Charging system, charging device, and charging control method

Abstract

This enables automatic charging of electric vehicles without time constraints. [Solution] The charging system comprises an electric vehicle including a battery, and a charging device that, when connected to the electric vehicle, performs a charging operation to charge the battery, the charging device including a connector that can be connected to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle, a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet, a connection determination unit that determines whether or not the connector is connected to the inlet based on the detection result of the switch, and a charging control unit that starts the charging operation when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system, a charging device, and a charging control method. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charge and discharge control method that performs automatic charge and discharge operation on electric vehicles such as electric automobiles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In the charge and discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a scheduled time zone (operation time zone) for performing the charge and discharge operation is set in advance, and a relay provided in the charge and discharge device is turned on only when the current time is included in the operation time zone. When the relay is turned on, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication is performed between the charge and discharge device and the electric vehicle, and the charge and discharge operation is executed. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-072488 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In the charge and discharge control method disclosed in Patent Document 1, once outside the operation time zone, the charge and discharge operation cannot be performed unless the relay is manually turned on. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an electric vehicle including a battery, and a charging device that, when connected to the electric vehicle, performs a charging operation to charge the battery, wherein the charging device includes a connector connectable to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle, a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet, a connection determination unit for determining whether the connector is connected to the inlet based on the detection result of the switch, and a charging control unit that starts the charging operation when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, electric vehicles can be automatically charged without any time constraints. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charge / discharge device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control circuit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of a control circuit. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the latch, and it shows the disconnected state. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the latch, and depicts a semi-connected state. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the connector relative to the inlet and the latch, and illustrates the connection state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of an output signal from a switch. [Figure 7A]Figure 7A is the first half of a flowchart showing an example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is the latter half of a flowchart showing an example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the charging / discharging device and the electric vehicle after the connector has been connected to the inlet. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing a modified version of the control circuit's function. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Summary of the embodiments of this disclosure> The embodiments of this disclosure are outlined below.

[0009] (1) The charging system according to this embodiment comprises an electric vehicle including a battery, and a charging device that, when connected to the electric vehicle, performs a charging operation to charge the battery, wherein the charging device includes a connector that can be connected to an inlet provided on the electric vehicle, a switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet, a connection determination unit that determines whether or not the connector is connected to the inlet based on the detection result of the switch, and a charging control unit that starts the charging operation when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet. As a result, the charging operation can be started automatically when the connector is connected to the inlet. Therefore, the electric vehicle can be charged without time constraints.

[0010] (2) In (1) above, the switch enters a first state when the connector is not connected to the inlet or is connected to the inlet, and enters a second state when the connector is partially connected to the inlet, and the connection determination unit may determine that the connector is connected to the inlet when the state of the switch transitions from the first state to the second state and back to the first state. This makes it possible to determine whether the connector is connected to the inlet using a switch that detects the partially connected state of the connector to the inlet.

[0011] (3) In (2) above, the switch may detect a semi-connected state based on the fact that the latch of the connector is pressed against the side of the inlet. This makes it possible to detect a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet based on the state of the latch.

[0012] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) above, the charging device may include a locking unit that locks the connection state of the connector to the inlet, and a lock control unit that causes the locking unit to lock the connection state of the connector to the inlet when the connection determination unit determines that the connector has been connected to the inlet. This locks the connection state between the connector and the inlet when the connector is connected to the inlet. Therefore, the connector is prevented from coming off the inlet during charging, and safety can be ensured.

[0013] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), the charging device may include a signal transmission unit that transmits a charging start signal to the electric vehicle when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet, and the charging control unit may start the charging operation after the signal transmission unit transmits the charging start signal. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the electric vehicle that the connector is connected to the inlet by the charging start signal. When receiving the charging start signal, the electric vehicle can perform communication with the charging device to start charging.

[0014] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), the charging device may include a notification unit that outputs notification information for notifying a user of successful connection between the connector and the inlet when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet. Accordingly, the user can recognize that the connector and the inlet are reliably connected.

[0015] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the charging device includes a time determination unit that determines whether or not the current time is included in a preset scheduled charging period when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet, and the charging control unit may start the charging operation when the time determination unit determines that the current time is included in the scheduled charging period. Accordingly, when the scheduled charging period is set, the charging operation can be automatically started in accordance with the connection determination of the connector to the inlet and the scheduled charging time. Therefore, charging control can be performed in response to more diverse situations.

