Charging connector and charging equipment

Abstract

To charge an in-vehicle power storage device even when it is configured such that only one of a power receiving unit for AC charging and a power receiving unit for DC charging is provided at a power receiving port of a vehicle, and a charging connector on the charging cable side includes both a connection portion to the power receiving unit for AC charging and a connection portion to the power receiving unit for DC charging.SOLUTION: A connector 510 is connectable to an inlet 190 of a vehicle 100. A power receiving portion 190A receives AC power from a charging facility 200. A power receiving portion 190B receives DC power from a charging facility 200. A connector 510 includes a connection portion 510A for AC charging and a connection portion 510B for DC charging. The connection portion 510A is configured to be connectable to the power receiving portion 190A. The connection portion 510B is configured to be connectable to the power receiving portion 190B. The connection portion 510A and the connection portion 510B are configured to be separable from a connection state in which they are connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging connector and a charging facility. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2020-68573 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle configured to be able to charge an on-board power storage device. The inlet of this vehicle is provided with both an AC (Alternating Current) charging inlet section and a DC (Direct Current) charging inlet section. A charging connector provided on a power cable connected to the inlet may be compatible with both AC charging and DC charging. In this case, when a charging connector that matches the shape of the inlet is connected to the inlet, a selected one of AC power and DC power is supplied to the vehicle via the charging connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-68573 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are vehicles in which only one of a power receiving unit for AC charging and a power receiving unit for DC charging is provided at the power receiving port of the vehicle. Here, when a charging connector is configured to include both a connection portion for the power receiving unit for AC charging and a connection portion for the power receiving unit for DC charging, the shape of the charging connector does not engage with the shape of the power receiving port, and the charging connector cannot be inserted into the power receiving port. As a result, the on-board power storage device cannot be charged through the charging connector from a charging facility outside the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a charging connector capable of charging an on-board power storage device, and a charging facility equipped with the charging connector, even when the vehicle's power receiving port is provided with only one of a power receiving unit for AC charging and a power receiving unit for DC charging, and the charging connector on the charging cable side is configured to include both a connection part to a power receiving unit for AC charging and a connection part to a power receiving unit for DC charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging connector of the present disclosure is connectable to a power receiving port of a vehicle configured to enable charging of an on-board power storage device by a charging facility external to the vehicle. At least one of a first power receiving unit and a second power receiving unit is provided at the power receiving port. The first power receiving unit receives AC power from the charging facility. The second power receiving unit receives DC power from the charging facility. The charging connector includes a first connection unit for AC charging and a second connection unit for DC charging. The first connection unit is configured to be connectable to the first power receiving unit. The second connection unit is configured to be connectable to the second power receiving unit. The first connection unit and the second connection unit are configured to be separable from a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other.

[0007] With the above configuration, when the first connection part and the second connection part are separated, either one of the first connection part and the second connection part can be connected to the corresponding power receiving part. Also, when the first connection part and the second connection part are in a coupled state, both of the first connection part and the second connection part can be electrically connected to the corresponding power receiving part. Therefore, even if only one of the first power receiving part and the second power receiving part is provided at the power receiving port of the vehicle, when the first connection part and the second connection part are separated, either one of the first connection part and the second connection part can be connected to the corresponding power receiving part to charge the on-board power storage device from a charging facility outside the vehicle.

[0008] The first connection portion and the second connection portion may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are in a coupled state when they are mechanically interlocked with each other such that a terminal surface of the first connection portion and a terminal surface of the second connection portion are aligned.

[0009] The first connection part may include a first magnet, and the second connection part may include a second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet generate magnetism so that a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first connection part and the second connection part. The first connection part and the second connection part are in a coupled state when they are in contact with each other by the magnetic attraction force so that the terminal surface of the first connection part and the terminal surface of the second connection part are aligned.

[0010] With the above configuration, the first connection portion and the second connection portion can be more firmly joined.

