Adapter, method for detecting abnormality of adapter, and power supply system

Abstract

An adapter 6 according to the present disclosure is located between an electric power supply connector 4 of a charging station 2 and an electric power supply inlet 10 of a vehicle 8 in which a battery 12 is installed, the adapter connecting the electric power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, the adapter comprising: electric-power-receiving terminals 44a, 44b for connecting to electric power lines 20a, 20b of the electric power supply connector 4; a signal line 63a for connecting the charging station 2 and a control device 14 on the vehicle 8 side, via the electric power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, respectively; temperature sensors 70a, 70b for detecting the temperatures of the electric-power-receiving terminals 44a, 44b; and an error-generating unit 72 for causing, in accordance with an output of the temperature sensors 70a, 70b, a state in the signal line 63a that can be detected by the control device 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter, a method for detecting an abnormality of the adapter, and a power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter that includes a socket to which a power supply connector of a charging stand compliant with the CHAdeMO standard (registered trademark) can be connected, and a connector that can be connected to an inlet of a vehicle compliant with the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, and that connectably connects the charging stand and the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An adapter according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and connecting the power supply connector and the inlet, the adapter including: a power receiving terminal connected to a power line of the power supply connector; a connection line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively; a detection unit that detects a temperature of the power receiving terminal; and an error generation unit that causes a state detectable by the device on the vehicle side to occur in the connection line in response to an output of the detection unit.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for detecting an abnormality in an adapter that is disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery and that connects the power supply connector and the inlet. The adapter includes a power receiving terminal connected to a power line on the power supply connector side, a connection line that connects the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively, and a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal. In the abnormality detection method, in a state where the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, the temperature of the power receiving terminal is detected via the detection unit, and a detectable state by the device on the vehicle side is caused to occur in the connection line according to the temperature detected by the detection unit.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply system. The power supply system includes a charging device having a power supply connector, a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet, and the above-described adapter that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] [Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0009] The inlet of the vehicle has a power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector. Generally, a temperature sensor is provided at the power receiving terminal on the vehicle side, and a process of stopping charging may be configured to be executed when a temperature abnormality occurs in the power receiving terminal.

[0010] Here, the socket of the adapter of the above conventional example to which the power supply connector of the charging stand is connected also has a power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector. When the charging stand and the vehicle are connected using the adapter of the above conventional example, a temperature sensor is provided at the power receiving terminal of the vehicle inlet, but there is no means for detecting an abnormal temperature at the power receiving terminal of the adapter.

[0011] However, even if a temperature sensor is provided in the adapter, it is not easy to draw out the wiring, and the routing of the wiring is complicated. In addition, since the charging stand or the vehicle side does not have a function of receiving the output of the temperature sensor provided in the adapter, charging cannot be stopped when an abnormal temperature occurs. In order to stop charging, it is necessary to separately provide a device for receiving the output of the temperature sensor provided in the adapter and stopping charging on the charging stand or the vehicle side. That is, it is necessary to change the configuration of the charging stand or the vehicle side to a configuration corresponding to the adapter provided with the temperature sensor. Such a change is not easy. Therefore, when using the adapter of the above conventional example, it is desirable to provide means for detecting an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector without changing the configuration of the charging device such as the charging stand and the vehicle side.

[0012] [Advantages of the Present Disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector without changing the configuration of the charging device and the vehicle side.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] (1) The adapter according to the embodiment is disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and is an adapter that connects the power supply connector and the inlet. The adapter includes a power receiving terminal connected to a power line of the power supply connector, a connection line that connects the charging device and the vehicle-side device via the power supply connector and the inlet respectively, a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal, and an error generation unit that causes a detectable state on the vehicle side to occur in the connection line according to the output of the detection unit.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when detecting an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal based on the output of the detection unit, a detectable state on the vehicle side can be caused to occur in the connection line, and the vehicle-side device can be made to detect that an abnormal temperature has occurred in the power receiving terminal. Thereby, without changing the configurations of the charging device and the vehicle side, it is possible to detect an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal connected to the power line of the power supply connector.

[0015] (2) In the above adapter, it is preferable that the connection line includes a signal line to which a notification signal for notifying the start and stop of charging transmitted from the charging device to the vehicle-side device is given. When the notification signal is interrupted, the vehicle-side device executes a charging stop process. Therefore, when detecting an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminal based on the output of the detection unit, if the connection line is opened, the notification signal can be interrupted, and the vehicle-side device can be made to execute a charging stop process.

[0016] (3) In the above adapter, the error generation unit preferably includes a switch that intermittently connects the connection line, and by setting the switch to an open state according to the output of the detection unit, an open state detectable by the vehicle-side device is caused to occur in the connection line. In this case, by intermittently connecting the connection line with the switch, an open state can be caused to occur in the connection line.