[0016] (8) A charging device according to the present embodiment is a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, the charging device comprising: a connector connectable to an inlet provided in the electric vehicle; a switch for detecting a half-connected state of the connector with respect to the inlet; a connection determination unit that determines whether or not the connector is connected to the inlet based on a detection result of the switch; and a charging control unit that starts a charging operation for charging the battery when the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet. Accordingly, when the connector is connected to the inlet, the charging operation can be automatically started. Therefore, the electric vehicle can be charged without time restrictions.

[0017] (9) A charging control method according to the present embodiment is a charging control method in a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, the charging control method comprising: a step of acquiring a detection result of a switch that detects a half-connected state of a connector of the charging device with respect to an inlet of the electric vehicle; a step of determining whether or not the connector is connected to the inlet based on the acquired detection result of the switch; and a step of starting a charging operation for charging the battery when it is determined that the connector is connected to the inlet. Accordingly, when the connector is connected to the inlet, the charging operation can be automatically started. Therefore, the electric vehicle can be charged without time restrictions.

[0018] The present disclosure can be implemented not only as a charging system having the characteristic configuration as described above, but also as a charging device included in the charging system, or as charging control including the characteristic processes in the charging system as steps. The present disclosure can be implemented as a computer program that causes a computer to function as the charging device, or by implementing part or all of the charging device as a semiconductor integrated circuit.

[0019] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0020] [1. Charging and discharging system] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the charge / discharge system according to this embodiment. The charge / discharge system 10 includes an electric vehicle 100 and a charge / discharge device 200.

[0021] The electric vehicle 100 includes a battery 110 for driving a motor (not shown) for traction. The electric vehicle 100 further includes an inlet 120 and an on-board control device 130.

[0022] The charge / discharge device 200 includes a connector 300 and a charge / discharge control device 350. The connector 300 is detachable from the inlet 120.

[0023] The inlet 120 is the power input / output port for the battery 110 and is connected to the battery 110 by power lines. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charge / discharge device 200 charges and discharges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0024] The inlet 120 is connected to the in-vehicle control unit 130 by a communication line. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the in-vehicle control unit 130 can communicate with the charge / discharge device 200 using a specific communication protocol. For example, the in-vehicle control unit 130 can communicate using CAN (Controller Area Network). In another example, the in-vehicle control unit 130 can communicate using Ethernet®.

[0025] The connector 300 is located at the end of a cable 330 extending from the charge / discharge control device 350. The connector 300 has a plug 301 at its end. The plug 301 is insertable into a socket provided in the inlet 120.

[0026] The plug 301 is provided with a latch 302a. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the latch 302a catches on the inlet 120, preventing the connector 300 from coming loose from the inlet 120.

[0027] The connector 300 is further provided with a release button 303a. The release button 303a is used to move the latch 302a. When the user presses the release button 303a, the latch 302a moves, and the engagement with the inlet 120 is released. The user can then pull the connector 300 out of the inlet 120 while holding down the release button 303a.

[0028] [2.Charge / discharge device] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charge / discharge device according to this embodiment.

[0029] The charge / discharge control device 350 includes a control circuit 360, a communication interface (I / F) 351, a power converter 352, a battery 353, and a display 354.

[0030] The charging and discharging device 200 according to this embodiment is, for example, a device for V2H (Vehicle to Home) and is installed in a home. The power converter 352 is connected to a commercial AC power supply 400, a load 410 which is an electrical appliance installed in the home, and a battery 353. Power lines 317 extend from the power converter 352 to the connector 300 through the insulation of the cable 330.

[0031] With connector 300 connected to inlet 120, power converter 352 can charge battery 110. That is, power converter 352 can convert AC power from commercial AC power source 400 into DC power of a predetermined voltage and output it. The output DC power is supplied to battery 110 through power line 317, and battery 110 is charged. Furthermore, power converter 352 can also convert the voltage of the DC power output from battery 353 and output the converted DC power. This allows battery 110 to be charged by the power stored in battery 353.

[0032] With connector 300 connected to inlet 120, power converter 352 can discharge battery 110. That is, power converter 352 can convert the DC power output from battery 110 to AC power and output the AC power to load 410, or reverse power the AC power to grid-connected commercial AC power supply 400. Furthermore, power converter 352 can also convert the voltage of the DC power output from battery 110 and output the converted DC power to battery 353. This allows battery 353 to be charged by the power stored in battery 110.

