charger

Abstract

To provide a charger capable of improving a degree of freedom of an installation layout of the charger regardless of a charging method standard.SOLUTION: A charger A1 for charging a storage battery 91 of an electric moving body 9 includes a DC power supply part 2 for outputting direct current power, a control part 5 for controlling the DC power supply part 2, a first communication part 3 for communicating charging information with the electric moving body 9, a second communication part 4 for communicating with the outside by a communication method different from the first communication part 3, a housing 7 for housing the DC power supply part 2, the control part 5, the first communication part 3 and the second communication part 4 inside, a charge connector 61 connected to the electric moving body 2 to supply the direct current power outputted by the DC power supply part 2 to the electric moving body 2, and a charge cable 6 connected to the housing 7 to connect the DC power supply part 2 and the charge connector 61. Operation means for operating the charger A1 and display means for displaying a state of the charger A1 are not arranged in the housing 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for charging an electric vehicle or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, the development of charging devices for charging storage batteries of electric vehicles has progressed. In the charging device, an operating means for operation and a display means for display are arranged, for example, as an operation panel. Patent Document 1 discloses a separate-type quick charging stand in which an operation display panel is arranged at the top of the front of the main body housing. The operator operates the operation buttons while looking at the display screen arranged on the operation panel. The display screen also displays the charging status (charging, charging completion, occurrence of an error, etc.), and the operator can check the status by looking at the display screen. For the convenience of the operator, it is desirable to install the charging device so that the operation panel is close to the charging port of the parked electric vehicle and in a position where it is easy to operate and see. For example, the separate-type quick charging stand of Patent Document 1 is installed close to a parking space, with the operation display panel facing the parking space. In this way, the installation layout of the charging device is limited by the arrangement position of the operation panel in the charging device. If the charging device has a DC power supply inside the housing, rather than being a separate type, the housing becomes larger, so the installation layout is more restricted.

[0003] Furthermore, a charging device that performs rapid charging transmits and receives charging information through communication with an electric vehicle. The charging information is information that the charging device transmits and receives in order to properly charge the electric vehicle, and includes the capacity of the storage battery, the charging rate, the required power value, etc. The method of communication between the charging device and the electric vehicle and the charging information that is transmitted and received differ depending on the standard of the charging method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-70479 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been devised in light of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a charging device that can increase the freedom of installation layout of the charging device, regardless of the charging method standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0007] The charging device provided by the present invention is a charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric mobile body that moves by driving an electric motor with power from the storage battery, and includes a DC power supply unit that outputs DC power, a control unit that controls the DC power supply unit, a first communication unit for communicating charging information with the electric mobile body, a second communication unit for communicating with the outside using a communication method different from that of the first communication unit, a housing that houses the DC power supply unit, the control unit, the first communication unit, and the second communication unit, a charging connector connected to the electric mobile body and supplying the DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the electric mobile body, and a charging cable attached to the housing and connecting the DC power supply unit and the charging connector, and the housing does not include an operating means for operating the charging device and a display means for displaying a status of the charging device.

[0008] An "electric vehicle" is a vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with power from a storage battery, and includes not only so-called electric cars but also hybrid cars, etc. Also, an "electric vehicle" includes not only so-called automobiles, but also other vehicles such as motorcycles, ships, and airplanes, as well as unmanned vehicles such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a reading code that can be read by an imaging means of a mobile terminal is displayed on the housing, and the mobile terminal that reads the reading code establishes communication with the second communication unit, thereby functioning as the operating means and the display means.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second communication unit communicates with the electric mobile object, and an operating device and a display device provided on the electric mobile object function as the operating means and the display means.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a remote control that is separate from the housing, is movable, and is capable of communicating with the second communication unit, the remote control having an operation unit and a display unit that function as the operation means and the display means.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging device further includes a holder that holds the charging cable and is separate from the housing and movable.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is at least partially buried. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The charging device according to the present invention includes a second communication unit for communicating with the outside, in addition to a first communication unit for communicating charging information with an electric mobile body according to the standard of the charging method. Therefore, the charging device according to the present invention can transmit and receive operation information for operating the charging device and display information for displaying the status of the charging device to the outside, regardless of the standard of the charging method. This allows the charging device according to the present invention to make an external terminal function as a display means and an operating means. In addition, the housing does not include an operating means for operating the charging device and a display means for displaying the status of the charging device. The charging device according to the present invention does not need to be installed in consideration of the positions of the operating means and the display means, and therefore the freedom of installation layout is improved.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1A is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a charging device according to a first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a front view of the charging device, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a front view of a charging device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a front view of a charging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view of a charging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a charging device A1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A1. Fig. 1(b) is a front view of the charging device A1. Fig. 1(c) is a right side view of the charging device A1.

