Rapid charging device

Abstract

To inform a user of a waiting time until next quick charging can be started.SOLUTION: A quick charging device includes: a power conversion unit for converting AC power into DC power to output current; a cable having a connector electrically connected to a travel battery; a temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the cable; a display unit; and a control unit that can start control to cause the power conversion unit to output current exceeding a rated current of the cable when temperature is lower than predetermined threshold temperature and causes the display unit to display a predicted time until temperature lowers to become lower than threshold temperature when temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick charger. [Background technology]

[0002] Quick chargers are used to charge the driving batteries mounted on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) (see Non-Patent Document 1). Quick chargers receive AC power from a power grid and output DC power to the vehicles.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a charging station that displays a charging waiting time, and Patent Document 2 describes a charging system that displays an estimated charging completion time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-24334 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-236582 A [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Electric Vehicle Power Supply System Council, “Introduction of standard chargers for EVs and PHVs”, [online], September 2019, [Retrieved December 15, 2020], Internet (URL: https: / / evpossa.or.jp / download / pdf / jyudenki_setsumei.pdf) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Since the output current of a quick charging device is large, the cable may become hot. Therefore, after the previous user's quick charging is completed, the next user cannot start quick charging and must wait until the cable cools down. However, from the viewpoint of user friendliness, it is preferable to inform the user of an approximate waiting time until quick charging can be started.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a quick charger that can inform a user of the waiting time until the next quick charge can be started. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A rapid charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A rapid charging device for rapid charging a driving battery mounted on a vehicle, a power conversion unit that converts AC power into DC power and outputs a current; a cable having a connector electrically connected to the driving battery and transmitting the current to the driving battery via the connector; A temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the cable; A display unit that displays characters or images; a control unit that is capable of starting control to cause the power conversion unit to output a current exceeding a rated current of the cable when the temperature is below a predetermined threshold temperature, and that causes the display unit to display a predicted time until the temperature drops to below the threshold temperature when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature; Equipped with It is characterized by:

[0009] In the quick charging device, The control unit is Calculating the predicted time by dividing the difference between the current temperature and the threshold temperature by the most recent temperature change amount per unit time that is determined in advance. It is characterized by:

[0010] In the quick charging device, The control unit is Calculating the predicted time by dividing the difference between the current temperature and the threshold temperature by the most recent temperature change amount per unit time determined in a predetermined manner, and further dividing or multiplying the result by a predetermined constant. It is characterized by:

[0011] In the quick charging device, The control unit is calculating the predicted time for each unit time, and displaying the predicted time on the display unit; It is characterized by:

[0012] In the quick charging device, The control unit is When the temperature drops from equal to or higher than the threshold temperature to less than the threshold temperature, control can be started to cause the power conversion unit to output a current exceeding the rated current. It is characterized by:

[0013] In the quick charging device, The control unit is When the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, a control for causing the power conversion unit to output a current equal to or lower than the rated current can be started. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0014] Advantageous Effects of Invention The rapid charging device according to one aspect of the present invention has an effect of being able to notify the user of the waiting time until the next rapid charging can be started. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rapid charging device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging profile of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a profile of boost mode charging in the rapid charging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rapid charging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display surface of an operation unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display surface of an operation unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a quick charger according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0017] <First embodiment> (Overall composition) 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a quick charging device according to a first embodiment. The quick charging device 1 converts AC power supplied from an AC power source 2 into DC power, and quickly charges a driving battery 4 mounted on a vehicle 3 via a charging connector 22 connected to an end of a charging cable 21 and a vehicle inlet 3a of the vehicle 3. The AC power source 2 is exemplified by a system power source, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0018] The charging connector 22, also called a charging gun, is detachably inserted into the vehicle inlet 3a. A cable temperature sensor 22a for detecting the temperature of the charging cable 21 is built in near the contact inside the charging connector 22. An example of the cable temperature sensor 22a is a temperature-sensitive element such as a thermistor whose resistance value changes depending on temperature, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0019] The quick charging device 1 includes an input unit 11, a power conversion unit 12, an output unit 13, an operation unit 14, an ambient temperature sensor 15, and a control unit 16.

[0020] The input unit 11 is electrically connected to the AC power source 2 and receives AC power. Examples of the input unit 11 include an input capacitor, a filter, and the like, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0021] The power conversion unit 12 is electrically connected to the input unit 11. The power conversion unit 12 is exemplified by a plurality of AC-DC converters connected in parallel, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The power conversion unit 12 converts AC power input from the input unit 11 into DC power based on a control signal S1 output from the control unit 16, and outputs a charging current.

