Connector device

Abstract

To provide a connector device that can suppress the need for a large installation space. [Solution] The connector device 100 includes a connector 10 including one end 11 having a mating portion 13 that fits into an inlet 220 and a locking portion 14 that locks the mating portion 13; an AC charging cable 20 that is detachable from the other end 12 of the connector 10 and electrically connectable to an external power supply 300; and an AC discharge connector 30 that is detachable from the other end 12 and electrically connectable to an electrical device 400. The AC charging cable 20 is electrically connected to the external power supply 300 and transmits power from the external power supply 300 to the connector 10 while connected to the other end 12. The AC discharge connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical device 400 and transmits power from the connector 10 to the electrical device 400 while connected to the other end 12.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-211146 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power supply connector that enables power supply to an external load by being attached to an inlet of a vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although not specified in the above Patent Document 1, the power supply connector has a different configuration from the charging connector that is attached to the inlet when charging the vehicle's power storage device. Therefore, the user of the vehicle needs to change the connector used according to the purpose. For this reason, a user who performs both power supply and charging may own both a power supply connector and a charging connector. In this case, it is considered that the space for arranging the power supply connector and the charging connector becomes large.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connector device capable of suppressing an increase in the arrangement space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a connector member comprising: an inlet connection portion connectable to a vehicle inlet; a one-sided portion provided with a locking portion for locking the inlet connection portion connected to the inlet; and a other-sided portion provided at a different position from the one-sided portion; a first connecting member detachably attached to the other-sided portion and electrically connectable to an external power source; and a second connecting member detachably attached to the other-sided portion and electrically connectable to an external device. The first connecting member is electrically connected to an external power source and transmits power from the external power source to the connector member while connected to the other-sided portion. The second connecting member is electrically connected to an external device and transmits power from the connector member to the external device while connected to the other-sided portion.

[0007] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises, as described above, a connector member, a first connecting member that is detachable from the connector member and electrically connectable to an external power supply, and a second connecting member that is detachable from the connector member and electrically connectable to an external device. This simplifies the configuration of the connector device by the equivalent of one connector member compared to having a charging connector in which the connector member and the first connecting member are integrated, and a discharge connector in which the connector member and the second connecting member are integrated. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the space required for the connector device.

[0008] Furthermore, since the connector device, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member are separate components, if any of these components fail, the faulty part can be repaired or replaced independently. This simplifies the maintenance of the connector device.

[0009] The first connecting member may include a first connector connection portion that can be connected to the other side portion, and a first plug provided at a different location from the first connector connection portion and that can be connected to a first outlet of an external power supply. The second connecting member may include a second connector connection portion that can be connected to the other side portion, and a second outlet provided at a different location from the second connector connection portion and that a second plug of an external device can be connected to. With such a configuration, the first connecting member can be easily electrically connected to the connector member and the external power supply, respectively. Furthermore, the second connecting member can be easily electrically connected to the connector member and the external device, respectively.

[0010] The connector member may include a first resistive element that is electrically connected to the vehicle when the inlet connection portion is connected to the inlet. The first connecting member does not need to be electrically connected to the first resistive element when it is connected to the other side portion. The second connecting member may include a second resistive element that is electrically connected to the first resistive element when the second connecting member and the other side portion are connected. With this configuration, the vehicle can detect which of the first and second connecting members is connected to the connector member (i.e., whether charging or discharging is being performed) based on the change in resistance value.

[0011] The first resistive element section may include a first resistive element and a parallel circuit in which a second resistive element and a first switch are connected in parallel and the first resistive element is connected in series. The connector member may include an operable first operating part. When the first operating part is operated, the locking by the locking part may be released and the first switch may be opened. The second resistive element section may include a series circuit in which a second switch and a third resistive element are connected in series, and a fourth resistive element connected in parallel to the series circuit. The second connecting member may include an operable second operating part. When the second operating part is operated, the second switch may be closed. With this configuration, the resistance value of the connector device changes when the second switch is closed in conjunction with the operation of the second operating part, so the vehicle can change the discharge sequence (for example, start the discharge sequence) based on this change in resistance value. Also, when the first switch is opened in conjunction with the operation of the first operating part, the resistance value of the connector device changes, so the vehicle can change the charging sequence (for example, stop the charging sequence) based on this change in resistance value. Furthermore, as the first switch opens and the locking mechanism is released, the connector member can be removed from the inlet while the first switch is in the open position.

