Charging device and charging system

Abstract

To provide a power charging device with which the convenience of a user is improved and means for refunding a power charging fee can be omitted.SOLUTION: A power charging device 10 can communicate with a fee charging device 20 and an electric vehicle 30. The power charging device 10 includes a power conversion unit 11 that supplies a power charging current to the electric vehicle 30, and a control unit 15 that performs power charging current control on the power conversion unit 11 so as to adjust the current value of the power charging current to be equal to a target value. The control unit 15 executes a power charging start sequence that includes making an insulation diagnosis of a power charging current path, during a first time period prior to acquisition of a payment completion notification from the fee charging device 20, and sets the target value to 0 and starts the power charging current control after the power charging start sequence is completed, and changes the target value and supplies a power charging current to the electric vehicle 30 during a second time period that follows acquisition of the payment completion notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device and a charging system for charging an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a charging system that includes a charging device that charges an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and a billing device that settles the usage fee (charging fee) for the charging device (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). A user of the charging device can charge the electrically powered vehicle after completing the payment via the billing device.

[0003] Specifically, the charging device starts a charging start sequence (a series of controls including connector locking, insulation diagnosis, and detection of the electric vehicle's contactor being ON) after payment is completed by the billing device, and starts supplying charging current to the electric vehicle after the charging start sequence is completed.

[0004] However, in this case, the charging start sequence takes a certain amount of time (for example, about 30 seconds), resulting in a waiting period after payment is completed. If the user leaves the charging device after completing payment without confirming that the supply of charging current has started, and an error occurs during the charging start sequence due to improper insertion of the charging connector, etc., the user may return to find that no charging has been performed.

[0005] Furthermore, if charging is not possible due to a malfunction of the electric vehicle and / or charging device, the charging fee will need to be refunded after payment is completed by the billing device, so a separate means of refunding the charging fee will need to be established.

[0006] The CHAdeMO standard, which is the standard for charging electric vehicles, stipulates that the time from the completion of the charging start sequence until the charging device starts controlling the charging current is approximately 1 to 2 seconds. For this reason, conventional charging devices and charging systems could not execute the charging start sequence before payment is completed, wait for payment completion, and then start controlling the charging current after payment is completed. If the charging start sequence were executed before payment is completed, the supply of charging current to the electric vehicle would begin before payment is completed, which could cause disadvantages to the charging system operator. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Japan Charge Network Co., Ltd., "Charging method instructions", [online], Japan Charge Network Co., Ltd. website, [searched April 6, 2022], Internet [URL: https: / / www.evcharger-network.com / charging_method / ] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a charging device and a charging system that improves user convenience and eliminates the need for means of refunding charging fees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a charging device according to the present invention includes: A charging device configured to be able to communicate with a billing device and an electric vehicle, a power conversion unit that supplies a charging current to the electric vehicle; a control unit that controls the charging current of the power conversion unit so that the current value of the charging current matches a target value; Equipped with The control unit a charging start sequence including an insulation diagnosis of a charging current path is executed during a first period until a settlement completion notice regarding a charging fee is obtained from the charging device, and after the charging start sequence is completed, the target value is set to 0 and the charging current control is started; During a second period after the settlement completion notice is received, the target value is changed and the charging current is supplied to the electric vehicle.

[0010] With this configuration, a charging start sequence including an insulation diagnosis is executed during the first period until a payment completion notice is received. This shortens the waiting time after payment is completed. Furthermore, because errors that can occur during the charging start sequence (for example, errors due to improper insertion of the connector) do not occur after payment is completed, there is no need for a means of refunding the charging fee, and the user can leave the area without confirming that the supply of charging current has begun.

[0011] Furthermore, with this configuration, between the completion of the charging start sequence in the first period and the acquisition of the settlement completion notice, the target value of the charging current is set to 0 to start charging current control, and the target value is changed in the second period to supply charging current to the electric vehicle. This makes it possible to comply with the CHAdeMO standard and avoid starting charging (supply of charging current) to the electric vehicle before settlement is completed.

[0012] In the charging device, The control unit transmitting the available output current value of the charging current to the electric vehicle; receiving, from the electric vehicle, a charging current command value set within a range in which the available output current value is an upper limit value; setting the charging current command value to the target value; In the first period, the available output current value is set to 0, The allowable output current value may be changed from 0 during the second period.

