Charging device

Abstract

To provide a charging device with reduced design and manufacturing costs. [Solution] The case 660 of the charging device 100 is provided with a first connection part 601A, a second connection part 602A, and a third connection part 603A. A cable that supplies AC or DC power from an external charger of the vehicle is connected to the first connection part 601A. The second connection part 602A outputs the power supplied to the first connection part 601A. The third connection part 603A is connected to a conversion circuit that performs AC / DC conversion.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2013-073491 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charging device for charging a battery of a vehicle. The charging device is mounted in the engine room of the vehicle. The charging device includes a housing and an inverter disposed inside the housing. A connector is disposed on a side wall of the housing of the charging device. A cable is connected to the connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there are vehicles in which an AC charging port for a vehicle into which an AC voltage is input from a charging stand as an external charger and a DC charging port for a vehicle into which a DC voltage is input from the charging stand are separate. There are also vehicles in which the AC charging port and the DC charging port are common.

[0005] In the case of a vehicle in which the AC charging port and the DC charging port are separate, the wiring from the AC charging port is connected to the charging device by an AC connector. Also, the wiring from the DC charging port is connected to the charging device by a DC connector. The charging device has a conversion circuit that performs power factor improvement and AC / DC (Alternate Current / Direct Current) conversion.

[0006] The AC voltage input from the AC charging port is supplied to the conversion circuit via the AC connector. The AC is then converted to DC voltage in the conversion circuit, and this DC voltage is supplied to the vehicle's battery. The DC voltage input from the DC charging port is supplied to the vehicle's battery via the DC connector without going through the conversion circuit. Thus, in vehicles where the AC charging port and DC charging port are separate, the charging device requires two connectors (an AC connector and a DC connector).

[0007] On the other hand, in the case of a vehicle that shares both AC and DC charging ports, the charging device only needs to have one connector, as it is connected from one charging port. This charging device has two paths: an AC path and a DC path. When an AC voltage is input to the charging device, the AC voltage is input to the conversion circuit via the AC path, and a DC voltage is supplied from the conversion circuit to the battery. When a DC voltage is input to the charging device, the DC voltage is supplied to the battery via the DC path without going through the conversion circuit.

[0008] Thus, a charging device with two connectors and a charging device with one connector have the same function, and these two charging devices are identical in terms of circuit diagram. However, because these two charging devices have different power paths, their circuit board shapes and component layouts differ. Furthermore, due to differences in connector positions and internal power paths, the design of the internal circuit boards and electronic component layouts of these two charging devices differs significantly. Therefore, it is difficult to standardize these two charging devices, which can lead to increased design and manufacturing costs.

[0009] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and in one aspect, its objective is to provide a charging device with reduced design and manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The charging device of this disclosure is mounted on a vehicle. The charging device comprises a conversion circuit, a supply circuit, a case, a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection. The conversion circuit converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the converted power to the vehicle's battery. The supply circuit supplies the supplied DC power to the battery and is located on a first power line connecting the first connection to the battery. The case houses the conversion circuit and the supply circuit. The first connection is located on the case and is connected to a cable that supplies AC or DC power from an external charger of the vehicle. The second connection is located on the case and is configured to output the power supplied to the first connection via a second power line branched from the first power line. The third connection is located on the case and is connected to the conversion circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging device with reduced design and manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the state in which the charging device of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the charging device of the comparative example. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the charging device with the pair of harnesses not attached. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the charging device with a pair of harnesses attached. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how the pair of harnesses are attached to the charging device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the inside of the charging device 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0014] [Vehicles and charging equipment] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the charging device 100 of this embodiment is mounted on the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle. The vehicle 10 mainly includes a charging port 12, a pair of cables 160, an engine room 10A, wheels 10B, and a battery 106. In the case of an electric vehicle, there is no engine, but in this embodiment, the engine room 10A is formally referred to as the "engine room." Furthermore, the charging device 100 is mounted in the engine room 10A. The charging device 100 is electrically connected to the pair of cables 160 and the battery 106, etc.