[0033] In this embodiment, a charge / discharge system 10 for charging and discharging the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 is described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a charging system in which the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 is charged by a charging device located at a public charging station may also be described. The public charging device does not have a battery discharge function, but only a charging function.

[0034] The control circuit 351 is connected to the power converter 352 and controls the power converter 352. The control circuit 351 detects the connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 and causes the power converter 352 to perform charging and discharging operations on the battery 110.

[0035] A latch member 302 is located inside the connector 300. The latch member 302 is a lever that can rotate around a pivot point 302b. The first end of the latch member 302 protrudes upward, forming a latch 302a. The second end of the latch member 302 is pushed downward by a spring 302c. This biases the latch 302a upward.

[0036] A switch 310B is located below the latch 302a. The switch 310B is a normally closed (b) microswitch. The switch 310B includes an actuator and a contact mechanism, and the contact mechanism opens and closes depending on the position of the actuator. That is, when the latch 302a is in the upper position (the natural position when pushed by the spring 302c), the latch member 302 pushes the actuator, and the switch 310B is in the OFF state. When the latch 302a is in the lower position (the position where the latch 302a is pushed down against the biasing force of the spring 302c), the latch member 302 does not push the actuator, and the switch 310B is in the ON state. The "OFF state" of the switch 310B is an example of the "first state," and the "ON state" of the switch 310B is an example of the "second state." The switch 310B is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 314 that passes through the insulation of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can receive the ON signal from the switch 310B.

[0037] The connector 300 has a built-in locking mechanism 303. The locking mechanism 303 locks the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. In a specific example, the locking mechanism 303 is an electromagnetic lock including a solenoid. The locking mechanism 303 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 312 and operates in response to a control signal from the control circuit 360. That is, when a control signal is applied to the locking mechanism 303, current is applied to the solenoid, causing the movable piece 303b to move. When the latch 302a is in the upper position, the movement of the movable piece 303b restricts the rotation of the latch member 302, resulting in a locked state. When the movable piece 303b returns to its original position, the restriction on the rotation of the latch member 302 is released, resulting in an unlocked state.

[0038] A switch 310A is located near the locking section 303. Switch 310A is a normally open (a) contact microswitch. Switch 310A includes an actuator and a contact mechanism, and the contact mechanism opens and closes depending on the position of the actuator. That is, when the movable piece 303b is in the reference position (the natural state position when no current is applied to the solenoid), the movable piece 303b does not press the actuator and switch 310A is in the OFF state. When the movable piece 303b is in the locked position (the position when current is applied to the solenoid and the movable iron core is attracted), the actuator is pressed by the movable piece 303b and switch 310A is in the ON state. Switch 310A is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 313 that passes through the insulation of cable 330. The control circuit 360 can receive an ON signal from switch 310A and detects the locked state by the locking section 303 upon receiving the ON signal.

[0039] The control circuit 360 is connected to the display 354. The display 354 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an OEL (organic electroluminescent) panel. The control circuit 360 can output a video signal to the display 354. The display 354 can display text or graphic information according to the video signal.

[0040] The connector 300 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 304. The LED 304 is used to notify the user that the connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 has been successful. More specifically, the LED 304 is used to notify the user that the connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 has been successful and that the connection has been locked by the locking unit 303. The LED 304 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 311 that passes through the sheath of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can send a control signal to the LED 304 and control the lighting and extinguishing of the LED 304.

[0041] Communication I / F351 is a communication circuit for a specific communication protocol, such as CAN. In other examples, communication I / F351 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet. A communication line 316 extends from communication I / F351 to connector 300 through the sheathing of cable 330. Communication I / F351 is used for communication with the in-vehicle control device 130.

[0042] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control circuit 360. The control circuit 360 includes a processor 361, a non-volatile memory 362, a volatile memory 363, and an input / output interface (I / O) 364.

[0043] The volatile memory 363 is a volatile memory such as SRAM or DRAM. The non-volatile memory 362 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard disk, or ROM. The non-volatile memory 362 stores the charge / discharge control program 365, which is a computer program, and the data used to execute the charge / discharge control program 365. Each function of the charge / discharge control device 350 is realized when the charge / discharge control program 365 is executed by the processor 361. The charge / discharge control program 365 can be stored in a recording medium such as flash memory, ROM, or CD-ROM.

