Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system which can suppress an increased charging fee against user intention when charging power is restricted during charging.SOLUTION: A charging system 1 includes: a charging device which includes a plug 120 and a charger to be supplied to the plug 120; a vehicle which includes an inlet 133, to which the plug 120 is connected, and a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet 133; and a notification device 104 which notifies a user 2 of information. The charging device is configured to be capable of shifting from a general charging mode to a power restriction mode in which charging power is smaller than that in the general charging mode. When a charging fee which is required to complete the charging by the shift to the power restriction mode is higher than a charging fee which is required to complete charging by the general charging mode, the notification device 104 inquires the user 2 whether a shift to the power restriction mode may be executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] Various charging systems have been proposed that include a vehicle including a power storage device and an inlet, and a charging device including a charging plug connected to the inlet for charging the power storage device.

[0003] For example, the charging device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-120529 includes a user interface that notifies a user of information and a control device that controls charging power.

[0004] Then, the charging device controls so that the charging power input to the power storage device does not exceed the upper limit charging power. Further, when the upper limit charging power is lower than a threshold value that is a predetermined amount lower than the maximum charging power during external charging, the charging device notifies the user via the user interface of inquiry information for inquiring the user whether it is necessary to end the external charging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] During charging, the charging device may limit the charging power due to various factors. In this case, the charging time becomes longer compared to before the charging power is limited.

[0007] When the charging time becomes longer, for example, when the charging fee increases in proportion to the charging time, the charging fee increases contrary to the user's intention.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging system capable of suppressing an increase in the charging fee against the user's intention when the charging power is restricted during charging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The charging system according to the present disclosure includes a charging device including a plug and a charger that supplies power to the plug, a vehicle including an inlet to which the plug is connected and a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet, and a notification device that notifies a user of information. The charging device is capable of shifting from a normal charging mode to a power limit mode in which the charging power is smaller than that in the normal charging mode. When the charging fee required until the completion of charging in the power limit mode is higher than the charging fee required until the completion of charging in the normal charging mode when shifting to the power limit mode, the notification device inquires of the user whether it is acceptable to shift to the power limit mode regarding shifting to the power limit mode.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the charging system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in the charging fee against the user's intention when the charging power is restricted during charging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Using FIGS. 1 to 5, the charging system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Among the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the same or substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the charging system 1 according to Embodiment 2. The charging system 1 includes a vehicle 102, a charging device 103, and a notification device 104.

[0014] The notification device 104 is, for example, an information terminal used by the user 2, such as a smartphone. The notification device 104 includes a screen 105. The screen 105 can display various information for notifying the user 2. The user 2 can input various information by operating the screen 105, and the screen 105 also functions as an input unit.

[0015] The vehicle 102 includes a power storage device 110, a charging inlet 113, a power wiring 114, a vehicle controller 137, a temperature sensor 210, and a communication device 211.

[0016] The charging inlet 113 includes a DC(+) terminal 150, a DC(-) terminal 151, a PE terminal 152, an S(+) terminal 153, an S(-) terminal 154, a CC1 terminal 155, a CC2 terminal 156, and a housing 157. Each of the terminals 150 to 156 is housed in the housing 157, and each terminal is insulated. The temperature sensor 210 is provided at the charging inlet 113, and the temperature sensor 210 measures the temperature of the charging inlet 113. The temperature sensor 210 transmits the measured temperature information to the vehicle controller 137.

[0017] The vehicle 102 includes a vehicle controller 137, a DC(+) wiring 130, a DC(-) wiring 131, a PE wire 132, an S(+) signal line 133, an S(-) signal line 134, a CC1 communication line 135, a CC2 communication line 136, a vehicle controller 137, contactors K5, K6, and switches SW2, SWv.

[0018] The DC(+) wiring 130 and the DC(-) wiring 131 are connected to the power storage device 110. The DC(+) wiring 130 is connected to the DC(+) terminal 150, and the DC(-) wiring 131 is connected to the DC(-) terminal 151. The PE wire 132 is an earth wire and is connected to the PE terminal 152.

[0019] The S(+) signal wire 133, the S(-) signal wire 134, the CC1 communication wire 135, and the CC2 communication wire 136 are connected to the vehicle controller 137. The S(+) signal wire 133 is connected to the S(+) terminal 153, and the S(-) signal wire 134 is connected to the S(-) terminal 154. The CC1 communication wire 135 is connected to the CC1 terminal 155, and the CC2 communication wire 136 is connected to the CC2 terminal 156.

