Charging control system

Abstract

To cancel charging schedule settings with a simple operation.SOLUTION: A charging control system 1 according to an embodiment is a charging control system for an electric vehicle 3 that can be charged from an external power source, comprising an inlet 4 provided on the electric vehicle 3 and connected to an operable charging gun 2, and a charging control ECU 20 that controls charging and can set timer charging. The charging control ECU 20 can detect the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, and cancels the setting of the timer charging based on the connection state of the charging gun 2 when the timer charging is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging control system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to reduce the adverse effects on the global environment, vehicles configured to be externally chargeable to in-vehicle power storage devices, such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device for a vehicle that performs timer charging in which charging is not performed until a set time when a charging start time for an in-vehicle power storage device is set. This charging device includes a charger that receives power from outside the vehicle and charges the power storage device, and a control unit that determines whether to perform timer charging or immediate charging without performing timer charging based on the state of a switch related to the opening and closing of a charging lid, and controls the charger. For example, a timer cancel switch (a switch for canceling the setting of timer charging) or a timer confirmation switch (a switch for validating the setting of timer charging) also serves as a switch for detecting the opening and closing of the lid or a switch for opening the lid. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle capable of external charging that charges an in-vehicle battery using the power of an external power source. This vehicle includes an inlet to which a plug on the external power source side is connected, a detection device that detects whether a plug is connected to the inlet, and a control device that reserves the execution of external charging based on the time set by the user when a plug is connected to the inlet. The control device cancels the reservation for the execution of external charging when, in a state where a plug is connected to the inlet and the execution of external charging is reserved, an operation of inserting and removing the plug from the inlet is repeated a predetermined number of times within a reception period for reservation cancellation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, in the case of Patent Document 1, if the switch fails, the user may not be able to cancel the timer charging setting. In the case of Patent Document 2, repeating the operation of plugging and unplugging the plug is time-consuming, and the user may be forced to perform troublesome operations. By the way, in a charging control system for an electric vehicle that can be charged from an external power source, it may be necessary to set a charging schedule. For example, the charging schedule setting includes a timer charging reservation (timer charging setting) for the charging execution time zone, a charging end SOC (State Of Charge) setting, and the like. In such a charging control system, after setting the charging schedule, the user may want to cancel the charging schedule setting according to their convenience. In such a case, it is required that the user can cancel the charging schedule setting with a simple operation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to cancel the charging schedule setting with a simple operation. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] (1) A charging control system according to an aspect of the present invention (for example, the charging control system 1 in the embodiment) is a charging control system for an electric vehicle (for example, the electric vehicle 3 in the embodiment) that can be charged from an external power source, and is provided on the electric vehicle 、A connection part (for example, the inlet 4 in the embodiment) to which a charger (for example, the charging gun 2 in the embodiment) is connected, and a control part (for example, the charging control ECU in the embodiment) that controls the charging and is capable of setting a schedule for the charging, wherein the control part can detect the connection state of the charger to the connection part, and in a state where the schedule is set, the schedule setting is cancelled based on the connection state of the charger. The control unit can detect fitting and semi-fitting as the connection state of the charger to the connection part, the charger can be semi-fitted based on the operation of the user, and after detecting the fitting, the control unit detects the semi-fitting for a predetermined time or more, and when detecting the fitting again, cancels the schedule setting. 。

[0007] (2) In one aspect of the present invention, the charger has an operable switch (for example, the S3 switch 11 in the embodiment). 、 The charger can be semi-fitted based on a predetermined operation of the switch. It is also good. 。

[0008] (3) In one aspect of the present invention, it further includes a determination part (for example, the charging control ECU in the embodiment) that determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitted state, and when the determination part determines the abnormality, the control part may switch to a control mode during the abnormality.

[0009] (4) In one aspect of the present invention, when the charger is connected to the connection part or when the charger is removed from the connection part, if the control part does not detect the semi-fitted state, the determination part may determine it as the abnormality.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the aspect (1) above, the charging control system is a charging control system for an electric vehicle capable of charging from an external power source, provided in the electric vehicle. 、 It includes a connection part to which a charger is connected, and a control part that controls the charging and is capable of setting a schedule for the charging. The control part can detect the connection state of the charger to the connection part, and in a state where the schedule is set, by cancelling the schedule setting based on the connection state of the charger, the following effects can be achieved. The schedule setting for charging can be cancelled with a simple operation.

[0011] According to the above (1) and (2) According to the aspect, the charger has an operable switch, the control unit can detect fitting and semi-fitting as the connection state of the charger to the connection part, the charger can be semi-fitted based on a predetermined operation of the switch, and after detecting the fitting, when the control unit detects semi-fitting and then further detects fitting, by canceling the schedule setting, the following effects are achieved. When semi-fitting is detected between fittings that are temporally before and after, it is regarded as a predetermined operation of the switch based on the user's intention, and the schedule setting can be canceled. In addition, compared with the case where the schedule setting is canceled only by the change from fitting to semi-fitting, it is possible to suppress the schedule setting from being canceled due to the user's misoperation.

