charger

Abstract

To provide a charger capable of starting charging without returning to a body after connecting a charge connector to a plug-in connector.SOLUTION: A charger A1 for charging a storage battery 91 of an electrically moving body 9 moved by driving a motor with power of the storage battery 91 comprises: a DC power supply part 2 for outputting DC power; a control part 4 for controlling the DC power supply part 2; a charge connector 61 connected to the electrically moving body 9 and feeding DC power output by the DC power supply part 2 to the electrically moving body 9; a signal transmission part 5 that is switched between a transmission state of transmitting a start signal to the electrically moving body 9 to which the charge connector 61 is connected and a non-transmission state of transmitting no start signal thereto; and a detection part 7 for detecting whether it is in a storage state where the charge connector 61 is stored or in a non-storage state where no charge connector is stored. The control part 4 switches the signal transmission part 5 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state, when a detection result obtained by the detection part 7 changes from the storage state to the non-storage state.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, charging devices for charging the storage batteries of electric vehicles have been developed. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a charging device. To start charging with the charging device of Patent Document 1, a user must first manually connect a charging cable to a charging connector on the vehicle side and then press a start button to start charging. When the start button is detected as being pressed, a control circuit of the charging device starts communication using an in-vehicle network and receives battery information from the vehicle's communication unit. Then, the charging operation of the charging unit is controlled according to the received information to start charging the battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-21845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when starting charging with a charging device, it is necessary to connect the charging connector at the end of the charging cable to the plug-in connector of the electric vehicle and then operate the operating means of the charging device's main body to start charging. If the electric vehicle is a long vehicle such as a bus, the distance between the operating means of the charging device's main body and the plug-in connector of the electric vehicle may be long. In this case, after connecting the charging connector to the plug-in connector, it is necessary to return to the charging device's main body, which is located far away, and then start charging. If the connection between the charging connector and the plug-in connector is insufficient, it is necessary to return to the plug-in connector, check the connection, and then return to the charging device's main body, which is located far away, and then start charging again.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a charging device that allows charging to begin after connecting the charging connector to the plug-in connector without returning it to the main body. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] A charging device provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle 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 charging connector that is connected to the electric vehicle and supplies the DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle, a signal transmitting unit that is switchable between a transmitting state in which a start signal is transmitted to the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected and a non-transmitting state in which no signal is transmitted, and a detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is in a stored state in which it is stored or a non-stored state in which it is not stored, and the control unit switches the signal transmitting unit from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the stored state to the non-stored state.

[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 vehicles but also hybrid vehicles, etc. Also, "electric vehicles" include 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, the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state after a first time has elapsed since the detection result of the detection unit changed from the stored state to the non-stored state.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging connector further includes a second detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is being held by an operator, and the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state when the second detection unit detects that the charging connector is not being held after the detection result of the detection unit changes from the stored state to the non-stored state.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging connector further includes a communication unit that communicates with the electric mobile body to which the charging connector is connected, and when the electric mobile body receives the start signal from the signal transmission unit, it transmits storage battery information to the communication unit, and when the communication unit receives the storage battery information, the control unit causes the DC power supply unit to start output.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the transmission state to the non-transmission state if the communication unit does not receive the storage battery information for a second period of time after switching the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state after the third time has elapsed since the signal transmission unit was switched from the transmission state to the non-transmission state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from a non-transmitting state to a transmitting state when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the housed state to the unhoused state. Therefore, when the charging connector is removed from the housed position and enters the unhoused state, the signal transmission unit is ready to transmit a start signal. When the charging connector is connected to the plug-in connector of the electric vehicle, a charging start signal is automatically transmitted to the electric vehicle without requiring any operation on the main body. As a result, the charging device according to the present invention can start charging after connecting the charging connector to the plug-in connector without returning it to the main body.

[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 explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] (a) is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the charging device in the first embodiment, (b) is a front view showing the appearance of the charging device, and (c) is a right side view showing the appearance of the charging device. [Figure 2] 5 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a charging start process performed by a control unit of the charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the charging start process performed by the control unit of the charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10(a) is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a charging device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a simplified diagram of a charging connector. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a charging start process performed by a control unit of a charging device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0018] [First embodiment] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a charging device A1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the charging device A1. Fig. 1B is a front view showing the appearance of the charging device A1. Fig. 1C is a right side view showing the appearance of the charging device A1.