[0013] In the charging device, The control unit transmitting the available output current value of the charging current to the electric vehicle; receiving, from the electric vehicle, a charging current command value set within a range in which the available output current value is an upper limit value; The target value is set within a range in which the charging current command value is an upper limit value, In the first period, the target value is set to 0; In the second period, the target value may be changed to the charging current command value.

[0014] In the charging device, The power conversion unit A PFC circuit that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, a DC / DC converter circuit that generates the charging current based on the DC voltage output from the PFC circuit, The control unit can be configured to drive the PFC circuit without driving the DC / DC converter circuit during the period from the completion of the charging start sequence until the settlement completion notification is acquired.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the charging system according to the present invention comprises: A billing device; and any one of the charging devices configured to be able to communicate with the billing device and the electric vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging device and a charging system that can improve convenience for users and eliminate the need for means for refunding charging fees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a charging device and a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]3 is a flow chart showing control (a charging start sequence and a charging execution sequence) of the charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a charging device and a charging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1 shows a charging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The charging system 1 includes a charging device 10 and a billing device 20. The charging device 10 is configured to supply a charging current to an electric vehicle 30, and the billing device 20 is configured to settle the usage fee (charging fee) for the charging device 10.

[0020] The charging device 10 includes a power conversion unit 11 (a PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit 12 and a DC / DC converter circuit 13), a connector unit 14, a control unit 15, an operation unit 16, and an AC terminal T1. An AC power source (e.g., a power system) is connected to the AC terminal T1, and an AC voltage of the AC power source is input thereto.

[0021] As described above, the power conversion unit 11 is made up of the PFC circuit 12 and the DC / DC converter circuit 13. The PFC circuit 12 and the DC / DC converter circuit 13 are provided in this order from the AC terminal T1 side, and a direct current charging current output from the DC / DC converter circuit 13 is supplied to the electric vehicle 30 via the connector unit 14.

[0022] The PFC circuit 12 is driven under the control of the control unit 15, and is configured to improve the power factor of the AC voltage input from the AC terminal T1 side, convert the AC voltage into a DC voltage, and output the DC / DC converter circuit 13. A circuit system such as a boost chopper system or a bridgeless system can be applied to the PFC circuit 12.

[0023] The DC / DC converter circuit 13 is configured to operate under the control of the control unit 15 and generate a DC charging current based on the DC voltage input from the PFC circuit 12. The DC / DC converter circuit 13 is configured, for example, with an isolation transformer, a primary side switching circuit, and a secondary side rectifier circuit.

[0024] The connector unit 14 is configured to be connectable to the electric vehicle 30. In this embodiment, the connector unit 14 includes a charging connector and a charging cable that comply with the CHAdeMO standard.

[0025] The control unit 15 is configured to communicate with the billing device 20 and the electric vehicle 30, and to execute a charging start sequence and a charging execution sequence. Communication with the electric vehicle 30 (for example, CAN communication or PLC communication) is performed via the connector unit 14.

[0026] The charge start sequence is a series of controls performed before supplying a charging current to the electric vehicle 30, and includes insulation diagnosis of the charging current path. The charge execution sequence is a series of controls performed after completion of the charge start sequence, and includes charge current control for matching the current value of the charging current to a predetermined target value. Details of the charge start sequence and the charge execution sequence will be described later.

[0027] Control unit 15 may be configured with an analog circuit, a digital circuit such as a microcontroller or DSP, or a circuit that combines an analog circuit and a digital circuit. Control unit 15 also includes a detection circuit for detecting the current value of the charging current, and performs the above-mentioned charging current control based on the detection value of the detection circuit.

[0028] Operation unit 16 is configured to be operable by a user and includes an operation panel and / or operation buttons. For example, a user can set a charging time and cause control unit 15 to start a charging start sequence by performing a charging start operation on operation unit 16.

[0029] The billing device 20 includes a billing acceptance unit 21 and a payment processing unit 22. The billing device 20 of this embodiment is provided outside the charging device 10, but at least a part of the configuration may be mounted on the charging device 10.

[0030] The charge acceptance unit 21 is configured to accept charge operations by a user. The charge acceptance unit 21 includes at least one of a cash insertion unit into which a user can insert cash, a card reading unit that reads cards such as prepaid cards, and an electronic money acceptance unit that accepts charges by electronic money using a mobile device such as a smartphone. The charge acceptance unit 21 also includes a display unit that displays the charging fee.

