310B when connector 300 is pulled out from inlet 120. In Fig. 6B, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of switch 310B, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0070] Between times t4 and t5, the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are in an inserted state, and the switch 310B is in an OFF state. The output voltage of the switch 310B during this period is V0.

[0071] At time t5, the user presses the release button 303a. This causes the latch 302a to move and release the engagement with the inlet 120. When the release button 303a is pressed, the latch member 302 presses the switch 310B. Therefore, the switch 310B transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, and the output voltage of the switch 310B changes from V0 to V1.

[0072] While pressing release button 303a, the user pulls out connector 300 from inlet 120. When connector 300 is pulled out from inlet 120, the user releases release button 303a (time t6). This causes latch 302a to move by spring 302c, and the pressing of switch 310B by latch member 302 is released. Therefore, switch 310B transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, and the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V1 to V0.

[0073] During the period from time t5 to time t6 when the release button 303a is pressed by the user, the switch 310B is in the ON state. During this period, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the half-inserted state. The output voltage of the switch 310B during this period is V1.

[0074] During the period from time t6 to time t7 when plug 301 has been completely removed from socket 121, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a disconnected state, and switch 310B is in an OFF state. The output voltage of switch 310B during this period is V0.

[0075] As described above, when the relative position state of connector 300 transitions from the removed state to the inserted state and when it transitions from the inserted state to the removed state, switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state.

[0076] Returning to Fig. 4, determination unit 372 determines the relative position state of connector 300. That is, determination unit 372 determines whether the relative position state of connector 300 is an inserted state or a removed state. More specifically, determination unit 372 further determines whether the relative position state of connector 300 is a removed state in which connector 300 is partially inserted into inlet 120 and then removed, or a reinserted state in which connector 300, which has been inserted into inlet 120, is partially removed, and then reinserted into connector 300.

[0077] The above-mentioned switch 310B is turned off when the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state or the removed state. Therefore, the relative position state of the connector 300 cannot be accurately determined only by the detection result of the switch 310B. The determination unit 372 according to the embodiment uses the output signal of the sensor 400 to determine the relative position state of the connector 300.

[0078] An object to be detected is disposed in the inlet 120 of the electric vehicle 100. The sensor 400 outputs a signal according to its position relative to the object to be detected.

[0079] 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector 300 relative to the inlet 120 and the position of the sensor 400 relative to the object to be detected. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D show the connector 300 approaching the inlet 120 in this order.

[0080] Fig. 7A shows a state in which connector 300 is removed from inlet 120. As shown in Fig. 7A, a first detectable element 151 and a second detectable element 152 are disposed inside socket 121. First detectable element 151 is disposed closer to the opening of socket 121 than second detectable element 152.

[0081] The sensor 400 includes a light emitting element 401 and a light receiving element 402. The light emitting element 401 emits light. The light receiving element 402 is a photoelectric conversion element, and outputs a voltage signal according to the intensity of the received light.

[0082] The sensor 400 is a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of an object. When no object is in proximity to the sensor 400, the light emitted from the light emitting element 401 is not reflected, and the light receiving intensity of the light receiving element 402 is low. For example, when the amount of light around the sensor 400 is zero, the output voltage of the light receiving element 402 is zero. In other words, when the relative position state of the connector 300 is in the detached state, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is very low.

[0083] Each of the first detectable object 151 and the second detectable object 152 is a reflector. For example, each of the first detectable object 151 and the second detectable object 152 is a reflective sheet having a reflector applied to its surface, and is attached to the inner wall of the socket 121.

[0084] When the connector 300 moves in the direction of insertion into the inlet 120, i.e., during the process of inserting the connector 300 into the inlet 120, the sensor 400 passes in sequence through a first position 151S facing the first detectable object 151 and a second position 152S facing the second detectable object 152.

[0085] 7B shows a first example of a state in which the connector 300 is partially inserted into the inlet 120. In FIG. 7B, the sensor 400 is located at the first position 151S. At this time, the sensor 400 faces the first detected object 151.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the principle of detection of a detectable object by a photoelectric sensor. Fig. 8 shows an example in which a first detectable object 151 is detected by a sensor 400, but the detection of a second detectable object 152 is also similar.

[0087] The first detectable object 151 is a reflector having a reflectance greater than a predetermined value. When the sensor 400 faces the first detectable object 151, at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 401 is reflected by the first detectable object 151. The reflected light is received by the light receiving element 402. The light receiving element 402 outputs a voltage signal according to the intensity of the received light (i.e., the amount of reflected light). Therefore, in the half-inserted state shown in FIG. 7B, the level of the output signal from the light receiving element 402 is higher than when the relative position state of the connector 300 is in the detached state.