[0044] The processor 361 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 361 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 361 may also be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In a specific example, the processor 361 is a multi-core GPU. The processor 361 may also be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a programmable logic device such as a gate array or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, the ASIC or programmable logic device is configured to execute processing similar to that of the charge / discharge control program 365.

[0045] I / O364 is connected to the communication interface 351, the power converter 352, and the display 354. The control circuit 360 can input and output signals to and from the communication interface 351 and the power converter 352 via I / O364. That is, the control circuit 360 can instruct operation by sending control signals to the communication interface 351 or the power converter 352, or receive various information from the communication interface 351 or the power converter 352. I / O364 can output video signals to the display 354.

[0046] I / O364 is connected to signal lines 311, 312, 313, 314, and 315. Upon instruction from processor 361, I / O364 outputs a control signal to LED304 via signal line 311. This causes LED304 to turn on or off. Upon instruction from processor 361, I / O364 outputs a control signal to lock unit 303 via signal line 312. This controls the position of the movable piece 303b of lock unit 303. I / O364 detects the ON signal from switch 310A via signal line 313 and notifies processor 361. I / O364 receives the ON signal from switch 310A via signal line 314 and notifies processor 361.

[0047] While connector 300 is connected to inlet 120, I / O364 outputs a charge / discharge start signal via signal line 315 to notify the start of charging and discharging, as instructed by processor 361. The charge / discharge start signal will be described later.

[0048] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the control circuit 360. The control circuit 360 has the functions of an acquisition unit 371, a connection determination unit 372, a notification unit 373, a signal transmission unit 374, a lock control unit 375, a lock detection unit 376, and a charge / discharge control unit 377.

[0049] The acquisition unit 371 acquires the detection result of the switch 310B, which detects the semi-connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120.

[0050] The connection determination unit 372 determines whether the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120 based on the detection result of the switch 310B. The switch 310B is OFF when the connector 300 is not connected to the inlet 120 or is connected to it. The switch 310B is ON when the connector 300 is partially connected to the inlet 120.

[0051] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show an example of the relationship between the position of the connector 300 relative to the inlet 120 and the latch 302a.

[0052] Figure 5A shows the connector 300 detached from the inlet 120, i.e., disconnected. At this time, the second end 302d of the latch member 302 is pushed by the spring 302c, and the latch 302a is in the upper position. The latch 302a in the upper position protrudes outward from the plug 301 through the hole 301a provided in the plug 301. The second end 302d of the latch member 302, pushed downward by the spring 302c, pushes the actuator 320 of the switch 310B, and the switch 310B is in the OFF position.

[0053] Figure 5B shows the state in which the plug 301 of connector 300 is being inserted into the socket 121 of inlet 120, i.e., the semi-connected state. As the plug 301 of connector 300 is being inserted into the socket 121 of inlet 120, the latch 302a is pushed downward by the inner wall of the socket 121 of inlet 120, and the position of the latch 302a changes to the lower position. The second end 302d of the latch member 302 moves upward against the force of the spring 302c. As a result, the actuator 320 of switch 310B is no longer pressed by the second end 302d of the latch member 302, and switch 310B moves to the ON state. The semi-connected state is the state in which the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121 and the latch 302a is pressed against the side of the socket 121.

[0054] Figure 5C shows the state in which the plug 301 of the connector 300 has been inserted into the socket 121 of the inlet 120, i.e., the connected state. The inner wall of the socket 121 of the inlet 120 is provided with an opening 122 for inserting the latch 302a. When the plug 301 has been inserted into the socket 121, the position of the hole 301a and the position of the opening 122 coincide. As a result, the second end 302d of the latch member 302 is pushed by the spring 302c, and the latch 302a returns to the upper position. The latch 302a is inserted into the opening 122. The second end 302d of the latch member 302, pushed downward by the spring 302c, pushes the actuator 320 of the switch 310B, and the switch 310B moves to the OFF state. The connected state is the state in which the plug 301 is inserted into the socket 121 and the latch 302a is inserted into the opening 122 of the socket 121.

[0055] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of the output signal from switch 310B. In Figure 6, the vertical axis represents the output voltage of switch 310B, and the horizontal axis represents time. Switch 310B does not output voltage when in the OFF state (i.e., the output voltage is the reference voltage V0), and outputs a preset voltage when in the ON state (i.e., the output voltage is voltage V1). When in the ON state, switch 310B outputs an ON signal, which is a voltage signal with voltage value V1.