[0019] The charging device A1 is a facility for charging an electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 is a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery 91 that supplies power to the electric motor, and includes not only so-called electric vehicles that are powered only by an electric motor, but also hybrid vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. The charging device A1 is a so-called quick charging device. The charging device A1 includes a DC power supply unit 2, a first communication unit 3, a second communication unit 4, a control unit 5, a power line 2a, a communication line 3a, a charging cable 6, and a housing 7.

[0020] The DC power supply unit 2 is configured to output DC power in response to a command from the control unit 5. The DC power supply unit 2 converts AC power input from the power system into DC power and outputs it. The DC power supply unit 2 includes, for example, a converter and a smoothing circuit. The converter converts AC power input from the power system into DC power in response to a command from the control unit 5. The smoothing circuit smoothes the DC power output by the converter and outputs it. The specific configuration of the DC power supply unit 2 is not limited as long as it can output DC power. For example, the DC power supply unit 2 may include a transformer that boosts the AC voltage input from the power system.

[0021] The first communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9. The first communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9 connected to the charging cable 6 via a communication line 3a arranged on the charging cable 6. The first communication unit 3 communicates with each electric vehicle 9 according to, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication standard. The communication standard is not limited. The first communication unit 3 receives charging information from the electric vehicle 9, such as the capacity of the storage battery 91, the current charging rate (SoC: State of Charge), and a required power value. The required power value is a power value that the electric vehicle 9 requests the charging device A1 to charge the storage battery 91. The information transmitted and received between the first communication unit 3 and each electric vehicle 9 is not limited. In addition, a communication method between the first communication unit 3 and the electric vehicle 9 is not limited, and may be, for example, wireless communication. The first communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicle 9 according to a method according to the standard of the charging method, and transmits and receives charging information according to the standard.

[0022] The charging cable 6 has a power line 2a and a communication line 3a arranged therein, and a charging connector 61 arranged at the tip. The charging cable 6 is attached to a housing 7. The charging connector 61 is connected to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9, thereby connecting the charging device A1 to the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 61 is connected communicates with the first communication unit 3 via the communication line 3a and the charging connector 61. Furthermore, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 is charged by DC power supplied from the DC power supply unit 2 via the power line 2a and the charging connector 61.

[0023] The charging connector 61 includes a main body and a connector. The main body is a portion that is held by a user, and has a handle formed therein. The main body has the power line 2a and the communication line 3a disposed therein. The connector is a cylindrical member, for example made of metal, disposed at the tip of the main body, and is a portion that is connected to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. Although not shown, a power terminal that is electrically connected to the power line 2a, a signal terminal that is electrically connected to the communication line 3a, and the like are disposed inside the connector. The charging connector 61 includes a mechanism for locking the charging connector 61 to the plug-in connector 92, a button for removing the charging connector 61, and the like, but illustration thereof is omitted. Note that the configuration of the charging connector 61 is not limited thereto.

[0024] The second communication unit 4 communicates with an external terminal 8 having a communication function, an operation function, and a display function. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 4 communicates with the terminal 8 by wireless communication. The communication standard is not limited. The antenna of the second communication unit 4 may be disposed inside the housing 7 or outside the housing 7. The second communication unit 4 communicates by a communication method different from the communication method by the first communication unit 3 (a communication method according to the standard of the charging method).