[0012] (3) According to the aspect, the charging control system further includes a determination unit that determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state. When the determination unit determines an abnormality, the control unit switches to the control mode during the abnormality, thereby achieving the following effects. When an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state is determined, it is possible to switch to the control mode during the abnormality.

[0013] (4) According to the aspect, the determination unit determines an abnormality when the control unit does not detect semi-fitting when the charger is connected to the connection part or when the charger is removed from the connection part, thereby achieving the following effects. When the user connects the charger to the connection part or removes the charger from the connection part and semi-fitting is not detected, it is possible to determine an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a charging control system for an electric vehicle that can be charged from an external power source by a charging gun (an example of a charger) will be described. Hereinafter, the electric vehicle may be simply referred to as a "vehicle" in some cases.

[0016] <Charging control system> As shown in FIG. 1, the charging control system 1 is configured to be able to charge the electric vehicle 3 from an external power source by connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4 on the vehicle side (an example of a connection part to which the charger is connected).

[0017] The charging gun 2 has a switch 11 that can be operated by the user. Hereinafter, the switch of the charging gun 2 may be referred to as the "S3 switch" in some cases. For example, the charging gun 2 is connected to a charging cable 5 (EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). The charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4 by fitting. The S3 switch 11 has an engaging convex portion 14 that can be engaged with the inlet 4.

[0018] The electric vehicle 3 includes an inlet 4, ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 20, 21, 22, a charger 23, contactors 24, 25, a high-voltage battery 26, a DCDC converter 27, a 12V battery 28, an electric compressor 29, and a PCU (Power Control Unit) 30. The components of the electric vehicle 3 are electrically connected to the related components by various wirings and the like.

[0019] The inlet 4 is provided on the electric vehicle 3. The inlet 4 is a connection part to which the charging gun 2 is connected to receive the power supplied from an external power source. For example, the inlet 4 is provided at a part of the electric vehicle 3 that can be exposed outside the vehicle. For example, when the inlet 4 is exposed outside the vehicle, the charging gun 2 can be fitted to the inlet 4.

[0020] The electric vehicle 3 includes a plurality (three in the example of FIG. 1) of ECUs 20, 21, 22. The three ECUs 20, 21, 22 include an ECU (hereinafter also referred to as "charge control ECU") 20 that controls the charging of the electric vehicle 3, an ECU (hereinafter also referred to as "system cooperation ECU") 21 that controls the cooperation of the components of the charging control system 1, and an ECU (hereinafter also referred to as "battery control ECU") 22 that controls the batteries 26, 28.

[0021] The charge control ECU 20 (an example of a control unit) is capable of communicating with the inlet 4 by a control pilot signal (hereinafter also referred to as "CPLT signal"), a fitting signal, etc. The charge control ECU 20 is electrically connected to the charger 23. The charger 23 is capable of AC power transmission with the inlet 4. The system cooperation ECU and the battery control ECU are capable of communicating with related elements by CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0022] <Changes in the fitting state when connecting the charging gun to the inlet> As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting state when connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4 changes in the order of "non-fitted", "semi-fitted", and "fitted". Here, non-fitted means a state where the charging gun 2 is not connected to the inlet 4. Semi-fitted means a state where the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4 but the engaging convex portion 14 has not fully descended. Fitted means a state where the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4 and the engaging convex portion 14 has fully descended.

[0023] For example, when the user connects the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, by pressing the S3 switch 11, the engaging convex portion 14 can be lifted, and the charging gun 2 can be connected to the inlet 4. Note that even if the user does not press the S3 switch 11 when connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, the engaging convex portion 14 can be lifted by pushing the charging gun 2 toward the inlet 4, and the charging gun 2 can be connected to the inlet 4. When the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4, the engaging convex portion 14 descends, and it is connected to the inlet 4 by fitting.

[0024] <Change in the fitting state when removing the charging gun from the inlet> As shown in FIG. 3, the fitting state when removing the charging gun 2 from the inlet 4 changes in the order of "fitting", "semi-fitting", and "non-fitting". For example, when the user removes the charging gun 2 from the inlet 4, by pressing the S3 switch 11, the engaging convex portion 14 can be lifted, and the charging gun 2 can be pulled out from the inlet 4. Note that when the user removes the charging gun 2 from the inlet 4, if the S3 switch 11 is not pressed, the engaging convex portion 14 may not be lifted, and it may be configured such that the charging gun 2 cannot be pulled out from the inlet 4.

[0025] <Fitting detection circuit> As shown in FIG. 4, the charging control system 1 includes a fitting detection circuit 40 for detecting the fitting state of the charging gun 2. The fitting detection circuit 40 is composed of a resistance voltage division circuit 41 (a circuit having resistors R1 and R2) connected to the contact point 15 where the S3 switch 11 of the charging gun 2 contacts, and an ECU circuit 43 connected to the microcomputer 42 of the charging control ECU 20, etc.