[0088] 7C shows a second example of the connector 300 being partially inserted into the inlet 120. In FIG. 7C, the sensor 400 is located at the second position 152S. At this time, the sensor 400 faces the second detected object 152.

[0089] The second object to be detected 152 has, for example, a reflectance different from that of the first object to be detected 151. In the embodiment, the reflectance of the second object to be detected 152 is higher than the reflectance of the first object to be detected 151. As a result, the output voltage of the sensor 400 when the sensor 400 is located at the position where the second object to be detected 152, i.e., the second position 152S, is higher than the output voltage of the sensor 400 when the sensor 400 is located at the position where the first object to be detected 151, i.e., the first position 151S. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether the sensor 400 is located at the first position 151S or the second position 152S, depending on the output voltage level of the sensor 400.

[0090] Fig. 7D shows a state in which connector 300 is inserted into inlet 120. In Fig. 7D, sensor 400 faces neither first detectable element 151 nor second detectable element 152. Sensor 400 faces a portion of the inner wall of socket 121 where first detectable element 151 and second detectable element 152 are not arranged.

[0091] The reflectance of first detectable element 151 and second detectable element 152 is higher than the reflectance of the inner wall of socket 121. Therefore, when the relative positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 is as shown in Fig. 7D, part of the light emitted from light-emitting element 401 is reflected by the inner wall of socket 121, but the amount of reflected light is lower than the amount of reflected light by first detectable element 151 and second detectable element 152. Therefore, the output voltage from sensor 400 in the inserted state is higher than the output voltage of sensor 400 in the removed state shown in Fig. 7A and lower than the output voltage of sensor 400 in the half-inserted state shown in Figs. 7B and 7C.

[0092] 9A and 9B are graphs showing an example of a change over time in the output signal from the sensor 400. In Fig. 9A and 9B, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the sensor 400, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0093] FIG. 9A shows the change over time in the output signal of sensor 400 when the relative position state of connector 300 transitions from a detached state to an inserted state, i.e., when connector 300 that has been detached from inlet 120 is inserted into inlet 120.

[0094] In the following, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the amount of light in the space surrounding the inlet 120 is zero. In other words, when the relative position state of the connector 300 is the disconnected state, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is zero.

[0095] 9A, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the disconnected state before time t10. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is zero before time t10.

[0096] When the connector 300 moves in the insertion direction into the inlet 120 and the sensor 400 is located at the opening of the socket 121 (time t10), a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 401 is reflected by the inner wall of the socket 121, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element 402. Therefore, at time t10, the output voltage of the sensor 400 becomes higher than zero.

[0097] Here, the value of the output voltage of the sensor 400 when the light receiving element 402 receives the light reflected by the inner wall of the socket 121 is taken as VB.

[0098] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S (time t11). At time t11, the light receiving element 402 receives the light reflected by the first object to be detected 151. At time t11, the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0099] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 passes through the first position 151S and is positioned between the first position 151S and the second position 152S. At this time, the sensor 400 faces the inner wall of the socket 121, so that the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0100] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S (time t12). At time t12, the light receiving element 402 receives the light reflected by the second object to be detected 152. The output voltage of the sensor 400 increases and reaches VS2 at time t12.

[0101] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 passes through the second position 152S and is completely inserted into the inlet 120 (time t13). Since the sensor 400 faces the inner wall of the socket 121, the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0102] For example, the output voltage VS1 is higher than the threshold value Th1 and lower than the threshold value Th2, and the output voltage VS2 is higher than both of the threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2.

[0103] 4, the acquisition unit 371 acquires an output signal (voltage) of the sensor 400. The determination unit 372 determines the relative position state of the connector 300 based on the acquired output signal from the sensor 400. In a specific example, the determination unit 372 determines the relative position state of the connector 300 based on a pattern of change over time of the output signal from the sensor 400 (hereinafter also referred to as a "change pattern") when the relative position of the connector 300 changes with respect to the inlet 120 in which the first detectable element 151 and the second detectable element 152 are arranged.

[0104] For example, the determination unit 372 determines whether the relative position state of the connector 300 is the insertion state based on the change pattern of the output signal from the sensor 400. That is, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the change pattern corresponding to the insertion state. As shown in FIG. 9A, the change pattern corresponding to the insertion state is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1, then the output voltage increases (time t10), becomes larger than the threshold Th1 and higher than the threshold Th2 (time t11), then the output voltage drops below the threshold Th1, then the output voltage becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t12), and then the output voltage becomes lower than the threshold Th1 (time t13). For example, the non-volatile memory 362 stores information indicating the change pattern corresponding to the insertion state as reference pattern information. When the change pattern of the acquired output signal of the sensor 400 matches the change pattern corresponding to the insertion state, the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the insertion state.