[0020] The contactor K5 is provided on the DC(+) wiring 130, and the contactor K6 is provided on the DC(-) wiring 131. A resistor R4 is connected to the CC1 communication wire 135, and the switch SW2 is connected to the CC1 communication wire 135 in series with the resistor R4. The switch SWv is provided on the CC2 communication wire 136. The vehicle controller 137 controls the ON / OFF switching of the contactors K5, K6 and the switches S2, Sv.

[0021] The vehicle controller 137 is provided with a BMS (battery management system) 138 which is provided. The BMS 138 includes a storage unit 139, and information regarding a version message, discharge compatibility information, identification message, charging specifications message BCP, and threshold temperature TH1, etc. is stored in the storage unit 139. The communication device 211 is configured to transmit and receive various information to and from the notification device 104.

[0022] The charging device 103 includes a charger 122, a DC(+) wiring 160, a DC(-) wiring 161, a PE wire 162, an S(+) signal wire 163, an S(-) signal wire 164, a CC1 communication wire 165, a CC2 communication wire 166, a contactor K1, a contactor K2, a switch S1, a voltage measuring device 145, a bleeder circuit 146, an IMD (Insulation Monitoring Device) 147, a charger controller 173, a cooling device 200, a temperature sensor 201, and a heat transfer member 202.

[0023] The plug 120 includes a DC(+) terminal 180, a DC(-) terminal 181, a PE terminal 182, an S(+) terminal 183, an S(-) terminal 184, a CC1 terminal 185, a CC2 terminal 186, and a housing 187. Each terminal is housed within the housing 187. The temperature sensor 201 is provided on the plug 120, and the temperature sensor 201 measures the temperature of the plug 120. The temperature sensor 201 transmits the measured temperature information to the charger controller 173.

[0024] The heat transfer member 202 is provided so as to connect the plug 120 and the cooling device 200. For example, the heat transfer member 202 includes a refrigerant pipe formed in a hollow shape and a liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe. The cooling device 200 exchanges heat with the external air for the heat transmitted through the heat transfer member 202 to cool the heat transfer member 202. In this way, during charging, the temperature rise of the plug 120 is suppressed.

[0025] The DC(+) wiring 160 and the DC(-) wiring 161 are connected to the charger 122. The DC(+) wiring 160 is connected to the DC(+) terminal 180, and the DC(-) wiring 161 is connected to the DC(-) terminal 181. The PE wire 162 is an earth wire, and the PE wire 162 is connected to the PE terminal 182.

[0026] The S(+) signal line 163, the S(-) signal line 164, and the CC1 communication line 165 are connected to the charger controller 173. The S(+) signal line 163 is connected to the S(+) terminal 183, and the S(-) signal line 164 is connected to the S(-) terminal 184.

[0027] The CC1 communication line 165 is connected to the CC1 terminal 185. One end of the CC2 communication line 166 is connected to the PE line 162, and the other end is connected to the CC2 terminal 186.

[0028] The contactor K1 is provided on the DC(+) wiring 160, and the contactor K2 is provided on the DC(-) wiring 161. A resistor R1 is provided on the CC1 communication line 165, and the switch SW1 is connected to the CC1 communication line 165 in parallel with the resistor R1.

[0029] The voltage measuring device 145 is provided to connect the DC(+) wiring 160 and the DC(-) wiring 161. Specifically, it is connected between the DC(+) terminal 180 and the contactor K1 in the DC(+) wiring 160 and between the DC(-) terminal 181 and the contactor K2 in the DC(-) wiring 161.

[0030] The IMD 47 is provided between the charger 122 and the contactors K1, K2, and is configured to connect the DC(+) wiring 1 60 and the DC(-) wiring 161. Further, the IMD 147 is also connected to the PE line 162. The bleeder circuit 146 is provided between the charger 122 and the contactors K1, K2, and is configured to connect the DC(+) wiring 160 and the DC(-) wiring 161 to each other.

[0031] When the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113, the DC(+) terminal 150 and the DC(+) terminal 180 are connected, and the DC(-) terminal 151 and the DC(-) terminal 181 are connected. The PE terminal 152 is connected to the PE terminal 182, the S(+) terminal 153 is connected to the S(+) terminal 183. The S(-) terminal 154 is connected to the S(-) terminal 184, the CC1 terminal 155 is connected to the CC1 terminal 185. The CC2 terminal 156 is connected to the CC2 terminal 186.