[0017] (4) In the above adapter, it is preferable that the switch includes a semiconductor switch. Thereby, since the operating speed of the switch can be increased, the switch can be quickly turned on according to the output of the detection unit. The semiconductor switch may be a normally-on type semiconductor switch. In this case, when a semiconductor switch is provided in the connection line, the conduction state of the connection line can be maintained without applying a driving voltage to the semiconductor switch. Also, power consumption can be suppressed when maintaining the conduction state, which is the original state. Further, if the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, the adapter can connect the power supply connector and the inlet in a chargeable manner even when the driving voltage is not applied to the semiconductor switch for some reason.

[0018] (5) In the above adapter, the detection unit includes a thermistor, the error occurrence unit further includes a comparator that compares the output voltage of the thermistor with a predetermined threshold voltage, and when the output voltage of the thermistor is greater than the predetermined threshold voltage, it is preferable that the comparator operates the switch to cut off the connection line. In this case, when the temperature of the power receiving terminal becomes higher than the temperature corresponding to the predetermined threshold voltage, the switch can be operated to cut off the connection line.

[0019] (6) In the above adapter, when the switch operates to cut off the connection line, it may further include a notification unit that outputs a notification regarding the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminal to an external device. In this case, the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminal can be notified to the outside.

[0020] (7) In the above adapter, the notification unit may include a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the notification to the external device.

[0021] (8) In the above adapter, when the power supply connector and the inlet have different standards, and the adapter further includes a first connection part connectable to the power supply connector and a second connection part connectable to the inlet, the adapter may be configured to connect the power supply connector and the inlet with different standards between the first connection part and the second connection part. In this case, the adapter can be used as a conversion adapter.

[0022] (9) Further, an abnormality detection method according to another embodiment is an abnormality detection method of an adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and connecting the power supply connector and the inlet. The adapter includes a power receiving terminal connected to a power line on the power supply connector side, a connection line connecting the charging device and a device on the vehicle side via the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively, and a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal. The abnormality detection method detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal via the detection unit in a state where the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet, and causes a detectable state by the device on the vehicle side to occur in the connection line according to the temperature detected by the detection unit.

[0023] (10) A power supply system according to another embodiment includes a charging device having a power supply connector, a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet, and the adapter according to (1) above that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

[0024] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] [Configuration of Power Supply System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply system 1. In FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a charging stand (charging device) 2, a power supply connector 4, an adapter 6, and a vehicle 8.

[0025] The charging stand 2 outputs power for supplying to the vehicle 8. The power supply connector 4 is provided at the tip of a cable 2a extending from the charging stand 2. The power supply connector 4 is connected to the adapter 6. The power supply connector 4 of the present embodiment is a power supply connector compliant with CHAdeMO.

[0026] The vehicle 8 includes a power supply inlet 10, a battery (storage battery) 12, and a control device 14. The adapter 6 is connected to the inlet 10. The inlet 10 has a function as a connector that receives electric power supplied from the connected adapter 6. The inlet 10 of the present embodiment is an inlet compliant with ChaoJi. That is, the adapter 6 of the present embodiment is a conversion adapter that converts a connector compliant with the CHAdeMO standard into a connector that can be connected to an inlet compliant with the ChaoJi standard.

[0027] The control device 14 is connected to the inlet 10. The control device 14 has a computer including a processor, a storage device, an input / output unit, a communication unit, and the like. The control device 14 has a function of controlling the charging of the battery 12. Further, the control device 14 has a function of performing CAN communication with the charging stand 2. Further, the control device 14 also has a function of transmitting and receiving signals related to the connection confirmation between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and signals related to the start and end of charging, etc., with the charging stand 2. The control device 14 controls the charging of the battery 12 by performing CAN communication and signal transmission and reception with the charging stand 2.

[0028] The battery 12 supplies electric power for driving the vehicle 8 to a driving motor (not shown). The battery 12 is connected to the inlet 10. The battery 12 is charged by the electric power supplied through the inlet 10.

[0029] The adapter 6 is interposed between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 and has a function of connecting the two for power supply. The adapter 6 includes an input connector 16, an output connector 18, and a cable 20. The power supply connector 4 is connected to the input connector 16. Therefore, the input connector 16 is a connector compliant with CHAdeMO. The output connector 18 is connected to the inlet 10. Therefore, the output connector 18 is a connector compliant with ChaoJi. The cable 20 connects the input connector 16 and the output connector 18.