[0022] Output unit 13 is electrically connected to power conversion unit 12 and outputs DC power input from power conversion unit 12 to charging cable 21. Examples of output unit 13 include an output capacitor and a filter, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0023] The operation unit 14 is used to input information such as starting and stopping charging, and displays various information. Examples of the operation unit 14 include a touch panel display (a display with a touch detection function) and a combination of physical keys and a display device, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0024] 2 is an external perspective view of the quick charger of the first embodiment. The quick charger 1 includes a housing 31, a charging cable 21, a charging connector 22, and a connector holder (cooling inlet) 32.

[0025] The housing 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is placed on the ground with its longitudinal direction aligned vertically. The circuit section (input section 11, power conversion section 12, output section 13, operation section 14, ambient temperature sensor 15, and control section 16) shown in FIG.

[0026] An operation unit 14 is disposed on a front surface 33 of the housing 31. The charging cable 21 is electrically connected to the output unit 13 inside the housing 31, and extends outward from a side surface 34 of the housing 31. The charging cable 21 is flexible. The charging connector 22 is provided at the tip of the charging cable 21. The charging cable 21 is connected to the base end side of the grip portion of the charging connector 22.

[0027] Connector holder 32 is provided on the front end side of a side surface 34 of housing 31. When charging connector 22 is detached from vehicle inlet 3a and is not being used to charge vehicle 3, charging connector 22 is held in connector holder 32.

[0028] 1 again, the ambient temperature sensor 15 detects the ambient temperature inside or outside the housing 31. The ambient temperature sensor 15 is exemplified by a temperature-sensitive element such as a thermistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0029] The control unit 16 outputs a control signal S1 to the power conversion unit 12 to control the output current of the power conversion unit 12. The control unit 16 includes a cable temperature measurement unit 16a, an ambient temperature measurement unit 16b, and a charging current command unit 16c.

[0030] The cable temperature measurement unit 16a measures the cable temperature of the charging cable 21 based on a temperature signal S2 output from the cable temperature sensor 22a, and outputs the measured temperature to the charging current command unit 16c.

[0031] The ambient temperature measurement unit 16b measures the ambient temperature of the rapid charging device 1 based on the temperature signal S3 output from the ambient temperature sensor 15, and outputs the measured temperature to the charging current command unit 16c.

[0032] When charging starts, if the cable temperature is below a predetermined boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 or the ambient temperature is below a predetermined boost start temperature threshold Lmax2, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 to the power conversion unit 12 to cause the power conversion unit 12 to output a charging current that exceeds the rated current of the charging cable 21.

[0033] Hereinafter, charging the driving battery 4 by the rapid charging device 1 outputting a charging current that exceeds the rated current of the charging cable 21 will be referred to as "boost mode charging". In addition, the charging current at this time will be referred to as the "boost current".

[0034] During charging, when the cable temperature is below a predetermined boost continuation temperature threshold Kmax1 or the ambient temperature is below a predetermined boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 to the power conversion unit 12 to continue outputting the boost current, and continues boost mode charging.

[0035] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that Kmax2 < Kmax1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be assumed that Kmax2 = Kmax1. Also, it is assumed that Lmax2 < Lmax1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be assumed that Lmax2 = Lmax1.

[0036] During charging, when the cable temperature becomes equal to or higher than the boost continuation temperature threshold Kmax1 or the ambient temperature becomes equal to or higher than the boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for causing the power conversion unit 12 to output the rated current, and shifts from boost mode charging to rated charging.

[0037] During charging, when the cable temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined high temperature threshold Kmax3 or the ambient temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined high temperature threshold Lmax3, the charging current command unit 16c stops the output of the control signal S1, stops the power conversion unit 12, and中止 the charging.

[0038] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that Kmax1 < Kmax3, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be assumed that Kmax1 = Kmax3. Also, it is assumed that Lmax1 < Lmax3, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be assumed that Lmax1 = Lmax3.

[0039] The charging current command unit 16c includes a timer 16c1 that measures the charging time to the driving battery 4. Based on the charging time measured by the timer 16c1, when the charging time by the boost current reaches a predetermined maximum boost continuation time Tmax, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for causing the power conversion unit 12 to output the rated current, and shifts from boost mode charging to rated charging.

[0040] (Operation) FIGS. 3 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of charging profiles of the rapid charging device according to the first embodiment. In each of FIGS. 3 to 9, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the charging current.