[0019] The charging device A1 is placed in a parking lot or the like of a facility and is equipment 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 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 communication unit 3, a control unit 4, a signal transmission unit 5, a detection unit 7, a power line 2a, a communication line 3a, a signal line 5a, a charging cable 6, a housing 8, a plug holder 81, and a holder 82.

[0020] The DC power supply unit 2 is configured to output DC power in response to a command from the control unit 4. The DC power supply unit 2 converts AC power input from the power grid 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 grid into DC power in response to a command from the control unit 4. 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 grid.

[0021] The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9. The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9 connected to the charging cable 6 via a communication line 3a arranged in the charging cable 6. The communication unit 3 communicates with each electric vehicle 9 according to, for example, the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication standard. Note that the communication standard is not limited. The communication unit 3 receives, from the electric vehicles 9, information such as the capacity of the storage battery 91, the current charging rate (SoC: State of Charge), and the required power value as storage battery information. The required power value is the power value that the electric vehicle 9 requests the charging device A1 to charge the storage battery 91. Note that there are no limitations on the information transmitted and received between the communication unit 3 and each electric vehicle 9. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the communication method between the communication unit 3 and the electric vehicles 9, and it may be, for example, wireless communication.

[0022] The signal transmission unit 5 is configured to transmit a start signal to the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging cable 6 is connected, via a signal line 5a arranged in the charging cable 6. The start signal is a signal for informing the electric vehicle 9 that the charging device A1 is ready to charge. The signal transmission unit 5 includes a switch 5b, and when the charging cable 6 is connected to the electric vehicle 9 and the switch 5b is closed, the signal transmission unit 5 transmits the start signal to the electric vehicle 9 by applying a predetermined voltage (e.g., 12 V). In other words, the signal transmission unit 5 is switched between a transmission state in which the start signal is transmitted and a non-transmission state in which the start signal is not transmitted. Upon receiving the start signal, the electric vehicle 9 transmits storage battery information to the communication unit 3 of the charging device A1 via the communication line 3a. The signal transmission unit 5 switches the switch 5b between an open state and a closed state in response to an instruction from the control unit 4.

[0023] The charging cable 6 has a power line 2a, a communication line 3a, and a signal line 5a arranged therein, and a charging connector 61 arranged at the end. The charging cable 6 is connected to the electric vehicle 9 by connecting the charging connector 61 to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging connector 61 communicates with the communication unit 3 via the communication line 3a and the charging connector 61. The electric vehicle 9 also receives a start signal from the signal transmission unit 5 via the signal line 5a and the charging connector 61. The electric vehicle 9 also charges its storage battery 91 with power supplied from the DC power supply unit 2 via the power line 2a and the charging connector 61.

[0024] Charging connector 61 includes a main body 61a and a connector 61b. Main body 61a is a portion that is held by a user and has a handle formed therein. Main body 61a has power line 2a, communication line 3a, and signal line 5a disposed therein. Connector 61b is a cylindrical member made of, for example, metal and disposed at the tip of main body 61a, and is connected to a plug-in connector 92 of electric vehicle 9. Although not shown, a power terminal that is electrically connected to power line 2a, a communication terminal that is electrically connected to communication line 3a, and a signal terminal that is electrically connected to signal line 5a are disposed inside connector 61b. Charging connector 61 includes a mechanism for locking charging connector 61 to plug-in connector 92, a button for detaching charging connector 61, and the like, but these are not shown. The configuration of charging connector 61 is not limited to this.

[0025] The housing 8 accommodates the DC power supply unit 2, the communication unit 3, the control unit 4, the signal transmission unit 5, and the detection unit 7. The housing 8 is made of, for example, metal.

[0026] The plug holder 81 is a portion that stores and holds the charging connector 61. In the illustrated example, the plug holder 81 protrudes from the front surface of the housing 8. The charging connector 61 is stored in the plug holder 81 when not in use, and is removed from the plug holder 81 by an operator when charging the electric vehicle 9. The plug holder 81 includes a fitting recess 811 and a latch portion 812.