[0026] The charging control ECU 20 can detect fitting and semi-fitting as the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4. The charging gun 2 can be made semi-fitting by pressing the S3 switch 11 (an example of a predetermined operation). In FIG. 4, reference numeral 45 denotes a power plug, reference numeral 46 denotes a charging facility, reference numeral 47 denotes the microcomputer of the charger 23, and reference numeral 48 denotes the AC / DC conversion unit of the charger 23, respectively.

[0027] The charging control ECU 20 detects "non-fitting", "fitting", and "semi-fitting" as follows in (1) to (3) below. (1) When no voltage is applied to the ECU circuit 43, "non-fitting" is detected. (2) When the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4, a voltage is applied to the ECU circuit 43, and "fitting" is detected. (3) When the S3 switch 11 is pressed in the state of (2) above, the voltage dividing resistor on the charging gun 2 side changes, and "semi-fitting" is detected.

[0028] When the S3 switch 11 of the charging gun 2 is pressed, it contacts the contact point 15. As a result, the voltage is divided (voltage-divided) by the resistors R1 and R2 of the resistance voltage dividing circuit 41. Then, the voltage value on the vehicle side changes. The charging control ECU 20 reads the changed voltage value on the vehicle side as a fitting signal. For example, the fitting signal is a voltage signal of 0 to 5V. The charging control ECU 20 detects "semi-fitting" when the voltage value (fitting signal) changes with respect to the reference voltage (for example, the voltage at the time of fitting). For example, "semi-fitting" can be detected as the user's operation and regarded as the intention of immediate charging.

[0029] As described above, when connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, even if the S3 switch 11 is not pressed, when the charging gun 2 is pushed toward the inlet 4, the engaging convex portion 14 is lifted, so that the S3 switch 11 contacts the contact point 15. Therefore, when the S3 switch 11 is normal, when connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, the charging control ECU 20 detects in the order of "non-fitting", "semi-fitting", and "fitting". On the other hand, when the S3 switch 11 is abnormal (for example, in the case of being stuck off), when connecting the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, the charging control ECU 20 detects in the order of "non-fitting" and "fitting".

[0030] <Charging Gun> As shown in FIG. 5, the charging gun 2 is a gun-type charger provided on the equipment side. The charging gun 2 is configured to be insertable and removable with respect to the inlet 4 on the vehicle side. The charging gun 2 includes a gun body 10, an S3 switch 11 operable by the user, and a plug 12 connected to the inlet 4.

[0031] The S3 switch 11 is provided on the upper part of the gun body 10. The S3 switch 11 includes an operation convex portion 13 that protrudes from the gun body 10 so that the user can operate it, and an engagement convex portion 14 that can engage with the inlet 4. For example, the user can operate the S3 switch while holding the gun body 10 with one hand. The plug 12 protrudes from the gun body 10 toward the inlet 4. For example, the user can push the plug 12 toward the inlet 4 while holding the gun body 10.

[0032] <Lock mechanism> As shown in FIG. 6, the charging control system 1 includes a lock mechanism 50 that locks the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4. The lock mechanism 50 includes a lock pin 51 provided on the vehicle side. For example, the lock pin 51 can be inserted and removed (movable in the direction of arrow V in FIG. 6 and in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow V) by an operation on the vehicle side.

[0033] In the state of FIG. 6, the lock pin 51 protrudes from the vehicle side toward the charging gun 2 side. For example, when the lock pin 51 protrudes toward the charging gun 2 side while the engagement convex portion 14 of the S3 switch 11 is engaged with the inlet 4, the S3 switch 11 is restricted by the lock pin 51. That is, the charging gun 2 is locked with respect to the inlet 4. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the charging gun 2 from being pulled out during energization.

[0034] <Unlock switch> As shown in FIG. 7, the charging control system 1 includes an unlock switch 60 for unlocking the lock between the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4. The unlock switch 60 is provided at the front part of the electric vehicle 3. In the example of FIG. 7, the front part of the electric vehicle 3 has a recess 61 that is recessed downward. The inlet 4 and the unlock switch 60 are provided on the bottom surface side of the recess 61. For example, a lid member (e.g., an openable and closable lid) for covering the recess 61 may be provided at the front part of the electric vehicle 3.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, the inlet 4 is disposed at the center of the bottom surface of the recess 61 in a top view. The unlock switch 60 is disposed laterally (to the right side of the paper surface in the top view) of the inlet 4. For example, the unlock switch 60 may be operable by a smart key. For example, from the viewpoint of anti-theft, only the owner of the electric vehicle 3 (the owner of the key) may be able to operate the unlock switch 60.

[0036] For example, when the unlock switch 60 is pressed, the lock pin 51 moves in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow V from the state of FIG. 6 and enters the vehicle side (it does not come out to the charging gun 2 side). When the lock pin 51 enters the vehicle side, the restraint of the S3 switch 11 by the lock pin 51 is released. That is, the lock between the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4 is released. Thereby, the charging gun 2 can be pulled out.