[0041] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of charging control under charging time conditions. Waveform 100 is a waveform of a charging current. The set charging time is, for example, 30 (minutes).

[0042] The quick charger 1 outputs a boost current to start boost mode charging. When the maximum boost duration time Tmax (minutes) has elapsed since the start of boost mode charging, the quick charger 1 reduces the charging current to the rated current and performs rated charging for the remaining time (30-Tmax) (minutes).

[0043] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the first charge control under a cable temperature condition. Waveform 101 is a waveform of the charge current. Waveform 102 is a waveform of the cable temperature. The set charging time is set to, for example, 30 (minutes).

[0044] The quick charger 1 outputs a boost current to start boost mode charging. When the cable temperature reaches the boost continuation temperature threshold Kmax1 after α (minutes) have elapsed since the start of boost mode charging, the quick charger 1 reduces the charging current to the rated current and performs rated charging for the remaining time (30-α) (minutes). This causes the cable temperature to decrease.

[0045] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the second charge control under a cable temperature condition. Waveform 103 is a waveform of the charge current. Waveform 104 is a waveform of the cable temperature. The set charging time is, for example, 30 (minutes).

[0046] At the start of charging, the cable temperature is equal to or higher than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2. Therefore, the quick charger 1 outputs the rated current and starts rated charging. When the cable temperature drops below the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 after α (minutes) has elapsed since the start of rated charging, the quick charger 1 transitions from rated charging to boost mode charging. When the cable temperature reaches the boost continuation temperature threshold Kmax1 during boost mode charging, the quick charger 1 transitions from boost mode charging to rated charging, and performs rated charging for the remaining time (30-α-Tmax) (minutes).

[0047] That is, the control unit 16 performs feedback control so that the cable temperature does not exceed the boost continuation temperature threshold Kmax1 during boost mode charging and the subsequent rated charging.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the third charging control under cable temperature conditions. Waveform 105 is a waveform of the charging current. Waveform 106 is a waveform of the cable temperature. At the start of charging, the cable temperature is less than the high temperature threshold Kmax3. Therefore, the quick charger 1 starts boost mode charging. If the cable temperature rises suddenly during boost mode charging due to a short circuit or the like and reaches the high temperature threshold Kmax3, the quick charger 1 stops charging for protection.

[0049] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the first charge control under ambient temperature conditions. Waveform 107 is a waveform of the charge current. Waveform 108 is a waveform of the ambient temperature. The set time for charging is, for example, 30 (minutes).

[0050] At the start of charging, the ambient temperature is lower than the boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1. Therefore, the quick charger 1 starts boost mode charging. When the ambient temperature reaches the boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1 after α (minutes) have elapsed since the start of boost mode charging, the quick charger 1 transitions from boost mode charging to rated charging and performs rated charging for the remaining time (30-α) (minutes). This causes the ambient temperature to decrease.

[0051] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the second charge control under ambient temperature conditions. Waveform 109 is a waveform of the charge current. Waveform 110 is a waveform of the ambient temperature. The set charging time is, for example, 30 (minutes).

[0052] At the start of charging, the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the boost start temperature threshold Lmax2. Therefore, the quick charger 1 starts rated charging. When the ambient temperature drops below the boost start temperature threshold Lmax2 after α (minutes) has elapsed since the start of rated charging, the quick charger 1 transitions from rated charging to boost mode charging. When the ambient temperature reaches the boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1 during boost mode charging, the quick charger 1 transitions from boost mode charging to rated charging, and performs rated charging for the remaining time (30-α-Tmax) (minutes).

[0053] That is, the control unit 16 performs feedback control so that the ambient temperature does not exceed the boost continuation temperature threshold Lmax1 during boost mode charging and the subsequent rated charging.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of the third charging control under ambient temperature conditions. Waveform 111 is a waveform of the charging current. Waveform 112 is a waveform of the ambient temperature. At the start of charging, the ambient temperature is less than the high temperature threshold Lmax3. Therefore, the quick charging device 1 starts boost mode charging. If the ambient temperature rises suddenly during boost mode charging due to a short circuit or the like and reaches the high temperature threshold Lmax3, the quick charging device 1 stops charging for protection purposes.

[0055] (Operation procedure) 10 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device of the first embodiment. When the rapid charging device 1 receives a charge start operation input at the operation unit 14, the rapid charging device 1 starts the operation shown in FIG.