[0011] The charging equipment of the present disclosure is configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. The charging equipment may include the charging connector, a power supply unit, and a control unit. The power supply unit supplies power to the vehicle through the charging connector. The control unit controls power supply from the power supply unit to the vehicle.

[0012] With the above configuration, even if the vehicle's power receiving port is provided with only either the first power receiving unit or the second power receiving unit, when the first connection unit and the second connection unit are separated, the on-board power storage device can be charged from a charging facility outside the vehicle by connecting either the first connection unit or the second connection unit to the corresponding power receiving unit.

[0013] The power supply unit may include an AC power supply unit configured to supply AC power from an AC power source to a first connection unit of the charging connector. The control unit controls the AC power supply unit so that AC power is supplied from the AC power source to the first connection unit when the first connection unit is connected to the first power receiving unit.

[0014] The power supply unit may include a converter configured to convert AC power from the AC power source into DC power and supply the DC power to the second connection unit of the charging connector. The control unit controls the converter so that the DC power is supplied to the second connection unit when the second connection unit is connected to the second power receiving unit.

[0015] With the above configuration, the user can select whether or not to separate the first connection portion and the second connection portion from their coupled state depending on whether AC charging or DC charging is desired. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, even if the vehicle's power receiving port is provided with only one of a power receiving unit for AC charging and a power receiving unit for DC charging, and the charging connector on the charging cable side is configured to include both a connection portion to a power receiving unit for AC charging and a connection portion to a power receiving unit for DC charging, it is possible to charge an on-board power storage device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a charging system equipped with a charging facility including a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the structure of a connection portion of a connector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a vehicle is compatible with only AC charging. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram for explaining a comparative example in which a connector cannot be connected (inserted) into an inlet. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating how the connector according to the present embodiment is coupled. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the connector according to the present embodiment is separated. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining how a connector can be connected to an inlet in the present embodiment. [Figure 8]1 is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which a connection portion for AC charging and a connection portion for DC charging are separated or coupled; [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure executed by a control unit of a charging facility during external charging of a vehicle. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a connector according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0019] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a charging system equipped with a charging facility including a charging connector according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG.

[0020] Vehicle 100 is an electrically powered vehicle that runs using electric power from a power storage device, and is an electric vehicle (EV) in this embodiment. Vehicle 100 may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) further equipped with an internal combustion engine (not shown).

[0021] Vehicle 100 is configured to be capable of performing external charging, in which a power storage device 110 (described later) is charged by a charging facility 200 provided outside the vehicle. External charging includes AC charging and DC charging. AC charging and DC charging are external charging that use AC power and DC power supplied from charging facility 200, respectively.

[0022] The vehicle 100 includes a power storage device 110, a power control unit (PCU) 120, a MG 130, drive wheels 140, an AC charging device 162, a DC charging device 161, an inlet 190, a charging lid 199, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 150.

[0023] The power storage device 110 is configured to be capable of being charged and discharged. The power storage device 110 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The power storage device 110 may be configured with a power storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage device 110 is electrically connected to the PCU 120. The power storage device 110 can also store electric power generated by the MG 130.

[0024] The PCU 120 converts DC power supplied from the power storage device 110 into AC power to drive the MG 130. The PCU 120 includes, for example, an inverter and a converter. The PCU 120 can also convert power generated by the MG 130 into DC power (charging power) for the power storage device 110.

[0025] The MG 130 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example a permanent magnet type synchronous motor having a rotor with a permanent magnet embedded therein. The MG 130 receives electric power supplied from the PCU 120 and rotates to drive the drive wheels 140. This causes the vehicle 100 to run.

[0026] AC charging device 162 is connected to a power line between power storage device 110 and PCU 120. AC charging device 162 includes, for example, an insulating AC / DC converter. AC charging device 162 converts AC power from AC power supply unit 240 (described later) of charging equipment 200 into DC power of a voltage level for power storage device 110.

[0027] DC charging device 161 is also connected to the power line between power storage device 110 and PCU 120. DC charging device 161 includes, for example, a charging relay. DC charging device 161 may include a DC / DC converter that converts DC power from DC power supply unit 230 (described later) of charging equipment 200 into DC power at a voltage level for power storage device 110.