[0027] The fitting recess 811 is capable of fitting at least a portion (tip portion) of the charging connector 61. When the charging connector 61 is not in use, the charging connector 61 is fitted into the fitting recess 811. In this embodiment, the plug holder 81 protrudes from the front surface of the housing 8, and the fitting recess 811 is recessed from the front surface of the plug holder 81. However, unlike this example, the plug holder 81 may be embedded in the housing 8, and the fitting recess 811 may be recessed from the front surface of the housing 8. The charging connector 61 is housed in the plug holder 81 by being fitted into the fitting recess 811.

[0028] The latch portion 812 holds the charging connector 61 when the charging connector 61 is fitted into the fitting recess 811. The latch portion 812 has an internal spring. The elastic force of the spring urges the latch portion 812 so that it protrudes from the inner surface of the fitting recess 811. When the charging connector 61 is inserted into the plug holder 81 (fitting recess 811), the latch portion 812 is pressed down by the main body 61a of the charging connector 61 and engages with a recess formed on the side of the main body 61a. This holds the charging connector 61 in the plug holder 81. When the latch portion 812 engages with the recess of the main body 61a of the charging connector 61, the tip of the latch portion 812 (the end portion on the inner side of the fitting recess 811) is pressed in further than when the charging connector 61 is not housed in the plug holder 81. That is, when the charging connector 61 is not housed in the plug holder 81, the latch portion 812 protrudes further inward from the fitting recess 811 than when the charging connector 61 is housed in the plug holder 81.

[0029] The holder 82 is a portion that stores and holds the charging cable 6. The holder 82 is, for example, a hook, and in the example shown in FIG. 1 , protrudes from the side surface of the housing 8. The holder 82 holds the charging cable 6 (charging connector 61) when the charging cable 6 is not in use. The charging cable 6 is held by the holder 82 in a looped state.

[0030] The detection unit 7 detects whether the charging connector 61 is in a housed state where it is housed in the plug holder 81, or in a non-housed state where it is not housed. The detection unit 7 detects whether it is in a housed state or a non-housed state by detecting the position of the latch portion 812. Note that the method by which the detection unit 7 detects whether it is in a housed state or a non-housed state is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 7 may detect whether it is in a housed state or a non-housed state using a photosensor, a contact sensor, or the like. The detection unit 7 outputs the detection result to the control unit 4.

[0031] The control unit 4 is configured to control the charging device A1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 4 controls the output power of the DC power supply unit 2. The control unit 4 also controls communication by the communication unit 3. The control unit 4 acquires information or signals received by the communication unit 3 and transmits information or signals via the communication unit 3. The control unit 4 acquires information about the electric vehicle 9 by communicating with the electric vehicle 9 via the communication unit 3. The control unit 4 controls the output power of the DC power supply unit 2 based on various types of information. The various types of information include information acquired through communication and information input from an operation unit (not shown).

[0032] The control unit 4 also controls the transmission of a start signal by the signal transmission unit 5. When a charging start button (not shown) is pressed, the control unit 4 switches the switch 5b of the signal transmission unit 5 from an open-circuit state to a closed-circuit state. That is, the control unit 4 switches the signal transmission unit 5 from a non-transmitting state to a transmitting state. As a result, a start signal is transmitted to the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging cable 6 is connected. In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 also switches the signal transmission unit 5 from a non-transmitting state to a transmitting state when the detection result input from the detection unit 7 changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. As a result, even when the operator removes the charging connector 61 from the plug holder 81 for charging, the signal transmission unit 5 switches from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state, and a start signal is transmitted to the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging cable 6 is connected. In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 waits for a first time to elapse from the time when the detection result input from the detection unit 7 changes from the stored state to the non-stored state, before switching the signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state. The first time period is set to an average time (for example, 10 seconds) from when the operator removes the charging connector 61 from the plug holder 81 until when the charging connector 61 is connected to the electric vehicle 9. The first time period may be a fixed value or may be a configurable value. Upon receiving the start signal, the electric vehicle 9 transmits storage battery information to the communication unit 3 of the charging device A1 via the communication line 3a. When the communication unit 3 receives the storage battery information, the control unit 4 causes the DC power supply unit 2 to start outputting DC power.