[0030] Since the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 of the vehicle 8 have different specifications, they cannot be directly connected. In contrast, the adapter 6 of the present embodiment has a function as a conversion adapter that connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 with different specifications. Therefore, by using the adapter 6 of the present embodiment, the power supply connector 4 with different specifications and the inlet 10 of the vehicle 8 can be connected in a chargeable manner.

[0031] 〔Regarding the adapter of the first embodiment〕 The circuit configuration of the conversion connector for connecting the connector of the charger compliant with CHAdeMO to the inlet compliant with ChaoJi is shown in FIG. 1-6 of "White Paper of ChaoJi EV Charging Technology" ([online], [searched on February 1, 2021], Internet <https: / / www.cec.org.cn / upload / 1 / editor / 1594869131179.pdf>) (Copyright holder: China Electric CounCil, Work name: Control pilot circuit for backward compatibility between ChaoJi vehicle and CHAdeMO 2.0 and lower with CHAdeMO vehicle adaptor). In FIGS. 2 to 4 shown below, the configuration of the part related to the conversion of the connector refers to the configuration of FIG. 1-6 of the above white paper.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the adapter 6 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the power supply connector 4 is shown on the left side of the drawing sheet, and the inlet 10 is shown on the right side of the drawing sheet. FIG. 2 shows a state where the adapter 6 connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10. Therefore, the input connector 16 of the adapter 6 and the power supply connector 4 are connected. Also, the output connector 18 of the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are connected.

[0033] The power supply connector 4 includes power lines 20a, 20b, a ground line 21, communication lines 22a, 22b, and signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d. The power supply connector 4 further includes male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d.

[0034] The power lines 20a, 20b are power lines for supplying the power of the charging stand 2 to the outside. The power line 20a is a positive power line, and the power line 20b is a negative power line. One ends of the power lines 20a, 20b are connected to the charging stand. The other ends of the power lines 20a, 20b are connected to the male terminals 24a, 24b. That is, the male terminals 24a, 24b are power supply terminals. One end of the ground line 21 is connected to a ground point (not shown) on the charging stand 2 side. The other end of the ground line 21 is connected to the male terminal 25.

[0035] The communication lines 22a, 22b are lines for CAN communication between the communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 22a is a CANHigh line. The communication line 22b is a CANLow line. One ends of the communication lines 22a, 22b are connected to the communication device on the charging stand 2 side. The other ends of the communication lines 22a, 22b are connected to the male terminals 26a, 26b. The signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d are lines for transmitting and receiving signals between the charging stand 2 (the device on the power supply connector 4 side) and the control device 14 (the device on the vehicle 8 side). Signal lines 23a and 23d are charge start / stop signal lines. When a switch for starting charging is operated on the charging stand 2 side, the charging stand 2 supplies a predetermined voltage to the signal lines 23a and 23d as a signal for notifying the start of the charging sequence to the vehicle 8 side. Signal line 23b is a signal line for connector connection confirmation. The charging stand 2 supplies a predetermined voltage to the signal line 23b as a signal indicating that the power supply connector 4 is connected to the inlet 10. Signal line 23c is a signal line for charging permission / prohibition. Signal line 23c is a signal line for receiving a charging permission signal from the vehicle 8 side. One ends of the signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are connected to the charging stand 2. The other ends of the signal lines 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are connected to the male terminals 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d.

[0036] The power supply connector 4 includes a main body portion 4a that can be connected to the input connector 16. The male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d are provided on the main body portion 4a. The male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d are arranged on the main body portion 4a according to the specifications.

[0037] The inlet 10 includes power lines 30a and 30b, a ground line 31, communication lines 32a and 32b, and signal lines 33a and 33b. The inlet 10 further includes female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b.

[0038] The power lines 30a and 30b are power lines for supplying the power supplied from the charging stand 2 to the battery 12. Power line 30a is the positive power line, and power line 30b is the negative power line. One ends of the power lines 30a and 30b are connected to the female terminals 34a and 34b. The other ends of the power lines 30a and 30b are connected to the battery 12. One end of the ground line 31 is connected to the female terminal 35. The other end of the ground line 31 is connected to a ground point (not shown) on the vehicle 8 side.

[0039] The communication lines 32a and 32b are lines for CAN communication between the communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 32a is the CAN High line. The communication line 32b is the CAN Low line. One ends of the communication lines 32a and 32b are connected to the female terminals 36a and 36b. The other ends of the communication lines 32a and 32b are connected to the control device 14. The signal lines 33a and 33b are lines for transmitting and receiving signals between the device on the charging stand 2 side and the device on the vehicle 8 side. The signal lines 33a and 33b are signal lines for receiving signals for confirming the connection between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10. The control device 14 monitors the voltage supplied to the signal line 33a as a signal transmitted from the charging stand 2. The control device 14 confirms that the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are properly connected based on the voltage of the signal line 33a. One ends of the signal lines 33a and 33b are connected to the female terminals 37a and 37b. The other ends of the signal lines 33a and 33b are connected to the control device 14.