[0028] The inlet 190 is configured to be connectable to a connector 510 of a power cable unit 450 (described later). The inlet 190 complies with the CCS (Combined Charging System, also called "Combo") standard. That is, the inlet 190 includes a power receiving unit 190A for AC charging and a power receiving unit 190B for DC charging.

[0029] Charging lid 199 is a lid provided on inlet 190. A detection sensor (not shown) that detects whether charging lid 199 is open or closed is provided near charging lid 199. The detection sensor outputs a signal indicating the detection result to ECU 150.

[0030] ECU 150 has a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (neither shown). The CPU executes various calculations according to information stored in the memory and various sensor values. The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU, etc. The RAM temporarily stores data referenced by the CPU, etc. Control of ECU 150 is achieved by software processing, but may also be achieved by hardware.

[0031] ECU 150 is a control device for controlling vehicle 100. ECU 150 controls PCU 120, DC charging device 161, and AC charging device 162. ECU 150 exchanges various information with control unit 210 (described later) of charging equipment 200 through communication line 196. The information includes, for example, information indicating the presence or absence of connection between power receiving unit 190A of inlet 190 and connection unit 510A of connector 510, information indicating permission, end request, or prohibition of charging between vehicle 100 and charging equipment 200, and an upper limit value of charging current from charging equipment 200 to vehicle 100.

[0032] The charging facility 200 includes a power cable unit 450 , an HMI device 215 , a power supply unit 220 , and a control unit 210 .

[0033] The power cable unit 450 includes a connector 510, a power cable 600, a communication line 520, and coupling detection lines 530A, 530B (described later), and a power cable 500. The connector 510 complies with the CCS standard, similar to the inlet 190. The connector 510 includes a connection portion 510A and a connection portion 510B. The connection portion 510A is configured to be connectable to the power receiving unit 190A, and is used for AC charging. The connection portion 510B is configured to be connectable to the power receiving unit 190B, and is used for DC charging.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a connection portion of connector 510. Referring to Fig. 2, terminals 651, 652 and a terminal 670 are provided on terminal surface 550 of connection portion 510A. Power lines 601, 602 (described later) are connected to terminals 651, 652, respectively. Communication line 520 is connected to terminal 670. Terminals 551, 552 are provided on terminal surface 650 of connection portion 510B. Power lines 501, 502 (described later) are connected to terminals 551, 552, respectively.

[0035] 1 again, power cable 600 is electrically connected to connection portion 510A. Power cable 600 includes power lines 601, 602. When connection portion 510A of connector 510 is connected to power receiving portion 190A of inlet 190, power lines 601, 602 of power cable 600 are electrically connected to power lines 193, 194 of vehicle 100. This electrically connects AC charging device 162 of vehicle 100 and AC power supply portion 240 (described later) of charging facility 200, enabling AC charging of vehicle 100.

[0036] When connection unit 510A and power receiving unit 190A are connected, communication line 520 is connected to communication line 196. This allows ECU 150 of vehicle 100 and control unit 210 of charging facility 200 to exchange the above-mentioned various pieces of information through communication lines 196, 520. Unlike the example in FIG. 1, ECU 150 and control unit 210 may exchange information via wireless communication instead of or in addition to communication lines 196, 520.

[0037] Power cable 500 is connected to connection portion 510B. Power cable 500 includes power lines 501, 502. When connection portion 510B of connector 510 is connected to power receiving portion 190B of inlet 190, power lines 501, 502 are electrically connected to power lines 191, 192 of vehicle 100. This electrically connects DC charging device 161 of vehicle 100 and DC power supply portion 230 (described later) of charging facility 200, enabling DC charging of vehicle 100.

[0038] The HMI device 215 is a device that displays various information to the user of the vehicle 100 and receives user operations (inputs). The HMI device 215 is, for example, a touch screen and a speaker. When a user operation to execute (start) external charging such as AC charging and DC charging is performed via the HMI device 215, a signal indicating that the user operation has been performed is output to the control unit 210.