[0031] The payment processing unit 22 is configured to execute various processes related to the payment of the charging fee. The various processes related to the payment include a charge acceptance process that enables the charge acceptance unit 21 to accept a charge operation, a payment process that executes payment in accordance with the charge operation, and a notification process that transmits a payment completion notification to the charging device 10 after the payment is completed.

[0032] The electric vehicle 30 is an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a contactor 31 , an on-board battery 32 , and a vehicle control unit 33 .

[0033] The contactor 31 is interposed in the current path connecting the connector unit 14 and the vehicle battery 32, and is switched between a closed state (ON) and an open state (OFF) under the control of the vehicle control unit 33. When the contactor 31 is ON, an electrical connection between the connector unit 14 and the vehicle battery 32 is established, whereas when the contactor 31 is OFF, the electrical connection between the connector unit 14 and the vehicle battery 32 is interrupted.

[0034] The vehicle battery 32 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The vehicle control unit 33 is configured to control the contactor 31, monitor the vehicle battery 32, and communicate with the control unit 15.

[0035] The CHAdeMO standard stipulates that when a charging device transmits an "available output current value" to an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle transmits a "charging current command value" within the range of the "available output current value" to the charging device. The charging device uses the "charging current command value" received from the electric vehicle as a "target value" and performs charging current control to match the current value of the charging current to the "target value."

[0036] In principle, the "outputtable current value" is the upper limit of the current that the charging device can output, and the charging device cannot vary the "outputtable current value." However, if the charging device has a dynamic control function and the electric vehicle is a dynamic control-compatible vehicle, the charging device can vary the "outputtable current value," which should be a constant value.

[0037] Furthermore, in principle, the charging device cannot change the "target value" to a value different from the "charging current command value." However, if the charging device is capable of operating in the charge / discharge mode of the "Charging / Discharging System Guidelines for Electric Vehicles" established by the Electric Vehicle Power Supply System Council, and the electric vehicle is a vehicle that supports the charge / discharge mode in accordance with the "Charging / Discharging System Guidelines for Electric Vehicles," the charging device can change the "target value" within a range with the "charging current command value" as the upper limit.

[0038] In this embodiment, the charging device 10 has a dynamic control function and is capable of operating in the charge / discharge mode of the "Guidelines for Charging / Discharging Systems for Electric Vehicles." The electric vehicle 30 is a dynamic control-compatible vehicle or a charge / discharge mode-compatible vehicle conforming to the "Guidelines for Charging / Discharging Systems for Electric Vehicles" (hereinafter simply referred to as a "charge / discharge mode-compatible vehicle").

[0039] 2, the charge start sequence (S201 to S204) and charge execution sequence (S206 to S210) performed by control unit 15 will be described. In this embodiment, the period from steps S201 to S207 corresponds to the "first period" of the present invention, and the period from steps S208 to S210 corresponds to the "second period" of the present invention.

[0040] When a user connects the connector unit 14 to the electric vehicle 30 (S101) and performs a charging start operation, including setting the charging time, on the operation unit 16 (S102), the control unit 15 starts a charging start sequence and starts communication with the vehicle control unit 33 of the electric vehicle 30 (S201).

[0041] The control unit 15 communicates with the vehicle control unit 33 and acquires vehicle information about the electric vehicle 30 from the vehicle control unit 33. The vehicle information includes information about whether the electric vehicle 30 is a dynamic control compatible vehicle, information about whether the electric vehicle 30 is a charge / discharge mode compatible vehicle, information about the on-board battery 32, and the like.

[0042] The control unit 15, which has started communication with the vehicle control unit 33, locks the connector unit 14 (S202). This locks the connector unit 14 to the electric vehicle 30. If the connector unit 14 is not properly inserted, an error occurs in the charging start sequence, and the control unit 15 notifies the user of the occurrence of the error (for example, by displaying an error on the operation unit 16).

[0043] If the connector is locked normally, the control unit 15 performs an insulation diagnosis (S203). In the insulation diagnosis, the control unit 15 drives the PFC circuit 12 and the DC / DC converter circuit 13, causes the DC / DC converter circuit 13 to output the maximum voltage that it can output, and diagnoses whether or not there is an abnormality, such as a short circuit, in the charging current path. If there is an abnormality, an error occurs in the charging start sequence, and the control unit 15 notifies the user that an error has occurred.