[0012] Furthermore, since the first and second operating parts can be arranged on different components, it is possible to suppress the user from mistakenly operating the first and second operating parts (for example, mistakenly operating the second operating part when releasing the locking part) compared to when the first and second operating parts are provided on the same component.

[0013] The connector member may include a pilot wire through which a pilot signal is transmitted. The second connecting member does not need to be electrically connected to the pilot wire when connected to the connector member. The first connecting member may include a signal generating unit that is electrically connected to the pilot wire and generates a pilot signal when the first connecting member and the connector member are connected. With this configuration, the vehicle can detect whether the first connecting member or the second connecting member is connected to the connector member (i.e., whether charging or discharging is being performed) based on whether or not a pilot signal is being transmitted from the connector device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the increase in the space required for the connector device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the connector device and vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a magnified view of the connection point between the connector and the inlet of the connector device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the circuit configuration with the AC charging cable connected to the connector and then connected to the inlet. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the circuit configuration where the connector to which the AC discharge connector is connected is connected to the inlet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] 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.

[0017] Hereinafter, the configuration of the connector device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, the connector device 100 and the vehicle 200 connected to the connector device 100 are shown. The vehicle 200 is, for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector device 100 includes a connector 10, an AC charging cable 20, and an AC discharge connector 30. The connector 10 is an example of the "connector member" of the present disclosure. The AC charging cable 20 and the AC discharge connector 30 are examples of the "first connection member" and the "second connection member" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0019] The vehicle 200 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 210, an inlet 220, a power conversion device 230, a locking mechanism 240, and a battery 250.

[0020] The connector 10 is configured to be connectable to the inlet 220 of the vehicle 200. The connector 10 includes one end 11, the other end 12, a fitting portion 13, a locking portion 14, and a switch 15. The other end 12 is provided on the opposite side of the one end 11. Each of the fitting portion 13 and the locking portion 14 is provided at the one end 11. The one end 11 and the other end 12 are examples of the "one side portion" and the "other side portion" of the present disclosure, respectively. The fitting portion 13 and the switch 15 are examples of the "inlet connection portion" and the "first operation portion" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0021] The fitting portion 13 is configured to be connectable (fittable) to the inlet 220. The locking portion 14 locks the fitting portion 13 fitted to the inlet 220.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the inlet 220 and the fitting portion 13. When the switch 15 (15A, 15B in FIG. 2) is not operated (pressed) by the user, the fitting portion 13 fitted to the inlet 220 is locked by the locking portions 14 (14A, 14B in FIG. 2). Specifically, the fitting portion 13 is restricted from being removed from the inlet 220 by the engagement of the stepped portion 220a provided on the inlet 220 and the tip of the locking portion 14. In FIG. 2, the non-operating switch 15 and the locking portion 14 when the switch 15 is in the non-operating state are respectively denoted by reference numerals 15A and 14A for the switch 15 and the locking portion 14A.

[0023] When the switch 15 is operated (pressed), the tip of the locking portion 14 is lifted, and the engagement between the locking portion 14 and the stepped portion 220a is released. As a result, the fitting portion 13 can be removed from the inlet 220. In FIG. 2, the operating switch 15 and the locking portion 14 when the switch 15 is in the operating state are respectively denoted by reference numerals 15B and 14B for the switch 15 and the locking portion 14B.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the AC charging cable 20 is detachable from the connector 10. Specifically, the AC charging cable 20 includes a connector 21, a CCID (Charge Circuit Interrupt Device) 22, a plug 23, and a cable 24. The connector 21 is disposed at one end of the AC charging cable 20. The plug 23 is disposed at the other end of the AC charging cable 20 opposite to the connector 21. The CCID 22 is disposed between the connector 21 and the plug 23. The cable 24 connects the connector 21, the CCID 22, and the plug 23. The connector 21 is configured to be detachably attached to the other end 12 of the connector 10. The connector 21 and the plug 23 are respectively examples of the "first connector connection portion" and the "first plug" of the present disclosure.