[0039] Power feeding unit 220 supplies power to vehicle 100 through power cable unit 450. Power feeding unit 220 includes an AC power feeding unit 240 and a DC power feeding unit 230.

[0040] AC power feeding unit 240 is configured to supply AC power from AC power source 400 to vehicle 100. AC power feeding unit 240 includes relay 245. During AC charging, DC power feeding unit 230 is stopped and relay 245 is controlled to a closed state. This allows AC power feeding unit 240 to supply AC power from AC power source 400 to vehicle 100 through relay 245, power cable 600, connection unit 510A, and power receiving unit 190A.

[0041] DC power supply unit 230 includes AC / DC converter 235. AC / DC converter 235 is configured to convert AC power from AC power source 400 into DC power and supply it to connection unit 510B of connector 510. During DC charging, relay 245 is controlled to an open state and AC / DC converter 235 is operated. This allows DC power supply unit 230 to supply DC power to vehicle 100 through power cable 500, connection unit 510B, and power receiving unit 190B.

[0042] Control unit 210 includes a CPU, a memory (neither shown), and the like, and executes various controls in charging equipment 200. The control by control unit 210 is realized by software processing, but may also be realized by hardware. Control unit 210 controls power supply from power supply unit 220 to vehicle 100 by controlling, for example, HMI device 215, AC power supply unit 240, DC power supply unit 230, and the like.

[0043] As an example, when connection unit 510A of connector 510 is connected to power receiving unit 190A of inlet 190, control unit 210 controls AC power feeding unit 240 so that AC power is supplied from AC power source 400 to connection unit 510A. As a result, AC power is supplied to vehicle 100 through power receiving unit 190A, and AC charging is performed.

[0044] Furthermore, when connection portion 510B of connector 510 is connected to power receiving portion 190B of inlet 190, control portion 210 controls AC / DC converter 235 (DC power supply portion 230) so that DC power is supplied to connection portion 510B. As a result, DC power is supplied to vehicle 100 through power receiving portion 190B, and DC charging is performed.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a vehicle is compatible with only AC charging. Referring to Fig. 3, vehicle 100A differs from vehicle 100 (Fig. 1) in that it has inlet 195 instead of inlet 190. Inlet 195 does not have power receiving unit 190B, and only has power receiving unit 190A. Vehicle 100A also differs from vehicle 100 in that it does not have DC charging device 161 and power lines 191, 192. In other respects, vehicle 100A is basically the same as vehicle 100.

[0046] Some vehicles are provided with only one of a power receiving unit for AC charging and a power receiving unit for DC charging (power receiving unit 190A in the example of FIG. 3) at the vehicle inlet, such as vehicle 100A in Fig. 3. Here, if the charging connector is configured to include both a connection portion for the power receiving unit for AC charging and a connection portion for the power receiving unit for DC charging, the shape of the charging connector does not fit with the shape of the inlet, and the charging connector cannot be inserted into the inlet.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a comparative example in which a connector cannot be connected (inserted) into inlet 195. Referring to Fig. 4, connector 310 of the comparative example includes connection parts 310A and 310B. Connection parts 310A and 310B are configured to be connected to a power receiving part for AC charging and a power receiving part for DC charging, respectively.

[0048] In the comparative example, connection parts 310A and 310B are provided integrally, while inlet 195 is provided with only power receiving part 190A for AC charging. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the shape of connector 310 does not engage with the shape of inlet 195, and connector 310 cannot be connected (inserted) into inlet 195. Therefore, in the comparative example, it is not possible to charge power storage device 110 from charging facility 200 through connector 310 (external charging of vehicle 100A in Fig. 3 is not possible).

[0049] Therefore, connector 510 according to the present embodiment has a configuration for solving the above problems, which will be described in detail below with reference to Figs.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how connector 510 according to the present embodiment is coupled, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing how connector 510 according to the present embodiment is separated, and Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining how connector 510 can be connected to inlet 195 in the present embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connection portion 510A and the connection portion 510B are configured to be separable from the coupled state (FIG. 5) in which they are coupled to each other (FIG. 6).