[0105] FIG. 9B shows the change over time in the output signal of sensor 400 when the relative position state of connector 300 transitions from an inserted state to a removed state, i.e., when connector 300 inserted into inlet 120 is pulled out from inlet 120.

[0106] 9B, before time t20, the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state. Before time t20, sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, and the output voltage of sensor 400 is VB.

[0107] Connector 300 moves in the direction away from inlet 120, and sensor 400 approaches second object to be detected 152. When the front of sensor 400 overlaps with second object to be detected 152, light receiving element 402 receives light reflected by second object to be detected 152, and the output voltage of sensor 400 increases. At time t21, sensor 400 reaches second position 152S, and the output voltage of sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0108] When the connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, the sensor 400 passes through the second position 152S and is positioned between the second position 152S and the first position 151S. At this time, the sensor 400 faces the inner wall of the socket 121, so that the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0109] When the connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S (time t22). At time t22, the light receiving element 402 receives the light reflected by the first object to be detected 151. The output voltage of the sensor 400 increases and reaches VS1 at time t22.

[0110] When the connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, the sensor 400 passes through the first position 151S. Since the sensor 400 faces the inner wall of the socket 121, the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0111] When connector 300 further moves in the removal direction and sensor 400 passes the opening of socket 121 (time t23), the light emitted from light emitting element 401 is no longer reflected by the inner wall of socket 121. Therefore, the output voltage of sensor 400 becomes zero at time t23.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 4, for example, the determination unit 372 determines whether the relative position state of the connector 300 is a detached state based on a change pattern of the output signal from the sensor 400. That is, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches a change pattern corresponding to the detached state. As shown in FIG. 9B, the change pattern corresponding to the detached state is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t20), the output voltage then increases and becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t21), the output voltage thereafter decreases below the threshold Th1, the output voltage thereafter becomes higher than the threshold Th1 and higher than the threshold Th2 (time t22), and the output voltage thereafter becomes lower than the threshold Th1 (time t23). For example, the non-volatile memory 362 stores information indicating a change pattern corresponding to the detached state as reference pattern information. When the change pattern of the acquired output signal of the sensor 400 matches the change pattern corresponding to the detached state, the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the detached state.

[0113] The determination unit 372 can also determine a relative position state of the connector 300 other than the inserted state and the removed state. For example, based on a change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400, the determination unit 372 determines whether the relative position state of the connector 300 is an interrupted insertion state in which the connector 300 is partially inserted into the inlet 120 and then pulled out.

[0114] 10A, 10B, and 10C are graphs showing examples of temporal changes in the output signal of the sensor 400 in an insertion interrupted state. In Fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the sensor 400, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0115] FIG. 10A shows a first signal pattern that is a first example of a change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the insertion interrupted state.

[0116] A first signal pattern in the insertion interrupted state will be described. Before time t30, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the removal state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is zero before time t30.

[0117] When the connector 300 moves in the insertion direction into the inlet 120 and the sensor 400 is positioned at the opening of the socket 121 (time t30), the output voltage of the sensor 400 becomes higher than zero.

[0118] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S (time t31), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0119] The connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, and the sensor 400 is positioned between the first position 151S and the second position 152S (time t32). The output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0120] Here, if the user feels something strange, such as a snag, during the movement of connector 300, he or she stops the movement of connector 300 and then starts to pull connector 300 out of inlet 120. The movement direction of connector 300 changes from the insertion direction into inlet 120 to the removal direction from inlet 120, and connector 300 again approaches first detected element 151. Sensor 400 reaches first position 151S (time t33), and the output voltage of sensor 400 again reaches VS1.

[0121] Connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, and sensor 400 passes first position 151S. Since sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB. When sensor 400 passes the opening of socket 121 (time t34), the output voltage of sensor 400 becomes zero.

[0122] FIG. 10B shows a second signal pattern that is a second example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the insertion interrupted state.

[0123] A second signal pattern in the insertion interrupted state will now be described. Before time t30, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the removal state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is zero before time t30.

[0124] When the connector 300 moves in the insertion direction into the inlet 120 and the sensor 400 is positioned at the opening of the socket 121 (time t40), the output voltage of the sensor 400 becomes higher than zero.

[0125] As the connector 300 moves further in the insertion direction, the front surface of the sensor 400 begins to overlap the first detection target 151. The output voltage of the sensor 400 increases and exceeds the threshold value Th1 at time t41. When the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S, the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0126] For example, if the user feels something strange, such as a snag, while moving connector 300, he or she stops moving connector 300 and then starts to pull connector 300 out of inlet 120. The direction of movement of connector 300 changes from the direction of insertion into inlet 120 to the direction of removal from inlet 120. When the overlap between the front surface of sensor 400 and first detectable object 151 decreases, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases and falls below threshold value Th1 at time t42.