[0025] The AC charging cable 20 is electrically connectable to an external power supply 300. Specifically, the plug 23 of the AC charging cable 20 is connectable to the outlet 310 of the external power supply 300. By connecting the plug 23 to the outlet 310, the external power supply 300 and the AC charging cable 20 are electrically connected. The external power supply 300 may be a charging station that receives power from a power grid (not shown). The outlet 310 is an example of the "first outlet" in this disclosure.

[0026] The AC discharge connector 30 is detachable from the connector 10. Specifically, the AC discharge connector 30 includes a connector 31, an outlet 32, and a switch 33. Connector 31 is located at one end of the AC discharge connector 30. The outlet 32 ​​is located at the other end of the AC discharge connector 30, opposite to connector 31. Connector 31 is configured to be detachable from the other end 12 of the connector 10. Connector 31 and outlet 32 ​​are examples of the "second connector connection part" and "second outlet" as described in this disclosure, respectively. Switch 33 is an example of the "second operation part" as described in this disclosure.

[0027] The AC discharge connector 30 is electrically connectable to the electrical equipment 400. Specifically, a plug 410 provided on the electrical equipment 400 can be connected to the outlet 32 ​​of the AC discharge connector 30. By connecting the plug 410 to the outlet 32, the AC discharge connector 30 and the electrical equipment 400 are electrically connected. The electrical equipment 400 includes, for example, household appliances that operate on AC 100V. The electrical equipment 400 may also be something other than household appliances (for example, a power storage device and a power stand). The electrical equipment 400 and the plug 410 are examples of the "external equipment" and "second plug" as defined in this disclosure, respectively.

[0028] Note that the AC charging cable 20 does not have a locking mechanism for securing the connection between connector 10 and connector 21. Connector 21 is stably fixed to connector 10 by fitting onto the other end 12 of connector 10. Similarly, the AC discharge connector 30 does not have a locking mechanism for securing the connection between connector 10 and connector 31. Connector 31 is stably fixed to connector 10 by fitting onto the other end 12 of connector 10.

[0029] In conventional connector devices, power supply connectors and charging connectors have different configurations, requiring vehicle users to change the connector used depending on their purpose. Therefore, users who perform both power supply and charging may own both power supply and charging connectors. In this case, the space required to accommodate both the power supply and charging connectors is likely to be larger.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, the AC charging cable 20 is electrically connected to the external power supply 300 and also connected to the connector 10, and transmits power from the external power supply 300 to the connector 10. The AC discharge connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical equipment 400 and also connected to the connector 10, and transmits power from the connector 10 (battery 250) to the electrical equipment 400.

[0031] This allows the connector 10 to be used as a common component in both charging and discharging. As a result, redundancy in the configuration of the connector device 100 can be suppressed compared to the case where multiple components corresponding to the connector 10 are provided. This also suppresses the need for a larger installation space for the connector device 100.

[0032] The battery 250 is, for example, a rechargeable power storage element, typically a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery having a solid or liquid electrolyte. Alternatively, the battery 250 can be any energy storage device capable of storing power, and for example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the battery 250.

[0033] Battery 250 is externally charged using power supplied from an external power source 300. External charging includes AC charging, which uses DC power supplied by a power converter 230 after AC power supplied from the external power source 300 to the inlet 220 is converted.

[0034] The inlet 220 is provided on the exterior of the vehicle 200 along with a cover such as a lid (not shown). The inlet 220 can receive power from an external power source 300 to charge the battery 250. Furthermore, the inlet 220 enables the supply of power from the battery 250 to the electrical equipment 400 (AC discharge). Note that AC discharge refers to an external discharge that supplies alternating current power from the vehicle 200 to the electrical equipment 400.

[0035] The inlet 220 includes AC connection sections 221 and 222, and communication sections 223, 224, and 225.

[0036] When the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220, the AC connection part of the connector 10 (see Figure 3) is electrically connected to the AC connection parts 221 and 222 of the inlet 220, and the communication part of the connector 10 (see Figure 3) is connected to the communication parts 223 to 225 of the inlet 220.