[0015] In this embodiment, the height direction of the vehicle 10 is the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the direction of gravity acting on the charging device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "gravity direction"). The front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 is the Y-axis direction. In particular, the forward direction of the vehicle 10 is the Y1 axis direction, and the rear direction of the vehicle 10 is the Y2 axis direction. The left-right direction of the vehicle 10 is the X-axis direction. In particular, the right direction of the vehicle 10 is the X1 axis direction, and the left direction of the vehicle 10 is the X2 axis direction. Furthermore, when the charging device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 10, the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the charging device 100.

[0016] When the vehicle 10 is charged at a charging facility, for example, a charging stand connector extending from a charging stand 14, which is an external charger for the vehicle 10, is inserted into the charging port 12. Alternating current (AC) voltage and direct current (DC) voltage are applied from the charging stand 14 to the charging port 12.

[0017] The voltage from the charging stand 14 is supplied to the charging device 100 via the charging port 12 and a pair of cables 160. The charging device 100 includes a first connector 601, a second connector 602, a third connector 603, a fourth connector 604, a pair of power lines 151, a pair of harnesses 152, etc. The wiring from the fourth connector 604 is connected to the battery 106.

[0018] The first connector 601 is inserted with the cable connectors 681 of a pair of cables 160 to which the voltage from the charging stand 14 is supplied. The first connector 601 corresponds to the "connector" of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the vehicle-side charging port into which a DC voltage is input is referred to as a "DC charging port", and the vehicle-side charging port into which an AC voltage is input is referred to as an "AC charging port". The charging port 12 of the present embodiment combines the AC charging port and the DC charging port. Therefore, both AC voltage and DC voltage are input to the first connector 601.

[0019] When a DC voltage is input to the first connector 601, a voltage greater than 0V and not exceeding 1000V is supplied. When an AC voltage is input to the first connector 601, a voltage greater than 0Vrms (Voltage Root-Mean-Square) and not exceeding 293Vrms is supplied.

[0020] When the voltage input to the first connector 601 is an AC voltage, the AC voltage is supplied to the second connector 602 via a pair of power lines 151. Then, the AC voltage is input to the third connector 603 from the second connector 602 via the harness 152. The AC voltage is input to the conversion circuit 180 (see FIG. 6) from the third connector 603.

[0021] The conversion circuit 180 includes, for example, a circuit (not particularly shown) that performs power factor improvement and AC / DC conversion. That is, the conversion circuit 180 converts the AC voltage input from the third connector 603 into a DC voltage and outputs the DC voltage after power factor improvement. The conversion circuit 180 typically includes an on-board charger.

[0022] The DC voltage output from the conversion circuit 180 is supplied to the battery 106 via the fourth connector 604. For example, if the voltage supplied from the charging station 14 is AC voltage, the conversion circuit 180 converts the AC voltage to DC voltage and supplies the DC voltage to the battery 106.

[0023] Furthermore, if the voltage supplied from the charging station 14 is a DC voltage, the charging device 100 supplies the DC voltage to the battery 106 via the fourth connector 604. As a modification, the conversion circuit 180 of the charging device 100 may adjust the voltage value of the DC voltage from the charging station 14 and supply the adjusted DC voltage to the battery 106.

[0024] The pair of power lines in this embodiment includes a high-voltage wiring for carrying high-voltage current and a low-voltage wiring for carrying low-voltage current. Similarly, the pair of harnesses 152 includes a high-voltage harness for carrying high-voltage current and a low-voltage harness for carrying low-voltage current.

[0025] [Comparative example charging device] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the comparative example charging device 100X. The comparative example charging device 100X supports AC charging only and is also referred to as the "existing charging device 100X". The charging device 100X houses a conversion circuit (not shown). Furthermore, the charging device 100X does not house the supply circuit described later. The charging device 100X has a side surface 100A, on which a connector 603X is located.

[0026] Here, the charging device 100X is mounted in the vehicle's engine compartment. In addition to the charging device 100X, other components are also mounted in the engine compartment. Also, in the example in Figure 2, the connector 603X is located on the side 100A. Therefore, when a designer of a charging device tries to apply it to a vehicle in which AC and DC charging ports are shared, they may want to change the position of the connector 603X to which the cable is connected from the existing charging device, taking into account the presence of other components.