[0040] The inlet 10 includes a main body portion 10a that can be connected to the output connector 18. The female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b are provided on the main body portion 10a. The female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b are arranged on the main body portion 10a according to the specifications.

[0041] The inlet 10 further includes temperature sensors 38a and 38b. The temperature sensors 38a and 38b are, for example, thermistors. The temperature sensor 38a is provided on the female terminal 34a. The temperature sensor 38b is provided on the female terminal 34b. The temperature sensors 38a and 38b are connected to the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b are given to the control device 14. The control device 14 has a function of performing a process of stopping charging according to the outputs from the temperature sensors 38a and 38b. For example, during charging, the control device 14 compares the outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b with a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the outputs of the temperature sensors 38a and 38b are equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value, the control device 14 stops charging. Note that the temperature indicated by the predetermined threshold value is, for example, 90°C. That is, when the temperature of the female terminals 34a and 34b becomes higher than 90°C, the control device 14 stops charging.

[0042] In addition, a switch 39 and a voltage sensor 40 are provided on the signal line 33b. The switch 39 is intermittently connected between the female terminal 37b and the control device 14. The voltage sensor 40 is connected between the female terminal 37b and the switch 39 via a branch path. The voltage sensor 40 is connected to the control device 14. The control device 14 determines the presence or absence of the adapter 6 and the charging method of the charging stand of the power supply source based on the output of the voltage sensor 40. Furthermore, when starting charging, the control device 14 switches the switch 39 from the closed state to the open state.

[0043] The input connector 16 of the adapter 6 includes female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d. As will be described later, the female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d can be connected to the male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d of the power supply connector 4. Note that the female terminals 44a and 44b are connected to the male terminals 24a and 24b that are connected to the power lines 20a and 20b of the power supply connector 4. That is, the female terminals 44a and 44b are power receiving terminals. In the following description, the female terminals 44a and 44b may be referred to as the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b.

[0044] The output connector 18 of the adapter 6 includes male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b can be connected to the female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b of the inlet 10, as will be described later.

[0045] Further, the adapter 6 includes power lines 58a, 58b and a connection line 60. The connection line 60 is a group of lines for connecting the charging stand 2 and the device on the vehicle 8 side. The connection line 60 connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 to the charging stand 2 and the device on the vehicle 8 side, respectively. The connection line 60 includes a ground line 61, communication lines 62a, 62b, and signal lines 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e. The power lines 58a, 58b constitute a part of the lines for supplying the power supplied from the charging stand 2 to the vehicle 8 side. The power line 58a is a positive power line, and the power line 58b is a negative power line. One ends of the power lines 58a, 58b are connected to the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b. The other ends of the power lines 58a, 58b are connected to the male terminals 54a, 54b. The ground line 61 constitutes a part of the lines for connecting the ground point on the charging stand 2 side and the ground point on the vehicle 8 side. One end of the ground line 61 is connected to the female terminal 45. The other end of the ground line 61 is connected to the male terminal 55.

[0046] The communication lines 62a, 62b constitute a part of the lines used for CAN communication between the communication device on the charging stand 2 side and the control device 14 of the vehicle 8. The communication line 62a is a CANHigh line. The communication line 62b is a CANLow line. One ends of the communication lines 62a, 62b are connected to the female terminals 46a, 46b. The other ends of the communication lines 62a, 62b are connected to the male terminals 56a, 56b. The signal lines 63a, 63b constitute a part of the lines for transmitting and receiving signals between the charging stand 2. One ends of the signal lines 63a, 63b are connected to the female terminals 47a, 47b. The other ends of the signal lines 63a, 63b are connected to the male terminals 57a, 57b.

[0047] The signal lines 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e are lines for matching the signals handled by the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10. One end of the signal line 63c is connected to the female terminal 47c. The other end of the signal line 63c is connected to the signal line 63b. One end of the signal line 63d is connected to the female terminal 47d. The other end of the signal line 63d is connected to the signal line 63b. The connection point 63f is located closer to the inlet 10 side than the connection point 63g. The connection point 63f is the portion of the signal line 63b to which the other end of the signal line 63d is connected. The connection point 63g is the portion of the signal line 63b to which the other end of the signal line 63c is connected. One end of the signal line 63e is connected to the connection point 63g. The other end of the signal line 63e is connected to the ground line 61. Resistance elements 63h and 63i are provided on the signal lines 63d and 63e. A resistance element 63j is connected between the connection point 63f and the connection point 63g on the signal line 63b.