[0037] The power converter 230 performs power conversion between the battery 250 and the inlet 220 in response to a control signal from the ECU 210.

[0038] When AC charging is performed on the battery 250 with the connector 10 connected to the AC charging cable 20 connected to the inlet 220, the power converter 230 converts the alternating current power supplied from the AC charging cable 20 into direct current power and uses the converted direct current power to charge the battery 250.

[0039] Furthermore, when AC discharge is performed using the battery 250 while the connector 10 connected to the AC discharge connector 30 is connected to the inlet 220 and the plug 410 of the electrical equipment 400 is connected to the outlet 32 ​​of the AC discharge connector 30, the power converter 230 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 250 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power (for example, AC 100V) to the electrical equipment 400.

[0040] The locking mechanism 240 restricts the removal of the connector 10 attached to the inlet 220, fixing it in place (locked state), or releases the restriction on the removal of the connector 10, allowing the connector 10 to be removed from the inlet 220 (unlocked state). The locking mechanism 240 is provided with an actuator that, for example, moves a member to a position that restricts the movement of the connector 10 attached to the inlet 220, thereby locking it, or moves the member to a position that allows the movement of the connector 10 attached to the inlet 220, thereby unlocking it. In other words, the locking mechanism 240 switches between either the locked state or the unlocked state in response to a control signal from the ECU 210.

[0041] The ECU 210 incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 and memory (including, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.) 212. Based on information such as maps and programs stored in the memory 212 and information from various sensors, it controls various devices (for example, a power converter 230, a locking mechanism 240, or another power converter 230) so that the vehicle 200 reaches a desired state. It should be noted that the various controls performed by the ECU 210 are not limited to software processing; they can also be processed by constructing dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0042] Furthermore, when a connector 10 (connected to an AC charging cable 20 or an AC discharge connector 30) is attached to the inlet 220, the ECU 210 performs communication processing to receive predetermined information from the device on the connector side. The predetermined information includes, for example, information regarding the power that can be exchanged between the external power supply 300 and the battery 250 (such as the connector connection signal PISW, which will be described later).

[0043] For example, when a connector 10 is attached to an inlet 220, the ECU 210 connects the communication unit of the connector 10 (see Figure 3) with the communication units 223, 224, and 225 of the inlet 220 and receives information about the power exchanged between the attached connector 10 and the inlet 220. This information indicates that the exchanged power is AC power, charging power, and discharging power, etc.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration in which the connector 10 connected to the AC charging cable 20 is connected to the inlet 220. The following explanation, referring to Figure 3, describes the configuration in which the connector 10 connected to the AC charging cable 20 is connected to the inlet 220.

[0045] The AC charging cable 20 includes a voltage wire L10, a voltage wire N10, and a ground wire PE10. The voltage wires L10, N10, and PE10 are connected to terminals 23a, 23b, and 23c of the plug 23, respectively. Terminal 23c (ground wire PE10) is grounded.

[0046] CCID22 includes relays K1 and K2, a control device 22a, and an oscillation circuit 22b. Relays K1 and K2 are located on voltage lines L10 and N10, respectively. The control device 22a and the oscillation circuit 22b constitute the signal generation unit 22c. The signal generation unit 22c (oscillation circuit 22b) is electrically connected to the signal line L1 (described later) of connector 10 when connector 21 and connector 10 (the other end 12) are connected. When relays K1 and K2 are open, the power supply path is interrupted. When relays K1 and K2 are closed, AC power from an external power source 300 (Figure 1) can be supplied to the vehicle 200 via the AC charging cable 20, connector 10, and inlet 220.

[0047] The oscillator circuit 22b outputs a pilot signal CPLT to the ECU 210 via connector 10 and inlet 220. The pilot signal CPLT is manipulated in potential by the ECU 210 and used as a signal to remotely control relays K1 and K2 from the ECU 210.

[0048] The control device 22a controls relays K1 and K2 based on the potential of the pilot signal CPLT. The pilot signal CPLT is also used as a signal to notify the ECU 210 of the rated current during AC charging from the oscillation circuit 22b.