[0027] However, if a charging device with the connector 603X in a different position is to be manufactured as a new charging device, it may be necessary to significantly change the design of the existing charging device, such as the arrangement of electronic components inside, which could lead to increased manufacturing costs. Similarly, if a supply circuit is provided for vehicles where the AC and DC charging ports are shared, and the voltage supplied from the charging station 14 is DC, then the same problem may arise.

[0028] Therefore, in this embodiment, a charging device 100 is provided in which the manufacturing cost is reduced when the position of the connector 603X is changed or a supply circuit is added compared to an existing charging device 100X.

[0029] [Perspective view of the charging device of this embodiment] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the charging device 100 with the pair of harnesses 152 (see Figure 1) not attached. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the charging device 100 with the pair of harnesses 152 attached.

[0030] The charging device 100 comprises a case 660, a first connector 601, a second connector 602, a third connector 603, and a conversion circuit 180 (see Figure 1) as shown in Figure 1. The conversion circuit 180 and a supply circuit 190 (see Figure 6), etc., are housed inside the case 660. The charging device 100 is a device in which a second housing section 702 has been added to the first housing section 701. In the example in Figure 3, the second housing section 702 is arranged on the first housing section 701. The first housing section 701 is an existing charging device 100X, and can correspond to, for example, the comparative example charging device 100X. The conversion circuit 180 is housed in the first housing section 701. The first housing section 701 and the second housing section 702 are separable.

[0031] The case 660 has a multifaceted structure. The multifaceted structure includes a first surface 660A and a second surface 660B which is different from the first surface 660A. In the mounted state where the charging device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1), the second surface 660B is the top surface of the case 660 (charging device 100).

[0032] The first surface 660A is the side surface of the case 660 (charging device 100) in the above-described mounting configuration. In the example shown in Figure 3, the first surface 660A is the same surface formed by the side surface of the first housing section 701 in the above-described mounting configuration and the side surface of the second housing section 702 in the above-described mounting configuration. As a modification, the side surface of the first housing section 701 and the side surface of the second housing section 702 may be different surfaces. For example, a step may be formed between the side surface of the first housing section 701 and the side surface of the second housing section 702. Even if such a step is formed, the side surface of the first housing section 701 and the side surface of the second housing section 702 are still referred to as the first surface 660A.

[0033] The first connector 601 is positioned on the second surface 660B of the case 660 (second housing section 702). The first connector 601 includes a first connection section 601A and a first connector cover 601B that covers the first connection section 601A. The first connector cover 601B, the second connector cover 602B (described later), and the third connector cover 603B are waterproof.

[0034] The first connection portion 601A of the first connector 601 is configured to receive a pair of cables 160 that supply AC power and DC power from an external charging station 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The second connector 602 is located on the first surface 660A of the case 660 (first housing 701). The second connector 602 includes a second connection portion 602A and a second connector cover 602B that covers the second connection portion 602A. The second connection portion 602A of the second connector 602 is configured to output the power supplied to the first connection portion 601A to a pair of harnesses 152 (see Figure 1).

[0036] The third connector 603 is located on the first surface 660A of the case 660 (first housing section 701). The third connector 603 includes a third connection section 603A and a third connector cover 603B that covers the third connection section 603A. The third connection section 603A of the third connector 603 is configured to supply power supplied from the second connection section 602A via the harness 152 to the conversion circuit 180.

[0037] Furthermore, the first connector 601, the second connector 602, and the third connector 603 are arranged in the case 660 so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device 100. Also, in the first housing section 701, the area of ​​the surface on which the first connector 601 is located (second surface 660B) is larger than the area of ​​the side surface of the first housing section 701.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates how the pair of harnesses 152 are attached to a charging device 100 that does not currently have the harnesses 152 attached. A first harness connection portion 152A is formed at one end of the pair of harnesses 152. A second harness connection portion 152B is formed at the other end of the pair of harnesses 152.

[0039] The first harness connector 152A is connected to the second connector 602A. The second harness connector 152B is connected to the third connector 603A. Here, Figure 5 shows the insertion direction S1 and the insertion direction S2. Insertion direction S1 is the direction of the first harness connector 152A toward the second connector 602A. Insertion direction S2 is the direction of the second harness connector 152B toward the third connector 603A. In the example in Figure 5, insertion direction S1 and insertion direction S2 are the same direction. Note that the pair of harnesses 152 may be detachable from the charging device 100.