[0127] When connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, and the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB. When sensor 400 passes the opening of socket 121 (time t43), the output voltage of sensor 400 becomes zero.

[0128] FIG. 10C shows a third signal pattern that is a third example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the insertion interrupted state.

[0129] A third signal pattern in the insertion interruption state will now be described. Before time t50, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the removal state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 is zero before time t50.

[0130] When the connector 300 moves in the insertion direction into the inlet 120 and the sensor 400 is positioned at the opening of the socket 121 (time t50), the output voltage of the sensor 400 becomes higher than zero.

[0131] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S (time t51), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0132] The connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, and the sensor 400 is positioned between the first position 151S and the second position 152S. The output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0133] The connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, and the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S (time t52). The output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0134] Here, for example, if the user feels something strange, such as the connector 300 getting caught while moving, the user stops moving the connector 300 and then starts to pull the connector 300 out of the inlet 120. The movement direction of the connector 300 changes from the insertion direction into the inlet 120 to the removal direction from the inlet 120, and the sensor 400 moves away from the second position 152S. The connector 300 moves in the insertion direction, and the sensor 400 is positioned between the first position 151S and the second position 152S, and the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0135] When the connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S again (time t53), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0136] Connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, and sensor 400 passes first position 151S. Since sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB. When sensor 400 passes the opening of socket 121 (time t54), the output voltage of sensor 400 becomes zero.

[0137] 4, for example, the determination unit 372 determines whether or not the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the first signal pattern in the insertion interruption state by using the thresholds Th1 and Th2. As shown in FIG. 10A, the first signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t30), then the output voltage increases to be higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 (time t31), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1 (time t32), then the output voltage increases again to be higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 (time t33), and then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1 (time t34).

[0138] For example, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the second signal pattern of the insertion interruption state. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t40), then the output voltage increases and reaches the threshold Th1 (time t41), the state in which the output voltage is higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 continues for a period PW1 (time t42), and thereafter the output voltage becomes lower than the threshold Th1 (time t43). For example, if the period PW1 during which the output voltage is higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 in the change pattern of the acquired output signal of the sensor 400 is equal to or greater than a specific reference value, it is determined that the change pattern of the acquired signal matches the second signal pattern.

[0139] For example, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether or not the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the third signal pattern in the insertion interruption state. As shown in Fig. 10C, the third signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t50), then the output voltage increases and becomes higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 (time t51), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1, then the output voltage increases higher than the threshold Th2 (time t52), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1, then the output voltage increases again and becomes higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 (time t53), and then the output voltage decreases lower than the threshold Th1 (time t54).

[0140] For example, information indicating the first signal pattern, the second signal pattern, and the third signal pattern in the insertion interrupted state is stored as reference pattern information in the nonvolatile memory 362. When the change pattern of the acquired output signal of the sensor 400 matches one of the first signal pattern, the second signal pattern, and the third signal pattern, the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the insertion interrupted state.

[0141] For example, based on the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400, the determination unit 372 determines whether the relative position state of the connector 300 is a re-inserted state in which the connector 300 is inserted into the inlet 120, partially pulled out, and then re-inserted into the connector 300.

[0142] 11A, 11B, and 11C are graphs showing an example of a change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the reinserted state. In Fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the sensor 400, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0143] FIG. 11A shows a first signal pattern that is a first example of a change over time in the output signal of sensor 400 in the reinserted state.

[0144] The first signal pattern of the reinsertion state will be described. For example, when a user inserts connector 300 into inlet 120, if the user feels something strange, such as something getting stuck, before the insertion is complete, the user may reinsert connector 300 into inlet 120 after the insertion is complete. In such a case, the reinsertion state occurs.

[0145] Before time t60, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 before time t60 is VB.

[0146] When the connector 300 moves in the direction away from the inlet 120, the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S (time t61), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0147] The connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, and the sensor 400 is positioned between the second position 152S and the first position 151S (time t62). The output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0148] Here, for example, the user stops the movement of connector 300 in order to reinsert connector 300 into inlet 120, and then starts to push connector 300 deeper into inlet 120. The movement direction of connector 300 changes from the direction of removal from inlet 120 to the direction of insertion into inlet 120, and connector 300 again approaches second detected element 152. Sensor 400 reaches second position 152S (time t63), and the output voltage of sensor 400 again reaches VS2.

[0149] Connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, and sensor 400 passes second position 152S. Because sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB. Connector 300 is pushed all the way into socket 121, and reinsertion of connector 300 into inlet 120 is completed.

[0150] FIG. 11B shows a second signal pattern that is a second example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the reinserted state.