[0049] The control device 22a includes a CPU and memory, etc. (neither of which are shown). The control device 22a detects the potential of the pilot signal CPLT output by the oscillation circuit 22b and controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 22b based on the detected potential of the pilot signal CPLT.

[0050] When the connector 10 is not connected to the inlet 220, the control device 22a controls the operation of the oscillator circuit 22b so that the potential is V0 (for example, +12V) and a non-oscillating pilot signal CPLT is output.

[0051] Specifically, the oscillation circuit 22b includes, for example, a switch S1 and a resistor R1. One end of the resistor R1 is connected to the switch S1. The switch S1 is located between the resistor R1 and the control device 22a.

[0052] Switch S1 is configured to conduct between the resistor R1 and either the +12V power supply of the control device 22a or the oscillator of the control device 22a. When the connector 10 is not connected to the inlet 220, the control device 22a controls switch S1 so that the +12V power supply and resistor R1 are in a conductive state. Therefore, the oscillator circuit 22b outputs a non-oscillating pilot signal CPLT with a potential of +12V to terminal 21a (described later).

[0053] When the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220, the control device 22a controls the operation of the oscillator circuit 22b so that a pilot signal CPLT that oscillates at a specified frequency and duty cycle is output.

[0054] Specifically, for example, when connector 10 is connected to inlet 220, resistor R1 and resistor R3 (described later) on the vehicle 200 side become conductive, and the potential of pilot signal CPLT drops to V1, which is lower than V0. Therefore, control device 22a controls switch S1 so that the oscillator and resistor R1 become conductive. As a result, oscillator circuit 22b outputs pilot signal CPLT to terminal 21a (described later), which has a potential upper limit of V1 and oscillates at a specified frequency and duty cycle.

[0055] When the upper limit value of the potential of the pilot signal CPLT drops to V2 (<V1), the control device 22a controls the relays K1 and K2 to be in the closed state. As a result, the power from the external power supply 300 is supplied to the inlet 220 via the AC charging cable 20 and the connector 10. The upper limit value of the potential of the pilot signal CPLT drops to V2, for example, when the switch S2 (described later) becomes conductive.

[0056] The connector 10 includes signal lines L1 to L5. Each of the signal lines L1 to L5 is electrically connected to the vehicle 200 in a state where the fitting portion 13 (FIG. 1) is fitted to the inlet 220. Note that the signal line L1 is an example of the "pilot wiring" of the present disclosure.

[0057] The connector 10 includes a resistive element portion 16. The resistive element portion 16 includes a resistor R4, a resistor RC, and a switch S3. Note that the resistive element portion 16 is an example of the "first resistive element portion" of the present disclosure. Also, the resistor RC is an example of the "first resistor" of the present disclosure. Also, the resistor R4 and the switch S3 are examples of the "second resistor" and the "first switch" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0058] The resistor R4 and the switch S3 are connected in parallel with each other to form a parallel circuit 16a. The resistor RC is connected in series with the parallel circuit 16a. The resistor RC is disposed between the parallel circuit 16a and the communication unit 224 in a state where the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220.

[0059] The resistance value of the resistor RC is smaller than the resistance value of the resistor R4. For example, the resistance value of the resistor RC may be 1 / 2 or less of the resistance value of the resistor R4.

[0060] Note that the switch S3 is a switch corresponding to the switch 15. Specifically, when the switch 15 is operated (pressed), the switch S3 is in the open state, and when the switch 15 is not operated (pressed), the switch S3 is in the closed state.

[0061] The combined resistance value of the resistive element section 16 when switch S3 is open is different from the combined resistance value of the resistive element section 16 when switch S3 is closed.

[0062] Connector 21 has terminals 21a to 21e. Signal line L1 electrically connects the communication unit 225 of inlet 220 to terminal 21a of connector 21. Terminal 21a is electrically connected to control device 22a and oscillation circuit 22b.

[0063] The signal line L2 electrically connects the communication unit 224 of the inlet 220 to terminal 21b of the connector 21. The resistor element 16 is located on the signal line L2. The AC charging cable 20, when connected to the other end 12 of the connector 10, does not have any wiring that electrically connects to the signal line L2. The switch S3 and resistor R4 are each connected to the ground wire L3.