[0032] The charger controller 173 includes a storage unit 174. In the storage unit 174, a version message, discharge compatibility information, identification message, charger time synchronization information message CTS, charger maximum output capacity message CML, charger charge and discharge direction request message CCD, threshold temperature TH2, and charging fee setting information FD regarding the charging fee are stored. The threshold temperature TH2 indicates the allowable temperature of the temperature of the plug 120.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a graph schematically showing the charging fee setting information FD. In the graph shown in FIG. 2, the vertical axis indicates the unit price of the charging fee (yen / min). The horizontal axis indicates the maximum charging power (kw). In the example shown in this FIG. 2, the charging fee is determined by the maximum charging power.

[0034] The vehicle controller 137 periodically monitors the detection points P2 and P3, and the charger controller 173 periodically monitors the detection point P1.

[0035] The charger controller 173 performs ON / OFF switching control of the charger 122 and the switch SW1, and ON / OFF switching control of the contactors K1 and K2. And ON / OFF switching control of the contactors K1 and K2.

[0036] The vehicle controller 137 performs ON / OFF switching control of the switch SW2 and the switch SWv, and ON / OFF switching control of the contactors K5 and K6. And ON / OFF switching control of the contactors K5 and K6.

[0037] When the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113 as described above, various controls for performing charging are executed.

[0038] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the charging process. In Figure 3, the charging process includes a connection confirmation stage (S210), an adhesion check stage (S211), an insulation test stage (S212), a charging handshake stage (S213), a charging specification arrangement stage (S214), a charging stage (S215), and a charging end stage (S216).

[0039] The connection confirmation stage (S210) is a stage for confirming whether the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113. When the vehicle controller 137 determines that the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113, it locks the plug 120 to the charging inlet 113.

[0040] The welding check stage (S211) is a stage for detecting whether the contactors K5 and K6 are welded.

[0041] The insulation test stage (S212) is a stage for confirming the insulation state of the DC(+) wiring 160 and the DC(-) wiring 161, and the insulation state of the DC(+) terminal 180 and the DC(-) terminal 181.

[0042] The charging handshake stage (S213) is a stage where the BMS 138 and the charger controller 173 exchange version messages, discharge compatibility information, and identification messages.

[0043] The charging specification arrangement stage (S214) is a stage where the charger controller 173 and the BMS 138 send and receive various charging specification messages, etc., to determine whether both can be charged.

[0044] The charging specifications message BCP is a message sent by the BMS 138 to the charger controller 173, and includes information indicating the maximum allowable charging power, the maximum allowable charging current value, the maximum allowable charging voltage, and the allowable temperature, etc. The charger controller 173 sends the charger time synchronization information message CTS, the charger maximum output capacity message CML, and the charger charge and discharge direction request message CCD to the BMS 138.

[0045] When the BMS 138 determines that charging is possible, it sends a charging preparation completion message BRO to the charger controller 173. When the charger controller 173 determines that charging is possible, it sends a charger output preparation completion message CRO to the BMS 138.

[0046] The charging stage (S215) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 and the like. In the charging end stage (S216), the drive of the charger 122 stops and the power supply from the charging device 103 stops. Then, the contactors K1, K2, K5, and K6 turn OFF.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flowchart specifically showing the charging stage (S215). The BMS 138 sends a battery charging demand message BCL (S300). The battery charging demand message BCL in the initial state includes information indicating the demanded power (W), the demanded voltage (V), and the demanded current (A), etc. In this embodiment, the demanded power is set to the maximum allowable charging power, and the demanded voltage and current are set based on the demanded power.

[0048] When the charger controller 173 receives the battery charging demand message BCL, it controls the drive of the charger 122 based on the information included in the battery charging demand message BCL and transmits power (S400). Here, the charging mode in which the charging facility 3 charges based on the battery charging demand message BCL is called the normal charging mode.

[0049] The charger controller 173 acquires the measured temperature TS1 from the temperature sensor 201, and the charger controller 173 determines whether the measured temperature TS1 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH1 (S405). When the charger controller 173 determines that the measured temperature TS1 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH1 (Yes in S405), it determines whether the error message EM1 has already been transmitted (S406). If the error message EM1 has already been transmitted (Yes in S406), the process proceeds to S460 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the error message EM1 has not been transmitted (No in S406), the charger controller 173 transmits the error message EM1 (S410). The error message EM1 includes the charging fee setting information FD and information indicating the low power LP when shifting to the thermal management mode. The thermal management mode is a charging mode in which the output power is set lower than the output power (charging power) in the normal charging mode described later. This suppresses the temperature of the plug 120 from rising.