[0040] [Internal configuration of the charging device] Figure 6 is an internal circuit diagram of the charging device 100. As explained in Figure 1, the charging device 100 includes a first connector 601, a second connector 602, a third connector 603, a pair of power lines 151, and a pair of harnesses 152. Furthermore, the charging device 100 includes a first node 102A, a first switchgear 301, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 320, a conversion circuit 180, and a supply circuit 190. The vehicle 10 includes a battery 106 (see Figure 1) and an electrical load 104. Note that the fourth connector 604 is not shown in Figure 6.

[0041] The ECU320 can determine whether the voltage input from the charging station 14 to the first connector 601 is AC voltage or DC voltage. For example, the charging station 14 transmits a voltage type signal to the ECU320 indicating whether it is AC voltage or DC voltage. Based on this voltage type signal, the ECU320 can determine whether it is AC voltage or DC voltage.

[0042] The pair of power lines 350 are power lines that connect the first connector 601 and the battery 106. That is, one end of the pair of power lines 350 is connected to the first connector 601, and the other end of the pair of power lines 350 is connected to the battery 106. The pair of power lines 350 consists of a high-voltage power line 350H through which a high-voltage current flows and a low-voltage power line 350L through which a low-voltage current flows. The pair of power lines 350 corresponds to the “first power line” in this disclosure.

[0043] The power supply circuit 190 is located on a pair of power lines 350. The power supply circuit 190 supplies DC power supplied to the first connector 601 to the battery 106. The power supply circuit 190 includes a pair of power lines 350, a second node 102B, a third node 102C, a second switchgear 302, and a third switchgear 303.

[0044] The second node 102B is located closer to the battery 106 than the first node 102A. The third node 102C is located closer to the battery 106 than the second node 102B.

[0045] At the first node 102A, a pair of power lines branch off from the pair of power lines 350. These branched power lines are the pair of power lines 151 described above. One end of the pair of power lines 151 is connected to the first node 102A, and the other end of the pair of power lines 151 is connected to the second connector 602. The first node 102A and the pair of power lines 151 are housed in the second housing section 702. The pair of power lines 151 corresponds to the "second power lines" in this disclosure.

[0046] Furthermore, as explained in Figure 4 and other figures, the second connector 602 and the third connector 603 are connected by a pair of harnesses 152. The current flowing through the third connector 603 is input to the conversion circuit 180. Also, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the harnesses 152 are detachable.

[0047] At the second node 102B, a power line branches off from a pair of power lines 350. This branched power line is connected to an electrical load 104. The electrical load 104 is a load that generates the driving force for the vehicle 10 using the power from the battery 106. The electrical load 104 is, for example, a traction inverter.

[0048] At the third node 102C, a power line branches off from a pair of power lines 350. The branched power line 351 is connected to a conversion circuit 180.

[0049] Furthermore, one switchgear includes a high-voltage relay provided on the high-voltage power line and a low-voltage relay provided on the low-voltage power line. For example, the first switchgear 301 includes a high-voltage relay 301H and a low-voltage relay 301L. The first switchgear 301 is located between a pair of power lines 350 and the output side of the conversion circuit 180. The second switchgear 302 is located between the first node 102A and the second node 102B. The third switchgear 303 is located between the second node 102B and the third node 102C.

[0050] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "opening a switchgear" means "opening both the high-voltage relay and the low-voltage relay included in the switchgear." By opening the switchgear, electricity becomes non-conductive (cannot conduct) at the location of the switchgear. On the other hand, "closing a switchgear" means "closing both the high-voltage relay and the low-voltage relay included in the switchgear." By closing the switchgear, electricity becomes conductive (can conduct) at the location of the switchgear.

[0051] The third switchgear 303 includes relays 303H and 303L, as well as relay 303P connected to a resistor. For example, when the charging device 100 pre-charges the capacitor of the electrical load 104 during vehicle startup, it closes relays 303H and 303P. This reduces the current flowing through the resistor connected to relay 303P, thereby suppressing inrush current flowing through the capacitor.

[0052] The ECU320 controls charging via an external power supply, and controls the opening and closing of multiple switchgear devices. The ECU320 is also referred to as a "control circuit."