[0056] In step S100, the charging current command unit 16c performs a boost mode charging start determination based on the cable temperature measured by the cable temperature measurement unit 16a and the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement unit 16b. If the cable temperature is less than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 (see FIG. 5) or if the ambient temperature is less than the boost start temperature threshold Lmax2 (see FIG. 8), the charging current command unit 16c determines that the boost mode charging can be started (Yes) and proceeds to step S102. Otherwise, the charging current command unit 16c determines that the boost mode charging cannot be started (No) and proceeds to step S108.

[0057] In step S102, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for outputting a boost current to the power conversion unit 12. The power conversion unit 12 outputs the boost current.

[0058] In step S104, the control unit 16 determines whether charging of the driving battery 4 is completed based on, for example, a battery voltage signal transmitted from the vehicle 3. If the control unit 16 determines that charging is completed (Yes), the control unit 16 ends the process. If the control unit 16 determines that charging is not completed (No), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S106.

[0059] In step S106, charging current command unit 16c performs a boost mode charging termination determination based on the charging time measured by timer 16c1, the cable temperature measured by cable temperature measurement unit 16a, and the ambient temperature measured by ambient temperature measurement unit 16b. When the boost mode charging time reaches the maximum boost duration time Tmax (see FIG. 3), when the cable temperature reaches the boost duration temperature threshold Kmax1 (see FIG. 4), or when the ambient temperature reaches the boost duration temperature threshold Lmax1 (see FIG. 7), charging current command unit 16c determines to terminate boost mode charging (Yes) and proceeds to step S108. In other cases, charging current command unit 16c determines not to terminate boost mode charging (No) and proceeds to step S102.

[0060] In step S108, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for outputting a rated current to the power conversion unit 12. The power conversion unit 12 outputs the rated current.

[0061] In step S110, the control unit 16 determines whether charging of the driving battery 4 is complete based on, for example, a battery voltage signal transmitted from the vehicle 3. If the control unit 16 determines that charging is complete (Yes), it ends the process. If the control unit 16 determines that charging is not complete (No), it proceeds to step S112.

[0062] In step S112, charging current command unit 16c performs a boost mode charging resumption determination based on the cable temperature measured by cable temperature measurement unit 16a and the ambient temperature measured by ambient temperature measurement unit 16b. If the cable temperature is less than boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 (see FIG. 5) or if the ambient temperature is less than boost start temperature threshold Lmax2 (see FIG. 8), charging current command unit 16c determines that boost mode charging can be resumed (Yes) and proceeds to step S102. Otherwise, charging current command unit 16c determines that boost mode charging cannot be resumed (No) and proceeds to step S108.

[0063] 11 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device of the first embodiment. The rapid charging device 1 performs the operation shown in FIG.

[0064] In step S120, the control unit 16 determines whether or not a charging halt operation input has been input to the operation unit 14. If the control unit 16 determines that a charging halt operation input has not been input to the operation unit 14 (No), the control unit 16 waits in step S120. If the control unit 16 determines that a charging halt operation input has been input to the operation unit 14 (Yes), the control unit 16 advances the process to step S122.

[0065] In step S122, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for stopping the output of the charging current to the power conversion unit 12. The power conversion unit 12 stops the output of the charging current.

[0066] 12 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device of the first embodiment. The rapid charging device 1 performs the operation shown in FIG.

[0067] In step S130, the control unit 16 determines whether the cable temperature has exceeded the high temperature threshold Kmax3 (see FIG. 6) or whether the ambient temperature has exceeded the high temperature threshold Lmax3 (see FIG. 9). If the control unit 16 determines that the cable temperature has exceeded the high temperature threshold Kmax3 or that the ambient temperature has exceeded the high temperature threshold Lmax3 (Yes), the control unit 16 proceeds to the process in step S132. In other cases, the control unit 16 waits in step S130.

[0068] In step S132, the charging current command unit 16c outputs a control signal S1 for stopping the output of the charging current to the power conversion unit 12. The power conversion unit 12 stops the output of the charging current.

[0069] (effect) The quick charging device 1 can charge with a boost current that exceeds the rated current of the charging cable 21. Therefore, the quick charging device 1 can shorten the charging time of the driving battery 4 mounted in the vehicle 3. This allows the quick charging device 1 to significantly improve convenience.

[0070] (Modification) The first embodiment can be used in various ways and modified in various ways. Examples of the use and modifications include the following (a) to (c). (a) The quick charger 1 may be modified to a configuration other than that shown in Fig. 1. For example, even if the configuration is modified so that the control unit 16 outputs a control signal S1 to the power conversion unit 12 to output a boost current exceeding the rated current of the charging cable 21 if the cable temperature detected by the cable temperature sensor 22a is lower than the allowable upper limit temperature, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. (b) FIGS. 3 to 9 may be modified to operation patterns other than those shown in the drawings. (c) The flow chart of the charging operation in FIG. 10 can have its processing contents modified in accordance with modifications to the configuration of the rapid charging device 1 described in (a) above.