[0048] The signal lines 63b, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e, and the resistance elements 63h, 63i, 63j are configured to be able to connect the signal lines 23b, 23c, 23d of the power supply connector 4 and the signal line 33b of the inlet 10 in alignment with each other.

[0049] The input connector 16 includes a main body portion 16a (first connection portion) that can be connected to the power supply connector 4. The female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d are provided on the main body portion 16a. The female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d are arranged on the main body portion 16a according to the specifications. Thereby, when the power supply connector 4 and the input connector 16 are connected, the female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d and the male terminals 24a, 24b, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the power supply connector 4 are connected.

[0050] Further, the output connector 18 includes a main body portion 18a (second connection portion) that can be connected to the inlet 10. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b are provided on the main body portion 18a. The male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b are arranged on the main body portion 18a according to the standard. Thus, when the output connector 18 and the inlet 10 are connected, the male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b and the female terminals 34a, 34b, 35, 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b of the inlet 10 are connected.

[0051] When the power supply connector 4 and the input connector 16 are connected, and the output connector 18 and the inlet 10 are connected, the power lines 20a, 20b of the power supply connector 4 and the power lines 30a, 30b of the inlet 10 are connected to each other. Similarly, the ground line 21 and the ground line 31 are connected to each other. Also, the communication lines 22a, 22b and the communication lines 32a, 32b are connected to each other. Further, the signal lines 23a, 23b and the signal lines 33a, 33b are connected to each other.

[0052] In this way, the adapter 6 of the present embodiment connects the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 having different standards between the main body portion 16a and the main body portion 18a.

[0053] Further, the adapter 6 of the present embodiment includes temperature sensors 70a, 70b and an error generation unit 72. Hereinafter, the temperature sensors 70a, 70b and the error generation unit 72 will be described.

[0054] 〔Regarding the error generation unit〕 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main part in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the temperature sensors 70a, 70b, the error generation unit 72, and related parts thereof are shown.

[0055] The adapter 6 is provided with a power supply circuit 86. The power supply circuit 86 is connected to the signal line 63a, generates the driving voltage required in the temperature sensors 70a, 70b and the error generating section 72 from the voltage of the signal line 63a, and supplies the generated voltage to the temperature sensors 70a, 70b and the error generating section 72. The power supply circuit 86 has a reset switch 86a. The reset switch 86a is provided on the outer surface of the main body portion 16a. The reset switch 86a has a function of temporarily stopping the supply of the driving voltage by receiving an external operation input.

[0056] The temperature sensors 70a, 70b are detection parts for detecting the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b. The temperature sensors 70a, 70b are, for example, thermistors. The temperature sensor 70a is provided on the power receiving terminal 44a. The temperature sensor 70b is provided on the power receiving terminal 44b. The temperature sensors 70a, 70b are connected to the error generating section 72. The outputs of the temperature sensors 70a, 70b are supplied to the error generating section 72. A voltage is supplied to the temperature sensors 70a, 70b from the power supply circuit 86. Based on this, the temperature sensors 70a, 70b supply, as an output, a voltage corresponding to the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a, 44b to the error generating section 72.

[0057] The error generating section 72 has a function of generating, in the signal line 63a, an open circuit state detectable by the control device 14 in response to the outputs of the temperature sensors 70a, 70b. The error generating section 72 includes a first comparator 74, a second comparator 76, a first switch 78, and a second switch 80.

[0058] The first switch 78 is a semiconductor switch and is constituted by, for example, a MOSFET (Metal - oxide - semiconductor Field - effect transistor). The first switch 78 is provided on the signal line 63a and has a function of interrupting the signal line 63a. The gate voltage of the first switch 78 is supplied from the first comparator 74. Therefore, the first switch 78 is opened and closed controlled by the output from the first comparator 74. Also, the first switch 78 is of the normally-on type. Therefore, when the gate voltage (gate-source voltage) applied from the first comparator 74 is 0 volts, the first switch 78 closes the signal line 63a (connection state). On the other hand, when the gate voltage applied from the first comparator 74 is a predetermined negative voltage, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a (disconnection state).

[0059] The output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a and the reference voltage 82a are supplied to the first comparator 74. The reference voltage 82a is supplied from the power supply circuit 86. The first comparator 74 compares the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a and the reference voltage 82a. When the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is lower than the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to 0 volts. When the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is higher than the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to a voltage (negative voltage) for opening the first switch 78.

[0060] The temperature sensors 70a and 70b are thermistors as described above, and their resistance values decrease as the temperature rises. Therefore, the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b increase as the temperature rises. That is, when the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the first switch 78 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a is higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82a, the first comparator 74 sets the gate voltage applied to the first switch 78 to a voltage for opening the first switch 78. Therefore, in this case, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a. In this way, the first switch 78 intermittently interrupts the signal line 63a to create an open state in the signal line 63a.