[0053] [Control of ECU320] Next, the control of the ECU320 will be explained. As mentioned above, the ECU320 performs actions such as controlling the opening and closing of multiple switchgears. This allows the state of the vehicle 10 (charging device 100) to be switched to one of several states. These states include a battery discharge state, an AC charging state, and a DC charging state.

[0054] First, let's explain the battery discharge state. The battery discharge state is a state in which the battery 106 is being discharged, for example, when the vehicle 10 is being driven (running). The ECU 320 sets the state of the charging device 100 to the battery discharge state by closing the first switchgear 301, opening the second switchgear 302, and closing the third switchgear 303.

[0055] In the battery discharge state, power from battery 106 is applied to the electrical load 104.

[0056] Next, the AC charging state will be described. The AC charging state is a state in which AC voltage is supplied from the first connector 601 and the battery 106 is charged. When the ECU 320 detects that AC voltage is being applied from the charging station 14, it opens the second switchgear 302 and closes the first switchgear 301 and the third switchgear 303.

[0057] Furthermore, it is sufficient for either the second switchgear 302 or the third switchgear 303 to be open. Moreover, if both the second switchgear 302 and the third switchgear 303 are open, it is possible to prevent unintentional power supply to the electrical load 104.

[0058] In the AC charging state, AC power supplied from the first connector 601 is input to the conversion circuit 180 via the second connector 602 and the third connector 603. The conversion circuit 180 converts the AC power to DC power and supplies it to the battery 106.

[0059] Next, the DC charging state will be described. When the ECU 320 performs DC charging, it closes the first switchgear 301, the second switchgear 302, and the third switchgear 303. As a result, the DC power supplied from the first connector is supplied to the battery 106.

[0060] Thus, the ECU 320 opens the second switchgear 302 when AC charging is enabled and closes the second switchgear 302 when DC charging is enabled. With this control, the charging device 100 of this embodiment can charge the battery 106 regardless of whether AC power or DC power is input to the first connector 601.

[0061] [Summary] (1) The charging device 100 of this embodiment is applicable to vehicles that have a charging port 12 in which the AC charging port and the DC charging port are shared (hereinafter also referred to as "shared vehicle"). However, the charging device 100 is also applicable to vehicles in which the AC charging port and the DC charging port are separate (hereinafter also referred to as "individual vehicle").

[0062] When the charging device 100 is applied to an individual vehicle, the harness 152 is not used, and the second connector 602 is covered. The wiring from the AC charging port of the vehicle 10 is connected to the third connector 603, and the wiring from the DC charging port of the vehicle 10 is connected to the first connector 601. In addition, minor modifications may be made to remove the power line 151 and the second connector 602. Thus, when the charging device 100 is applied to an individual vehicle, the charging device 100 shown in Figure 3 may be applied to the individual vehicle. In this case, the charging device may be applied to the individual vehicle with minor modifications, such as the removal of the power line 151 and the second connector 602.

[0063] In other words, the majority of the charging device 100 can be standardized regardless of whether it is applied to a standardized vehicle or an individual vehicle. Therefore, when charging devices for individual vehicles and charging devices for standardized vehicles are designed and manufactured, the design and manufacturing costs of the charging device 100 of this embodiment can be reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the existing charging device 100X is mounted in the vehicle's engine compartment. In addition to the charging device 100X, other components are also mounted in the engine compartment. Also, as mentioned above, the connector 603X is located on the side 100A of the charging device 100X. Therefore, when the designer of the charging device tries to apply it to a vehicle in which AC and DC charging ports are common, they may want to change the position of the connector 603X to which the cable is connected from the existing charging device, taking into account the presence of other components. Also, in order to apply the charging device 100 to a vehicle with common ports, it may be necessary to provide a supply circuit that is the path when the voltage supplied from the charging station 14 is a DC voltage.

[0065] However, if a charging device with a relocated connector is to be manufactured as a new charging device, or if a supply circuit is to be added, it may be necessary to significantly change the design of the existing charging device, such as the arrangement of electronic components inside, which could lead to increased manufacturing costs.