[0071] <Second embodiment> Among the components of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a profile of boost mode charging of the rapid charging device of the second embodiment. Waveform 121 is the waveform of the first charging current. Waveform 122 is the waveform of the second charging current. Waveform 123 is the waveform of the cable temperature.

[0073] The first boost mode charging heats up the charging cable 21. If the cable temperature is higher than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 at the end of the first charging, a cooling period, i.e., a waiting time, must be provided for the charging cable 21 before starting the second boost mode charging. The boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 is exemplified as about 40°C to 50°C, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] When the ambient temperature is high, the cooling period of charging cable 21 and charging connector 22 becomes relatively long, and when the ambient temperature is low, the cooling period of charging cable 21 and charging connector 22 becomes relatively short. In addition, the cooling period of charging cable 21 and charging connector 22 also changes depending on the situation, such as whether charging connector 22 is returned to connector holder 32 or not, or whether charging connector 22 is connected to vehicle inlet 3a or not.

[0075] While charging connector 22 is held in connector holder 32 (see FIG. 2), heat from charging cable 21 and charging connector 22 is conducted to connector holder 32, facilitating cooling of charging cable 21 and charging connector 22.

[0076] Therefore, the rapid charging device 1A of the second embodiment notifies the user of the cooling period (estimated waiting time) until boost mode charging can be started.

[0077] 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a quick charger of the second embodiment. Compared to the quick charger 1 (see FIG. 1), the quick charger 1A includes a control unit 16A instead of the control unit 16. Compared to the control unit 16, the control unit 16A further includes a time calculation unit 16d.

[0078] The time calculation unit 16d acquires the cable temperature from the cable temperature measurement unit 16a. Then, the time calculation unit 16d calculates a predicted waiting time until the end of the cooling period by the following formula (1). (Estimated waiting time) = ((current cable temperature)-(boost start temperature threshold Kmax2)) ÷((Cable temperature 1 minute ago)-(Current cable temperature)) ···(1)

[0079] As shown in formula (1), the time calculation unit 16d calculates the predicted time until the cable temperature reaches the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2, that is, the predicted waiting time, by dividing the temperature difference (the temperature that must be reduced) from the current cable temperature to the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 by the most recent temperature change amount in a predetermined unit time. In formula (1), the unit time is set to one minute, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0080] However, in an actual device, the predicted waiting time calculated by formula (1) may be shorter than the time it actually takes for charging cable 21 to cool down.

[0081] Therefore, it is preferable that the time calculation unit 16d calculates a predicted waiting time that is more suited to the actual device, using the following formula (2). (Estimated waiting time) = ((current cable temperature)-(boost start temperature threshold Kmax2)) ÷((Cable temperature 1 minute ago)-(Current cable temperature)) ÷(Margin rate X) (2)

[0082] Equation (2) is obtained by dividing the right side of equation (1) by a predetermined margin ratio X. The margin ratio X is a value smaller than 1, and is exemplified as about 0.7 to 0.9, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The margin ratio X may be a value larger than 1, and may be multiplied by the right side of equation (1). In that case, the margin ratio X is exemplified as about 1.1 to 1.4, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] The time calculation unit 16d causes the operation unit 14 to display the predicted waiting time calculated by the formula (1) or (2).

[0084] The time calculation unit 16d calculates the predicted waiting time periodically (for example, every unit time), updates the predicted waiting time periodically, and causes the operation unit 14 to display it.

[0085] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display surface of the operation unit 14 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a first screen 41 displayed on the display surface of the operation unit 14 during a waiting time.

[0086] The first screen 41 includes an image 42 showing "10" minutes as the predicted waiting time (reference time). The quick charging device 1A is capable of starting charging with a charging current equal to or less than the rated current even during the waiting time (see FIG. 5, for example). Thus, the first screen 41 includes an image 43 showing "90" kW (an example of charging power equal to or less than the rated power) as the currently available (chargeable) power.

[0087] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display surface of the operation unit 14 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a second screen 51 displayed on the display surface of the operation unit 14 after the waiting time has ended.

[0088] Since the waiting time has ended, the image 42 (see FIG. 15) of the predicted waiting time (estimated time) is not included in the second screen 51. In addition, the second screen 51 includes an image 52 showing "150" kW (an example of boost charging power) as the available (chargeable) power.