[0037] <Switch operation during insertion and removal of the charging gun> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, an example (Examples 1 to 4) of the switch operation during insertion and removal of the charging gun 2 will be described. In each figure, the time is shown in the horizontal direction, and the vehicle state, SOC, fitting state, start factor, charging state, lock state, and charging indicator are shown in the vertical direction, respectively.

[0038] The vehicle state indicates any one of a state of performing charging (charging in progress), a state of being started (started), and a state of not being started (sleep). The SOC indicates the charging level relative to the full charge threshold. The fitting state is the fitting state when the charging gun 2 is inserted into and removed from the inlet 4, and indicates any one of "non-fitted", "semi-fitted", and "fitted". The starting factor is a starting factor from the charging facility, for example, a charging start request due to the fitting of the charging gun 2. Alternatively, a CPLT (control pilot) signal from the charging facility may be used as the starting factor. The locked state is the locked state between the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4, indicating whether it is locked (locked) or not (unlocked). The charging indicator is provided, for example, on a display device on the vehicle side where the occupant can visually recognize it, and indicates any one of "turned off", "flashing", and "lit".

[0039] <Timer charging cancellation> Figure 9 shows an example of canceling timer charging in a state where a timer charging reservation (an example of setting timer charging and schedule setting) has been made during the charging execution time period. Figure 9 is an example in which the user fits the charging gun 2 without pressing the S3 switch 11 and cancels the timer charging by a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11.

[0040] For example, after the user fits the charging gun 2 without pressing the S3 switch 11, the user presses the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more (an example of a predetermined operation). For example, after the user fits the charging gun 2 without pressing the S3 switch 11, the user presses the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more, and then releases the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more. For example, the user presses the S3 switch 11 again while the charging indicator is flashing.

[0041] For example, after detecting the fitting as the fitting state, when the semi-fitting is detected and then the fitting is further detected, the charging control ECU 20 releases the timer charging. For example, when the charging control ECU 20 detects the change of the following fitting signal within a certain time after startup by the charging facility, the timer charging is released. For example, when the charging control ECU 20 detects the change of the fitting signal as "fitting" → "semi-fitting continued for a certain time (for example, 1 second to 3 seconds)" → "fitting continued for a certain time", the timer charging is released.

[0042] For example, within a certain time (an example within the first time) after the fitting of the charging gun 2, when the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a certain time or more (an example of the second time or more) and then the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a certain time or more (an example of the third time or more) continues, the charging control ECU 20 releases the timer charging. For example, after the charging control ECU 20 releases the timer charging, it starts charging the vehicle.

[0043] FIG. 10 shows an example of releasing the timer charging in a state where the timer charging is set. FIG. 10 is an example in which the user fits the charging gun 2 while pressing the S3 switch 11 and releases the timer charging by a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11. In FIG. 10, the parts with the same operation as in FIG. 9 are indicated by dot hatching, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0044] For example, after the user fits the charging gun 2 while pressing the S3 switch 11, the user releases the S3 switch 11 and then presses and releases the S3 switch 11 again. For example, within a certain time after the fitting of the charging gun 2 with the S3 switch 11 pressed, when the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a certain time or more continues, and after the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a certain time or more again, the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a certain time or more continues, the charging control ECU 20 releases the timer charging.

[0045] <An example of user's incorrect operation> FIG. 11 shows an example in which after the charging gun 2 is fitted, the user accidentally presses the S3 switch 11 for a moment and then releases it again. For example, when the user presses the S3 switch 11, the charge control ECU 20 sets the S3 switch press confirmation time as a necessary condition for determining the cancellation of timer charging. According to this setting, even if the user accidentally presses the S3 switch 11 after the charging gun 2 is fitted, the cancellation of timer charging will not be misjudged.

[0046] Figure 12 shows an example where when the charging gun 2 is removed, the user accidentally releases the S3 switch 11 for a moment and then presses it again. For example, when the user releases the S3 switch 11, the charge control ECU 20 sets the S3 switch release confirmation time as a necessary condition for determining the cancellation of timer charging. Even if the user accidentally releases the S3 switch 11 for a moment and then presses it again when the charging gun 2 is removed, the charge control ECU 20 will not misjudge the cancellation of timer charging.

[0047] <An example of the starting factor from the charging facility> Figure 13 shows an example where just before the user removes the charging gun 2 while pressing the S3 switch 11 after unlocking the charging gun 2, it happens to be the timer charging start time on the charging facility side. In Figure 13, the time is shown horizontally, and the vehicle state, SOC, fitting state, starting factor, charging state, lock state, and charging indicator are shown vertically respectively.

[0048] For example, when the charge control ECU 20 detects an unlock operation, it resets the acceptance period for canceling timer charging (for example, a certain time after detecting the starting factor from the charging facility). For example, the charge control ECU 20 will not cancel the timer charging even if the user accidentally operates the S3 switch 11 as long as the charging gun 2 is not re-inserted and removed.