[0066] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the position of the third connector 603 is the same for both the common vehicle and the individual vehicle. Furthermore, even with a supply circuit, the position of the first connector 601 is the same for both the common vehicle and the individual vehicle. Therefore, as described above, a charging device 100 with reduced manufacturing costs can be provided because it does not require significant changes to the arrangement of electronic components inside the charging device.

[0067] (2) In addition, as shown in Figure 4 and other figures, the charging device 100 is equipped with a harness 152. With this configuration, the charging device 100 can supply power from the second connector 602 (second connection part 602A) to the third connector 603 (third connection part 603A), and further supply power from the third connector 603 (third connection part 603A) to the conversion circuit 180.

[0068] (3) Also, as shown in Figure 5, the insertion direction S1 of the first harness connection part 152A into the second connection part 602A and the insertion direction S2 of the second harness connection part 152B into the third connection part 603A are the same.

[0069] With this configuration, compared to a charging device where the insertion direction S1 and insertion direction S2 are different, the operator can more easily insert the first harness connection part 152A into the second connection part 602A, and the second harness connection part 152B into the third connection part 603A.

[0070] In this disclosure, the term "identical" between any direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "first direction") and another direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "second direction") may include both being completely identical and being substantially identical. "Substantially identical" may include the first and second directions being different to the extent that they produce the effects relating to the first and second directions. For example, the term "substantially identical" between insertion direction S1 and insertion direction S2 means that insertion direction S1 and insertion direction S2 are different to the extent that they produce the effect of "making it easier for the worker to insert the first harness connector 152A into the second connector 602A and the second harness connector 152B into the third connector 603A."

[0071] (4) Also, as shown in Figure 3, the second connection part 602A and the third connection part 603A are arranged on the first surface 660A of the case 660.

[0072] With this configuration, compared to a configuration where the second and third connection parts are arranged on different surfaces, it becomes easier to insert the first harness connection part 152A into the second connection part 602A, and to insert the second harness connection part 152B into the third connection part 603A.

[0073] (5) Also, as shown in Figure 3, the first connection part 601A is positioned on the second surface 660B of the case 660.

[0074] With this configuration, the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A can be arranged on two separate surfaces. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first, second, and third connection parts are provided on a single surface, the degree of freedom in the layout of the connection parts can be improved.

[0075] (6) Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the mounted state of the charging device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10, the first surface 660A is the side and the second surface 660B is the top.

[0076] If the first connection part 601A is located on the side, and the cable 160 is inserted into the first connection part 601A, and a force is applied along the side due to the driving of the vehicle 10, the cable 160 may come out. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the first connection part 601A is located on the second surface 660B, which is the top surface, it is possible to prevent the cable 160 from coming out even if a force is applied along the side.

[0077] (7) As shown in Figure 3, the charging device 100 also has a first connector cover 601B, a second connector cover 602B, and a third connector cover 603B. The first connector cover 601B covers the first connection part 601A and is waterproof. The second connector cover 602B covers the second connection part 602A and is waterproof. The third connector cover 603B covers the third connection part 603A and is waterproof. With this configuration, the waterproofness of the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A can be enhanced.

[0078] (8) Also, as shown in Figure 3, the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A are each arranged in the case 660 together with the first connector cover 601B, the second connector cover 602B, and the third connector cover 603B so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device 100.

[0079] If the connection part were located inside the charging device, it would be necessary to provide a hole in the case through which the cable or the like would pass. In this case, foreign matter may enter through the hole. In contrast, with this configuration, the connection part is positioned in the case 660 so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device 100, thus preventing foreign matter from entering through the aforementioned hole.

[0080] (9) Also, as shown in Figure 3, the third connection part 603A is located in the first housing part 701. The first connection part 601A and the second connection part 602A are located in the second housing part 702.

[0081] With this configuration, if the existing charging device 100X described above is the first housing section 701, the charging device 100 of this embodiment can be provided by fixing the second housing section 702 to the first housing section 701. Therefore, a charging device 100 with reduced manufacturing costs can be provided.

[0082] (10) The first housing section 701 and the second housing section 702 are separable. For example, design changes for individual vehicles equipped with the charging device 100 may render the power line 151 and the second connector 602 unnecessary. Even in such cases, the designer can change the second housing 702 to another second housing from which the power line 151 and the second connector 602 have been removed. Therefore, the designer can easily implement minor changes such as removing the power line 151 and the second connector 602.