[0033] Furthermore, if a state in which communication unit 3 does not receive storage battery information continues for a second time period (e.g., several seconds) after signal transmission unit 5 is switched from the non-transmission state to the transmission state, control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the transmission state to the non-transmission state. In other words, if charging connector 61 is not connected to electric vehicle 9 within the second time period after signal transmission unit 5 is switched to the transmission state, control unit 4 switches switch 5b of signal transmission unit 5 from the closed-circuit state to the open-circuit state in order to cut off the voltage applied to charging connector 61. The second time period may be a fixed value or may be configurable.

[0034] 2 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the charging start process performed by the control unit 4 of the charging device A1. The charging start process is started when the charging device A1 is started up and when charging is completed and the charging connector 61 is returned to the plug holder 81.

[0035] First, it is determined whether or not the charging connector 61 has been removed from the plug holder 81 (S11). Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the detection result input from the detection unit 7 has changed from the housed state to the non-housed state. If the charging connector 61 has not been removed (S11: NO), the process returns to step S11, and the determination of step S11 is repeated. In other words, the process waits for the charging connector 61 to be removed. If the charging connector 61 has been removed (S11: YES), measurement of the elapsed time since the charging connector 61 was removed is started (S12).

[0036] Next, it is determined whether the elapsed time has exceeded a first time (S13). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the first time (S13: NO), the process returns to step S13 and the determination in step S13 is repeated. That is, the process waits for the first time to pass. If the elapsed time has exceeded the first time (S13: YES), a start signal is transmitted (S14). Specifically, the control unit 4 switches the signal transmission unit 5 from a non-transmission state to a transmission state. If the charging connector 61 has been connected to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9 before the first time has passed, the electric vehicle 9 receives the start signal. On the other hand, if the charging connector 61 has not been connected, the electric vehicle 9 receives the start signal when the charging connector 61 is connected to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9.

[0037] Next, clocking of the elapsed time since the start signal was transmitted is started (S15). Next, it is determined whether or not storage battery information has been received (S16). If storage battery information has not been received (S16: NO), it is determined whether or not the elapsed time has exceeded a second time (S17). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the second time (S17: NO), the process returns to step S16, and the determinations of steps S16 and S17 are repeated. If storage battery information has been received in step S16 (S16: YES), power output is initiated (S18), and the charging start process ends. Specifically, the control unit 4 causes the DC power supply unit 2 to start outputting DC power in accordance with the storage battery information. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the second time (S17: YES) in step S17, transmission of the start signal is stopped (S19), and the charging start process ends. Specifically, the control unit 4 switches the signal transmission unit 5 from the transmission state to the non-transmission state. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is an example, and the charging start process performed by the control unit 4 is not limited to the above.

[0038] Next, the operation and effects of the charging device A1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the control unit 4 switches the signal transmission unit 5 from a non-transmitting state to a transmitting state when the detection result input from the detection unit 7 changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. Therefore, when the operator removes the charging connector 61 from the plug holder 81 for charging, the signal transmission unit 5 switches from a non-transmitting state to a transmitting state, and becomes able to transmit a start signal. When the charging connector 61 is connected to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9, the start signal is automatically transmitted to the electric vehicle 9 without the need to operate the operating means of the charging device A1 main body. This allows the charging device A1 to start charging after connecting the charging connector 61 to the plug-in connector 92 without returning to the main body.

