charger

Abstract

This charger for charging the battery of a vehicle comprises: a cable unit that has a charging gun capable of being inserted into the vehicle, a connector capable of being connected to a body section of the charger, and a charging cable having one end to which the charging gun is connected and the end to which the connector is connected; a gun lock mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector lock mechanism that locks the connector; a current / voltage control unit that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the charging gun on the basis of the state of the charging gun that is achieved when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a report control unit that reports the presence / absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger and to a technology for charging vehicles such as electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a charger that is provided with a locking means that fits and locks with the charging gun, and when the user is successfully authenticated, the lock on the charging gun is released and charging becomes possible (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-83205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In cases where chargers are lent to an unspecified number of users, if the charging gun of the charger breaks down, the charger will no longer be available to users, so it is desirable to be able to easily replace the charging gun. On the other hand, if the charging gun can be easily removed from the charger by anyone, there is a risk that the charging gun may be stolen.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to make it possible for a provider to easily replace a charging gun. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charger according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charger for charging a vehicle battery, and includes: a charging gun that can be inserted into the vehicle; a connector that can be connected to a main body of the charger; a cable unit having a charging cable with the charging gun connected to one end and the connector connected to the other end; a gun locking mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector locking mechanism that locks the connector; a current / voltage control unit that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the charging gun based on the state of the charging gun when the test current and the test voltage are applied; and a notification control unit that notifies the user of the presence or absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit. an authentication unit that authenticates a provider that provides the charger; Equipped with The connector lock mechanism unlocks the connector when the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the charging gun can be easily replaced by the provider. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system configuration for a charger rental service. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device that can be used as a server device, a user terminal, or a provider terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for the charger rental service. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of a charger. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a charger. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of abnormality detection notification control. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of abnormality detection notification control. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing various states of a charger. [Figure 10] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing various states of a charger. [Figure 11] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing various states of a charger. [Figure 12] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing various states of a charger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <System configuration> Figure 1 shows the system configuration for a charger rental service. This system allows coordination between charger providers and users who want to rent a charger. In this system, a system management server device (server device 1), a user terminal 21, and a provider terminal 51 are configured to be able to communicate via a network 4.

[0010] A user is a person who has registered as a user for the charger rental service provided by the server device 1. By registering as a user, a person who wants to use the charger rental service can use other people's chargers 53, for example, for a fee. A provider is a person who is willing to lend charger 53 installed in parking lot 52 that he or she uses to others, and who has registered as a provider with the charger rental service provided by server device 1. By becoming a registered provider, the person can receive compensation in return for allowing others to use charger 53.

[0011] The user terminal 21 is an information processing device used by a user, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 4. For example, the user terminal 21 may be an information processing device in the vehicle 2, or may be an information processing device such as a smartphone, personal computer, or tablet device carried by the user.

[0012] A user using the user terminal 21 can enjoy the services provided by this system by, for example, browsing a website provided by the server device 1 or starting an application program on the user terminal 21.

[0013] The provider terminal 51 is an information processing device used by the provider, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 4. For example, it may be a personal computer in the provider's residence 3 or an information processing device built into the charger 53. Furthermore, the provider terminal 51 may be a smartphone or tablet device carried by the provider. Alternatively, the provider terminal 51 may be an information processing device in a vehicle (not shown) used by the provider. Furthermore, an information processing device built into the residence 3 or the charger 53 may be synchronized with a smartphone or tablet device carried by the provider and used together as the provider terminal 51. Furthermore, a smartphone or tablet device carried by the provider may be used as a user interface device for the provider of the provider terminal 51 built into the residence 3 or the charger 53.

[0014] The provider terminal 51 performs processes such as transmitting provided information to the server device 1 according to the provider's convenience and transmitting information regarding the rental operation of the charger 53 to the server device 1. Therefore, the provider terminal 51 may be any information processing device that is capable of performing these processes, and the specific form is not important. Also, for example, a smartphone and an information processing device in the charger 53 may function as the provider terminal 51 in cooperation with each other.

[0015] The server device 1 is a server device of a company or the like that operates a charger rental service, and is composed of one or more information processing devices. The server device 1 is also accessible to a storage device 5. In the storage device 5, a provider registration database 6 for registering providers and a user registration database 7 for registering users are constructed.

