Electric vehicle

Abstract

To improve performance of coping with an abnormality of a function for detecting connection between a charge connector and a cable.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle can charge a battery from an external power source. The electric vehicle includes: a charge connector which can be connected to a cable which is connected to the external power source; a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the connection between the charge connector and the cable; a travel control section which sets a travel prohibited state when the connection between the charge connector and the cable is detected; and a communication processing section which transmits vehicle information indicating a vehicle state to a prescribed corresponding organization in a case where the connection between the charge connector and the cable is detected and an abnormal state in which there is an input indicating that the charge connector is not connected to the cable by a user occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In electric vehicles such as electric cars, hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars that can charge a battery with an external power source, when a charging connector and a cable are connected, a system that prohibits the vehicle from running is used. In such a system, if an abnormality occurs in a sensor that detects the connection between the charging connector and the cable, there is a possibility that the vehicle cannot be run even though the cable is not connected to the charging connector. Therefore, even when the connection between the charging connector and the cable is detected by the sensor, a technique that permits the vehicle to run is used when specific conditions are satisfied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An abnormality in a sensor that detects the connection between the charging connector and the cable as described above should be repaired as quickly and appropriately as possible. According to the related art as described above, even when an abnormality occurs in the sensor, the vehicle can run, but there is room for improvement in terms of improving the countermeasure against the abnormality.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle capable of improving the countermeasure against an abnormality in a function of detecting the connection between a charging connector and a cable.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is an electric vehicle capable of charging a battery with an external power source, including a charging connector connectable to a cable connected to the external power source, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a connection between the charging connector and the cable, a travel control unit that sets the vehicle in a travel prohibition state when a connection between the charging connector and the cable is detected, and a communication processing unit that transmits vehicle information indicating the state of the vehicle to a predetermined corresponding agency when an abnormal state occurs, where the abnormal state is a state in which a connection between the charging connector and the cable is detected and there is an input indicating that the charging connector and the cable are not connected by the user.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor, vehicle information indicating the state of the electric vehicle is transmitted from the electric vehicle to a predetermined corresponding agency. This makes it possible to quickly and appropriately take measures to repair the abnormality and improve the ability to handle the abnormality.

[0008] Also, in the above configuration, the communication processing unit may transmit an authentication code to a predetermined corresponding agency when an abnormal state occurs, and the travel control unit may release the travel prohibition state when the user inputs the authentication code.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor, the authentication code generated inside the electric vehicle is transmitted to the corresponding agency, and when the user inputs the authentication code into the electric vehicle, the travel prohibition state is released. This makes it possible for the user to input the authentication code notified by the corresponding agency into the electric vehicle and drive the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is erroneously detected as having a cable connected to the charging connector due to an abnormality in the sensor and is in a travel prohibition state.

[0010] Also, in the above configuration, the communication processing unit may perform a process for assisting communication between the user and the corresponding agency when an abnormal state occurs.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor, it becomes easier for the user to obtain necessary information from the corresponding agency, and it becomes possible to take prompt and appropriate measures against the abnormality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the actions and effects brought about by the configurations, are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. The electric vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is a vehicle capable of charging a battery 14 by an external power source 2 such as EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), and can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or the like.

[0015] The electric vehicle 1 includes a charging connector 11, a sensor 12, a charger 13, a battery 14, an inverter 15, a motor generator 16, a user I / F (Interface) 17, a communication I / F 18, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20.

[0016] The charging connector 11 is a unit connectable to a cable 5 connected to an external power source 2. The specific structure of the charging connector 11 should be appropriately designed according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 1 and the like. For example, it can be configured using a connection port designed based on a predetermined standard, a lid portion for closing the connection port, and the like.

[0017] The sensor 12 is an electronic device that detects the presence or absence of a connection between the charging connector 11 and the cable 5. The specific structure of the sensor 12 is not particularly limited. For example, a structure capable of mechanically or electrically detecting the connection between the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 can be used.

[0018] The charger 13 is a unit that converts the power of the external power source 2 input from the cable 5 and the charging connector 11 into a state suitable for the battery 14 and supplies it. The specific structure of the charger 13 should be appropriately designed according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 1 and the like. The charger 13 has, for example, a power conversion function of converting the input power from AC to DC, a charging control function of controlling the current amount according to the charging state of the battery 14, a communication function of communicating with the external power source 2, a safety function of preventing overcurrent, overheating, etc. These functions are designed based on a predetermined standard.