[0052] In the above configuration, when the user cannot connect (insert) connector 510 to inlet 195 with connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B in the coupled state (FIG. 5), the user can separate connection portion 510A from connection portion 510B (FIG. 6). This allows the user to connect (insert) connection portion 510A to power receiving portion 190A, as shown in FIG. 7. As a result, unlike the comparative example in FIG. 4, power storage device 110 can be charged from charging facility 200 through power receiving portion 190A (external charging of vehicle 100A in FIG. 3 becomes possible).

[0053] Here, the coupling detection lines 530A and 530B are signal lines configured to transmit a current signal S1 for detecting that the connection parts 510A and 510B are in a coupled state by the control unit 210. For example, a voltage output from an auxiliary battery (not shown) of the vehicle is applied to the coupling detection line 530B.

[0054] 5, when connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B are coupled such that terminal surface 550 and terminal surface 650 are aligned, a current signal S1 is transmitted through coupling detection lines 530A and 530B due to the above-mentioned voltage application (coupling detection lines 530A and 530B are electrically conductive). Therefore, control unit 210 can determine that connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B are in a coupled state according to the current signal S1 being transmitted through coupling detection line 530B.

[0055] 6 and 7, when the connection portion 510A and the connection portion 510B are in a separated state, the current signal S1 is not transmitted through the coupling detection lines 530A and 530B (the coupling detection lines 530A and 530B are not electrically conductive). Therefore, the control unit 210 can determine that the connector 510 is in a separated state based on the fact that the current signal S1 is not transmitted through the coupling detection line 530B.

[0056] In this way, the control unit 210 can detect whether the connection portions 510A and 510B are in a coupled state or a separated state depending on whether the current signal S1 is transmitted through the coupling detection line 530B (whether the coupling detection lines 530A, 530B are conductive).

[0057] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a mode of separation or coupling of connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B. Referring to Fig. 8, convex portions 560A and 565A are formed in connection portion 510A. Also, concave portions 560B and 565B are formed in connection portion 510B.

[0058] Connection portions 510A and 510B are in a coupled state when convex portions 560A, 565A and concave portions 560B, 565B are fitted together so that terminal surface 550 and terminal surface 650 are aligned. On the other hand, connection portions 510A and 510B are in a separated state when convex portions 560A, 565A and concave portions 560B, 565B are not fitted together.

[0059] Thus, in the present embodiment, connecting portion 510A and connecting portion 510B are configured to be mechanically engageable with or separable from each other so that terminal surface 550 and terminal surface 650 are aligned. Note that, unlike the example in Fig. 8, a recess may be formed in connecting portion 510A and a protrusion may be formed in connecting portion 510B.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure executed by control unit 210 of charging equipment 200 during external charging of vehicle 100. The process of the flowchart in Fig. 9 is started when control unit 210 receives information indicating that power receiving unit 190A of inlet 190 and connection unit 510A of connector 510 are connected from ECU 150 via communication lines 196, 520.

[0061] 9, control unit 210 determines whether or not a command to start external charging of vehicle 100 has been received (step S110). For example, control unit 210 makes this determination based on whether or not a user operation to start external charging has been performed via HMI device 215. If control unit 210 has not received a command to start external charging (NO in step S110), control unit 210 makes this determination until it receives the instruction. On the other hand, if control unit 210 has received a command to start external charging (YES in step S110), control unit 210 proceeds to the process in step S115.

[0062] Next, control unit 210 determines whether or not connection unit 510A (AC charging connection unit) and connection unit 510B (DC charging connection unit) of connector 510 are coupled (step S115). Specifically, control unit 210 performs this determination based on whether or not current signal S1 (FIG. 5) is transmitted through coupling detection line 530B.