[0049] Even if a starting factor from the charging facility side (for example, a charging start request by the CPLT signal) happens to overlap in the state before the charging gun 2 removal operation, the charge control ECU 20 will not determine the cancellation of timer charging due to the user's accidental operation (for example, pressing the S3 switch 11 → releasing the S3 switch 11 → pressing the S3 switch 11).

[0050] <Example of Failure of S3 Switch> FIG. 14 is an example of automatically canceling timer charging when the S3 switch 11 fails. In FIG. 14, the horizontal direction indicates time, and the vertical direction indicates vehicle state, SOC, mating state, starting factor, charging state, lock state, and charging indicator, respectively.

[0051] For example, when the S3 switch 11 fails, it means that the S3 switch 11 is stuck off due to the failure. Due to the stuck-off state of the S3 switch 11, the charge control ECU 20 cannot detect the user's operation to cancel the timer charging.

[0052] For example, when the charge control ECU 20 fails to detect semi-mating and changes from non-mating to mating, it determines an abnormality. The charge control ECU 20 functions as a determination unit for determining an abnormality related to the detection of the mating state. When the charge control ECU 20 determines an abnormality, it cancels the timer charging.

[0053] <Example of Processing after Detecting Semi-Mating when Charging Gun is Connected> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing after detecting semi-mating when the charging gun 2 is connected. As shown in FIG. 15, in step S10, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether it has detected semi-mating when the charging gun 2 is connected. For example, the charge control ECU 20 determines that it has detected "semi-mating" when the voltage value (mating signal) changes with respect to the reference voltage (for example, the voltage at mating) when the charging gun 2 is connected. If it is determined that semi-mating has been detected when the charging gun 2 is connected (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that semi-mating has not been detected when the charging gun 2 is connected (NO in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0054] In step S11, the charge control ECU 20 performs normal control. An example of normal control will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0055] In step S12, the charge control ECU 20 performs failure control. For example, the failure control displays a warning to the user that the S3 switch 11 has failed. For example, the warning may be displayed on a display device visible to the occupant, or may be notified by voice or a warning sound. For example, the failure control may automatically cancel the timer charge and immediately start charging.

[0056] <An example of normal control after detecting semi-fitting when the charging gun is connected> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of normal control after detecting semi-fitting when the charging gun 2 is connected. As shown in FIG. 16, in step S101, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether the charging gun 2 is connected. For example, when the charge control ECU 20 detects "fitting" as the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, it determines that the charging gun 2 is connected. On the other hand, when the charge control ECU 20 detects "non-fitting" as the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, it determines that the charging gun 2 is not connected. If it is determined that the charging gun 2 is connected (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the charging gun 2 is not connected (NO in step S101), the process ends.

[0057] In step S102, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether there is a timer charge setting. For example, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether there is a timer charge setting based on the state of a flag that is turned on when the user operates a timer switch or the like to set the timer charge. If it is determined that there is a timer charge setting (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no timer charge setting (NO in step S102), the process ends.

[0058] In step S103, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the connection of the charging gun 2. For example, the certain period of time since the connection of the charging gun 2 is a predetermined time (e.g., a predetermined time of about 10 seconds) from the time when "fitting" is detected as the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4. For example, the certain period of time since the connection of the charging gun 2 may be a predetermined time from the time when the activation factor (CPLT signal) from the charging facility is detected. If it is determined that a certain period of time has elapsed since the connection of the charging gun 2 (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that a certain period of time has not elapsed since the connection of the charging gun 2 (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0059] In step S104, the charge control ECU 20 determines that the reception period for timer charge cancellation has ended. After step S104, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0060] In step S105, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether there is an unlock operation. For example, the charge control ECU 20 determines that there is an unlock operation when the unlock switch 60 is pressed. On the other hand, the charge control ECU 20 determines that there is no unlock operation when the unlock switch 60 is not pressed. If it is determined that there is an unlock operation (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unlock operation (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0061] In step S106, the charge control ECU 20 sets the reception period for timer charge cancellation. After step S106, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0062] In step S107, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether it is within the reception period for timer charge cancellation. For example, the reception period for timer charge cancellation starts from the point in time when a lapse of time A has passed since the state of the plug 12 of the charging gun 2 with respect to the inlet 4 is detected as "fitted", and ends at the point in time when a lapse of time B has passed since the point in time when the lapse of time A has passed. For example, the reception period for timer charge cancellation is a predetermined period of about 10 seconds. If it is determined that it is within the reception period for timer charge cancellation (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not within the reception period for timer charge cancellation (NO in step S107), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0063] In step S108, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether there is a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11. The predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 and the like. After step S108, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0064] In step S109, the charge control ECU 20 holds the timer charge mode. After step S109, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0065] In step S110, the charge control ECU 20 determines whether there is an operation for timer charge cancellation. For example, when a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 is performed by the user with the timer charge set, the charge control ECU 20 determines that there is an operation for timer charge cancellation. On the other hand, when a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 is not performed by the user with the timer charge set, the charge control ECU 20 determines that there is no operation for timer charge cancellation. If it is determined that there is an operation for timer charge cancellation (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no operation for timer charge cancellation (NO in step S110), the process ends.