[0019] The battery 14 is a unit that stores and discharges power to a drive mechanism for driving the electric vehicle 1 and various electrical components. The specific structure of the battery 14 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be a lithium-ion battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a all-solid-state battery, or the like.

[0020] The inverter 15 is a unit that converts the power from the battery 14 from DC to AC and supplies it to the motor generator 16, and converts the power from the motor generator 16 from AC to DC and supplies it to the battery 14. The specific structure of the inverter 15 should not be particularly limited, and it may be appropriately designed according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 1 and the like.

[0021] The motor generator 16 is a unit that is driven as a motor by the power output from the inverter 15 and converts the driving force supplied from the axle or the engine (in the case of a hybrid vehicle or the like) into electric power. The specific structure of the motor generator 16 should not be particularly limited, and it may be appropriately designed according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 1 and the like.

[0022] The user I / F 17 is a unit that enables the input and output of information between the electric vehicle 1 and the user (occupant), and can be, for example, a display, a speaker, an input key, a touch panel, a microphone, etc.

[0023] The communication I / F 18 is a unit that enables the transmission and reception of information between the electric vehicle 1 and external electronic devices via a communication network 23 including the Internet and the like. The communication I / F 18 of the present embodiment communicates with electronic devices such as a server or a PC (Personal Computer) provided in a predetermined corresponding organization 25 via the communication network 23. The corresponding organization 25 can be, for example, a dealer or a support center that sells or maintains the electric vehicle 1.

[0024] The ECU 20 is an information processing device that controls the electric vehicle 1, and can be configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), memory, input / output devices, etc. The ECU 20 executes various arithmetic processes, control processes, etc. for controlling the electric vehicle 1 based on programs, various setting data, etc. stored in the memory. The ECU 20 is connected to the sensor 12, charger 13, inverter 15, user I / F 17, communication I / F 18, etc. via CAN (Controller Area Network), etc., and executes various processes based on the information obtained from these devices. The ECU 20 of the present embodiment has a function for solving problems that occur when the sensor 12 that detects the connection between the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 is abnormal.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ECU 20 of the electric vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. The ECU 20 of the present embodiment includes a travel control unit 101, an information generation unit 102, a communication processing unit 103, and an authentication processing unit 104. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of hardware elements (such as a CPU and memory) and software elements (such as programs stored in the memory) that make up the ECU 20. Further, at least one of these functional units may be configured by dedicated hardware (such as a circuit).

[0026] When a connection signal indicating that the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 are connected is input from the sensor 12, the travel control unit 101 puts the electric vehicle 1 in a travel prohibited state. The travel prohibited state is a state in which the electric vehicle 1 cannot travel, and can be realized, for example, by prohibiting the drive of the motor generator 16 or forcibly operating the brakes.

[0027] When the information generation unit 102 enters an abnormal state indicating that there is an abnormality in the sensor 12, it generates vehicle information indicating the state of the electric vehicle 1. The vehicle information includes information indicating that the sensor 12 is abnormal. In the present embodiment, when a connection signal indicating that the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 are connected is output from the sensor 12, and a non-connection signal indicating that the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 are not connected is output from the user I / F 17, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred. The non-connection signal is output, for example, when the user visually confirms that the charging connector 11 and the cable 5 are not connected and then performs a predetermined input operation on the user I / F 17.

[0028] Further, when in an abnormal state, the information generation unit 102 generates an authentication code. The form of the authentication code should not be particularly limited, but for example, it can be a keyword composed of a plurality of characters, numbers, symbols, etc., or a predetermined operation procedure for an operation unit such as a pedal or a steering wheel provided in the electric vehicle 1. Further, the information generation unit 102 may generate an authentication code according to an instruction from the corresponding organization 25.

[0029] When in an abnormal state, the communication processing unit 103 transmits the vehicle information and the authentication code generated by the information generation unit 102 to the corresponding organization 25 via the communication I / F 18. Further, when in an abnormal state, the communication processing unit 103 performs processing for assisting communication between the user and the corresponding organization 25. Specifically, for example, it is conceivable to display the contact information (such as a phone number) for the corresponding organization 25 on the display, or automatically establish a call between the user and the corresponding organization 25 using the speaker and the microphone.

[0030] The authentication processing unit 104 performs authentication processing to determine whether the authentication code input by the user to the user I / F 17 is correct. Then, when the authentication processing is successful, the travel control unit 101 releases the travel prohibition state and makes the electric vehicle 1 in a travelable state.