[0063] When the connection parts 510A and 510B are in a coupled state (YES in step S115), the connection parts 510A and 510B of the connector 510 are inserted into the power receiving parts 190A and 190B of the inlet 190, respectively. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 210 controls the relay 245 (FIGS. 1 and 3) to an open state (step S120) and operates the AC / DC converter 235 (step S125) in order to perform DC charging. The AC / DC converter 235 receives AC power from the AC power source 400 and converts the AC power into DC power. The converted DC power is supplied to the vehicle 100 via the connection parts 510B and the power receiving part 190B. This starts DC charging (step S130). Thereafter, the control unit 210 advances the process to step S150.

[0064] On the other hand, when connection unit 510A and connection unit 510B are in a separated state (NO in step S115), connection unit 510A is inserted into power receiving unit 190A. Therefore, in order to perform AC charging, control unit 210 controls relay 245 (FIGS. 1 and 3) to a closed state (step S135) and stops AC / DC converter 235 (step S137). Therefore, AC power from AC power supply 400 is supplied to vehicle 100 via relay 245, connection unit 510A, and power receiving unit 190A. This starts AC charging (step S140). Thereafter, control unit 210 advances the process to step S150.

[0065] After starting external charging (DC charging or AC charging), the control unit 210 determines whether to end external charging according to whether a charging end request has been received from the ECU 150 via the communication lines 196, 520 (step S150). The charging end request is output by the ECU 150 when the SOC (State of Charge) of the power storage device 110 reaches a threshold value. The ECU 150 calculates the SOC using a known method based on the current, voltage, temperature, and the like of the power storage device 110. The threshold value is set in advance as appropriate to prevent overcharging of the power storage device 110, for example. Alternatively, the ECU 150 may output the charging end request when the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) of the power storage device 110 reaches a threshold value instead of the SOC of the power storage device 110.

[0066] If external charging of vehicle 100 has not ended (NO in step S150), control unit 210 continues external charging (AC charging or DC charging) until a charging end request is received from ECU 150. On the other hand, if external charging of vehicle 100 has ended (YES in step S150), control unit 210 ends the series of processes.

[0067] As described above, connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B of connector 510 according to the present embodiment are configured to be separable from a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other. Specifically, when connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B are separated, connection portion 510A is connected to power receiving portion 190A. When connection portion 510A and connection portion 510B are coupled, connection portions 510A and 510B are connected to power receiving portions 190A and 190B.

[0068] 3, when inlet 195 is provided with only power receiving unit 190A, even when connector 510 is configured to include both connecting portion 510A and connecting portion 510B, connecting portion 510A is connected (inserted) to power receiving unit 190A. Thus, power storage device 110 can be charged from charging facility 200 through connector 510.

[0069] In this embodiment, either AC charging or DC charging is performed depending on whether connection unit 510A and connection unit 510B are in a separated or coupled state. Therefore, a user of vehicle 100 equipped with inlet 190 including both power receiving units 190A and 190B can select whether to separate or couple connector 510 depending on whether AC charging or DC charging is desired.

[0070] [Variations] 10 is a diagram showing a connector 710 according to a modification of the embodiment. Connector 710 according to this modification includes a connection portion 710A and a connection portion 710B. Connection portion 710A and connection portion 710B include magnets 770A and 770B, respectively.

[0071] Magnet 770A and magnet 770B are configured to generate magnetism such that a magnetic attractive force (indicated by the white arrows in the figure) is generated between connecting portion 710A and connecting portion 710B.

[0072] The connecting portion 710A and the connecting portion 710B are in a coupled state when they are in contact with each other by magnetic attraction so that the terminal surface 750 of the connecting portion 710A and the terminal surface 752 of the connecting portion 710B are aligned. On the other hand, the connecting portion 710A and the connecting portion 710B are in a separated state when they are not in contact with each other by magnetic attraction. Even with this configuration, the connecting portion 710A and the connecting portion 710B are configured to be separable from the coupled state in which they are coupled to each other.