[0151] The second signal pattern in the reinsertion state will now be described. Before time t70, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the insertion state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 before time t70 is VB.

[0152] As the connector 300 moves in the direction away from the inlet 120, the front surface of the sensor 400 begins to overlap the second object to be detected 152. The output voltage of the sensor 400 increases and exceeds the threshold value Th2 at time t71. When the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S, the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0153] Here, for example, the user stops the movement of connector 300 in order to reinsert connector 300 into inlet 120, and then starts to push connector 300 deeper into inlet 120. The movement direction of connector 300 changes from the direction of removal from inlet 120 to the direction of insertion into inlet 120. When the overlap between the front surface of sensor 400 and second detectable object 152 becomes smaller, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases and falls below threshold value Th2 at time t72.

[0154] As the connector 300 moves further in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 faces the inner wall of the socket 121, and the output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB. The connector 300 is completely inserted into the inlet 120 (time t73).

[0155] FIG. 11C shows a third signal pattern that is a third example of the change over time in the output signal of the sensor 400 in the reinserted state.

[0156] The third signal pattern in the reinsertion state will now be described. Before time t80, the relative position state of the connector 300 is the insertion state. Therefore, the output voltage of the sensor 400 before time t80 is VB.

[0157] When the connector 300 moves in the removal direction, the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S (time t81), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0158] The connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, and the sensor 400 is positioned between the second position 152S and the first position 151S. The output voltage of the sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0159] The connector 300 further moves in the removal direction, and the sensor 400 reaches the first position 151S (time t82). The output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS1.

[0160] Here, for example, the user stops the movement of connector 300 in order to reinsert connector 300 into inlet 120, and then starts to push connector 300 deeper into inlet 120. The movement direction of connector 300 changes from the removal direction from inlet 120 to the insertion direction into inlet 120, and sensor 400 moves away from first position 151S. Connector 300 moves in the insertion direction, and sensor 400 is positioned between first position 151S and second position 152S, and the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB.

[0161] When the connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, the sensor 400 reaches the second position 152S again (time t83), and the output voltage of the sensor 400 reaches VS2.

[0162] Connector 300 further moves in the insertion direction, and sensor 400 passes second position 152S. Because sensor 400 faces the inner wall of socket 121, the output voltage of sensor 400 decreases to VB. Connector 300 is pushed all the way into socket 121, and reinsertion of connector 300 into inlet 120 is completed.

[0163] 4, for example, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether or not the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the first signal pattern in the reinsertion state. As shown in FIG. 11A, the first signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t60), then the output voltage increases and becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t61), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1 (time t62), then the output voltage increases again and becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t63), and then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1 (time t64).

[0164] For example, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the second signal pattern in the reinsertion state. As shown in FIG. 11B, the second signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t70), then the output voltage increases and reaches the threshold Th2 (time t71), the state in which the output voltage is higher than the threshold Th2 continues for a period PW2 (time t72), and thereafter the output voltage becomes lower than the threshold Th1 (time t73). For example, if the period PW2 during which the output voltage is higher than the threshold Th2 in the acquired change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 is equal to or greater than a specific reference value, the change pattern of the acquired signal is determined to match the second signal pattern.

[0165] For example, the determination unit 372 uses the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to determine whether or not the change pattern of the output signal of the sensor 400 matches the third signal pattern in the reinsertion state. As shown in Fig. 11C, the third signal pattern is such that the output voltage of the sensor 400 is first lower than the threshold Th1 (time t80), then the output voltage increases and becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t81), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1, then the output voltage becomes higher than the threshold Th1 and lower than the threshold Th2 (time t82), then the output voltage decreases below the threshold Th1, then the output voltage increases again and becomes higher than the threshold Th2 (time t83), and then the output voltage becomes lower than the threshold Th1 (time t84).

[0166] For example, information indicating the first signal pattern, the second signal pattern, and the third signal pattern in the reinsertion state is stored as reference pattern information in the nonvolatile memory 362. When the change pattern of the acquired output signal of the sensor 400 matches one of the first signal pattern, the second signal pattern, and the third signal pattern, the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the reinsertion state.

[0167] In a specific example, the determination unit 372 determines the relative position state of the connector 300 based on a combination of the detection result of the half-inserted state by the switch 310B and the output signal from the sensor 400.

[0168] For example, when switch 310B changes from an OFF state to an ON state and then to an OFF state, and the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the inserted state, determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state. For example, when switch 310B changes from an OFF state to an ON state and then to an OFF state, and the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the removed state, determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of connector 300 is the removed state.

[0169] For example, even if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the inserted state, if switch 310B does not change from the OFF state to the ON state and then to the OFF state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state. Similarly, even if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the removed state, if switch 310B does not change from the OFF state to the ON state and then to the OFF state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the removed state.