[0056] Between times t0 and t1, connector 300 and inlet 120 are disconnected, and switch 310B is in the OFF state. During this period, the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0057] At time t1, the plug 301 of connector 300 is started to be inserted into the socket 121 of inlet 120. At time t1, switch 310B transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, and the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V0 to V1. During the period from time t1 to t2, when the plug 301 is being inserted into socket 121, connector 300 and inlet 120 are in a semi-connected state, and switch 310B is in the ON state. During this period, the output voltage of switch 310B is V1.

[0058] At time t2, the insertion of plug 301 into socket 121 is completed. At time t2, switch 310B transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, and the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V1 to V0. Between time t2 and t3, when the insertion of plug 301 into socket 121 is completed, connector 300 and inlet 120 are connected, and switch 310B is in the OFF state. During this period, the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0059] Returning to Figure 4, the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120 when the state of the switch 310B transitions from the OFF state to the ON state and then back to the OFF state. This will be explained in detail below.

[0060] The connection determination unit 372 detects the time t1 when the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V0 to V1, that is, the rising edge of the output voltage of switch 310B (see Figure 6). The connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are not connected during the period from t0 to t1 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0061] The connection determination unit 372 detects the time t2 when the output voltage of switch 310B changes from V1 to V0, that is, the falling edge of the output voltage of switch 310B (see Figure 6). The connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are in a semi-connected state during the period from t1 to t2 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V1. Furthermore, the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are in a connected state during the period from t2 to t3 when the output voltage of switch 310B is V0.

[0062] The connection determination unit 372 monitors the output voltage of the switch 310B and detects that the voltage value has transitioned from V0 to V1 and back to V0, that is, that the switch 310B has transitioned from the OFF state to the ON state and then to the ON state, and determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120.

[0063] The charge / discharge control unit 377 starts a charge / discharge operation to charge and discharge the battery 110 when the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120. Specifically, the charge / discharge control unit 377 can control the power converter 352 and cause the power converter 352 to perform the charge / discharge operation of the battery 110.

[0064] The "charge / discharge control unit 377" is an example of a "charge control unit." In the case of a charging device that only has a charging function, when the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charge control unit starts a charging operation to charge the battery 110.

[0065] When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 has been connected to the inlet 120, the notification unit 373 outputs notification information to inform the user of the successful connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. Specifically, for example, the notification unit 373 outputs a control signal as notification information to the signal line 311 and lights up the LED 304. This notifies the user that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 has been successful. In another example, the notification unit 373 outputs a video signal as notification information to the display 354 and displays the information that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 has been successful on the display 354.

[0066] The signal transmission unit 374 transmits a charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100 when the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120. The charge / discharge start signal is a signal to notify the electric vehicle 100 that it is possible to start charge / discharge operation. When the onboard control device 130 of the electric vehicle 100 receives the charge / discharge start signal, it starts communication with the charge / discharge device 200 and transmits battery information necessary for charge / discharge operation to the charge / discharge device 200. The battery information is characteristic information of the battery 110, and includes, for example, the maximum capacity, maximum output voltage, and SOC (State of Charge) of the battery 110. If the electric vehicle 100 does not respond to the charge / discharge start signal within a predetermined response period, the signal transmission unit 374 can periodically transmit the charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100. The transmission period of the charge / discharge start signal can be, for example, several seconds. If the electric vehicle 100 does not respond after transmitting the charge / discharge start signal a certain number of times, the signal transmission unit 374 can stop transmitting the charge / discharge start signal.

[0067] The charge / discharge control unit 377 controls the communication interface 351 and communicates with the on-board control device 130 via the communication interface 351. The charge / discharge control unit 377 transmits power information necessary for charge / discharge operation to the on-board control device 130. The power information is characteristic information of the power converter 352, including, for example, the maximum output current and maximum output voltage of the power converter 352. After exchanging battery information and power information with the on-board control device 130, the charge / discharge control unit 377 starts charge / discharge operation using the power converter 352.