[0089] In addition, in formula (1) and formula (2), the cable temperature from a unit time (for example, one minute) before is used. However, there may be a case where the cable temperature from one minute before does not exist immediately after the end of boost mode charging. Therefore, in the first calculation, when the cable temperature from one minute before does not exist immediately after the end of boost mode charging, the time calculation unit 16d may include an image of a default guide time according to the current cable temperature in the first screen 41. For example, when the cable temperature is 50° C. or less, the default is 5 minutes, when the cable temperature is 65° C. or less, the default is 10 minutes, when the cable temperature is 85° C. or less, the default is 30 minutes, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0090] (Operation procedure) 17 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the rapid charging device of the second embodiment. The rapid charging device 1A starts the operation shown in FIG. 17 when one charging is completed.

[0091] In step S140, the time calculation unit 16d determines whether the cable temperature is less than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2. If the time calculation unit 16d determines that the cable temperature is less than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S150. If the time calculation unit 16d determines that the cable temperature is not less than the boost start temperature threshold Kmax2 (No), the process proceeds to step S142.

[0092] In step S142, the time calculation unit 16d causes the first screen 41 (see FIG. 15) to be displayed on the operation unit 14. At this time, the time calculation unit 16d causes the first screen 41 to include an image of a default guide time according to the current cable temperature.

[0093] In step S144, the time calculation unit 16d waits for a unit time (for example, one minute).

[0094] In step S146, time calculation unit 16d calculates the predicted waiting time by formula (1) or formula (2). Time calculation unit 16d includes image 42 representing the predicted waiting time in first screen 41. Operation unit 14 displays first screen 41 including image 42.

[0095] In step S148, the time calculation unit 16d determines whether the predicted waiting time is "0". If the time calculation unit 16d determines that the predicted waiting time is "0" (Yes), the process proceeds to step S150. If the time calculation unit 16d determines that the predicted waiting time is not "0" (No), the process proceeds to step S144.

[0096] In step S150, the time calculation unit 16d causes the second screen 51 to be displayed on the operation unit .

[0097] Steps S142 to S148 are steps executed during the cooling period.

[0098] (effect) The quick charging device 1A of the second embodiment can inform the user of the predicted waiting time until the next boost mode charging can be started. By informing the user of the predicted waiting time, the quick charging device 1A can improve convenience such as reducing the user's stress and effectively using the waiting time for other purposes, thereby substantially shortening the waiting time.

[0099] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 1A quick charging device 2 AC power supply 3. Vehicle 4. Running battery 11 Input section 12 Power conversion section 13 Output section 14 Control section 15 Ambient Temperature Sensor 16, 16A Control section 16a Cable temperature measurement section 16b Ambient temperature measurement section 16c Charging current command section 16c1 Timer 16d Time calculation section 21 Charging cable 22 Charging connector 22a Cable Temperature Sensor 31 Case 32 Connector holder (cooling inlet)

Claims

1. A rapid charging device for rapid charging a driving battery mounted on a vehicle, a power conversion unit that converts AC power into DC power and outputs a current; a cable having a connector electrically connected to the driving battery and transmitting the current to the driving battery via the connector; A temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the cable; A display unit that displays characters or images; a control unit that is capable of starting control to cause the power conversion unit to output a current exceeding a rated current of the cable when the temperature is below a predetermined threshold temperature, and that causes the display unit to display a predicted time until the temperature drops to below the threshold temperature when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature; Equipped with A rapid charging device characterized by the above.

2. The control unit is Calculating the predicted time by dividing the difference between the current temperature and the threshold temperature by the most recent temperature change amount per unit time that is determined in advance.

2. The quick charging device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is Calculating the predicted time by dividing the difference between the current temperature and the threshold temperature by the most recent temperature change amount per unit time determined in a predetermined manner, and further dividing or multiplying the result by a predetermined constant.

2. The quick charging device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit is calculating the predicted time for each unit time, and displaying the predicted time on the display unit; 4. The quick charger according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control unit is When the temperature drops from equal to or higher than the threshold temperature to less than the threshold temperature, control can be started to cause the power conversion unit to output a current exceeding the rated current.

5. The quick charger according to claim 1, wherein the quick charger is a charger having a first charging port and a second charging port.

6. The control unit is When the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, a control for causing the power conversion unit to output a current equal to or lower than the rated current can be started.

6. The quick charger according to claim 1, wherein the quick charger is a charger having a charging function.

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