[0083] (11) When DC power is supplied to the first connection 601A, a voltage greater than 0V and less than or equal to 1000V is supplied, and when AC power is supplied, a voltage greater than 0Vrms and less than or equal to 293Vrms is supplied.

[0084] With this configuration, even if the above-mentioned voltage is supplied to the first connection part 601A, the battery 106 can be properly charged.

[0085] [Differentiation] In the above example, a configuration was described in which connector covers are provided for all of the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A. However, a configuration in which a connector cover is provided for only one of the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A may be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which connector covers are provided for any two of the first connection part 601A, the second connection part 602A, and the third connection part 603A may be adopted.

[0086] [Note] (Section 1) The charging device of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle. The charging device comprises a conversion circuit, a supply circuit, a case, a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection. The conversion circuit converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the converted power to the vehicle's battery. The supply circuit supplies the supplied DC power to the battery and is located on a first power line connecting the first connection to the battery. The case houses the conversion circuit and the supply circuit. The first connection is located on the case and is connected to a cable to which AC power or DC power from an external charger of the vehicle is supplied. The second connection is located on the case and is configured to output the power supplied to the first connection via a second power line branched from the first power line. The third connection is located on the case and is connected to the conversion circuit.

[0087] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a charging device that reduces design and manufacturing costs when designing and manufacturing a vehicle charging device in which the AC charging port and DC charging port are separate, and a vehicle charging device in which the AC charging port and DC charging port are common.

[0088] (Article 2) The charging device described in Article 1, further comprising a harness. A first harness connection is formed at one end of the harness, and a second harness connection is formed at the other end of the harness. The first harness connection is connected to the second connection, and the second harness connection is connected to a third connection. The second connection is configured to output power supplied to the first connection to the harness, and the third connection is configured to supply power supplied from the second connection to a conversion circuit.

[0089] With this configuration, power from the second connection can be supplied to the third connection, and further, power from the third connection can be supplied to the conversion circuit.

[0090] (Clause 3) The charging device described in paragraph 2, wherein the insertion direction of the first harness connector into the second connector and the insertion direction of the second harness connector into the third connector are the same.

[0091] With this configuration, compared to a charging device in which the insertion direction of the first harness connector into the second connector and the insertion direction of the second harness connector into the third connector are different, it is possible to make it easier to insert the first harness connector into the second connector and the second harness connector into the third connector.

[0092] (Article 4) A charging device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the case has a first surface. The second connection part and the third connection part are arranged on the first surface.

[0093] With this configuration, compared to a configuration where the second and third connection parts are arranged on different surfaces, it becomes easier to insert the first harness connection part into the second connection part, and to insert the second harness connection part into the third connection part.

[0094] (Clause 5) The charging device described in paragraph 4, wherein the case has a multifaceted structure including a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface. A first connection part is arranged on the second surface.

[0095] With this configuration, the first, second, and third connection sections can be arranged on two separate surfaces. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the first, second, and third connection sections are located on a single surface, the flexibility of the connection section layout can be improved.

[0096] (Article 6) The charging device described in Article 5, in the mounted state in which the charging device is mounted on a vehicle, the first surface is the side and the second surface is the top.

[0097] If the first connection part is located on the side, and a force is applied along the side due to the driving of the vehicle 10 or the like, the cable may come out. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the first connection part is located on the top surface, it is possible to prevent the cable from coming out even if a force is applied along the side.

[0098] (Section 7) A charging device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the charging device further having a connector cover that covers at least one of the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part and is waterproof.

[0099] With this configuration, the waterproofness of at least one of the first, second, and third connection parts can be improved.

[0100] (Clause 8) The charging device described in paragraph 7, wherein at least one connection portion is disposed in a case so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device, together with a connector cover that covers the connection portion.

[0101] If the connector is located inside the charging device, it is necessary to create a hole in the case through which the cable or other components can pass. In this case, foreign matter may enter through the hole. In contrast, with this configuration, the connector is positioned in the case so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device, thus preventing foreign matter from entering through the aforementioned hole.

