Charging apparatus of vehicle

Abstract

To provide a charging apparatus of a vehicle, which can improve safety while charging using an external battery charger.SOLUTION: A charging part 30 of a vehicle 1 comprises: a charging module 31 for charging a battery 21 mounted on the vehicle 1 by power feeding from an external battery charger 2; a recess 33 which is formed in a body of the vehicle 1 and which has a charge port 32 of a charging module 31; a flap 34 for opening / closing the recess 33; and a light emission part 35 which is provided in the flap 34 and which emits light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric cars and hybrid cars have become widespread, and infrastructure such as external chargers for electric vehicles has been developed accordingly. External chargers can be installed more easily than fueling devices for internal combustion engines, and can be installed in a variety of locations. However, depending on the location of the external charger, charging may be required in a location facing a public road, or the surrounding area may be dark at night, making it difficult to see the charging section of the vehicle.

[0003] In response to this, a technology has been disclosed in which the vehicle's charging section (charging flap module) has a first opening for illuminating the operator and a second opening for illuminating the connection part (interface) with an external charger (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-218047 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In addition, when an external charger is installed on a public road, if the vehicle's charging unit is located on the roadway side, the operator will be charging right next to other vehicles traveling. In addition, the cover (flap) of the vehicle's charging unit, the cable and connector of the external charger, etc. will protrude onto the roadway side. Therefore, when charging, it is desirable to alert others that charging is in progress and ensure safety during charging.

[0006] However, although the technology of Patent Document 1 can assist the operator in the charging operation, it cannot ensure safety during charging on the roadway.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle charging device that can improve safety during charging using an external charger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least some of the problems described above, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples.

[0009] (1) The vehicle charging device of this application example is characterized in that it includes a charging module for charging a battery installed in a vehicle by power supply from an external charger, a recess formed in a body of the vehicle and having a charging port for the charging module, a lid for opening and closing the recess, and an emitter provided on the lid for emitting light.

[0010] That is, according to this application example, a light-emitting unit is provided on the lid that is opened and closed when charging using an external charger. By illuminating the light-emitting unit of such a lid, it is possible to alert others, such as pedestrians and other vehicles. This allows others to recognize that the vehicle is being charged and the position of the lid protruding from the vehicle, preventing contact with the vehicle or the flap, thereby improving safety when charging using an external charger. In addition, the light-emitting unit can also assist the operator in the charging operation.

[0011] (2) The vehicle charging device according to the above application example (1) may further include an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the lid portion, and the light-emitting unit may emit light when the opening / closing detection unit detects that the lid portion is open.

[0012] This allows the light emitting section to be easily made to emit light simply by opening the lid section, and prevents a state in which the light emitting section does not emit light even when the lid section is open.

[0013] (3) In the vehicle charging device according to the above application example (1), a charging connection detection unit is provided in the charging port and detects a connection between the charging port and the external charger, and the light-emitting unit may emit light when the charging connection detection unit detects a connection to the external charger.

[0014] This allows the light-emitting unit to easily emit light simply by connecting an external charger to the charging port, preventing a state in which the light-emitting unit does not emit light even when charging.

[0015] (4) In the vehicle charging device according to the above application example (1), the light-emitting unit may be made of a reflective material that reflects light. In this way, light can be easily emitted from the cover member without providing a light-emitting member on the side of the cover member that opens and closes.

[0016] (5) In the vehicle charging device according to any one of the above application examples (1) to (4), the light emitting unit may be provided at a tip portion located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction when the lid portion is in an open state. In this way, even when an external charger is connected, the position of the flap protruding from the vehicle can be easily recognized, thereby further improving safety during charging.

[0017] (6) In the vehicle charging device according to the above application example (4), the recess may further include a light emitting unit that emits light toward the light emitting unit. By providing the light emitting unit that emits light toward the light emitting unit in this manner, the light emitting unit made of a reflective material can be made to emit light more reliably.