[0040] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state after waiting for the first time to elapse from when the detection result input from detection unit 7 changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. It takes a certain amount of time from when the operator removes charging connector 61 from plug holder 81 to when they connect charging connector 61 to electric vehicle 9. By setting this time to the first time, charging device A1 can synchronize the timing of starting transmission of the start signal with the timing when the operator connects charging connector 61 to electric vehicle 9. This reduces the time required to apply voltage for the start signal to the signal terminal of charging connector 61. Note that if charging connector 61 is already connected when transmission of the start signal starts, the start signal is transmitted to electric vehicle 9 simultaneously with the start of transmission. On the other hand, if charging connector 61 is not yet connected when transmission of the start signal starts, the start signal is transmitted to electric vehicle 9 when charging connector 61 is connected. Therefore, the timing of starting transmission of the start signal does not need to coincide with the timing when charging connector 61 is connected.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the electric vehicle 9 receives the start signal from the signal transmission unit 5, it transmits storage battery information to the communication unit 3 of the charging device A1 via the communication line 3a. When the communication unit 3 receives the storage battery information, the control unit 4 causes the DC power supply unit 2 to start outputting DC power. This allows the charging device A1 to output power according to the storage battery information.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, if the state in which communication unit 3 does not receive storage battery information continues for a second time after control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state, control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the transmission state to the non-transmission state. This prevents voltage for the start signal from being continuously applied to the signal terminal of charging connector 61, for example, when charging connector 61 is left unconnected to electric vehicle 9.

[0043] In this embodiment, the charging device A1 is described as charging an 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, as well as unmanned moving bodies such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0044] Fig. 3 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a modified charging start process. In the charging start process according to the modified example, steps S1 to S19 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 2, and therefore description and explanation thereof will be omitted. The charging start process according to the modified example is a process to which a retry function is added. In the charging start process according to the modified example, after the transmission of the start signal is stopped in step S19, the process does not end, and instead starts measuring the time elapsed since the transmission of the start signal was stopped (S20).

[0045] Next, it is determined whether the elapsed time has exceeded a third time (S21). The third time is the time until a retry and is set appropriately. If the elapsed time has not exceeded the third time (S21: NO), the process returns to step S21, and the determination of step S21 is repeated. That is, the process waits for the third time to elapse. If the elapsed time has exceeded the third time (S21: YES), a start signal is transmitted (S22). Next, measurement of the elapsed time since the transmission of the start signal is started (S23). Next, it is determined whether storage battery information has been received (S24). If storage battery information has not been received (S24: NO), it is determined whether the elapsed time has exceeded a fourth time (S25). The fourth time may be the same as or different from the second time. If the elapsed time has not exceeded the fourth time (S25: NO), the process returns to step S24, and the determination of steps S24 and S25 is repeated. If the storage battery information is received in step S24 (S24: YES), power output is started (S18), and the charging start process ends. On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the fourth time in step S25 (S25: YES), the transmission of the start signal is stopped (S26), and the charging start process ends. Note that the processes of steps S20 to S26 may be repeated multiple times.

[0046] According to this modification, after the communication unit 3 is unable to receive the storage battery information and transmission of the start signal is stopped, transmission of the start signal is resumed after the third hour. Therefore, even if the operator has difficulty connecting the charging connector 61 and the second hour has passed, charging can be started without returning to the main unit and pressing the charging start button.

[0047] Second Embodiment 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating a charging device A2 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4(a) is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the charging device A2. FIG. 4(b) is a simplified diagram of a charging connector. FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart illustrating charging start processing performed by the control unit 4 of the charging device A2. In FIGS. 4 and 5, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

[0048] The charging device A2 according to the second embodiment further includes a second detector 1, a detection line 1a, and a sensor 1b. The second detector 1, the detection line 1a, and the sensor 1b are configured to detect whether the charging connector 61 is being held by an operator.

[0049] Sensor 1b is disposed on the handle of main body 61a of charging connector 61. In this embodiment, sensor 1b is a diffuse reflection type photosensor and includes a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives the diffusely reflected light. When the handle is held by an operator's hand, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is reflected by the hand and received by the light-receiving unit. On the other hand, when the handle is not being held, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is not received by the light-receiving unit. Sensor 1b outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit. Note that sensor 1b is not limited to a diffuse reflection type photosensor. Sensor 1b may be any sensor that can detect a physical quantity that can determine whether or not the charging connector 61 is being held by the operator. For example, sensor 1b may detect the pressure applied when the operator grips the handle, or may detect that no one is present within a predetermined range around charging connector 61.

[0050] The detection line 1a is arranged in the charging cable 6 and connects the sensor 1b and the second detection unit 1. The electrical signal output by the sensor 1b is input to the second detection unit 1 via the detection line 1a.