[0068] When the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the lock control unit 375 instructs the lock unit 303 to lock the connection state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. That is, the lock control unit 375 transmits a control signal to the lock unit 303 via the signal line 312. This applies current to the solenoid, causing the movable piece 303b to move. The movable piece 303b restricts the rotation of the latch member 302, and the connection state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 is locked.

[0069] The lock detection unit 376 detects the lock state of the connector 300's connection to the inlet 120, which is locked by the lock unit 303. Specifically, the lock detection unit 376 detects the lock state by the lock unit 303 by receiving an ON signal from the switch 310A. The charge / discharge control unit 377 starts the charge / discharge operation when it detects that the connector 300's connection to the inlet 120 is locked.

[0070] [3. Operation of the charging and discharging system] The processor 361 of the charge / discharge device 200 executes the charge / discharge control program 365, thereby performing the charge / discharge control process described below. Figures 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing an example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to this embodiment.

[0071] For example, the non-volatile memory 362 or volatile memory 363 is provided with a connection flag area, which represents the connection status of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. The connection flag is OFF (0) to indicate that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are not connected, and ON (1) to indicate that the connector 300 and the inlet 120 are connected. The initial state of the connection flag is OFF.

[0072] When charging or discharging the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, the user connects the connector 300 of the charge / discharge device 200 to the inlet 120 of the electric vehicle 100. The processor 361 monitors the output signal of switch 310B and determines whether switch 310B has changed from the OFF state to the ON state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a disconnected state to a partially connected state (step S101). If switch 310B has not changed from the OFF state to the ON state (NO in step S101), the processor 361 repeats step S101.

[0073] If the connection flag is OFF and switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state (YES in step S101), the processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a disconnected state to a semi-connected state. Next, the processor 361 determines whether switch 310B has changed from the ON state to the OFF state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a semi-connected state to a connected state (step S102). If switch 310B has not changed from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in step S102), the processor 361 repeats step S102.

[0074] If the connection flag is OFF and switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in step S102), the processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a semi-connected state to a connected state. In this case, the processor 361 sets the connection flag to ON (step S103).

[0075] Next, the processor 361 transmits a charge / discharge start signal via the signal line 315 (step S104). This notifies the on-board control device 130 that the charge / discharge operation can be started.

[0076] The processor 361 initiates communication with the electric vehicle 100 (step S105). During communication between the charge / discharge device 200 and the electric vehicle 100, battery information and power information are exchanged.

[0077] The processor 361 monitors the signal on the signal line 313 and determines whether the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 is locked (step S106). If an ON signal is applied to the signal line 313, the processor 361 determines that the connection is locked; if no ON signal is applied to the signal line 313, the processor 361 determines that the connection is not locked.

[0078] If the processor 361 determines that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 is locked (YES in step S106), it proceeds to step S108. If the processor 361 determines that the connection is not locked (NO in step S106), it outputs a control signal to the locking unit 303 via the signal line 312 to lock the connection (step S107). After the locking unit 303 is locked, the processor 361 proceeds to step S108.

[0079] The processor 361 confirms that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 is locked by monitoring the signal on the signal line 313, and then notifies the user that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 has been successful (step S108). Specifically, for example, a screen notifying the user that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 has been successful is displayed on the display 354. In another example, the LED 304 lights up to notify the user that the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 has been successful. In yet another example, the charge / discharge device 200 may include, for example, a communication interface for short-range wireless communication or mobile communication, and wirelessly display a screen notifying the user of the successful connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0080] Next, the processor 361 controls the power converter 352 and starts the charge / discharge operation (step S109). This causes the battery 110 to be charged and discharged.

[0081] For example, charging of the battery 110 is completed when the amount of power output from the power converter 352 to the battery 110 reaches the required charge amount calculated from the battery 110's SOC. For example, discharging of the battery 110 is completed when the amount of power input from the battery 110 to the power converter 352 reaches the discharge amount calculated from the battery 110's SOC. The processor 361 determines whether the charge / discharge operation is complete (step S110). If the charge / discharge operation is not complete (NO in step S110), the processor 361 executes step S110 again.