[0018] (7) In the vehicle charging device according to the above application example, in any one of (1) to (4), the light-emitting unit may be exposed in the vehicle front-rear direction and on the outer side in the vehicle width direction at the lid. By exposing the light-emitting unit in the vehicle front-rear direction and on the outer side in the vehicle width direction in this manner, the light-emitting unit 35 can be recognized by others from each of the vehicle front-rear direction and the outer side in the vehicle width direction, thereby further improving safety during charging.

[0019] (8) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the vehicle charging device according to the above application example may further include an object detection unit that detects an object around the vehicle, and a light emission state control unit that controls the light emission state of the light emitting unit in response to the object detected by the object detection unit. By controlling the light emission state in this manner in response to the approach of an object around the vehicle, the light emission state can be made appropriate for the situation around the vehicle, and safety during charging can be further improved.

[0020] (9) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the charging device for a vehicle according to the above application example may further include a brightness detection unit that detects the brightness around the vehicle, and a light emission state control unit that controls the light emission state of the light emitting unit according to the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit. By controlling the light emission state according to the brightness around the vehicle in this manner, the light emission state can be made appropriate for the situation around the vehicle, and safety during charging can be further improved.

[0021] (10) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the vehicle charging device according to the application example may further include a charge amount detection unit that detects a charge amount of the battery, and a light emission state control unit that controls a light emission state of the light emitting unit according to the charge amount of the battery detected by the charge amount detection unit. By changing the light emission state of the light emitting unit in this manner, it is possible to indicate the battery charging state, such as the charge amount of the battery and the degree to which the battery is charged, thereby improving the convenience for the operator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle equipped with a charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention during charging; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of a charging unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state during charging in the first embodiment as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of a charging unit according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of a charging section in the first modified example (a) to the fourth modified example (d). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a vehicle equipped with a charging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure during charging, and Fig. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of a charging unit 30. In the following, the "height direction" refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle, the "vehicle width direction" refers to the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the "front-rear direction" refers to the vehicle length direction. In the following, "emission" includes not only the emission of light by itself, but also the emission of light by reflecting light from the outside.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a vehicle 1 is being charged using an external charger 2 installed on a public road. The external charger 2 is a charging facility for supplying (feeding) power to the vehicle 1. The external charger 2 of this embodiment is installed on a public road. Specifically, a charging parking area P is set between a roadway R1 on which vehicles travel and a sidewalk R2 on which pedestrians walk. In the charging parking area P, a rectangular frame formed by white lines is shown with space for two vehicles lined up vertically, and one vehicle 1 of this embodiment is parked in the area.

[0026] The external charger 2 has two cables 11 extending from a main body 10. At the end of each cable 11, a connector 12 that can be connected to a charging port of the vehicle 1, which will be described later, is provided.

[0027] The vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle, and is equipped with a drive motor 20 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a motor) as a power source. Although not shown, the output shaft of the motor 20 is connected to left and right drive wheels via a power transmission unit composed of a reduction gear and a differential gear and a drive shaft. The vehicle 1 can run by transmitting the drive force generated by the motor 20 to the drive wheels.

[0028] The motor 20 is electrically connected to a high-voltage (for example, 200 V) driving battery 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as a battery) via an inverter / converter (not shown) (hereinafter simply referred to as an inverter).

[0029] The battery 21 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The battery 21 converts the stored DC power through an inverter into AC power and supplies it to the motor 20. In addition, for example, when the vehicle 1 is decelerating or traveling downhill (during regenerative running), the motor 20 operates as a generator (regenerative operation) due to a reverse driving force from the driving wheels. The vehicle 1 can also charge the battery 21 with the power generated by the motor 20.

[0030] The vehicle 1 also includes a charging unit 30 (charging device) for charging the battery 21 with power supplied from the external charger 2. The charging unit 30 includes a charging module 31 for charging the battery 21 with power supplied from the external charger 2, a recess 33 formed in the body of the vehicle 1 and having a charging port 32 for the charging module 31, a flap 34 (lid portion) for opening and closing the recess 33, and a light emitting unit 35 provided on the flap 34.

[0031] The charging module 31 is equipped with a filter, a power conversion circuit, and a relay (not shown), and has the function of converting the power input from the external charger 2 into DC power suitable for charging the battery 21, or closing the relay and supplying it to the battery 21.