[0025] The terminal 8 includes, but is not limited to, a mobile terminal 81 such as a smartphone, tablet, or mobile phone owned by a user of the electric vehicle 9. The terminal 8 also includes an in-vehicle terminal 82 provided in the electric vehicle 9. The in-vehicle terminal 82 may be a combination of a display device such as a display attached to a dashboard or a center console, an operation device having operation buttons, and a communication device for communicating with the outside, or may be a device having a display means, an operation means, and a communication means such as a navigation system. The terminal 8 also includes a personal computer 83 for maintenance of the charging device A1, which is arranged in the management office of the charging device A1.

[0026] The second communication unit 4 receives operation information from the terminal 8 and transmits display information to the terminal 8. The operation information is information for operating the charging device A1, and is transmitted from the communication means of the terminal 8 to the second communication unit 4 when the operator inputs the operation information by operating the operation means of the terminal 8 (operation button, touch panel, etc.). The display information is information for displaying the status of the charging device A1, and is transmitted from the second communication unit 4 to the communication means of the terminal 8. The display information received by the communication means of the terminal 8 is displayed on the display means of the terminal 8 (display, monitor, etc.). Note that the information transmitted and received between the second communication unit 4 and the communication means of the terminal 8 is not limited. The second communication unit 4 and the communication means of the terminal 8 may transmit and receive settlement information, etc.

[0027] The control unit 5 is configured to control the charging device A1, and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 5 controls the output power of the DC power supply unit 2 based on various information. The control unit 5 also controls communication by the first communication unit 3 and the second communication unit 4. The control unit 5 acquires information received by the first communication unit 3 and the second communication unit 4, and transmits information via the first communication unit 3 and the second communication unit 4.

[0028] The housing 7 accommodates therein the DC power supply unit 2, the first communication unit 3, the second communication unit 4, and the control unit 5. The housing 7 is provided with a holder 71 and a retainer 72 on the outside.

[0029] The holder 71 is a portion that houses and holds the charging connector 61. In the illustrated example, the holder 71 protrudes from the front surface of the housing 7. The charging connector 61 is housed and held in the holder 71 when not in use. The holder 71 includes an insertion recess and a latch portion. The insertion recess is formed so that at least a portion (tip portion) of the charging connector 61 can be inserted, and the charging connector 61 is inserted when not in use. The latch portion holds the charging connector 61 in a state where it is inserted in the insertion recess. The latch portion is biased to protrude from the inner surface of the insertion recess by the elastic force of a spring inside, and when the charging connector 61 is inserted into the insertion recess, it engages with a recess formed in the main body of the charging connector 61. As a result, the charging connector 61 is held in the holder 71. Note that the configuration of the holder 71 is not limited to the one described above. For example, the holder 71 may not protrude from the housing 7, and may have a shape in which the insertion recess is recessed from the front surface of the housing 7.

[0030] The holder 72 is a portion that holds the charging cable 6. The holder 72 is, for example, a hook, and in the illustrated example, protrudes from the right side surface of the housing 7. The holder 72 hooks and holds the charging cable 6 (charging connector 61) in a loop-wound state when the charging cable 6 is not in use. The configuration of the holder 72 is not limited to that described above.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1(b) and (c), the housing 7 has the charging cable 6 attached thereto, and the holder 71 and the holder 72 arranged thereon, and does not have any other parts on the surface of each side. Although the rear view and the left side view of the charging device A1 are omitted, nothing is arranged on the rear and left side of the housing 7. In other words, the housing 7 does not have an operation means for an operator to operate the charging device A1, and a display means for displaying the state of the charging device A1. Moreover, the housing 7 does not even have an operation means or a display means for maintenance. The charging device A1 causes the terminal 8 with which the second communication unit 4 communicates to function as an operation means and a display means.