[0073] Furthermore, a guide (not shown) is provided on each of surface 755A of connecting portion 710A and surface 755B of connecting portion 710B for aligning these connecting portions when connecting portion 710A and connecting portion 710B are coupled together. This allows connecting portion 710A and connecting portion 710B to be coupled together along the guide, making it easier to connect (insert) connector 710 into inlet 190 when connecting portion 710A and connecting portion 710B are coupled together.

[0074] In this modified example, as in the previously described embodiment, the control unit 210 of the charging equipment 200 determines whether the connection portions 710A and 710B are in a separated or coupled state depending on whether the coupling detection lines 530A, 530B are conductive.

[0075] As described above, the manner of coupling between the connection parts 710A and 710B is not limited to mechanical fitting as shown in Fig. 8, but may be coupling by magnetic attraction as in this modification. Alternatively, these connection parts may be configured to be coupled by both mechanical fitting and magnetic attraction. This can make the coupling between these connection parts stronger.

[0076] Other configurations and control procedures of connector 710 according to this modification and a charging system including charging equipment including connector 710 are basically similar to those of the above-described embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 9).

[0077] [Other variations] In the above-described embodiment and its modified example, when connection units 510A, 510B (710A, 710B) are in a separated state, AC charging is performed by connecting connection unit 510A (710A) to power receiving unit 190A. In contrast, in the above case, DC charging may be performed by connecting connection unit 510B (710B) to power receiving unit 190B.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, inlet 190 and connectors 510, 710 are compatible with the CCS standard, but may be compatible with other charging standards that allow both AC charging and DC charging.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 charging system, 100, 100A vehicle, 110 power storage device, 190, 195 inlet, 190A, 190B power receiving unit, 196, 520 communication line, 200 charging equipment, 210 control unit, 220 power supply unit, 310, 510, 710 connector, 310A, 510A, 510B, 710A, 710B connection unit, 400 AC power source, 530A, 530B coupling detection line, 560A, 565A convex portion, 560B, 565B concave portion, 770A, 770B magnet.

Claims

1. A charging connector that can be connected to a power receiving port of a vehicle configured to be able to charge an on-board power storage device using a charging facility external to the vehicle, the power receiving port is provided with at least one of a first power receiving unit for receiving AC power from the charging facility and a second power receiving unit for receiving DC power from the charging facility; A first connection portion for AC charging configured to be connectable to the first power receiving portion; a second connection portion for direct current charging configured to be connectable to the second power receiving portion, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are configured to be separable from a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other; the first connection portion and the second connection portion are configured to be mechanically engageable with each other, A charging connector, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are in the coupled state when they are mechanically engaged with each other so that a terminal surface of the first connection portion and a terminal surface of the second connection portion are aligned.

2. A charging connector that can be connected to a power receiving port of a vehicle configured to be able to charge an on-board power storage device using a charging facility external to the vehicle, the power receiving port is provided with at least one of a first power receiving unit for receiving AC power from the charging facility and a second power receiving unit for receiving DC power from the charging facility; A first connection portion for AC charging configured to be connectable to the first power receiving portion; a second connection portion for direct current charging configured to be connectable to the second power receiving portion, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are configured to be separable from a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other; the first connection portion includes a first magnet; the second connection portion includes a second magnet; the first magnet and the second magnet generate magnetism such that a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first connection portion and the second connection portion; A charging connector, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are in the coupled state when they are in contact by the magnetic attraction force so that a terminal surface of the first connection portion and a terminal surface of the second connection portion are aligned.

3. A charging facility configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, The charging connector according to claim 1 or 2; a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the vehicle through the charging connector; a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the vehicle.

4. the power supply unit includes an AC power supply unit configured to supply AC power from an AC power source to the first connection portion of the charging connector; The charging facility according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the AC power supply unit so that the AC power is supplied from the AC power source to the first connection unit when the first connection unit is connected to the first power receiving unit.

5. the power supply unit includes a converter configured to convert AC power from an AC power source into DC power and supply the DC power to the second connection portion of the charging connector; The charging facility according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls the converter so that the DC power is supplied to the second connection unit when the second connection unit is connected to the second power receiving unit.

Images