[0032] The charging port 32, the recess 33, the flap 34, and the light emitting portion 35 are specifically shown in FIG. 2, which will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0033] The charging port 32 is an inlet that can be fitted and connected to the connector 12 of the external charger 2. Although not shown in the figure, a power receiving terminal is provided inside the cylindrical charging port 32, and the power receiving terminal is connected to the charging module 31. For simplicity of explanation, only one charging port 32 is shown in this embodiment, but for example, two charging ports, one for normal charging and one for quick charging, may be provided in the recess 33.

[0034] The recess 33 is recessed from the surface of the body toward the inside of the vehicle 1 at the right rear of the vehicle 1, and forms a substantially rectangular opening.

[0035] The flap 34 is a substantially rectangular plate member that fits the opening of the recess 33. A connecting portion 34a that is connected to the vehicle body extends from one side of the flap 34 (the inner side in the vehicle width direction when in the open state). The flap 34 operates to be able to open and close the recess 33. Specifically, the flap 34 can cover and hide the charging port 32 in the recess 33 when the recess 33 is closed (closed state), and the charging port 32 can be accessed when the flap 34 is open (open state). The flap of this embodiment opens to an angle of about 90° with respect to the body surface when fully open.

[0036] The light emitting unit 35 is provided at the tip of the flap 34. The tip of the flap 34 is the side opposite to the connecting portion 34a, and is a portion located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction when the flap 34 is in an open state. The light emitting unit 35 is composed of an illumination material that emits light by itself, such as an LED, and is capable of changing the color and amount of light (so-called dimming). The light emitting unit 35 is fitted into a notch at the tip of the flap 34, so that the front-rear direction and the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1 are exposed when the flap 34 is in an open state. In other words, when the light emitting unit 35 emits light, a person in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 can confirm the light emission from the front-rear direction and the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0037] In addition, various sensors are provided in the vehicle 1. For example, the charging unit 30 is provided with an open / close sensor 36 (open / close detection unit). The open / close sensor 36 is provided near the connecting portion 34a of the flap 34, and has a function of detecting the opening and closing of the flap 34. Specifically, the open / close sensor 36 is an ON / OFF switch, and when the flap 34 is open, the switch turns ON and outputs a signal indicating an open state. Note that the open / close sensor 36 may also output a signal indicating a closed state.

[0038] Vehicle 1 also includes a charge connection detection unit 37 that detects that connector 12 of external charger 2 is connected to charging port 32. Specifically, it has a signal line for confirming the connection, and is configured to detect that a signal voltage from the vehicle causes a ground fault on the charger side when connector 12 is mated and connected to charging port 32, thereby confirming the connection. Charge connection detection unit 37 detects the connected or unconnected state between charging port 32 and connector 12, and inputs the result to VCU 24, which will be described later. Note that charge connection detection unit 37 may be configured as a part of VCU 24.

[0039] The vehicle 1 is also provided with object detection sensors 22a to 22d (object detection units) and an illuminance sensor 23 (brightness detection unit).

[0040] The object detection sensors 22a to 22d are provided on the left, right, front and rear of the vehicle 1, respectively, and have a function of detecting an object approaching the vehicle 1 from each installation position. Specifically, the object detection sensors 22a to 22d are, for example, millimeter wave radars, and can detect the presence or absence of an object and the distance to the object. In this embodiment, a first object detection sensor 22a for detecting an object in front of the vehicle is provided at the front of the vehicle, a second object detection sensor 22b for detecting an object to the right of the vehicle is provided at the right of the vehicle, a third object detection sensor 22c for detecting an object to the left of the vehicle is provided at the left of the vehicle, and a fourth object detection sensor 22d for detecting an object behind the vehicle is provided at the rear of the vehicle. Objects to be detected include, for example, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, other vehicles, etc.

[0041] The illuminance sensor 23 is provided on the top surface of the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat and has a function of receiving light from outside the vehicle and detecting the surrounding brightness (illuminance). Specifically, the illuminance sensor is a sensor using a light receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor. The illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 23 is used as a determining factor for the time of day or night, weather conditions such as rain or sunny weather, and the like.