[0016] The server device 1 communicates with the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51, and provides a matching service by coordinating between the user and provider so that charging can take place at the location and date and time desired by the user. This allows users to charge their vehicles 2 even in areas where there are not many charging stations. In addition, providers are rewarded for lending chargers. This also provides providers with a simple business opportunity.

[0017] A charger 53 is installed in a parking lot 52 at the provider's residence 3. Normally, the provider's own vehicle is parked in the parking lot 52 and charged using the charger 53. The charger rental service of this embodiment allows users to charge their vehicles when the provider is out in their vehicle and the parking lot 52 and charger 53 are not in use.

[0018] Charger 53 is provided with panel 55 as a display and operation panel, which enables, for example, the user to operate the charger and to receive usage guidance. The user connects charging gun 54 to connector 67 (see FIG. 3), which is the charging port of vehicle 2, to charge the battery. The charger 53 is provided with a measurement circuit for measuring the amount of charge inside, and measures the amount of charge during charging. The provider terminal 51 can acquire measurement information on the amount of charge by this measurement circuit.

[0019] This example also shows an example in which a camera 59 is installed in the parking lot 52. The camera 59 can capture, for example, the license plate and body of the user's vehicle 2, as well as the state of charging. The provider terminal 51 can obtain information about the vehicle 2, such as the vehicle license plate and model, from the video captured by the camera 59. Alternatively, the provider terminal 51 may transmit the video data itself to the server device 1, so that the server device 1 can detect the vehicle license plate, model, etc.

[0020] In the figure, charger 53 is shown as being installed in parking lot 52 at residence 3, but residence 3 can be any type of residence, such as a detached house or an apartment building. Parking lot 52 may also be located in a different location from residence 3, and may be a parking lot where the provider normally parks their vehicle. In this embodiment, the charger 53 that is the target of the charger rental service is a charger installed in a parking lot 52 that the provider uses for his / her own use, such as a parking lot on the grounds of the residence 3 that serves as the provider's home, or a parking lot that is separate from the home but owned or rented by the provider. The charger 53 is usually owned or rented by the provider for use by the provider or his / her family. However, the above is an example in which the provider is an individual. It is also assumed that a company, organization, etc. may be the provider in this embodiment, and the parking lot and charger of the company, etc. may be the parking lot 52 and charger 53 in FIG. 1.

[0021] <Configuration of information processing device> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 30 that can be used as the server device 1, the user terminal 21, or the provider terminal 51. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The information processing device 30 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a bus 34, an input / output interface 35, an input unit 36, an output unit 37, a memory unit 38, a communication unit 39, a media drive 40, etc.

[0023] The CPU 31 executes various processes in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 32 or a program loaded from the storage unit 38 into the RAM 33. The RAM 33 also stores data necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0024] The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are interconnected via a bus 34. An input / output interface 35 is also connected to the bus 34.

[0025] To the input / output interface 35, an input unit 36, an output unit 37, a storage unit 38, a communication unit 39, and a media drive 40 are connected. The input unit 36 ​​is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, and the like. The output unit 37 is configured by a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, a speaker, and the like.

[0026] The storage unit 38 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory device, etc. When the information processing device 30 configured in this manner is applied as the server device 1, the storage unit 38 may configure a database that stores registration information, etc.

[0027] The communication unit 39 performs communication processing and communication between devices via a communication network. A removable medium 41 such as a semiconductor memory card is inserted into the media drive 40, and information is written to and read from the removable medium 41.

[0028] In the information processing device 30, data and programs are uploaded and downloaded through communication by the communication unit 39. Data and programs can also be transferred via a removable medium 41. The CPU 31 performs processing operations based on various programs, thereby executing necessary information processing and communication as the server device 1, the user terminal 21, or the provider terminal 51.

[0029] <Vehicle configuration> Incidentally, a system within the vehicle may be used as the user terminal 21 or the provider terminal 51. FIG. 3 shows an example of a configuration for functioning as the user terminal 21 or the provider terminal 51, along with the charging-related configuration of the vehicle 2.

[0030] The vehicle 2 includes a control device 61 , a battery 62 , a PCU (Power Control Unit) 63 , a motor 64 , an operation unit 65 , a display unit 66 , a connector unit 67 , and a communication unit 68 .

[0031] 3 shows only a portion of the configuration of the vehicle 2, and the vehicle 2 is also equipped with a map locator, various sensors for driving, communication devices, etc., which are not shown.