[0064] The grounding wire L3 electrically connects the communication unit 223 of the inlet 220 to terminal 21c of the connector 21. The grounding wire PE10 is connected to terminal 21c.

[0065] The signal line L4 electrically connects the AC connection part 222 of the inlet 220 to terminal 21d of the connector 21. The voltage line N10 is connected to terminal 21d.

[0066] The signal line L5 electrically connects the AC connection part 221 of the inlet 220 to terminal 21e of the connector 21. The voltage line L10 is connected to terminal 21e.

[0067] Vehicle 200 further includes a resistor circuit 260 which includes a switch S2, a resistor R2, and a resistor R3. Vehicle 200 also includes a signal line L1a connected to a communication unit 225, a signal line L2a connected to a communication unit 224, and a ground line L3a connected to a communication unit 223. The ground line L3a is grounded. The resistor circuit 260 is a circuit for manipulating the potential of the pilot signal CPLT generated on the signal line L1. A diode D1 is provided on the signal line L1a, with the forward direction being from the communication unit 225 side towards the resistor R2 (R3) side.

[0068] One end of resistor R2 is connected to the ground wire L3a via switch S2. The other end of resistor R2 is connected to the signal line L1a, from which the pilot signal CPLT is generated. Resistor R3 is connected between the signal line L1a and the ground wire L3a. That is, one end of resistor R3 is connected to the ground wire L3a. The other end of resistor R3 is connected to the signal line L1a. Switch S2 is turned on / off in response to a control signal from ECU210.

[0069] When the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220 and the switch S2 is in the off state (disconnected state), the potential of the pilot signal CPLT becomes the potential (V1) determined by resistors R1 and R3. When the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220 and the switch S2 is turned on (conducted state), the potential of the pilot signal CPLT becomes the potential (V2) determined by resistors R1, R2 and R3.

[0070] When connector 10 is connected to inlet 220, ECU210 switches switch S2 on or off to change the potential of pilot signal CPLT, thereby requesting power supply and / or cessation of power to AC charging cable 20.

[0071] Specifically, the ECU 210 requests power supply to the AC charging cable 20 by, for example, turning on switch S2 and changing the potential of pilot signal CPLT from V1 to V2. The ECU 210 also requests the cessation of power supply to the AC charging cable 20 by, for example, turning off switch S2 and changing the potential of pilot signal CPLT from V2 to V1.

[0072] When switch S2 is turned ON, the control device 22a closes relays K1 and K2, and AC power is supplied from the AC charging cable 20 to the power converter 230 via the inlet 220. After the predetermined charging preparation process is completed, the ECU 210 operates the power converter 230 to convert the AC power to DC power and charge the battery 250.

[0073] Vehicle 200 is equipped with resistor R5 and power supply Vsmp. One end of resistor R5 is connected to the communication unit 224, and the other end of resistor R5 is connected to the power supply Vsmp. ECU 210 is configured to acquire the potential between resistor R5 and the communication unit 224. A connection detection circuit is formed by resistors RC, R4, R5, switch S3, and power supply Vsmp to detect the connection status between connector 10 and inlet 220.

[0074] If connector 10 is not connected to inlet 220, a potential signal (V3) determined by the voltage of power supply Vsmp and the resistance value of resistor R5 is generated on signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0075] When connector 10 is connected to inlet 220 and switch 15 is not operated, a signal with a potential (V4) determined by the voltage of the power supply Vsmp, resistor R5, and resistor RC is generated on signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0076] When the switch 15 is operated while the connector 10 is connected to the inlet 220, a signal with the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and a potential (V5) determined by resistors R4, R5, and RC is generated on the signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0077] Figure 4 shows an example of a circuit configuration in which the connector 10 connected to the AC discharge connector 30 is connected to the inlet 220. The following explanation, referring to Figure 4, describes the configuration in which the connector 10 connected to the AC discharge connector 30 is connected to the inlet 220.

[0078] The AC discharge connector 30 includes a voltage line L11, a voltage line N11, and a grounding line PE11. The voltage lines L11, N11, and PE11 are connected to terminals 32a, 32b, and 32c of the outlet 32, respectively. Terminal 32c (grounding line PE11) is grounded.