[0050] After the BMS 138 transmits the battery charging demand message BCL, the BMS 138 determines whether it has received the error message EM1 (S305).

[0051] If the BMS 138 determines that it has not received the error message EM1 (No in S305), the BMS 138 proceeds to S355 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the error message EM1 has been received (Yes in S305), the BMS 138 determines whether the charging fee will increase by shifting to the thermal management mode (S306).

[0052] Specifically, based on the charging fee setting information FD, when the charging fee is a fixed fee or the charging fee increases as the charging power amount increases, the BMS 138 determines that the charging fee will not increase even if it shifts to the thermal management mode.

[0053] In addition, in the case of a method in which the charging fee increases according to the maximum output power shown in FIG. 2 or a method in which the charging fee increases according to the charging time, when shifting to the thermal management mode, it is determined that the charging fee will increase.

[0054] Note that the BMS 138 may specifically calculate the difference in the charging fee based on the current SOC of the power storage device 110, the output power when shifting to the thermal management mode, the charging power in the normal charging mode, and the like.

[0055] When the BMS 138 shifts to the thermal management mode and determines that the charging fee will increase (Yes in S306), the BMS 138 transmits an inquiry message IM1 to the notification device 104. Note that when the BMS 138 determines that the charging fee will not increase (No in S306), it proceeds to S320 described later.

[0056] The inquiry message IM1 is a message that inquires whether it is possible to shift to the thermal management mode although the charging fee increases when shifting to the thermal management mode. Note that information indicating the difference in the charging fee due to shifting to the thermal management mode may be included in the inquiry message IM1.

[0057] Then, when the notification device 104 receives the inquiry message IM1, it notifies the user 2. For example, the content of the inquiry message IM1 is displayed on the screen 105. The user 2 can check the content displayed on the screen 105. At this time, the screen 105 includes, for example, information that the temperature of the plug 120 has become high, information that shifting to the thermal management mode is desired, information regarding the charging fee, and the like. The user 2 operates the screen 105 to input whether or not to shift to the thermal management mode. The notification device 104 transmits a response message AM1 to the BMS 138 (S312). The response message AM1 includes information on whether or not mode shifting is possible.

[0058] When the BMS 138 receives the response message AM1, it determines whether or not to shift to the thermal management mode (S315).

[0059] When the BMS 138 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is permitted (Yes at S315), the BMS 138 transmits a response signal RS1 including a flag permitting the transition to the thermal management mode to the charger controller 173 (S320). On the other hand, when the BMS 138 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is not permitted (No at S315), the BMS 138 transmits a response signal RS1 including a flag for a charge stop request to the charger controller 173 (S321). Note that after transmitting the response signal RS1 including the flag for the charge stop request, the BMS 138 proceeds to S216.

[0060] When the charger controller 173 receives the response signal RS1, the charger controller 173 determines whether the mode transition is permitted (S415).

[0061] When the charger controller 173 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is not permitted (No at S415, i.e., the response signal RS1 includes a charge stop flag), the charger controller 173 stops charging (S216).

[0062] On the other hand, when the charger controller 173 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is permitted (Yes at S415), the charger controller 173 proceeds to the thermal management mode (S420).

[0063] Then, the charger controller 173 controls the drive of the charger 122 to output at low power LP. Then, the charger controller 173 stores the transmission history of the error message EM1 in the storage unit 174 (S425). Then, the charger controller 173 drives the cooling device 200 (S430). By driving the cooling device 200, the plug 120 can be cooled through the heat transfer member 202.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the flow of the charging stage (S215) shown in FIG. 4. The BMS 138 has acquired the measured temperature TS2 from the temperature sensor 210, and the BMS 138 determines whether the measured temperature TS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH2 (S355).

[0065] When the BMS 138 determines that the measured temperature TS2 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH2 (Yes in S355), the BMS 138 determines whether it has already transmitted the error message EM2 (S356).

[0066] When the BMS 138 determines that it has already transmitted the error message EM2 (Yes in S356), the BMS 138 proceeds to S390 described above. On the other hand, when there is no history of transmitting the error message EM2, the BMS 138 transmits the error message EM2 to the charger controller 173 (S360).

[0067] The charger controller 173 determines whether it has received the error message EM2 (S460). When the charger controller 173 determines that it has received the error message EM2 (Yes in S460), it transmits a response signal RS2 (S465). This response signal RS2 includes the charging fee setting information FD.