[0061] The second switch 80 is composed of the same MOSFET as the first switch 78. The second switch 80 is provided on the signal line 63a and has a function of intermittently interrupting the signal line 63a. The gate voltage of the second switch 80 is supplied from the second comparator 76. Therefore, the second switch 80 is controlled to open and close by the output from the second comparator 76. Also, the second switch 80 is of the normally-on type. The output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b and the reference voltage 82b are supplied to the second comparator 76. The reference voltage 82b is supplied from the power supply circuit 86.

[0062] The second comparator 76 compares the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b with the reference voltage 82b and controls the second switch 80 in the same manner as the first comparator 74. When the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b is lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82b, the second comparator 76 sets the gate voltage applied to the second switch 80 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the second switch 80 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b is higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 82b, the second comparator 76 sets the gate voltage applied to the second switch 80 to a voltage for opening the second switch 80. Therefore, in this case, the second switch 80 opens the signal line 63a. In this way, the second switch 80 intermittently interrupts the signal line 63a to create an open state in the signal line 63a.

[0063] Next, the operation of the error occurrence unit 72 when the power supply connector 4 and the adapter 6 are connected and the adapter 6 and the inlet 10 are connected and the battery 12 is being charged will be described.

[0064] A predetermined voltage is supplied to the signal line 23a by the charging stand 2 as a signal notifying that the charging sequence has started toward the vehicle 8 side. Until the charging sequence ends, the charging stand 2 continues to supply voltage to the signal line 23a. That is, the voltage supplied to the signal line 23a is a notification signal for notifying the start and stop of charging.

[0065] The signal line 63a of the adapter 6 is connected to the signal line 23a. Also, the signal line 33a of the inlet 10 is connected to the signal line 63a of the adapter 6. Therefore, when charging is normally performed, the voltage (notification signal) from the charging stand 2 is also applied to the signal line 33a.

[0066] As described above, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 monitors the voltage (notification signal) of the signal line 33a to confirm that the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 are normally connected. If the voltage of the signal line 33a is a predetermined voltage, the control device 14 determines that it is normal, and if the voltage of the signal line 33a becomes a reference voltage (for example, 0 volts), it determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, and performs a process of stopping charging.

[0067] For example, assume that the temperature indicated by the reference voltages 82a and 82b is 90°C. The temperature indicated by the reference voltages 82a and 82b is a threshold value for determining whether the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b have an abnormal temperature. When the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b are lower than 90°C, both switches 78 and 80 close the signal line 63a. In this case, the voltage from the signal line 23a of the power supply connector 4 is applied to the signal line 33a of the inlet 10 through the signal line 63a. Therefore, the charging of the battery 12 continues.

[0068] On the other hand, when the temperature of the power receiving terminal 44a is higher than 90°C, the first switch 78 opens the signal line 63a. In this case, since the signal line 63a of the adapter 6 is disconnected, the voltage from the charging stand 2 is not applied to the signal line 33a of the inlet 10. When the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 detects that the voltage from the charging stand 2 has disappeared, it determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, and performs a process of stopping charging. The same applies when the temperature of the power receiving terminal 44b is higher than 90°C. The second switch 80 opens the signal line 63a. The control device 14 of the vehicle 8 determines that an error has occurred between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, and performs a process of stopping charging.

[0069] In this way, the error generating unit 72 opens the signal line 63a according to the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b, causing a pseudo disconnection error in the signal line 63a. According to this configuration, when the temperature of at least one of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b becomes higher than 90°C and an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b is detected, by opening the signal line 63a, a pseudo disconnection error is caused in the signal line 63a, and it is possible to cause the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 to detect through the signal line 33a that an abnormal temperature has occurred in the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b of the adapter 6. That is, when an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b is detected, a detectable state can be caused in the connection line by the control device 14, and it is possible to cause the control device 14 to detect that an abnormal temperature has occurred in the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b. Thereby, it is possible to detect an abnormal temperature of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b without changing the configurations on the charging stand 2 and vehicle 8 sides.

[0070] Also, the signal line 63a interrupted by the error generating unit 72 of the present embodiment is connected to the signal line 23a which is the charging start / stop signal line to which the above-described notification signal is applied. As described above, when the predetermined voltage from the charging stand 2, which is a notification signal, is interrupted, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 executes a charging stop process. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, when a temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b is detected based on the outputs of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b (detection units), the signal line 63a can be opened to interrupt the predetermined voltage from the charging stand 2. As a result, the control device 14 can be made to execute a charging stop process.