[0066] In step S111, the charge control ECU 20 releases the timer charging mode. After step S111, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0067] In step S112, the charge control ECU 20 performs auto-lock. After step S112, the process ends.

[0068] <An example of a predetermined operation on the S3 switch> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20, an example of a predetermined operation (Examples 1 to 4) on the S3 switch 11 of the charging gun 2 will be described. In each figure, the horizontal direction indicates time, and the vertical direction indicates the fitting state, the locked state, the timer charging mode, the acceptance period for timer charging cancellation, a predetermined acceptance period, and the vehicle state, respectively. In FIGS. 18 to 20, the vertical direction also shows the S3 switch 11 pressing time, the S3 switch 11 pressing history, and the S3 switch 11 release time.

[0069] <Charging gun fitting only (timer charging enabled)> FIG. 17 shows an example of maintaining the timer charging mode by only fitting the charging gun 2 (the user has fitted the charging gun 2 without pressing the S3 switch 11) (the first example of the predetermined operation on the S3 switch 11).

[0070] For example, even if only the charging gun 2 is fitted, if the S3 switch 11 is normal, after detecting the fitting as the fitting state, the charge control ECU 20 detects semi-fitting and then further detects fitting. Even in this case, if the charge control ECU 20 determines that it is not within the acceptance period for timer charging cancellation, it maintains the timer charging mode (timer charging enabled) and performs auto-lock.

[0071] <After charging gun fitting, a predetermined user operation (timer charging cancellation)> FIG. 18 shows an example of canceling the timer charging by the user performing a predetermined operation (long pressing the S3 switch 11) on the S3 switch 11 after fitting the charging gun 2 (the second example of the predetermined operation on the S3 switch 11).

[0072] For example, the user presses and holds the S3 switch 11, fits the charging gun 2, then presses the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more, and then releases the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more. For example, the charging control ECU 20 cancels the timer charging when, within a certain time from the fitting of the charging gun 2 with the S3 switch 11 pressed, after the S3 switch 11 has been pressed for a certain time or more, the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a certain time or more continues. For example, the charging control ECU 20 cancels the timer charging when, after the fitting of the charging gun 2, the semi-fitted state is detected to be equal to or higher than the threshold value 1 and then the fully-fitted state is detected to be equal to or higher than the threshold value 3.

[0073] FIG. 19 is an example of canceling the timer charging by the user performing a predetermined operation (an operation of repeatedly pressing the S3 switch 11 briefly) on the S3 switch 11 after the charging gun 2 is fitted (the third example of the predetermined operation on the S3 switch 11).

[0074] For example, the user presses and holds the S3 switch 11, fits the charging gun 2, then presses the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more and then releases the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more, and repeats this operation a plurality of times. For example, the charging control ECU 20 cancels the timer charging when it detects a plurality of times that, within a certain time from the fitting of the charging gun 2 with the S3 switch 11 pressed, after the S3 switch 11 has been pressed for a certain time or more, the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a certain time or more continues. For example, the charging control ECU 20 cancels the timer charging when, after the fitting of the charging gun 2, the semi-fitted state is detected a plurality of times (three times in the example of FIG. 19) at a value equal to or higher than the threshold value 1 and equal to or lower than the threshold value 2, and then the fully-fitted state is detected to be equal to or higher than the threshold value 3.

[0075] FIG. 20 is an example of canceling the timer charging by the user performing a predetermined operation (an operation of fitting the charging gun 2 while pressing the S3 switch 11 and then releasing the S3 switch 11) on the S3 switch 11 after the charging gun 2 is fitted (the fourth example of the predetermined operation on the S3 switch 11).

[0076] For example, after the user fits the charging gun 2 while pressing the S3 switch 11, the user presses the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more, and then releases the S3 switch 11 for a predetermined time or more. For example, when the charging control ECU 20 detects "non-fitted → semi-fitted" as the fitting information, it starts accepting timer charge cancellation. For example, when the charging control ECU 20 detects "non-fitted → semi-fitted" and then detects that the fitting state is equal to or greater than the threshold value 1 and then detects that the fitting state is equal to or greater than the threshold value 3, it cancels the timer charge.

[0077] <Prevention of accidental operation of the S3 switch when removing the charging gun (prohibition of timer charge cancellation)> Figure 21 is an example of prohibiting the cancellation of timer charge due to the user accidentally operating the S3 switch 11 when removing the charging gun 2 (an example of accidental switch operation when removing the charging gun 2). In Figure 21, the horizontal direction indicates time, and the vertical direction indicates the fitting state, lock state, timer charge mode, unlock request, acceptance period of timer charge cancellation, predetermined acceptance period, pressing time of the S3 switch 11, and vehicle state, respectively.