[0170] For example, even if switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 does not match the change pattern of the inserted state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state. Similarly, even if switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 does not match the change pattern of the removed state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the removed state.

[0171] For example, when switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, and the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the insertion interrupted state, determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of connector 300 is the insertion interrupted state. For example, when switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, and the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the reinsertion state, determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of connector 300 is the reinsertion state.

[0172] For example, even if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the insertion interruption state, if switch 310B does not change from the OFF state to the ON state and then to the OFF state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the insertion interruption state. Similarly, even if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 matches the change pattern of the reinsertion state, if switch 310B does not change from the OFF state to the ON state and then to the OFF state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the reinsertion state.

[0173] For example, even if switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 does not match the change pattern of the insertion interrupted state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the insertion interrupted state. Similarly, even if switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state, if the change pattern of the output signal of sensor 400 does not match the change pattern of the reinsertion state, determination unit 372 does not determine that the relative position state of connector 300 is the reinsertion state.

[0174] When the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state, the charge / discharge control unit 377 starts a charge / discharge operation for charging / discharging the battery 110. Specifically, the charge / discharge control unit 377 can control the power converter 352 and cause the power converter 352 to perform a charge / discharge operation of the battery 110.

[0175] 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 377. When the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state, the charging control unit starts a charging operation for charging the battery 110.

[0176] When determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state, notification unit 373 outputs notification information for notifying the user of successful connection between connector 300 and inlet 120. Specifically, for example, notification unit 373 outputs a control signal to signal line 311 as notification information and turns on LED 304. This notifies the user of successful connection between connector 300 and inlet 120. In another example, notification unit 373 outputs a video signal as notification information to display 354 and causes display 354 to display information about successful connection between connector 300 and inlet 120.

[0177] When the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state, 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.

[0178] The communication control unit 376 controls communication between the charging / discharging device 200 and the electric vehicle 100 having the connector 300 connected to the inlet 120. The communication control unit 376 controls the communication I / F 351 and communicates with the on-board control device 130 via the communication I / F 351. The communication control unit 376 transmits power information required for charging / discharging operation to the on-board 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. The communication control unit 376 exchanges battery information and power information with the on-board control device 130.

[0179] The communication control unit 376 sets a waiting period for waiting for a communication message from the electric vehicle 100. For example, after starting communication with the electric vehicle 100, the communication control unit 376 sets a waiting period (timeout period) for waiting for a response message from the electric vehicle 100. If the waiting period has elapsed without receiving a response message, the communication control unit 376 ends communication with the electric vehicle 100.

[0180] When the communication control unit 376 sets the standby period and the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is in the disconnected state, the communication control unit 376 cancels the standby period. If the connector 300 is pulled out of the inlet 120 during communication between the charging / discharging device 200 and the in-vehicle control device 130, if the standby period remains set, the connector 300 needs to be inserted into the inlet 120 after the standby period has elapsed. Therefore, the user cannot insert the connector 300 into the inlet 120 until the standby period has elapsed. If the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is in the disconnected state, the user can insert the connector 300 into the inlet 120 without waiting for the standby period to elapse by canceling the standby period.

[0181] When the determination unit 372 determines that the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state, the determination unit 372 transmits an insertion determination signal to the lock control unit 375. When the lock control unit 375 receives the insertion determination signal from the determination unit 372, it causes the lock unit 303 to lock the inserted state of the connector 300 in 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 moves the movable piece 303b. The movable piece 303b restricts the rotation of the latch member 302, and the inserted state of the connector 300 in the inlet 120 is locked. When the inserted state of the connector 300 is locked, the charge / discharge control unit 377 starts a charge / discharge operation.

[0182] [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 a charge / discharge control process described below. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the charge / discharge control process performed by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment.

[0183] When charging or discharging the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, the user connects the connector 300 of the charging / discharging device 200 to the inlet 120 of the electric vehicle 100. The processor 361 monitors the output signal of the switch 310B, and determines whether the switch 310B has changed from the OFF state to the ON state (step S101). If the switch 310B has not changed from the OFF state to the ON state (NO in step S101), the processor 361 repeats step S101.

[0184] If the switch 310B has changed from the OFF state to the ON state (YES in step S101), the processor 361 determines whether the switch 310B has changed from the ON state to the OFF state (step S102). If the switch 310B has not changed from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in step S102), the processor 361 repeats step S102.

[0185] When switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in step S102), processor 361 analyzes the pattern of change over time in the output signal of sensor 400, and determines the relative position state of connector 300 (step S103).