[0082] When the charge / discharge operation is completed (YES in step S110), the processor 361 notifies the user of the completion of the charge / discharge operation (step S111). Specifically, for example, a screen notifying the user that the charge / discharge operation is complete is displayed on the display 354. In another example, a different LED from LED 304 may be provided on the connector 300, and the user may be notified of the completion of the charge / discharge operation by the illumination of this LED. In yet another example, a screen notifying the user of the completion of the charge / discharge operation may be displayed on the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0083] The processor 361 controls the lock unit 303 to release the lock on the connection state (step S112). After the lock unit 303 is unlocked, the processor 361 communicates with the in-vehicle control device 130 to notify the in-vehicle control device 130 that the charge / discharge operation has ended, and terminates communication with the in-vehicle control device 130 (step S113).

[0084] The processor 361 monitors the output signal of switch 310B and determines whether switch 310B has changed from the OFF state to the ON state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a connected state to a partially connected state (step S114). If switch 310B has not changed from the OFF state to the ON state (NO in step S114), the processor 361 repeats step S114.

[0085] If the connection flag is ON and switch 310B changes from the OFF state to the ON state (YES in step S114), the processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a connected state to a partially connected state. Next, the processor 361 determines whether switch 310B has changed from the ON state to the OFF state, that is, whether the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a partially connected state to a disconnected state (step S115). If switch 310B has not changed from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in step S115), the processor 361 repeats step S115.

[0086] If the connection flag is ON and switch 310B changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in step S115), the processor 361 can determine that the positional relationship between connector 300 and inlet 120 has transitioned from a semi-connected state to a disconnected state. In this case, the processor 361 sets the connection flag to OFF (step S116). This completes the charging control process.

[0087] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the charge / discharge device 200 and the electric vehicle 100 after the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120.

[0088] When the charge / discharge device 200 confirms the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120, it transmits a charge / discharge start signal to the electric vehicle 100 via the signal line 315 (step S201). When the onboard control device 130 of the electric vehicle 100 detects the charge / discharge start signal (step S202), it transmits a communication start request to the charge / discharge device 200. As a result, communication begins between the charge / discharge device 200 and the electric vehicle 100 (steps S203, S204).

[0089] The on-board control unit 130 sends a ready notification to the charge / discharge device 200 indicating that it is ready to start charging and discharging (step S205). The charge / discharge control unit 350 receives the ready notification and checks the lock status of the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 (step S206). If the connection status is not locked, the charge / discharge control unit 350 forcibly locks the connection status.

[0090] The on-board control device 130 notifies the charge / discharge control device 350 of the battery information (step S207). The charge / discharge control device 350 notifies the on-board control device 130 of the power information and starts the charge / discharge operation (step S208).

[0091] When the charge / discharge control device 350 finishes the charge / discharge operation (step S209), it notifies the on-board control device 130 of the end of the charge / discharge operation (step S210). The on-board control device 130 receives the charge / discharge end notification (step S211).

[0092] The charge / discharge control device 350 releases the connection lock between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 (step S212), and communication between the charge / discharge control device 350 and the on-board control device 130 ends (steps S213, 214).

[0093] [4. Variant] In the charge / discharge system, it may be possible to set the scheduled charge / discharge period. Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing a modified version of the control circuit 360. In addition to the functions of the acquisition unit 371, connection determination unit 372, notification unit 373, signal transmission unit 374, lock control unit 375, lock detection unit 376, and charge / discharge control unit 377, the control circuit 360 in this modified version also has the function of a time determination unit 380.

[0094] In this modified example, the user can set a planned charging and discharging period for the charging and discharging device 200. Specifically, for example, the user sets the planned charging and discharging period for the charging and discharging device 200 using an input device (not shown) provided on the charging and discharging device 200, or using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0095] The time determination unit 380 acquires the current time when the connection determination unit 372 determines that the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, and compares the acquired current time with the scheduled charge / discharge period. The time determination unit 380 determines whether the current time is included in the scheduled charge / discharge period. The charge / discharge control unit 377 starts the charge / discharge operation when the time determination unit 380 determines that the current time is included in the scheduled charge / discharge period.

[0096] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the charge / discharge control process by the charge / discharge control device according to the embodiment.

[0097] The processor 361 monitors the output signal of switch 310B and detects the connection of connector 300 to inlet 120 by determining whether switch 310B has changed from the OFF state to the ON state and from the ON state to the OFF state (steps S101, S102). Upon detecting the connection of connector 300 to inlet 120, the processor 361 sets the connection flag to ON (step S103). Steps S101, S102, and S103 are the same as the processes described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0098] The processor 361 determines whether the current time falls within the scheduled charge / discharge period (step S120). If the current time does not fall within the scheduled charge / discharge period (NO in step S120), the processor 361 executes step S120 again. This process repeats step S120 until the scheduled charge / discharge period arrives.