[0042] The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a vehicle control unit 24 (hereinafter, referred to as a VCU 24).

[0043] The VCU 24 is a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory device (ROM, RAM, etc.) for storing a control program, a control map, etc., an input / output device, a timer counter, etc. The VCU 24 is communicatively connected to various devices and other control units mounted on the vehicle 1 via a control area network (CAN) that is an in-vehicle communication network. The VCU 24 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the charging module 31, the light-emitting unit 35, the open / close sensor 36, the charging connection detection unit 37, the object detection sensors 22a to 22d, and the illuminance sensor 23. The VCU 24 (light-emitting state control unit) can control the light-emitting state (e.g., ON / OFF of light emission, dimming) of the light-emitting unit 35 in the vehicle 1.

[0044] In detail, the VCU 24 has a function of turning on and off the light emitting unit 35 based on the open / closed state of the flap 34 detected by the open / close sensor 36. Specifically, the VCU 24 controls the light emitting unit 35 to turn on when the open / close sensor 36 receives a signal indicating that the flap 34 is in an open state, and controls the light emitting unit 35 to turn off when the signal is no longer received. Note that the VCU 24 may turn off the light emitting unit 35 when the open / close sensor 36 receives a signal indicating that the flap 34 is in a closed state, and turn on the light emitting unit 35 when the signal indicating the closed state is no longer received.

[0045] Furthermore, the VCU 24 has a function of turning on and off the light-emitting unit 35 based on the connection state between the charging port 32 and the connector 12 detected by the charging connection detection unit 37. Specifically, the VCU 24 controls the light-emitting unit 35 to turn on when it receives a signal indicating the connection state between the charging port 32 and the connector 12 detected by the charging connection detection unit 37, and controls the light-emitting unit 35 to turn off when the reception of the signal is cut off. Note that the VCU 24 may turn off the light-emitting unit 35 when it receives a signal indicating a non-connected state from the charging connection detection unit 37, and turn on the light-emitting unit 35 when the signal indicating the non-connected state is cut off.

[0046] In this way, the VCU 24 determines whether the vehicle 1 is being charged based on each signal from the open / close sensor 36 and the charging connection detection unit 37, and turns on the light emitting unit 35 during charging (when the flap is open and the connector is connected) and turns off the light emitting unit 35 during non-charging (when the flap is closed and the connector is not connected). For example, when the open / close sensor 36 detects that the flap 34 is in the open state and the charging connection detection unit 37 detects that the connector 12 is in the connected state, the VCU 24 in this embodiment determines that the vehicle 1 is being charged and turns on the light emitting unit 35. Thereafter, when the open / close sensor 36 detects that the flap 34 is in the closed state and the charging connection detection unit 37 detects that the connector 12 is in the non-connected state, the VCU 24 determines that the vehicle 1 is not being charged and turns off the light emitting unit 35.

[0047] In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not the charging state is established based on either the open / close sensor 36 or the charging connection detection unit 37, the VCU 24 has a lighting control switching function for switching to perform lighting control of the light-emitting unit 35 based on either the open / close sensor 36 or the charging connection detection unit 37. For example, when the VCU 24 selects to perform lighting control of the light-emitting unit 35 based only on the open / close sensor 36 using the switching function, the VCU 24 does not execute lighting control based on the charging connection detection unit 37.

[0048] Furthermore, the VCU 24 has a function of controlling the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 based on approaching information of an object detected by the object detection sensors 22a to 22d. Specifically, the VCU 24 turns on the light-emitting unit 35 while the vehicle 1 is being charged, and changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 when at least one of the object detection sensors 22a to 22d detects the approach of an object. In this case, the change in the light-emitting state refers to blinking the light-emitting unit 35, changing the light-emitting color, increasing or decreasing the amount of light, or a combination of these changes. For example, the VCU 24 may change the light-emitting state to a state that is easier to recognize depending on the degree of approach of the object, such as shortening the blinking cycle of the light-emitting unit 35 as the object approaches.