[0186] Processor 361 determines whether the relative position state of connector 300 is the inserted state (step S104). If the relative position state of connector 300 is not the inserted state (NO in step S104), processor 361 returns to step S101.

[0187] If the relative position state of the connector 300 is the inserted state (YES in step S104), the processor 361 transmits a charge / discharge start signal via the signal line 315 (step S106). This notifies the on-board control device 130 that the charge / discharge operation can be started.

[0188] The charge / discharge start signal transmitted from the control circuit 360 is received by the on-board controller 130. In this case, communication is started between the charge / discharge device 200 and the on-board controller 130. In the communication between the charge / discharge device 200 and the electric vehicle 100, battery information and power information are exchanged.

[0189] The control circuit 360 waits for a response message from the in-vehicle control device 130 and sets a waiting period (step S107). If the control circuit 360 does not receive a response message from the in-vehicle control device 130 (NO in step S107), the processor 361 determines whether the waiting period has elapsed (step S108).

[0190] For example, even if the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the user may feel that the connector 300 is not completely inserted into the inlet 120. In such a case, the user may pull out the connector 300 from the inlet 120 and try to reinsert the connector 300 into the inlet 120. The processor 361 monitors the output signal of the sensor 400 and determines the relative position state of the connector 300.

[0191] If the waiting period has not elapsed (NO in step S108), processor 361 determines whether the relative position state of connector 300 is the detached state (step S109). If the relative position state of connector 300 is the detached state (YES in step S109), processor 361 cancels the waiting period (step S110) and returns to step S101.

[0192] If the relative position state of connector 300 is not the detached state (NO in step S109), processor 361 returns to step S107.

[0193] On the other hand, if the waiting period has elapsed (YES in step S108), processor 361 returns to step S101.

[0194] If the control circuit 360 receives a response message from the in-vehicle controller 130 within the waiting period (YES in step S107), the processor 361 outputs a control signal to the lock unit 303 via the signal line 312 to lock the inserted state (step S111).

[0195] Next, the processor 361 controls the power converter 352 to start the charging / discharging operation (step S112). As a result, the battery 110 is charged / discharged.

[0196] 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 S113). If the charge / discharge operation has not ended (NO in step S113), processor 361 executes step S113 again.

[0197] When the charge / discharge operation is completed (YES in step S113), the processor 361 controls the locking unit 303 to unlock the inserted state (step S114). After the locking unit 303 becomes unlocked, the processor 361 notifies the in-vehicle control device 130 of the completion of the charge / discharge operation through communication with the in-vehicle control device 130, and ends communication with the in-vehicle control device 130 (step S115). This ends the charge control process.

[0198] [4. Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the first detectable element 151 and the second detectable element 152 are arranged in the inlet 120, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of detectable elements may be three or more. By increasing the number of detectable elements, the relative position state of the connector 300 can be determined more accurately.

[0199] As another example, a single detectable object may be disposed in inlet 120, and the reflectance may be changed depending on the position of the detectable object. This allows the output voltage from sensor 400 to change over time when sensor 400 passes in front of the single detectable object in one direction (insertion direction or removal direction), and the relative position state of connector 300 can be determined based on the pattern of time change in the output signal from sensor 400.

[0200] In the above-described embodiment, the reflectance of the first detectable object 151 and the reflectance of the second detectable object 152 are different, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first detectable object 151 may be a reflector having a high reflectance of a specific first color, and the second detectable object 152 may be a reflector having a high reflectance of a second color different from the first color. In this case, the sensor 400 may be a color sensor capable of detecting the amount of received light of, for example, red, blue, and green. This allows the relative position state of the connector 300 to be determined based on the pattern of change in color of the light received by the sensor 400.

[0201] In the above-described embodiment, the first detectable object 151 and the second detectable object 152 are reflective bodies, but are not limited thereto. A magnet may be disposed in the inlet 120 as the detectable object. In this case, the sensor 400 capable of detecting the detectable object may be a magnetic sensor. For example, the magnetic field strength of the first detectable object 151 and the magnetic field strength of the second detectable object 152 may be made different. This allows the relative position state of the connector 300 to be determined based on the change pattern of the magnetic field strength detected by the sensor 400.

[0202] As another example, the sensor 400 may be a contact sensor. In this case, by making the shape (height, length, width, etc.) of the first detectable object 151 and the shape of the second detectable object 152 different, the sensor 400 can detect the first detectable object 151 and the second detectable object 152 individually. Therefore, the relative position state of the connector 300 can be determined based on the change pattern of the shape of the object detected by the sensor 400.

[0203] As yet another example, the sensor 400 may be an illuminance sensor. In this case, by making the shape (height, length, width, etc.) of the first detectable object 151 and the shape of the second detectable object 152 different, the sensor 400 can detect the first detectable object 151 and the second detectable object 152 individually. Therefore, the relative position state of the connector 300 can be determined based on the change pattern of the shape detected by the sensor 400.