[0031] According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 12, vehicle information including information indicating that the sensor 12 is abnormal is automatically transmitted to a corresponding organization 25 such as a dealer. As a result, the user and the corresponding organization 25 can quickly and appropriately take measures to repair the abnormality of the sensor 12.

[0032] Also, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 12, an authentication code generated by the ECU 20 is transmitted to the corresponding organization 25, and when the user inputs the authentication code into the electric vehicle 1, the travel prohibition state is released. As a result, when it is erroneously detected that the cable 5 is connected to the charging connector 11 due to an abnormality of the sensor 12 and the electric vehicle 1 is in a travel prohibition state, the user inputs the authentication code notified from the corresponding organization 25 into the user I / F 17 of the electric vehicle 1, whereby the electric vehicle 1 can be made to travel.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing during charging of the electric vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. In step S101, the ECU 20 determines whether or not the cable 5 is connected to the charging connector 11 based on the output signal of the sensor 12. If it is determined in step S101 that the cable 5 is not connected (S101: No), this routine ends, and if it is determined that the cable 5 is connected (S101: Yes), in step S102, the ECU 20 turns on the charging mode for charging the battery 14 and turns on the travel prohibition mode for putting the electric vehicle 1 in a travel prohibition state.

[0034] Thereafter, in step S103, the ECU 20 determines whether or not a signal has been input from the EVSE (external power source 2) within a predetermined time. If a signal is received from the EVSE in step S103 (S103: Yes), the ECU 20 executes charging of the battery 14 (S104), and this routine ends. On the other hand, if no signal is received from the EVSE for a predetermined time or more in step S103 (S103: No), the ECU 20 causes a charging standby confirmation screen to be displayed on the user I / F 17 (S105).

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the charging standby confirmation screen 201A of the embodiment. The charging standby confirmation screen 201A is an example of an operation screen for confirming whether the current state is a charging standby state. Here, a screen including a display asking the user whether the current state is a charging standby state and an operation unit through which the user can input an answer is illustrated, but the configuration of the charging standby confirmation screen 201A is not limited to this.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S106, the ECU 20 determines whether it is in a charging standby state based on the user's input operation on the charging standby confirmation screen 201A. In step S106, if it is in a charging standby state (S106: Yes), step S103 is executed again. On the other hand, in step S106, if it is not in a charging standby state (S106: No), in step S107, the ECU 20 causes the user I / F 17 to display a status confirmation screen (S107).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the status confirmation screen 201B of the embodiment. Here, a screen including a display asking the user whether they wish to contact the dealer (corresponding organization 25) because they are in a situation where they cannot drive even though they want to drive and an operation unit through which the user can input an answer is illustrated, but the configuration of the status confirmation screen 201B is not limited to this. The status confirmation screen 201B is an example of an operation screen for confirming whether the cable 5 is connected to the charging connector 11. The status confirmation screen 201B illustrated here is configured such that the user can select "YES" when the vehicle 1 cannot be driven even though the cable 5 is not connected to the charging connector 11.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S108, the ECU 20 determines whether the user is requesting contact with the dealer, that is, whether it is an abnormal state, based on the user's input operation on the situation confirmation screen 201B. In step S108, if the user is requesting contact with the dealer (S108: Yes), in step S109, the ECU 20 transmits the vehicle information and the authentication code to the dealer. Then, in step S110, the ECU 20 causes the user I / F 17 to display a contact assistance screen.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contact assistance screen 201C of the embodiment. The contact assistance screen 201C is an example of a screen for assisting the contact between the user and the dealer as the corresponding organization 25. Here, an example of a screen in which the electric vehicle 1 automatically makes a phone call to the dealer and displays the progress to the user is illustrated, but the configuration of the contact assistance screen 201C is not limited to this. For example, the contact assistance screen 201C may be a screen that displays the phone number of the dealer or the like. By establishing the contact between the user and the dealer in this way, the dealer can transmit the authentication code received from the ECU 20 to the user.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S111, the ECU 20 causes the user I / F 17 to display an authentication screen.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the authentication screen 201D of the embodiment. The authentication screen 201D is an operation screen for allowing the user to input the authentication code (password) contacted from the dealer. Here, an example of a screen including a display prompting the input of the password, an operation unit indicating the completion of the input, and an operation unit for canceling this authentication operation is illustrated, but the configuration of the authentication screen 201D is not limited to this. Note that the authentication code may be other than a password. For example, an operation of the vehicle such as stepping on the brake twice may be used as the authentication code.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S112, based on the user's input operation on the authentication screen 201D, the ECU 20 determines whether authentication has succeeded within a predetermined timeout time (limitation time). In step S112, if authentication has succeeded within the timeout time (S112: Yes), the ECU 20 turns off the driving prohibition mode, that is, sets the electric vehicle 1 to a drivable state (S113), and this routine ends. Within the timeout time, the authentication code can be input multiple times. That is, within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 seconds), the authentication code can be input multiple times. However, in order to prevent the user from randomly inputting the authentication code without verifying the authentication code contacted from the dealer, the number of times of inputting the authentication code may be limited.