[0049] Furthermore, the VCU 24 has a function of adjusting the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 based on the surrounding brightness information obtained by the illuminance sensor 23. Specifically, the VCU 24 turns on the light-emitting unit 35 while the vehicle 1 is being charged, and changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 when the illuminance sensor 23 detects that the illuminance is lower than a predetermined value (i.e., the surroundings are dark). In this case, the change in the light-emitting state refers to blinking the light-emitting unit 35, changing the light-emitting color, increasing or decreasing the amount of light, or a combination of these changes. For example, the VCU 24 may change the light-emitting state to a state that is easier to recognize according to the illuminance, such as shortening the blinking cycle of the light-emitting unit 35 as the illuminance decreases.

[0050] In this way, the VCU 24 determines the degree of need for a warning during vehicle charging based on each signal from the object detection sensors 22a-22d and the illuminance sensor 23, and when a warning is necessary (when an object is approaching or the surroundings are dark), changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 to call attention. The VCU 24 also has a light-emitting control switching function that switches to control the change in the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 based on either the object detection sensors 22a-22d or the illuminance sensor 23. For example, when the VCU 24 selects by the switching function to control the change in the light-emitting state based only on the object detection sensors 22a-22d, the VCU 24 may not execute the control to change the light-emitting state based on the illuminance sensor 23.

[0051] Next, FIG. 3 shows a view from the rear of the vehicle of the state during charging according to the first embodiment, and hereinafter, the state during charging using an external charger will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] 3, the charging port 32 of the vehicle 1 is located on the roadway R1 side, so when the flap 34 is opened, the flap 34 protrudes on the roadway R1 side. Furthermore, when the connector 12 of the external charger 2 is fitted and connected to the charging port 32, the connector 12 and the cable 11 are disposed on the roadway R1 side.

[0053] When the flap 34 is in the open state, the light-emitting unit 35 at the tip of the flap 34 is located at the outermost position in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1. In other words, the light-emitting unit 35 is located at the closest position to the roadway R1 in the vehicle 1. In addition, in the case of the external charger 2 of this embodiment, the connector 12 and the cable 11 are located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the light-emitting unit 35 at the tip of the flap 34 during charging.

[0054] When the open / close sensor 36 detects that the flap 34 is open and the charge connection detection unit 37 detects that the connector 12 is connected to the charge port, the VCU 24 causes the light emitting unit 35 to emit light.

[0055] When the light-emitting unit 35 emits light, light is emitted in the front-rear direction and outward in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1. This allows other people, such as other vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians, traveling behind the vehicle 1 on the roadway R1, to recognize the position of the light-emitting unit 35. In addition, since the light-emitting unit 35 is also exposed on the front side of the vehicle, it is possible for other people, such as other vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians, approaching from the front of the vehicle 1, to recognize the position of the light-emitting unit 35.

[0056] Here, we have described the case where cable 11 is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the tip of flap 34, but even if cable 11 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the tip of flap 34, it is possible for the light-emitting unit 35 to emit light so that others can recognize the position of the light-emitting unit 35.

[0057] In addition, when an object (another vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a pedestrian, etc.) approaches the vehicle 1 and any of the object detection sensors 22a to 22d detects the object, the VCU 24 changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35 to make the object easier to recognize by the light-emitting unit 35 and alert the driver to the object.

[0058] In addition, when the illuminance sensor 23 detects that it is dark around the vehicle 1, the VCU 24 changes the light emission state of the light emitting unit 35, making the light emitting unit 35 easier to recognize.

[0059] Then, when charging of the vehicle 1 is completed, the user removes the connector 12 from the charging port 32 and closes the flap 34, and the VCU 24 turns off the light emitting unit 35.

[0060] As described above, the charging device for the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment includes the light emitting unit 35 on the flap 34 that is opened and closed when charging using an external charger. By illuminating the light emitting unit 35 of the flap 34, it is possible to alert others, such as pedestrians and other vehicles. This allows others to recognize that the vehicle 1 is being charged and the position of the flap protruding from the vehicle 1, preventing contact with the vehicle 1 and the flap 34, thereby improving safety during charging using the external charger 2.