[0071] Further, since the error occurrence unit 72 of the present embodiment includes switches 78 and 80, which are semiconductor switches that intermittently connect the signal line 63a, an open state detectable by the control device 14 can be caused in the signal line 63a by setting the switches 78 and 80 to the open state in response to the outputs of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b.

[0072] In addition, since these switches 78 and 80 are normally-on type semiconductor switches, the conduction state of the signal line 63a can be maintained without applying a drive voltage to the switches 78 and 80 provided on the signal line 63a. Also, power consumption can be suppressed when maintaining the conduction state, which is the original state. Furthermore, if the adapter 6 is connected to the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10, the adapter 6 can connect the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 in a chargeable manner even when the drive voltage is not applied to the switches 78 and 80 for some reason.

[0073] Moreover, the adapter 6 of the present embodiment further includes a notification device 87. The notification device 87 includes a processing unit 87a and a wireless transmission unit 87b. The processing unit 87a is composed of a computer including a processor, a storage device, etc., or a device equivalent thereto. The processing unit 87a has a function of monitoring the gate voltage etc. of the switches 78 and 80 and outputting a notification regarding the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b to the outside when the switches 78 and 80 operate to disconnect the signal line 63a. The wireless transmission unit 87b can communicate wirelessly with an external device and outputs the notification to the external device by wireless communication. Note that the wireless communication includes Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), mobile wireless communication, and the like. Thus, it is possible to notify the external device of the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b.

[0074] Also, in the adapter 6 of the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 86 includes a reset switch 86a. Therefore, when the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b are not rising, for example, even if the switches 78 and 80 malfunction due to the influence of noise or the like and the signal line 63a is cut, the reset switch 86a temporarily stops the supply of the driving voltage by the power supply circuit 86 and resets the gate voltages of the comparators 74 and 76, the switches 78 and 80 can be reset to the connected state. Thereby, the adapter 6 can be restored to a state where it can be used again. Note that after the adapter 6 is restored to a state where it can be used again and charging is started once more, if the temperatures of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b are rising, the signal line 63a is cut again. Therefore, even if the adapter 6 is restored and charging is started again, no problem occurs.

[0075] [Regarding the adapter of the second embodiment] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main part of the adapter 6 according to the second embodiment. The error occurrence unit 72 of the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that it includes a three-input comparator 90 and a switch 92.

[0076] The switch 92 is a semiconductor switch similar to the switches 78 and 80 of the first embodiment. The gate voltage of the switch 92 is supplied from the comparator 90. Therefore, the switch 92 is controlled to open and close by the output from the comparator 90.

[0077] The comparator 90 is supplied with the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a, the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b, and the reference voltage 94. The reference voltage 94 is supplied from the power supply circuit 86. The comparator 90 compares the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70a and the output voltage of the temperature sensor 70b, whichever has the higher voltage, with the reference voltage 94. When the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are lower than the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to 0 volts. When the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are higher than the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to the voltage for opening the switch 92.

[0078] Therefore, when the temperatures indicated by the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are lower than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to 0 volts. Therefore, in this case, the switch 92 closes the signal line 63a. On the other hand, when the temperatures indicated by the output voltages of the temperature sensors 70a and 70b are higher than the temperature indicated by the reference voltage 94, the comparator 90 sets the gate voltage applied to the switch 92 to the voltage for opening the switch 92. Therefore, in this case, the switch 92 opens the signal line 63a.

[0079] Similar to the first embodiment, when the temperature of at least one of the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b of the error generating unit 72 in this embodiment becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, the signal line 63a is opened to cause a pseudo disconnection error in the signal line 63a. Thus, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 can detect that the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b of the adapter 6 have become higher than 90°C and cause the control device 14 to execute a charging stop process.

[0080] 〔Others〕 It should be considered that all the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and not restrictive in any way. In each of the above embodiments, the case where temperature sensors 70a and 70b are provided at the power receiving terminals 44a and 44b has been exemplified. However, temperature sensors may also be provided at the male terminals 54a and 54b to which the power lines 58a and 58b are connected, and the signal line 63a may be intermittently interrupted according to the output of the temperature sensors.

[0081] In each of the above embodiments, the case where normally-on type MOSFETs are used for the switches 78, 80, and 92 has been exemplified. However, normally-off type MOSFETs may also be used. As the switches 78, 80, and 92, a relay switch having mechanical contacts or the like may be used.