[0032] An example of a case where a user of an electric vehicle 9 operates the charging device A1 using a mobile terminal 81 owned by the user will be described below. The user downloads and installs application software for operating the charging device A1 in advance to the mobile terminal 81. The user uses an imaging means (such as a camera) of the mobile terminal 81 to capture and read a reading code (such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode) corresponding to the charging device A1 to which the electric vehicle 9 is connected. The mobile terminal 81 establishes communication with the second communication unit 4 of the charging device A1 based on the read information. The reading code may be posted directly on the side of the housing 7 as shown in FIG. 1(b), or a notice may be placed near the housing 7 separately from the housing 7 and posted on the notice. Note that a method for establishing communication between the charging device A1 and the mobile terminal 81 is not limited. For example, the charging device A1 and the mobile terminal 81 may establish communication by pairing using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

[0033] After establishing communication with the second communication unit 4, the mobile terminal 81 displays the display information received by the communication means from the second communication unit 4 on the display means, and transmits operation information according to the operation of the operation means by the user from the communication means to the second communication unit 4. That is, the display means and operation means of the mobile terminal 81 function as the display means and operation means of the charging device A1. The mobile terminal 81 may also settle the charging fee with a registered credit card or bank account, or may settle with registered electronic money. The same applies when the user of the electric vehicle 9 operates the charging device A1 using the in-vehicle terminal 82 of the electric vehicle 9, and when the manager of the management office of the charging device A1 operates the charging device A1 using the personal computer 83 for maintenance of the charging device A1.

[0034] Next, the operation and effects of the charging device A1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the charging device A1 includes a second communication unit 4 for communicating with an external terminal 8, in addition to a first communication unit 3 for communicating charging information with the electric vehicle 9 in a manner according to the standard of the charging method. Therefore, the charging device A1 can transmit and receive operation information for operating the charging device A1 and display information for displaying the status of the charging device A1 to the external terminal 8, regardless of the standard of the charging method. This allows the charging device A1 to make the external terminal 8 function as a display means and an operating means. In addition, the housing 7 does not include an operating means for operating the charging device A1 and a display means for displaying the status of the charging device A1. Since the charging device A1 does not need to be installed in consideration of the positions of the operating means and the display means, the freedom of the installation layout is improved.

[0036] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the charging device A1 can make the mobile terminal 81 function as a display means and an operation means. In this case, the user can check the charging state and perform operations at a position away from the charging device A1. The charging device A1 can also make the in-vehicle terminal 82 function as a display means and an operation means. In this case, the user can check the charging state and perform operations while remaining in the electric vehicle 9. The charging device A1 can also make the personal computer 83 for maintenance function as a display means and an operation means. Therefore, the charging device A1 does not need to have an operation means and a display means for maintenance in the housing 7.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the charging device A1 charges the electric vehicle 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. The charging device A1 may charge a moving body other than the electric vehicle 9. Other examples of the moving body include other vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles (electric motorcycles, power-assisted bicycles), ships, and airplanes, and unmanned moving bodies such as unmanned guided vehicles and drones.

[0038] Second Embodiment Fig. 2 is a front view of the charging device A2 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 2, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A2 according to the second embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a remote control 85.

[0039] In this embodiment, the charging device A2 further includes a remote control 85. The remote control 85 is separate from the housing 7 and is movable. The remote control 85 includes an operation unit, a display unit, and a communication unit, and the communication unit is communicatively connected to the second communication unit 4 via a communication line. In other words, the remote control 85 functions as an operation means and a display means of the charging device A2 instead of the terminal 8. The communication unit of the remote control 85 and the second communication unit 4 may communicate with each other via wireless communication. The remote control 85 is arranged on a surface of the housing 7 facing upward, for example, but can be held by an operator and operated at any position.

[0040] In this embodiment, the charging device A2 also includes a second communication unit 4 in addition to the first communication unit 3. Therefore, the charging device A2 can transmit and receive operation information and display information to the remote control 85 regardless of the standard of the charging method. This allows the charging device A2 to make the remote control 85 function as a display means and an operating means. In addition, the operating means and the display means are not arranged in the housing 7. Since the charging device A2 does not need to be installed in consideration of the positions of the operating means and the display means, the degree of freedom of the installation layout is improved. In addition, the charging device A2 has the same configuration as the charging device A1, and therefore has the same effect as the charging device A1. Furthermore, since the charging device A2 includes the remote control 85, it can be used even if the user does not have the terminal 8.