[0032] The control device 61 is configured with a CPU, memory, etc., and performs overall control of the vehicle 2. The control device 61 may be provided as a single unit, or may be configured with multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units). The multiple ECUs may include, for example, a battery control ECU that controls charging of the battery 62, a display control ECU that controls display of display devices (including meters, etc.) provided in the vehicle 2, an airbag control ECU, an air conditioning control ECU, and various other ECUs.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is also assumed that the vehicle 2 is an automobile that travels autonomously, and therefore an information processing device necessary for autonomous driving is also installed. For example, the control device 61 may include an autonomous driving ECU that determines a travel route and performs control according to the external environment, a driving control ECU that controls driving and stopping by a motor according to instructions from the autonomous driving ECU, and a steering control ECU that controls steering according to instructions from the autonomous driving ECU. Although not shown, vehicle 2 is also equipped with devices that sense the surroundings, such as cameras and sensors, for autonomous driving control, as well as devices that detect map information, road information, current location information, etc.

[0034] The control device 61 realizes various functions by executing various programs stored in a memory or the like. Therefore, the control device 61 can have a configuration equivalent to that shown in FIG.

[0035] The battery 62 is a high-voltage battery used to drive the vehicle 2. The battery 62 supplies power used to drive the wheels, power used to operate the air conditioning equipment of the vehicle 2, and power used to operate other equipment. Fig. 3 shows the power supply from the battery 62 used to drive the wheels and power supply to the display unit 66, and does not illustrate the power supply used to operate the other units.

[0036] The battery 62 is charged by the current supplied from the PCU 63 . The battery 62 supplies the PCU 63 with a power supply voltage for driving the motor 64 .

[0037] The PCU 63 is configured to include an inverter, a DC / DC converter, and the like for driving the motor 64 . The PCU 63 generates an AC current for driving the motor 64 based on the supplied power supply voltage, and supplies the AC current to the motor 64. The PCU 63 controls the torque of the motor 64 by controlling the AC current. The PCU 63 may also be provided with a regenerative braking function to optimize energy efficiency by utilizing regenerative energy.

[0038] The motor 64 is configured as a motor generator having a power generating function, and drives the wheels based on the supplied AC current.

[0039] The operation unit 65 includes, for example, various types of buttons, levers, and other operators arranged in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 2. The operation unit 65 may also include an MFD (Multi Function Display) with a touch panel function, a display unit of a navigation device, or the like.

[0040] The display unit 66 comprehensively represents, for example, an MFD installed in front of the driver and other display devices for presenting information to the driver. The display unit 66 displays information based on detection signals detected by various sensors equipped in the vehicle 2. The display unit 66 appropriately displays various information such as the total mileage of the vehicle, outside temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, etc. The display unit 66 is also capable of displaying map information, extracted route information, etc. The display unit 66 can also be configured to display a screen for the charger rental service of this embodiment.

[0041] The connector unit 67 has a structure that allows a charging plug (charging gun 54) provided in charging equipment such as the charger 53 to be inserted. The connector unit 67 outputs AC voltage supplied via the inserted charging plug to the PCU 63. The PCU 63 is provided with an AC / DC converter and supplies the converted DC voltage to the battery 62, thereby charging the battery 62.

[0042] The communication unit 68 is configured as a wireless communication device, and is assumed to communicate with the server device 1 via the network 4, for example.

[0043] <Charger rental service overview> The general flow of the charger rental service provided by the server device 1 will be described. The service is implemented in accordance with the steps (ST1) to (ST11) shown in Figure 4, including the actions of the user and provider.

[0044] (ST1) A user who wants to become a provider registers a rentable charger 53 in the server device 1 using the provider terminal 51. Specifically, the user registers information such as the provider's personal information, information for settlement, location information of the parking lot 52, model and specifications of the charger 53, etc. (ST2) A user who wants to become a user uses the user terminal 21 to register user information (vehicle information, personal information, etc.) in the server device 1.

[0045] (ST3) At any time, the provider transmits provision information including information on the date and time when the charger 53 is available for rental to the server device 1 using the provider terminal 51. The provision information is information that tells the server device 1 that the provider can provide the parking lot 52 to others from a certain date and time to a certain date and time.

[0046] (ST4) At any time, the user sends a request to use a charger 53 to the server device 1 using the user terminal 21. The request includes information such as the desired area and date and time of use. In response to the user's request, the server device 1 selects a provider whose provided information matches the area and date and time, from among the providers whose provided information has been received, and provides the user with a list of chargers 53 available for rental. The user selects the charger 53 they wish to use and performs a confirmation operation to reserve use on the server device 1. The server device 1 sets the reservation in response to the confirmation operation.