[0102] (Article 9) A charging device according to any one of Articles 1 to 8, wherein the case has a first housing section for housing a conversion circuit and a second housing section for housing a second power line and installed in the first housing section. A third connection section is located in the first housing section. The first and second connection sections are located in the second housing section.

[0103] With this configuration, if the existing charging device described above is a first housing section, the charging device of this disclosure can be provided by arranging the second housing section in the first housing section. Therefore, a charging device with reduced manufacturing costs can be provided.

[0104] (Clause 10) The charging device described in paragraph 9, wherein the first housing and the second housing are separable.

[0105] For example, the second connection part may become unnecessary due to a design change in a vehicle equipped with the charging device 100. Even in such cases, designers can separate the second housing from the first housing. Therefore, designers can easily carry out minor design changes by replacing the second housing with, for example, another second housing from which the second connection part has been removed.

[0106] (Clause 11) A charging device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein when DC power is supplied to the first connection part, a voltage greater than 0V and 1000V or less is supplied, and when AC power is supplied, a voltage greater than 0Vrms and 293Vrms or less is supplied.

[0107] With this configuration, the battery can be properly charged even when the above-mentioned voltage is supplied to the first connection point.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 Vehicle, 12 Charging port, 14 Charging station, 100 Charging device, 100A Side, 102A First node, 102B Second node, 102C Third node, 104 Electrical load, 106 Battery, 152 Harness, 152A First harness connection, 152B Second harness connection, 160 Cable, 180 Conversion circuit, 190 Supply circuit, 301 First switchgear, 301H High-voltage side relay, 301L Low-voltage side relay, 302 Second switchgear, 303 Third switchgear, 601 First connector, 601A First connection, 601B First connector cover, 602 Second connector, 602A Second connection, 602B Second connector cover, 603 Third connector, 603A Third connection, 603B Third connector cover, 603X Connector, 604 Fourth connector, 660 case, 660A first side, 660B second side, 681 cable connector, 701 first housing, 702 second housing.

Claims

1. A charging device installed in a vehicle, A conversion circuit that converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the converted power to the vehicle's battery, A supply circuit that supplies the supplied DC power to the battery, A case housing the conversion circuit and the supply circuit, The case is arranged in the first connection section, to which a cable is connected that receives AC or DC power from an external charger of the vehicle. The supply circuit is arranged in the first power line connecting the battery from the first connection part. The charging device further includes, A second connection unit is arranged in the case and configured to output power supplied to the first connection unit via a second power line branched from the first power line, A charging device comprising a third connection part arranged in the case and connected to the conversion circuit.

2. The charging device further includes a harness, A first harness connection portion is formed at one end of the harness. A second harness connection portion is formed at the other end of the aforementioned harness. The first harness connection is connected to the second connection, The second harness connection is connected to the third connection, The second connection unit is configured to output the power supplied to the first connection unit to the harness. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the third connection portion is configured to supply power supplied from the second connection portion to the conversion circuit.

3. The insertion direction of the first harness connection portion into the second connection portion, The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the insertion direction of the second harness connection portion into the third connection portion is the same.

4. The aforementioned case has a first surface, The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connection portion and the third connection portion are arranged on the first surface.

5. The case has a polyhedral structure including the first surface and a second surface different from the first surface. The charging device according to claim 4, wherein the first connection portion is arranged on the second surface.

6. The charging device according to claim 5, wherein, in the mounted state on the vehicle, the first surface is a side surface and the second surface is a top surface.

7. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a connector cover that covers at least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion and is waterproof.

8. The charging device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one connection portion is arranged in the case so as to be exposed to the outside of the charging device, together with a connector cover that covers the connection portion.

9. The aforementioned case is, A first housing unit housing the aforementioned conversion circuit, It has a second housing section that houses the second power line and is installed in the first housing section, The third connection portion is located in the first housing portion. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged in the second housing portion.

10. The charging device according to claim 9, wherein the first housing section and the second housing section are separable.

11. In the first connection section, When DC power is supplied, a voltage greater than 0V and less than or equal to 1000V is supplied. A charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when AC power is supplied, a voltage greater than 0 Vrms (Voltage Root-Mean-Square) and less than or equal to 293 Vrms is supplied.

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