[0078] For example, when the charging control ECU 20 detects an unlock operation, it resets the acceptance period of timer charge cancellation (for example, a certain time after detecting the ECU startup due to the detection of the connection of the plug 12 of the charging gun 2). For example, even if the charging control ECU 20 detects the ECU startup due to the detection of the connection of the plug 12 of the charging gun 2 in the state before the removal operation of the charging gun 2, it prohibits the cancellation of the timer charge. For example, it is possible to prevent accidentally canceling the timer charge and locking the charging gun 2 due to accidental operation by the user when removing the charging gun 2 (for example, pressing the S3 switch 11 → releasing the S3 switch 11 → pressing the S3 switch 11). Thereby, it is possible to prevent an event in which the user cannot remove the charging gun 2.

[0079] <An example of abnormal time control due to the switch of the charging gun being stuck off> FIG. 22 is an example of abnormal control (timer charge cancellation) due to the OFF sticking of the S3 switch 11 of the charging gun 2. In FIG. 22, the horizontal direction indicates time, and the vertical direction indicates the fitting state, the locking state, the timer charging mode, the S3 switch 11 failure determination, and the vehicle state, respectively.

[0080] For example, when the charge control ECU 20 detects the fitting from the non-fitting state without detecting the semi-fitting as the fitting information, it determines an abnormality (failure of the S3 switch 11). When the charge control ECU 20 determines the failure of the S3 switch 11, it switches to the control mode during an abnormality. As the abnormal control, the charge control ECU 20 cancels the timer charge.

[0081] <Advantages and effects> As described above, the charging control system 1 of the above embodiment is a charging control system 1 for the electric vehicle 3 capable of charging from an external power source, and includes an inlet 4 to which a charging gun 2 provided on the electric vehicle 3 and having an operable S3 switch 11 is connected, and a charge control ECU 20 that controls charging and can set a timer charge. The charge control ECU 20 cancels the setting of the timer charge based on a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 in a state where the timer charge is set. According to this configuration, when the user operates the S3 switch 11 in a state where the timer charge is set, the charge control ECU 20 cancels the setting of the timer charge based on a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11. Therefore, the setting of the timer charge can be canceled by a simple operation.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the charge control ECU 20 can detect the fitting and the semi-fitting as the connection state of the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4, the charging gun 2 can be semi-fitted based on a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11, and the charge control ECU 20 cancels the setting of the timer charge when it detects the semi-fitting and then the fitting after detecting the fitting. According to this configuration, when a half-fitting is detected between fittings that are temporally before and after, it can be regarded as a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 based on the user's intention, and the setting of timer charging can be canceled. In addition, compared with the case where the setting of timer charging is canceled only by the change from fitting to half-fitting, it is possible to suppress the setting of timer charging from being canceled due to a user's misoperation.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the charge control ECU 20 cancels the setting of timer charging when the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a second time or longer within a first time after the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4. According to this configuration, when the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a second time or longer within a first time, it can be regarded as a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 based on the user's intention, and the setting of timer charging can be canceled. In addition, compared with the case where the setting of timer charging is canceled only when the S3 switch 11 is pressed for less than a second time within the first time, it is possible to suppress the setting of timer charging from being canceled due to a user's misoperation.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the charge control ECU 20 cancels the setting of timer charging when the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a third time or longer continues after the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a second time or longer within the first time. According to this configuration, when the state where the S3 switch 11 is not pressed for a third time or longer continues after the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a second time or longer within the first time, it can be regarded as a predetermined operation of the S3 switch 11 based on the user's intention, and the setting of timer charging can be canceled. In addition, compared with the case where the setting of timer charging is canceled only when the S3 switch 11 is pressed for a second time or longer within the first time, it is possible to suppress the setting of timer charging from being canceled due to a user's misoperation.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the charging control system 1 starts charging after the setting of timer charging is canceled, and includes a locking mechanism 50 that locks the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4, and an unlock switch 60 for releasing the lock. When the unlock switch 60 is pressed, the charging control ECU 20 restricts the cancellation of the timer charging setting. According to this configuration, when the unlock switch 60 is pressed, the release of the lock between the charging gun 2 and the inlet 4 can be regarded as being based on the user's intention, and the cancellation of the timer charging setting can be restricted.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the charging control ECU 20 functions as a determination unit that determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state. When the charging control ECU 20 determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state, it switches to the control mode during an abnormality. According to this configuration, when an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state is determined, it is possible to switch to the control mode during an abnormality.

[0087] In the above embodiment, when the charging gun 2 is connected to the inlet 4 or when the charging gun 2 is removed from the inlet 4, if the charging control ECU 20 does not detect a semi-fitting state, it determines that an abnormality has occurred. According to this configuration, when the user connects the charging gun 2 to the inlet 4 or removes the charging gun 2 from the inlet 4, if a semi-fitting state is not detected, it can be determined that there is an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state.