[0051] Second detection unit 1 detects whether charging connector 61 is being held by an operator based on an electrical signal input from sensor 1b via signal line 5a. Second detection unit 1 compares the magnitude of the input electrical signal with a threshold value, and determines that charging connector 61 is being held by an operator if the electrical signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and determines that charging connector 61 is not being held by an operator if the electrical signal is less than the threshold value. Second detection unit 1 outputs the determination result to control unit 4.

[0052] After the detection result input from detection unit 7 has changed from the stored state to the non-stored state, control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state when second detection unit 1 inputs a detection result indicating that charging connector 61 is not being gripped. As a result, when the operator removes charging connector 61 from plug holder 81 for charging and then lets go of charging connector 61, signal transmission unit 5 switches from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state, and a start signal is transmitted to electric vehicle 9 to which charging cable 6 is connected.

[0053] 5, the charging start process performed by control unit 4 of charging device A2 includes step S31 instead of steps S12 and S13. That is, if charging connector 61 is removed in step S11 (S11: YES), it is determined whether the operator has let go of charging connector 61 (S31). Specifically, control unit 4 determines whether the second detection unit 1 has input a detection result indicating that charging connector 61 is not being gripped. If charging connector 61 has not been let go (S31: NO), control returns to step S31 and the determination in step S31 is repeated. That is, it waits for charging connector 61 to be let go. If charging connector 61 has been let go (S31: YES), a start signal is transmitted (S14).

[0054] In this embodiment as well, the control unit 4 switches the signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state when the detection result input from the detection unit 7 changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. Therefore, when the charging connector 61 is connected to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9, a start signal is automatically transmitted to the electric vehicle 9 without the need to operate the operating means of the charging device A1 main body. This allows the charging device A2 to start charging after connecting the charging connector 61 to the plug-in connector 92 without returning it to the main body. Furthermore, the charging device A2 has a configuration in common with the charging device A1 and therefore achieves the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, control unit 4 switches signal transmission unit 5 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state when control unit 4 receives a detection result from second detection unit 1 indicating that charging connector 61 is not being held after the detection result input from detection unit 7 has changed from the housed state to the unhoused state. Therefore, charging device A2 can start transmitting the start signal when the operator releases charging connector 61 after charging connector 61 is connected to plug-in connector 92 of electric vehicle 9. This further shortens the time required to apply voltage for the start signal to the signal terminal of charging connector 61.

[0056] 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]

[0057] A1, A2: charging device, 2: DC power supply unit, 3: communication unit, 5: signal transmission unit, 61: charging connector, 7: detection unit, 1: second detection unit, 9: electric vehicle, 91: storage battery

Claims

1. A charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with power from the storage battery, a DC power supply unit that outputs DC power; a control unit that controls the DC power supply unit; a charging connector connected to the electric vehicle and configured to supply DC power output from the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle; a signal transmitting unit that is switched between a transmitting state in which a start signal is transmitted to the electric moving object to which the charging connector is connected and a non-transmitting state in which a start signal is not transmitted; a detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is in a housed state or in an unhoused state; Equipped with the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. Charging device.

2. the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state after a first time has elapsed since the detection result of the detection unit changed from the stored state to the non-stored state. The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. a second detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is being held by an operator; the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state when the second detection unit detects a state in which the hand is not being held after the detection result of the detection unit changes from the stored state to the non-stored state. The charging device according to claim 1 .

4. a communication unit that communicates with the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected, When the electric vehicle receives the start signal from the signal transmission unit, the electric vehicle transmits storage battery information to the communication unit; the control unit causes the DC power supply unit to start outputting when the communication unit receives the storage battery information.

4. The charging device according to claim 1.

5. the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the transmission state to the non-transmission state when a state in which the communication unit does not receive the storage battery information continues for a second time after switching the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state. The charging device according to claim 4.

6. the control unit switches the signal transmission unit from the non-transmission state to the transmission state after the third time has elapsed since the signal transmission unit was switched from the transmission state to the non-transmission state. The charging device according to claim 5.

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