[0068] The BMS 138 determines whether the charging fee becomes high based on the charging fee setting information FD (S365). The determination method is the same as the determination method in S306 described above.

[0069] When the BMS 138 determines that the charging fee becomes high (S365), it transmits an inquiry message IM2 to the notification device 104. The inquiry message IM2 includes the charging fee setting information FD and information regarding the low power LP. The notification device 104 notifies the user (S313). Then, the notification device 104 transmits a response message AM2 including the information input by the user 2 (S314). The response message AM2 includes information on the feasibility of mode transition.

[0070] When the BMS 138 receives the response message AM2, it determines whether it is possible to enter the thermal management mode (S380). When the BMS 138 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is permitted (Yes in S380), it transmits a response signal RS2 including a flag permitting the transition to the thermal management mode to the charger controller 173 (S381). On the other hand, when it determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is not permitted (No in S380), the BMS 138 transmits a response signal RS12 including a flag for a charge stop request to the charger controller 173 (S382).

[0071] When the charger controller 173 receives the response signal RS2, it determines whether the mode transition is permitted (S465).

[0072] When the charger controller 173 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is not permitted (No in S465, i.e., the response signal RS2 includes a charge stop flag), the charger controller 173 stops charging (S216).

[0073] On the other hand, when the charger controller 173 determines that the transition to the thermal management mode is permitted (Yes in S465), it transitions to the thermal management mode (S480). Then, the charger controller 173 drives the cooling device 200 (S485).

[0074] After S381 above, the BMS 138 stores the transmission history of the error message EM2 in the storage unit of the BMS 138 (S382). Then, it sets the required power in the battery charge demand message BCL to the low power LP1 (S390).

[0075] In the above embodiment, the BMS 138 receives the charging fee setting information FD from the charger controller 173. However, the method for obtaining the charging fee setting information FD is not limited to the above example. For example, a server may be configured to be communicable with the vehicle controller 137 and the charger controller 173, and the charging fee setting information FD may be stored in the server. In this case, the BMS 138 will obtain the charging fee setting information FD from the server. Also, when the BMS 138 cannot obtain information regarding the charging fee setting information FD, the BMS 138 may store data indicating the charging history (information identifying the charging device and the history indicating the charging power and the passage of time) and the charging fee in the above server. In such a case, the content of the charging fee setting for each charging device can be inferred. And based on the estimation result of the fee setting method, it may be determined whether the mode can be changed. It should be considered that all the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1A Charging system, 2 User, 3 Charging facility, 102 Vehicle, 103 Charging device, 104 Notification device, 105 Screen, 110 Energy storage device, 113 Charging inlet, 114 Power wiring, 120 Plug, 122 Charger, 137 Vehicle controller, 139, 174 Storage unit, 145 Voltage measurement device, 146 Bleeder circuit, 157, 187 Housing, 173 Charger controller, 200 Cooling device, 201, 210 Temperature sensor, 202 Heat transfer member, 211 Communication device, FD Charging fee setting information, TH1, TH2 Threshold temperature, TS1 Measured temperature.

Claims

1. A charging device including a plug and a charger for supplying power to the plug, A vehicle including an inlet to which the plug is connected and a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet, An informing device for informing a user of information, Characterized in that, The charging device is capable of shifting from a normal charging mode to a power limit mode in which the charging power is smaller than that in the normal charging mode, When the charging fee required until the charging is completed by shifting to the power limit mode is higher than the charging fee required until the charging is completed in the normal charging mode, the informing device asks the user whether it is okay to shift to the power limit mode. A charging system.

2. The informing device includes an input unit through which the user can input permission or non - permission to shift to the power limit mode, The charging system according to claim 1, wherein when the user does not permit shifting to the power limit mode, the informing device transmits a stop signal to stop the charging of the charging device.

3. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein when the charging fee increases as the charging time becomes longer, the informing device asks the user whether it is okay to shift to the power limit mode.

4. The vehicle includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the inlet, When the temperature of the inlet becomes equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the vehicle transmits a first notification to the charging device, The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the charging device receives the first notification and shifts to the power limit mode when the charging fee required until the charging is completed by shifting to the power limit mode is less than or equal to the charging fee required until the charging is completed in the normal charging mode.

5. The charging device includes a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the plug, The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the temperature of the plug becomes equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature and the charging fee required until the charging is completed by shifting to the power limit mode is less than or equal to the charging fee required until the charging is completed in the normal charging mode, the charging device shifts to the power limit mode.

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