[0079] The AC discharge connector 30 includes a resistive element section 34. The resistive element section 34 includes a resistor R6, a resistor R7, and a switch S4. Each of the switch S4 and resistor R7 is connected to the ground wire PE11. The resistive element section 34 and resistor 6 are examples of the "second resistive element section" and "third resistive element" of this disclosure, respectively. Also, resistor R7 and switch S4 are examples of the "fourth resistive element" and "second switch" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0080] Resistor R6 and switch S4 are connected in series. Resistor R6 and switch S4 form a series circuit 34a. Resistor R7 is connected in parallel with series circuit 34a. Resistor R6 is connected to terminal 31b, which will be described later.

[0081] The resistance value of resistor R6 is less than the resistance value of resistor R7. For example, the resistance value of resistor R6 may be half or less of the resistance value of resistor R7. Note that resistor R6 may be less than or equal to the resistance RC of connector 10. Resistor R7 may be greater than resistor RC and less than or equal to resistor R4.

[0082] Switch S4 corresponds to switch 33. Specifically, when switch 33 is operated (pressed), switch S3 is closed. However, if switch 33 is operated multiple times in succession while switch S3 is closed, switch S4 may change to the open state.

[0083] The combined resistance value of the resistive element section 34 when switch S4 is open is different from the combined resistance value of the resistive element section 34 when switch S4 is closed.

[0084] Connector 31 has terminals 31a to 31e. Signal line L1 electrically connects the communication unit 225 of inlet 220 to terminal 31a of connector 31. Terminal 31a is not connected to the wiring inside AC discharge connector 30. In other words, AC discharge connector 30 is not electrically connected to signal line L1 when connected to connector 10.

[0085] The signal line L2 electrically connects the communication unit 224 of the inlet 220 to terminal 31b of the connector 31. Terminal 31b is connected to the resistive element unit 34. That is, the resistive element unit 34 is electrically connected to the resistive element unit 16 when the AC discharge connector 30 and the connector 10 (the other end 12) are connected. As a result, the resistive element unit 16 and the resistive element unit 34 are connected in series.

[0086] The ground wire L3 electrically connects the communication unit 223 of the inlet 220 to terminal 31c of the connector 31. The ground wire PE11 is connected to terminal 31c.

[0087] The signal line L4 electrically connects the AC connection part 222 of the inlet 220 to terminal 31d of the connector 31. The voltage line N11 is connected to terminal 31d.

[0088] The signal line L5 electrically connects the AC connection part 221 of the inlet 220 to terminal 31e of the connector 31. The voltage line L11 is connected to terminal 31e.

[0089] When switch 15 is in the unoperated state and switch 33 is in the unoperated state, switch S3 is in the closed state and switch S4 is in the open state. In this case, a signal of the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and the potential (V6) determined by resistors R5, RC, and R7 is generated on the signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0090] When switch 15 is operated and switch 33 is not operated, switch S3 and switch S4 are both open. In this case, a signal with the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and a potential (V7) determined by resistors R5, RC, R4, and R7 is generated on the signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0091] When switch 15 is not operated and switch 33 is operated, switch S3 and switch S4 are both closed. In this case, a signal with the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and a potential (V8) determined by resistors R5, RRC, R6, and R7 is generated on the signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0092] When switch 15 is operated and switch 33 is also operated, switch S3 is in the open state and switch S4 is in the closed state. In this case, a signal with a potential (V9) determined by the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and resistors R5, R4, RC, R6, and R7 is generated on the signal line L2a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0093] The ECU210 can determine whether the connector device 100 is connected to the inlet 220 and the state of the connector device 100 connected to the inlet 220 by acquiring the potential of the connector connection signal PISW. Specifically, the ECU210 calculates the resistance value (the resistance value of the circuit connected to the power supply Vsmp) based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW and makes the above determination based on the calculated resistance value. The ECU210 calculates the resistance value of the circuit excluding resistor R5 from the above circuit.