[0061] Furthermore, in the charging unit 30 of the vehicle 1, the opening / closing sensor 36 detects the opening / closing of the flap 34, and when the open state of the flap 34 is detected, the light emitting unit 35 is caused to emit light. This allows the light emitting unit 35 to easily emit light simply by opening the flap 34, and prevents a state in which the light emitting unit 35 does not emit light even when the flap 34 is in the open state.

[0062] Furthermore, the charging unit 30 of the vehicle 1 causes the light-emitting unit 35 to emit light when the charging connection detection unit 37 detects that the connector 12 of the external charger 2 is connected to the charging port 32. This allows the light-emitting unit 35 to easily emit light simply by connecting the connector 12 to the charging port 32, and prevents a state in which the light-emitting unit 35 does not emit light even when charging is in progress.

[0063] Furthermore, the charging unit 30 of the vehicle 1 has the light emitting unit 35 provided at the tip of the flap 34, so that the outermost part of the vehicle can be illuminated when the flap 34 is in the open state. This makes it easy to recognize the position of the flap 34 protruding from the vehicle 1 even when the connector 12 is connected, thereby further improving safety during charging.

[0064] Furthermore, since the light-emitting portion 35 provided on the flap 34 is exposed in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle, others can recognize the light-emitting portion 35 from both of these directions, thereby further improving safety during charging.

[0065] Furthermore, in the charging unit 30 of the vehicle 1, the light emission state of the light emitting unit 35 is controlled by the VCU 24 in response to the detection of an object by the object detection sensors 22a to 22d. By controlling the light emission state in this manner in response to the approach of an object around the vehicle, the light emission state can be made appropriate for the situation around the vehicle, and safety during charging can be further improved.

[0066] In addition, in the charging unit 30 of the vehicle 1, the light emission state of the light emitting unit 35 is controlled by the VCU 24 according to the brightness around the vehicle detected by the illuminance sensor 23. By controlling the light emission state in this way in response to the approach of an object around the vehicle, the light emission state can be made appropriate for the situation around the vehicle, and safety during charging can be further improved.

[0067] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0068] 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of a charging section according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the following description will be based on this figure. A charging section 40 (charging device) according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a light-emitting section 45 is made of a reflective material that reflects light, and a light-irradiating section 46 that irradiates light toward the light-emitting section 45 is provided in the recess 33. In the configuration of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, the charging unit 40 of the second embodiment has a light irradiating unit 46 provided on the bottom surface of the recess 33 between the charging port 32 and the connecting portion 44a of the flap 44. The light irradiating unit 46 is a lighting device having directionality, such as an LED, and is oriented to irradiate light toward the tip end of the flap 44 in the open state, i.e., the light emitting unit 45, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 4. The light irradiating unit 46 is also connected to the VCU 47, and illumination is controlled by the VCU 47.

[0070] The light emitting portion 45 is made of a reflective material such as a metal with a mirror finish, a mirror, a reflective sticker, etc. The light emitting portion 45 is provided at the tip of the flap 44, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0071] The VCU 47 of the second embodiment controls the light emitting unit 46 in the same manner as the VCU 24 of the first embodiment controls the on / off and light emission state of the light emitting unit 35. That is, the VCU 47 controls the on / off of the light emitting unit 46 based on the detection of the open / close sensor 36 and the charge connection detection unit 37. The VCU 47 also controls the light emission state of the light emitting unit 46 based on the object detection sensors 22a to 22d and the illuminance sensor 23. By controlling the light emitting unit 46 in this manner in the same way as the light emitting unit 35 of the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 45, which reflects and emits light from the light emitting unit 46, emits light in the same way as the light emitting unit 35 of the first embodiment.

[0072] As described above, the charging unit 40 of the vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve substantially the same effects as the charging unit 0 according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 45 is made of a reflective material, and can emit light by reflecting external light such as the light from the headlights of other vehicles or the light from street lamps. In other words, light can be easily emitted from the flap 44 even without providing a member that emits light itself on the side of the flap 44 that opens and closes.