[0044] If no abnormality is found, control unit 15 stops (turns off) the driving of DC / DC converter circuit 13 while keeping PFC circuit 12 driven. As a result, the voltage output from PFC circuit 12 is applied to DC / DC converter circuit 13, but no voltage is output from DC / DC converter circuit 13 to connector unit 14. Control unit 15 also transmits an insulation diagnosis completion notice to vehicle control unit 33, indicating that there is no abnormality in the charging current path.

[0045] Upon receiving the insulation diagnosis completion notification, vehicle control unit 33 switches contactor 31 to the closed state (ON) and notifies control unit 15 that contactor 31 is in the closed state (ON). As a result, control unit 15 detects that contactor 31 is in the closed state (ON) (S204) and completes the charging start sequence.

[0046] After completing the charging start sequence, the control unit 15 notifies the user of a payment request by displaying a message or the like on the operation unit 16 prompting the user to perform a charging operation, and also notifies the charging device 20 of the payment request (S205). Upon receiving the notification of the payment request, the charging device 20 displays the charging fee on the charging reception unit 21 and performs a charging reception process in the payment processing unit 22 (S301). The charging fee is determined, for example, according to the charging time set by the user in step 102.

[0047] The control unit 15 starts the charging execution sequence in parallel with the notification of the payment request, sets the target value of the charging current to 0 [A], and starts charging current control (S206). When setting the target value to 0 [A], the control unit 15 provides the vehicle control unit 33 with device information about the charging device 10. The device information includes information about the "outputtable current value."

[0048] When the electric vehicle 30 is a vehicle compatible with dynamic control, the control unit 15 changes the "outputable current value" from the upper limit value of X [A] (where X > 0) to 0 [A] and transmits it to the vehicle control unit 33. The vehicle control unit 33 that has received the "outputable current value" of 0 [A] transmits the "charging current command value" of 0 [A] to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 sets the target value to 0 [A] of the "charging current command value".

[0049] When the electric vehicle 30 is a vehicle compatible with charge / discharge mode, the control unit 15 transmits the "outputable current value" of X [A] to the vehicle control unit 33. The vehicle control unit 33 that has received the "outputable current value" of X [A] transmits the "charging current command value" of Y [A] (where 0 < Y ≤ X) to the control unit 15. Since the control unit 15 that has received the "charging current command value" of Y [A] can arbitrarily set the target value within the range with Y [A] as the upper limit value, the control unit 15 sets the target value to 0 [A].

[0050] The control unit 15 that has set the target value to 0 [A] performs charging current control so that the charging current output from the DC / DC converter circuit 13 becomes 0 [A]. Specifically, while driving the PFC circuit 12, the control unit 15 performs control (for example, feedback control) to make the detection value of the detection circuit for detecting the current value of the charging current follow the target value of 0 [A] in a state where the driving of the DC / DC converter circuit 13 is stopped (OFF). As a result, the voltage output from the PFC circuit 12 is applied to the DC / DC converter circuit 13, but no charging current is output from the DC / DC converter circuit 13 to the connector unit 14 (the state where the charging current is 0 [A]).

[0051] In the present embodiment, the time from the completion of the charging start sequence (S204) to the start of the charging current control (S206) is set to be shorter than the time constraint of the CHAdeMO standard (the time constraint that the time from the completion of the charging start sequence to the start of the charging current control is defined to be about 1 to 2 seconds). Therefore, the charging device 10 according to the present embodiment can avoid starting the charging (supply of the charging current) to the electric vehicle 30 before the settlement is completed while complying with the CHAdeMO standard.

[0052] When a user performs a charging operation at the charging reception unit 21 (S103), the payment processing unit 22 performs a payment process to execute the payment in accordance with the charging operation (S302), and when the payment process is completed, performs a notification process to send a payment completion notification to the control unit 15 (S303).

[0053] When the control unit 15 receives a payment completion notification from the payment processing unit 22 (S207), it changes the target value from 0 [A] and starts charging (supply of charging current) to the electric vehicle 30 (S208).