[0088] <Modification Example> In the above embodiment, as an example of the charging schedule setting, the timer charging reservation (setting of timer charging) for the charging execution time zone has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the charging schedule setting may be the charging end SOC setting. For example, when the charging end SOC is set to 80%, when a predetermined operation of the switch is received, the charging end SOC may be changed to 100%. For example, the mode of the charging schedule setting can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the charging control ECU can detect fitting and semi-fitting as the connection state of the charging gun to the inlet. The charging gun can be semi-fitted based on a predetermined operation of the S3 switch. The charging control ECU has been described by way of example as canceling the timer charging setting when it detects semi-fitting after detecting fitting and then detects fitting again, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the charging control ECU can detect a first connection signal (first voltage value) and a second connection signal (second voltage value) as the connection state of the charging gun to the inlet. The charging gun can send the second connection signal based on a predetermined operation of the S3 switch. The charging control ECU may cancel the timer charging setting when it detects the second connection signal after detecting the first connection signal and then detects the first connection signal again. For example, the control unit may cancel the schedule setting based on a predetermined operation of the switch of the charger in a state where the schedule setting has been made. For example, the mode of canceling the schedule setting can be changed according to the requirement specification.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the charging control ECU has been described by way of example as canceling the timer charging setting when, after the S3 switch has been pressed for a second time or more within a first time and then the state where the S3 switch is not pressed for a third time or more continues, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the charging control ECU may cancel the timer charging setting only when the S3 switch is pressed for a second time or more within a first time. For example, the mode of the pressing time of the S3 switch when canceling the schedule setting can be changed according to the requirement specification.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the charging control system starts charging after the setting of timer charging is cancelled, and includes a locking mechanism that locks the charging gun and the inlet, and an unlocking switch for unlocking. The charging control ECU was described by way of example as restricting the cancellation of the timer charging setting when the unlocking switch is pressed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the charging control system may not include a locking mechanism. For example, the charging control system may not include an unlocking switch. For example, the charging control ECU may not restrict the cancellation of the timer charging setting when the unlocking switch is pressed. For example, the configuration mode and control mode of the charging control system can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the charging control ECU functions as a determination unit that determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state. The charging control ECU was described by way of example as switching to the control mode during an abnormality when it determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state, but it is not limited to this. For example, the charging control ECU may not function as a determination unit that determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state. For example, the determination unit may be provided separately from the charging control ECU. For example, the charging control ECU may not switch to the control mode during an abnormality when it determines an abnormality related to the detection of the fitting state. For example, the control mode of the charging control ECU can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, an example of a charging control system for an electric vehicle that can be charged from an external power source by a charging gun (an example of a charger) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the charger does not have to be a charging gun (gun type). For example, the charger may be a charging connector (connector type) provided at the tip of a charging cable or the like. For example, the form of the charger can be changed according to the required specifications. For example, the connection part to which the charger is connected does not have to be an inlet provided at the front part of the electric vehicle. For example, the connection part to which the charger is connected may be an inlet provided at the rear part or the side part of the electric vehicle. For example, the form of the connection part to which the charger is connected can be changed according to the required specifications. For example, the charging control system is a charging control system for an electric vehicle that can be charged from an external power source, and includes a connection part to which a charger provided on the electric vehicle and having an operable switch is connected, and a control part that controls the charging and can set a schedule for the charging. The control part may cancel the schedule setting based on a predetermined operation of the switch in a state where the schedule setting has been made. For example, the form of the charging control system can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0094] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described modification examples can also be appropriately combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0095] 1…Charging control system 2…Charging gun (charger) 3…Electric vehicle 4…Inlet (connection part to which the charger is connected) 11…S3 switch (operable switch) 20…Charging control ECU (control part, determination part) 50…Lock mechanism 60…Unlock switch

Claims

1. A charging control system for an electric vehicle capable of being charged from an external power source, comprising: a connection part provided on the electric vehicle to which a charger is connected; a control part that controls the charging and is capable of setting a schedule for the charging; the control part is capable of detecting a connection state of the charger to the connection part, and in a state where the schedule is set, cancels the schedule setting based on the connection state of the charger; the control part is capable of detecting fitting and semi-fitting as the connection state of the charger to the connection part; the charger is capable of becoming semi-fitted based on a user's operation; after detecting the fitting, the control part detects the semi-fitting for a predetermined time or more, and when detecting the fitting again, cancels the schedule setting A charging control system.

2. The charger has an operable switch. The charger is capable of becoming semi-fitted based on a predetermined operation of the switch. The charging control system according to Claim 1.

3. Further comprising a determination part for determining an abnormality related to detection of a fitting state, when the determination part determines the abnormality, the control part switches to a control mode during an abnormality. The charging control system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. When the charger is connected to the connection part or when the charger is removed from the connection part, if the control part does not detect the semi-fitting, the determination part determines that there is an abnormality. The charging control system according to Claim 3.

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