[0073] Furthermore, the charging unit 40 of the second embodiment includes a light irradiating unit 46 in the recess 33 that irradiates light toward the light emitting unit 45, thereby making it possible to more reliably cause the light emitting unit 45 made of a reflective material to emit light, and also makes it possible to control the light emission of the light emitting unit 45 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the light irradiating unit 46 is provided in the recess 33 between the charging port 32 and the connecting portion 44a of the flap 44, even when the connector 12 is connected to the charging port 32, the light is not blocked up to the light emitting unit 45, and light can be irradiated stably to the light emitting unit 45.

[0074] This concludes the description of the embodiment of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[0075] For example, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the light emitting unit 35, 45 is provided at the tip of the flap 34, 44, but the position and shape of the light emitting unit are not limited to this. Referring to Fig. 5, an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of the charging unit in the first modified example (a) to the fourth modified example (d) is shown. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the charging unit 50 in the first modified example has a light emitting unit 55 provided on the upper side of the flap 54. The light emitting unit 55 is an illuminating material that emits light by itself, such as an LED, as in the first embodiment. When the light emitting unit 55 is provided on the upper side of the flap 54 in this manner and emits light when the flap 54 is in an open state, it becomes easier to recognize the length from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction at the upper side of the flap 54. In addition, if the light is on the upper side of the flap 54, the emitted light is less likely to be blocked even when the connector 12 is connected.

[0077] 5(b), in the charging unit 60 in the second modified example, the light-emitting unit 65 is provided over the upper side, the lower side, and the tip of the flap 64. As in the first embodiment, the light-emitting unit 65 is an illuminating material that emits light by itself, such as an LED. In this way, the light-emitting unit 65 is provided over three sides of the flap 64, and when the light-emitting unit 65 emits light with the flap 64 in the open state, the light is emitted over a wide area from the upper and lower sides to the tip of the flap 64, making it easier to recognize the position of the flap 64.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the charging unit 70 in the third modified example has a light-emitting unit 75 provided over the upper and lower sides and tip of the flap 74, similar to the second modified example. Unlike the second modified example, this light-emitting unit 75 is composed of a light-emitting source 75a such as an LED and a light-guiding material 75b made of transparent resin. When light is irradiated from the light-emitting source 75a toward one end of the light-guiding material 75b, the light is internally reflected within the light-guiding material 75b and guided to the other end, while a portion of the light is irradiated to the outside, causing the light-guiding material 75b to emit light. This allows light to be emitted over a wide area from the upper and lower sides to the tip of the flap 74 with less power consumption than the second modified example.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5(d), the charging unit 80 in the fourth modified example has a light-emitting unit 85 provided on the inner surface of the flap 84. The light-emitting unit 85 is an illuminating material that emits light in a planar manner, such as an organic electroluminescent (EL) light. The light-emitting unit 85 can display, for example, an icon indicating the charge level of the battery. The charge level of the battery is detected by a battery charge level detection unit, and the information on the charge level is transmitted to the VCU 24. In this way, the light-emitting unit 85 is provided on the inner surface of the flap 84, and when the light-emitting unit 85 emits light with the flap 84 open, it is easy to recognize because it emits light in a planar manner, and it is also possible to present information such as the charge level of the battery, thereby improving convenience during charging.

[0080] Even if an icon or the like indicating the battery charge level is not displayed in this way, the battery charging status, such as the battery charge level and how charged the battery is, can be indicated by changing the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 35, specifically by blinking the light-emitting unit, changing the light-emitting color, increasing or decreasing the amount of light, or by a combination of these changes. Indicating the battery charge level by the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit in this way allows the operator to check the charging status from a safe location away from the charging unit. (*Effect of claim 10)

[0081] Furthermore, the charging operation by the operator may be detected, and the light emission state of the light emitting unit may be changed to call attention to the surroundings during the charging operation. The charging operation by the operator may be detected by combining the detection of the object, which is the operator, by the object detection sensor and the detection of the existing smart key. For example, in the configuration of the above embodiment, when the second object detection sensor 22b that detects an object on the right side of the vehicle detects the presence of a person at the right rear of the vehicle, and when the smart key detection unit (not shown) that detects the radio waves emitted from the smart key detects the radio waves of the smart key, the VCU 24 may cause the light emitting unit 35 to emit light. In other words, the light emitting unit 35 may be caused to emit light even when the flap 34 is opened or closed. This makes it possible to inform others of the presence of the operator during the charging operation, and to call attention to the surroundings.