[0054] If the electric vehicle 30 is a dynamic control compatible vehicle, the control unit 15 changes the "outputtable current value" from 0 [A] to X [A] and transmits it to the vehicle control unit 33. As a result, the "charging current command value" received from the vehicle control unit 33 becomes Y [A], so the control unit 15 sets the target value to Y [A]. On the other hand, if the electric vehicle 30 is a charge / discharge mode compatible vehicle, the control unit 15 can set the target value arbitrarily within a range with Y [A] as the upper limit, so it sets the target value to Y [A]. That is, if the electric vehicle 30 is a dynamic control compatible vehicle, the control unit 15 can set the outputtable current value to 0 [A] until it receives a payment completion notification (S207), and the charging current command value received from the vehicle control unit 33 will not be changed from 0 [A] to Y [A] (therefore, the control unit 15 will not change the target value to Y [A]), and if the electric vehicle 30 is a charge / discharge mode compatible vehicle, the control unit 15 will receive a charging current command value of Y [A] from the vehicle control unit 33, but will not change the target value from 0 [A] to Y [A] until it receives a payment completion notification (S207).

[0055] When the charging time set in step 102 has elapsed or the on-board battery 32 is fully charged, the control unit 15 ends charging of the electric vehicle 30 (S209) and unlocks the connector of the connector unit 14 (S210). Thereafter, the charging device 10 transitions to a standby state.

[0056] As described above, the charging device 10 of this embodiment completes the charging start sequence (S201 to S204) before receiving the payment completion notification (S207), so the user can shorten the waiting time after receiving the payment completion notification. In other words, the charging device 10 of this embodiment can improve user convenience.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, errors that may occur during the execution of the charging start sequence (for example, errors due to improper insertion of the connector part 14) do not occur after the notification of payment completion, so there is no need for a means of refunding the charging fee, and the user can leave the location without confirming that the supply of charging current has begun.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the charging device and charging system according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0059] The charging device of the present invention is a charging device configured to be able to communicate with a billing device and an electric vehicle, and includes a power conversion unit that supplies a charging current to the electric vehicle, and a control unit that controls the charging current of the power conversion unit so that the current value of the charging current matches a target value, and the control unit can be configured as appropriate so long as it executes a charging start sequence including an insulation diagnosis of the charging current path during a first period until it receives a payment completion notice regarding the charging fee from the billing device, and after the charging start sequence is completed, it sets the target value to 0 and starts charging current control, and during a second period after it receives the payment completion notice, it changes the target value and supplies charging current to the electric vehicle.

[0060] For example, in addition to the above configuration, the charging device may be configured to be capable of discharging the on-board battery of the electric vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Charging System 10 Charging device 11 Power conversion section 12 PFC circuit 13 DC / DC converter circuit 14 Connector part 15 Control Unit 16 Control section 20 Charging device 21 Billing Reception Department 22 Payment processing section 30 Electric vehicles 31 Contactor 32 Automotive battery 33 Vehicle control unit

Claims

1. A charging device configured to be able to communicate with a billing device and an electric vehicle, a power conversion unit that supplies a charging current to the electric vehicle; a control unit that controls the charging current of the power conversion unit so that the current value of the charging current matches a target value; Equipped with The control unit a charging start sequence including an insulation diagnosis of a charging current path is executed during a first period until a settlement completion notice regarding a charging fee is obtained from the charging device, and after the charging start sequence is completed, the target value is set to 0 and the charging current control is started; During a second period after the settlement completion notice is received, the target value is changed and the charging current is supplied to the electric vehicle. A charging device characterized by:

2. The control unit transmitting the available output current value of the charging current to the electric vehicle; receiving, from the electric vehicle, a charging current command value set within a range in which the available output current value is an upper limit value; setting the charging current command value to the target value; In the first period, the available output current value is set to 0, During the second period, the available output current value is changed from 0.

2. The charging device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit transmitting the available output current value of the charging current to the electric vehicle; receiving, from the electric vehicle, a charging current command value set within a range in which the available output current value is an upper limit value; The target value is set within a range in which the charging current command value is an upper limit value, In the first period, the target value is set to 0; During the second period, the target value is changed to the charging current command value.

2. The charging device according to claim 1.

4. The power conversion unit a PFC circuit that converts AC voltage into DC voltage; a DC / DC converter circuit that generates the charging current based on the DC voltage output from the PFC circuit, The control unit drives the PFC circuit without driving the DC / DC converter circuit during the period from the completion of the charging start sequence until the settlement completion notification is acquired.

2. The charging device according to claim 1.

5. A billing device; and a charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured to be capable of communicating with the charging device and the electric vehicle. A charging system characterized by:

Images