[0082] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the switches 78, 80, and 92 of the error occurrence unit 72 are provided on the signal line 63a to which a notification signal is applied has been exemplified. However, the switches 78, 80, and 92 may be provided on the communication lines 62a and 62b. When the switches 78, 80, and 92 open the communication lines 62a and 62b, the control device 14 of the vehicle 8 determines that the CAN communication with the charging stand 2 has been disconnected and executes a charging stop process. However, if the switches 78, 80, and 92 are provided on the signal line 63a as in the present embodiment, charging can be stopped without interrupting the CAN communication.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the adapter 6 connected between the power supply connector 4 compliant with CHAdeMO and the inlet 10 compliant with ChaoJi has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between a power supply connector 4 compliant with ChaoJi and an inlet 10 compliant with CHAdeMO, or the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between connectors and inlets compliant with other different standards. For example, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between a power supply connector 4 such as GBT or CCS and the inlet 10. Furthermore, the adapter 6 may be configured to be connected between the power supply connector 4 and the inlet 10 of the same standard. For example, it may be configured to be connected between the power supply connector 4 compliant with CHAdeMO and the inlet 10 compliant with CHAdeMO.

[0084] The scope of the present invention is not defined by the above description, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Power supply system 2 Charging stand 2a Cable 4 Power supply connector 4a Main body part 6 Adapter 8 Vehicle 10 Inlet 10a Main body part 12 Battery 14 Control device 16 Input connector 16a Main body part 18 Output connector 18a Main body part 20 Cable 20a,20b Power lines 21 Ground wire 22a,22b Communication lines 23a,23b,23c,23d Signal lines 24a,24b,25,26a,26b,27a,27b,27c,27d Male terminals 30a,30b Power lines 31 Ground wire 32a,32b Communication lines 33a,33b Signal lines 34a,34b,35,36a,36b,37a,37b Female terminals 38a,38b Temperature sensors 39 Switch 40 Voltage sensor Female terminals 44a, 44b, 45, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d Male terminals 54a, 54b, 55, 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b Power lines 58a, 58b Connection line 60 Grounding wire 61 Communication lines 62a, 62b Signal lines 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d, 63e Connection points 63f, 63g Resistance elements 63h, 63i, 63j Temperature sensors 70a, 70b Error occurrence unit 72 First comparator 74 Second comparator 76 First switch 78 Second switch 80 Reference voltage 82a Reference voltage 82b Power supply circuit 86 Reset switch 86a Notification device 87 Processing unit 87a Wireless transmission unit 87b Comparator 90 Switch 92 Reference voltage 94

Claims

1. An adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and an inlet for power supply of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, for connecting the power supply connector and the inlet, a power receiving terminal connected to a power line of the power supply connector, a connection line for connecting the charging device and the vehicle-side device via the power supply connector and the inlet respectively, a detection unit for detecting the temperature of the power receiving terminal, an error generation unit for causing a detectable state by the vehicle-side device to occur in the connection line according to the output of the detection unit, comprising an adapter.

2. The connection line includes a signal line to which a notification signal for notifying the start and stop of charging transmitted from the charging device to the vehicle-side device is applied The adapter according to claim 1.

3. The error generation unit includes a switch for interrupting the connection line, and according to the output of the detection unit, by setting the switch to an open state, an open circuit state detectable by the vehicle-side device is caused to occur in the connection line The adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The switch includes a semiconductor switch The adapter according to claim 3.

5. The detection unit includes a thermistor, The error generation unit further includes a comparator for comparing the output voltage of the thermistor with a predetermined threshold voltage, When the output voltage of the thermistor is greater than the predetermined threshold voltage, the comparator operates the switch to cut off the connection line The adapter according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. When the switch operates to cut off the connection line, it further includes a notification unit for outputting a notification regarding the temperature abnormality of the power receiving terminal to an external device The adapter according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The notification unit includes a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting the notification to the external device The adapter according to claim 6.

8. The power supply connector and the inlet have different specifications from each other, a first connection part connectable to the power supply connector, a second connection part connectable to the inlet, and further comprising, The adapter connects the power supply connector and the inlet with different specifications between the first connection part and the second connection part The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An abnormality detection method for an adapter disposed between a power supply connector of a charging device and a power supply inlet of a vehicle equipped with a storage battery, the adapter connecting the power supply connector and the inlet, comprising: The adapter includes: a power receiving terminal connected to a power line on the power supply connector side; a connection line that connects the charging device and the vehicle-side device through the power supply connector and the inlet, respectively; a detection unit that detects the temperature of the power receiving terminal; and The abnormality detection method includes: detecting the temperature of the power receiving terminal through the detection unit while the adapter is connected to the power supply connector and the inlet; causing a detectable state by the vehicle-side device to occur in the connection line according to the temperature detected by the detection unit Abnormality detection method.

10. A power supply system comprising: a charging device having a power supply connector; a vehicle having a storage battery and a power supply inlet; the adapter according to claim 1 that connects the power supply connector and the inlet.

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