[0043] Also, in step S108, if the user has not requested contact with the dealer (S108: No), and in step S112, if authentication has not succeeded within the timeout time (S112: No), the ECU 20 causes the user I / F 17 to display an end screen. In this way, in step S112, if authentication has not succeeded within the timeout time (S112: No), the end screen can be displayed (S114) to end the system. For example, in step S109, due to a communication failure or the like, the vehicle information and the authentication code cannot be transmitted to the dealer, or in step S112, the user may accidentally input the authentication code (password) contacted from the dealer incorrectly. When these errors occur, the system can be terminated without locking the system (the determination process in step S112 is not satisfied and loops forever).

[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the end screen 201E of the embodiment. The end screen 201E is a screen for notifying the user of the end of the system. Here, an example of a screen including a display for informing the user to end the system and a display for prompting the user to turn off the IG (Ignition) switch is shown, but the configuration of the end screen 201E is not limited to this.

[0045] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in a function (such as the sensor 12) for detecting the connection between the charging connector 11 and the cable 5, vehicle information indicating the state of the electric vehicle 1 is transmitted from the electric vehicle 1 to a predetermined corresponding agency 25. Thereby, it becomes possible to quickly and appropriately take measures to repair the abnormality, and it becomes possible to improve the ability to handle the abnormality.

[0046] Further, in the present embodiment, when the ECU 20 is in an abnormal state, it transmits an authentication code to a predetermined corresponding agency 25, and when the authentication code is input by the user, it releases the travel prohibition state. Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 12, the authentication code generated in the electric vehicle 1 is transmitted to the corresponding agency 25, and the user inputs the authentication code to the user I / F 17 of the electric vehicle 1, whereby the travel prohibition state is released. Thus, when it is erroneously detected that the cable 5 is connected to the charging connector 11 due to an abnormality of the sensor 12 and the electric vehicle 1 is in a travel prohibition state, the user can input the authentication code notified from the corresponding agency 25 to the user I / F 17 to make the electric vehicle 1 travel.

[0047] Further, in the present embodiment, when the ECU 20 is in an abnormal state, it performs processing for assisting the communication between the user and the corresponding agency 25. Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 12, the user can easily obtain necessary information from the corresponding agency 25, and it becomes possible to quickly and appropriately take measures against the abnormality.

[0048] A program for causing a computer (e.g., ECU 20 or the like) to execute processing for realizing the functions of the electric vehicle 1 as described above can be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. in an installable format or an executable format file. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program may be provided by being pre-incorporated into a ROM or the like.

[0049] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms. Further, various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Further, this embodiment is included in the scope and gist of the invention and is included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1... Electric vehicle, 2... External power source, 5... Cable, 11... Charging connector, 12... Sensor, 14... Battery, 17... User I / F, 18... Communication I / F, 20... ECU, 25... Corresponding institution, 101... Travel control unit, 102... Information generation unit, 103... Communication processing unit, 104... Authentication processing unit

Claims

1. An electric vehicle capable of charging a battery with an external power source, a charging connector connectable to a cable connected to the external power source, a sensor for detecting whether the charging connector and the cable are connected, a travel control unit that sets a travel prohibition state when the connection between the charging connector and the cable is detected, a communication processing unit that transmits vehicle information indicating the state of the vehicle to a predetermined corresponding agency when an abnormal state occurs, where the connection between the charging connector and the cable is detected and there is an input indicating that the charging connector and the cable are not connected by the user, An electric vehicle comprising the above.

2. When the abnormal state occurs, the communication processing unit transmits an authentication code to the corresponding agency, When the authentication code is input by the user, the travel control unit releases the travel prohibition state, The electric vehicle according to Claim 1.

3. When the abnormal state occurs, the communication processing unit performs a process for assisting communication between the user and the corresponding agency, The electric vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2.

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