[0204] [5. 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]

[0205] 10. Charging and discharging system 100 Electric vehicles 110 Battery 120 Inlet 121 Socket 122 Opening 130 Vehicle control device 151 First object to be detected 152 Second object to be detected 151S 1st position 152S 2nd position 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, 313, 314, 315 signal lines 316 Communication Line 317 Power Lines 320 Actuator 330 Cable 350 Charge / discharge control device 351 Communication Interface (Communication I / F) 352 Power Converter 353 Battery 354 Display 360 Control circuit 361 processor 362 Non-volatile memory 363 Volatile Memory 364 Input / Output Interface (I / O) 365 Charge / discharge control program (judgment program) 371 Acquisition Department 372 Judgment section 373 Notification Department 374 Signal Transmitter 375 Lock control section 376 Communication Control Unit 377 Charge / Discharge Control Unit 400 Sensors 401 Light emitting element 402 Photodetector 500 Commercial AC power supply 510 Load t1,t2,t3,t4,t5,t6,t10,t11,t12,t13,t20,t21,t22,t23,t30,t31,t32,t33,t34,t40,t41,t4 2,t43,t50,t51,t52,t53,t54,t60,t61,t62,t63,t64,t70,t71,t72,t73,t80,t81,t82,t83,t84 time V0, V1, VS1, VS2 voltage Th1, Th2 thresholds PW1,PW2 period

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, a connector that can be inserted into an inlet provided in the electric vehicle; a sensor disposed in the connector that outputs a signal corresponding to a position relative to a detection target disposed in the inlet; a determination unit that determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on an output signal from the sensor; Equipped with Charging device.

2. the determination unit determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor when a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet in which the first detectable element and the second detectable element are arranged changes. The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. an intensity of an output signal from the sensor when the sensor is close to the first object to be detected is different from an intensity of an output signal from the sensor when the sensor is close to the second object to be detected; The charging device according to claim 2.

4. When the connector moves in an insertion direction into the inlet, the sensor passes through a first position facing the first detected element and a second position facing the second detected element in sequence. The charging device according to claim 2.

5. the determination unit determines whether or not a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is an insertion state in which the connector is inserted into the inlet, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor. The charging device according to claim 1 .

6. the charging device further includes a signal transmission unit that transmits a charging start signal to the electric vehicle when the determination unit determines that a state related to a position of the connector relative to the inlet is the inserted state. The charging device according to claim 5.

7. the determination unit determines whether or not a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is a detached state in which the connector is pulled out from the inlet, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor. The charging device according to claim 1 .

8. The charging device further includes a communication control unit that controls communication with the electric vehicle having the connector connected to the inlet, the communication control unit sets a standby period for waiting for a communication message from the electric vehicle, and releases the standby period when the determination unit determines that a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is the disconnected state. The charging device according to claim 7.

9. the determination unit determines whether a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is an insertion interrupted state in which the connector is partially inserted into the inlet and then pulled out, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor. The charging device according to claim 1 .

10. the determination unit determines, based on a time-varying pattern of the output signal from the sensor, whether or not a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet is a re-insertion state in which the connector, which has been inserted into the inlet, has been partially pulled out and then re-inserted into the connector. The charging device according to claim 1 .

11. The charging device further includes a switch for detecting a half-insertion state of the connector into the inlet, the determination unit determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on a combination of a detection result of the half-insertion state by the switch and the output signal from the sensor. The charging device according to claim 1 .

12. the object to be detected is a reflector that reflects light, The sensor is a photoelectric sensor. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the object to be detected is a magnet, the sensor is a magnetic sensor; The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A determination method for a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising: acquiring an output signal from a sensor disposed in the connector, the sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a position of a detected object disposed in an inlet of the electric vehicle; determining a state of the connector relative to the inlet based on the acquired output signal from the sensor; Including, Judgment method.

15. A determination program for determining a state of a connector of a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, On the computer, acquiring an output signal from a sensor disposed in the connector, the sensor outputting a signal corresponding to a position of a detected object disposed in an inlet of the electric vehicle; determining a state of the connector relative to the inlet based on the acquired output signal from the sensor; In order to execute Judging program.

16. A charging system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, Electric vehicles and A charging device; Equipped with The electric vehicle includes: an inlet used to charge the battery; A detection target disposed in the inlet; Including, The charging device is a connector insertable into the inlet; a sensor disposed in the connector and configured to output a signal corresponding to a position of the object to be detected; a determination unit that determines a state regarding a relative position of the connector with respect to the inlet based on an output signal from the sensor; Including, Charging system.

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