[0082] On the other hand, when an operation near the charging port by a third party without a smart key is detected, a warning may be issued by changing the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit in order to prevent mischief or malicious acts. For example, when the smart key detection unit is not detecting radio waves from the smart key and the object detection unit detects a person near the charging port, the VCU issues a warning by changing the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit.

[0083] In addition to such modified examples of the light-emitting portion, the opening and closing structure of the flap is not limited to the single-opening type as in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, it may be a so-called double-door type consisting of a pair of flaps that open and close by connecting parts on both sides of the recess in the vehicle front-rear direction. Or, it may be a so-called flip-up type flap that opens and closes by connecting parts on the upper side of the recess 6. Or, it may be a slide type flap that moves up and down or back and forth parallel to the body from the recess.

[0084] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the vehicle 1 is provided with both the open / close sensor 36 and the charge connection detection unit 37, but only one of them may be provided. Also, only one of the object detection sensors 22a-22d and the illuminance sensor 23 may be provided. Also, the number of object detection sensors 22a-22d is not limited to four, and one or more may be provided. Also, the object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle is not limited to a millimeter wave radar, and may be an imaging device such as a camera.

[0085] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the light-emitting units are controlled by the VCUs 24 and 47, but the light-emitting units may be controlled by other control units or via electrical control circuits.

[0086] Although the vehicle 1 in each of the above embodiments is an electric vehicle, the present invention can be applied to any electric vehicle that can be charged by an external charger, such as a hybrid electric vehicle. Also, although the charging port is provided at the right rear portion of the vehicle in each of the above embodiments, it may be provided at another position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 vehicle 2 external charger 10 Cable 11 Connectors 20 Drive motor 21 Drive battery 22a to 22d Object detection sensor (object detection section) 23 Illuminance sensor (brightness detection part) 24, 47 VCU (light emission status control unit) 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 Charging part (charging device) 31 Charging module 32 Charging port 33 Recess 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84 Flap (lid) 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 Light-emitting part 36 Open / close sensor (open / close detection section) 37 Charging connection detection section 46 Light irradiation unit

Claims

1. a charging module for charging a battery mounted on the vehicle by power supplied from an external charger; a recess formed in a body of the vehicle and having a charging port of the charging module; A cover portion for opening and closing the recess portion; A light emitting portion provided on the cover portion and emitting light; A vehicle charging device comprising:

2. Further comprising an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening / closing of the lid, The light emitting unit emits light when the open / close detection unit detects that the lid unit is open.

2. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1.

3. a charging connection detection unit provided in the charging port and configured to detect a connection between the charging port and the external charger; the light emitting unit emits light when the charge connection detection unit detects a connection to the external charger.

2. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1.

4. The light emitting portion is made of a reflective material that reflects light.

2. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1.

5. The light emitting unit is provided at a tip portion located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction when the cover is open.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is a power source for charging a vehicle.

6. The recess further includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light toward the light emitting unit.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 4.

7. The light emitting portion is exposed on the outer side in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction at the lid portion.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is a power source.

8. An object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle; and a light emission state control unit that controls a light emission state of the light emitting unit in response to detection of an object by the object detection unit.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is a power source for charging a vehicle.

9. A brightness detection unit that detects the brightness around the vehicle; and a light emission state control unit that controls a light emission state of the light emitting unit according to the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is a power source.

10. a charge amount detection unit that detects a charge amount of the battery; a light emission state control unit that controls a light emission state of the light emitting unit according to the charge amount of the battery detected by the charge amount detection unit, 5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is a power source for charging a vehicle.

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