[0041] Third Embodiment Fig. 3 is a front view of a charging device A3 according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 3, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A3 according to the third embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that the housing 7 does not include the holder 71 and the retainer 72.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing 7 does not include the holder 71 and the holder 72. That is, the housing 7 does not include any other parts on the surface of each side except for the charging cable 6 attached thereto. Instead, the charging device A3 further includes a holder 75. The holder 75 is a member that holds the charging cable 6 and the charging connector 61 when not in use. In this embodiment, the holder 75 hooks and holds the charging cable 6 in a state where it is wound in a ring shape. The holder 75 is separate from the housing 7 and can be moved to a desired position away from the housing 7. The structure of the holder 75 is not limited, and it may be any structure that can hold the charging cable 6 and the charging connector 61 when not in use and can be moved to a desired position away from the housing 7.

[0043] In this embodiment, the charging device A3 also includes a second communication unit 4 in addition to the first communication unit 3. Therefore, the charging device A3 can transmit and receive operation information and display information to the external terminal 8 regardless of the standard of the charging method. This allows the charging device A3 to make the terminal 8 function as a display means and an operating means. In addition, the housing 7 does not include an operating means and a display means. Since the charging device A3 does not need to be installed in consideration of the positions of the operating means and the display means, the freedom of the installation layout is improved. In addition, the charging device A3 has the same effect as the charging device A1 due to the configuration common to the charging device A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the housing 7 does not include the holder 71 and the holder 72, so the freedom of the installation layout is further improved.

[0044] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 4 is a front view of the charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 4, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment. The charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the charging device A3 according to the third embodiment in that the housing 7 is embedded.

[0045] In this embodiment, the charging device A4 is embedded in the entire housing 7. The read code is displayed on a holder 75.

[0046] In this embodiment, the charging device A4 also includes a second communication unit 4 in addition to the first communication unit 3. Therefore, the charging device A4 can transmit and receive operation information and display information to the external terminal 8 regardless of the standard of the charging method. This allows the charging device A4 to make the terminal 8 function as a display means and an operating means. In addition, the housing 7 does not have the operating means, the display means, the holder 71, and the holder 72 arranged thereon, but is buried. Therefore, the charging device A4 has improved freedom of installation layout. In addition, the charging device A4 has the same configuration as the charging device A3, and thus achieves the same effect as the charging device A3. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the entire housing 7 is buried, no space is required to install the housing 7 on the ground. Therefore, by adopting the charging device A4, the facility manager can increase the number of parking vehicles and set the parking space wider even with the same site area.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the case where the entire housing 7 is buried has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Only a part of the housing 7, such as the lower half, may be buried.

[0048] The charging device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part of the charging device according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] A1 to A4: charging device, 2: DC power supply unit, 3: first communication unit, 4: second communication unit, 5: control unit, 6: charging cable, 61: charging connector, 7: housing, 75: holder, 81: mobile terminal, 82: in-vehicle terminal, 85: remote control, 9: electric vehicle, 91: storage battery

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with electric power from the storage battery, comprising: A DC power supply unit that outputs DC power; A control unit that controls the DC power supply unit; A first communication unit for communicating charging information with the electric mobile object; A second communication unit for communicating with an external device by a communication method different from that of the first communication unit; a housing that accommodates the DC power supply unit, the control unit, the first communication unit, and the second communication unit therein; a charging connector connected to the electric moving object and configured to supply DC power output from the DC power supply unit to the electric moving object; a charging cable attached to the housing and connecting the DC power supply unit and the charging connector; Equipped with The housing does not include an operating means for operating the charging device and a display means for displaying a state of the charging device. Charging device.

2. A readable code that can be read by an imaging means of a mobile terminal is displayed on the housing, The portable terminal that has read the read code establishes communication with the second communication unit, thereby functioning as the operation unit and the display unit. The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. The second communication unit communicates with the electric mobile object, The operation device and the display device of the electric moving body function as the operation means and the display means, The charging device according to claim 1 .

4. a remote control that is separate from the housing and movable and that can communicate with the second communication unit; The remote control has an operation unit and a display unit that function as the operation means and the display means, The charging device according to claim 1 .

5. The charging device further includes a holder that holds the charging cable and is separate from the housing and movable. The charging device according to claim 1 .

6. The housing is at least partially embedded.

6. The charging device according to claim 1.

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