[0099] If the current time falls within the scheduled charging / discharging period (YES in step S120), the processor 361 proceeds to step S104. Steps S104 onward are the same as those described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0100] [5. Other variations] In the embodiments described above, the OFF state of switch 310B corresponds to the disconnected and connected states of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, and the ON state of switch 310B corresponds to the partially connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120, but the invention is not limited to these. Switch 310B may be a microswitch with a normally open contact. In this case, when the latch 302a is in the upper position, the actuator 320 of switch 310B is pressed, and switch 310B is in the ON state. That is, the ON state of switch 310B corresponds to the disconnected and connected states of the connector 300 to the inlet 120. When the latch 302a is in the lower position, the actuator 320 of switch 310B is not pressed, and switch 310B is in the OFF state. That is, the OFF state of switch 310B corresponds to the partially connected state of the connector 300 to the inlet 120.

[0101] [6. Supplementary Notes] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the embodiments described above, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10. Charging and discharging systems 100 Electric vehicles 110 Battery 120 Inlet 121 Socket 122 Opening 130 In-vehicle control device 200 Charging and discharging equipment 300 connectors 301 Plug 301a hole 302 Latch member 302a Latch 302b Fulcrum 302c spring 302d 2nd end 303 Lock section 303a Release button 303b Movable piece 304 LED 310A switch 310B switch 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 signal lines 316 Communication Line 317 Power lines 320 Actuators 330 Cable 350 Charge / Discharge Control Device 351 Control circuit 352 Power Converter 353 Battery 354 displays 360 control circuit 361 Processors 362 Non-volatile memory 363 Volatile memory 365 Charge / Discharge Control Program 371 Acquisition Department 372 Connection determination unit 373 Notification Department 374 Signal Transmitter 375 Lock Control Unit 376 Lock detection unit 377 Charge / Discharge Control Unit 380 Time judgment section 400 Commercial AC power supply 410 load

Claims

1. Electric vehicles including batteries, A charging device that, when connected to the electric vehicle, performs a charging operation to charge the battery, Equipped with, The charging device is A connector that can be connected to an inlet provided on the aforementioned electric vehicle, A switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet, A connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the inlet based on the detection result of the switch, When the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet, the charging control unit starts the charging operation, including, Charging system.

2. The switch enters a first state when the connector is disconnected from or connected to the inlet, and enters a second state when the connector is partially connected to the inlet. The connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet when the state of the switch transitions from the first state to the second state and then back to the first state. The charging system according to claim 1.

3. The switch detects a semi-connected state based on the fact that the latch of the connector is pressed against the side of the inlet. The charging system according to claim 2.

4. The charging device is A locking mechanism for locking the connection state of the connector to the inlet, When the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet, the locking unit is configured to lock the connection state of the connector to the inlet, including, A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The charging device includes a signal transmission unit that transmits a charging start signal to the electric vehicle when the connection determination unit determines that the connector has been connected to the inlet. The charging control unit starts the charging operation after the signal transmission unit transmits the charging start signal. A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The charging device includes a notification unit that outputs notification information to notify the user of the successful connection between the connector and the inlet when the connection determination unit determines that the connector has been connected to the inlet. A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The charging device includes a time determination unit that determines whether the current time is included in a preset charging period when the connection determination unit determines that the connector has been connected to the inlet. The charging control unit starts the charging operation when the time determination unit determines that the current time is included in the scheduled charging period. A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A charging device for charging the battery of an electric vehicle, A connector that can be connected to an inlet provided on the aforementioned electric vehicle, A switch for detecting a semi-connected state of the connector to the inlet, A connection determination unit that determines whether the connector is connected to the inlet based on the detection result of the switch, When the connection determination unit determines that the connector is connected to the inlet, the charge control unit starts a charging operation to charge the battery, Equipped with, Charging device.

9. A charging control method for a charging device that charges the battery of an electric vehicle, The steps include obtaining the detection result of a switch that detects the semi-connected state of the connector of the charging device to the inlet of the electric vehicle, Based on the detection result of the switch obtained, the step of determining whether the connector is connected to the inlet, If it is determined that the connector is connected to the inlet, the step of starting a charging operation to charge the battery, including, Charging control method.

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