[0094] The resistance values ​​of each of the resistors (R4, R5, R6, R7, RC) are set so that the potentials V3 to V9 are all different potentials (voltage ranges). The memory 212 of the ECU210 stores information on the resistance values ​​corresponding to each of the potentials V3 to V9. The ECU210 performs the above determination by comparing the resistance values ​​calculated based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW with the resistance values ​​stored in memory 212. Note that the resistance values ​​corresponding to potentials V4 and V5 may be values ​​defined by the SAE-J1772 standard. The resistance values ​​corresponding to potentials V6 to V9 may be values ​​defined by the EVPS-003 guideline. The resistance value corresponding to potential V3 is 0.

[0095] For example, if the calculated resistance value corresponds to the potential V4, the ECU210 may request power supply to the AC charging cable 20 by turning on the switch S2 (conducting state).

[0096] Furthermore, if the calculated resistance value corresponds to the resistance value of potential V8, the ECU210 may start the discharge sequence of the battery 250.

[0097] (modified version) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which an AC charging cable 20 and an AC discharge connector 30 can be connected to the connector 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the AC charging cable 20, a component for DC charging (such as a connector and cable) can be connected to the connector 10. Alternatively, the AC charging cable 20, the AC discharge connector 30, and the DC charging component can all be connected to the connector 10.

[0098] 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 the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Connector (connector component), 11 One end (one side portion), 12 Other end (other side portion), 13 Mating part (inlet connection part), 14 Locking part, 15 Switch (first operating part), 16 Resistor element part (first resistor element part), 16a Parallel circuit, 20 AC charging cable (first connecting component), 21 Connector (first connector connection part), 22c Signal generation unit, 23 Plug (first plug), 30 AC discharge connector (second connecting component), 31 Connector (second connector connection part), 32 Outlet (second outlet), 33 Switch (second operating part), 34 Resistor element part (second resistor element part), 34a Series circuit, 100 Connector device, 200 Vehicle, 220 Inlet, 300 External power supply, 310 Outlet (first outlet), 400 Electrical equipment (external equipment), 410 Plug (second plug), L1 signal line (pilot wiring), R4 resistor (second resistor element), R6 resistor (third resistor element), R7 resistor (fourth resistor element), RC resistor (first resistor element), S3 switch (first switch), S4 switch (second switch).

Claims

1. A connector member comprising: an inlet connection portion that can be connected to a vehicle inlet; one side portion having a locking portion for locking the inlet connection portion connected to the inlet; and the other side portion provided at a different position from the one side portion; A first connecting member that is detachable from the other side and electrically connectable to an external power supply, The other side portion comprises a second connecting member that is detachable and electrically connectable to an external device, The first connecting member is electrically connected to the external power supply and, while connected to the other side portion, transmits power from the external power supply to the connector member. A connector device in which the second connecting member is electrically connected to the external device and, while connected to the other side portion, transmits power from the connector member to the external device.

2. The first connecting member is, A first connector connection portion that can be connected to the other side portion, It includes a first plug provided at a different location from the first connector connection portion and connectable to the first outlet of the external power supply, The second connecting member is, A second connector connection portion that can be connected to the other side portion, The connector device according to claim 1, further comprising a second outlet provided at a different location from the second connector connection portion, to which the second plug of the external device can be connected.

3. The connector member includes a first resistive element that is electrically connected to the vehicle when the inlet connection portion is connected to the inlet, The first connecting member is not electrically connected to the first resistive element when connected to the other side portion. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connecting member includes a second resistive element portion that is electrically connected to the first resistive element portion when the second connecting member and the other side portion are connected.

4. The first resistive element section is, The first resistor element and, The second resistive element and the first switch are connected in parallel, and the first resistive element is connected in series with the parallel circuit, The connector member includes an operable first operating part, When the first operating part is operated, the locking by the locking part is released and the first switch is opened. The second resistive element section is, A series circuit in which a second switch and a third resistor are connected in series, The series circuit includes a fourth resistor connected in parallel, The second connecting member includes an operable second operating section, The connector device according to claim 3, wherein the second switch is closed when the second operating unit is operated.

5. The connector member includes pilot wiring through which a pilot signal is transmitted. The second connecting member is not electrically connected to the pilot wiring when connected to the connector member. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connecting member includes a signal generating unit that is electrically connected to the pilot wiring and generates the pilot signal when the first connecting member and the connector member are connected.

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