[0047] (ST5) The user's vehicle 2 moves to the parking lot 52 where the charger 53 is installed on the reserved date and time. (ST6) When the charger 53 is used, the user is authenticated by the user terminal 21, the provider terminal 51, or the charger 53. The authentication result is also shared with the server device 1. (ST7) Charging is performed. At this time, the provider terminal 51 also measures the amount of charge. (ST8) After the charging is completed, the charge is settled between the user terminal 21 and the server device 1. (ST9) The user transmits the provider's evaluation information using the user terminal 21 (or a device such as a smartphone that functions as a user interface device for the user terminal 21). (ST10) The provider transmits the user's evaluation to the server device 1 via the provider terminal 51. (ST11) The server device 1 gives a reward to the provider.

[0048] The order of (ST8), (ST9), (ST10), and (ST11) may be different from that described above. Also, (ST1), (ST2), (ST3), and (ST4) are performed sequentially between an unspecified number of users and the server device 1.

[0049] In this way, the charger 53 can be used by an unspecified number of users. Here, in the charger 53, the charging gun 54 is inserted into and removed from the connector portion 67 of the vehicle 2, and the holder portion 142 (see FIG. 6 It may be inserted or removed from the Therefore, there is a risk that the charging gun 54 of the charger 53 may be damaged by the user. In particular, since the charger 53 is used by an unspecified number of users, it is important to identify the user who damaged the charging gun 54. In reality, some part of the cable unit 100 (see FIG. 5) including the charging gun 54 will be damaged. However, because it is difficult to distinguish only the charging gun 54 in the cable unit 100 and perform a failure (abnormality) diagnosis, damage to some part of the cable unit 100 will simply be described as the charging gun 54 being damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the charging gun 54 will be described as being damaged even when the cable side connector 101 or the charging cable 102 of the cable unit 100 is damaged.

[0050] Furthermore, if the cable unit 100 is damaged, the charging gun 54 cannot be inserted into the connector portion 67 of the vehicle 2, and the charger 53 cannot be used to charge the battery 62 of the vehicle 2. If a user (hereinafter referred to as the "reserving person") who has reserved a charger 53 and is about to use the charger 53 finds out after arriving at the location where the charger 53 is installed without knowing that the charger 53 is damaged, the user may suffer a disadvantage, such as wasting the trip up to the charger 53 or the battery 62 becoming empty without being able to be charged. For this reason, it is also necessary to notify the reserving person that the charger 53 is no longer available for use.

[0051] Therefore, the charger 53 of this embodiment is configured to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in the cable unit 100, and to notify the user, provider, reserver, or the like of the presence or absence of the abnormality.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the external configuration of charger 53. Panel 55 is omitted from Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, charger 53 is provided with a cable unit 100 that is detachable from main body 110. Cable unit 100 includes a cable-side connector 101, a charging cable 102, and a charging gun 54.

[0053] The cable-side connector 101 is detachable from a main body-side connector 111 provided on the main body 110. The charging cable 102 is an electric cable having the charging gun 54 connected to one end and the cable-side connector 101 connected to the other end.

[0054] The main body 110 is provided with a gun lock mechanism 120 and a connector lock mechanism 130 .

[0055] The gun lock mechanism 120 can lock the charging gun 54. The gun lock mechanism 120 is configured, for example, by a gun lock door that can open and close the accommodation space 112 in which the charging gun 54 is accommodated. The charging gun 54 can be inserted into and removed from the main body 110 when the gun lock mechanism 120 (gun lock door) is unlocked (open). On the other hand, the charging gun 54 cannot be inserted into or removed from the main body 110 when the gun lock mechanism 120 (gun lock door) is locked (closed).

[0056] In addition, the gun lock mechanism 120 does not have to be a configuration such as a gun lock door, as long as it can lock the charging gun 54, and may be, for example, a pin that fits into the charging gun 54 when the charging gun 54 is housed in the main body 110.

[0057] The connector locking mechanism 130 is capable of locking the cable-side connector 101. The connector locking mechanism 130 is configured, for example, by a connector locking door that can open and close the accommodation space 113 in which the cable-side connector 101 is accommodated while connected to the main body-side connector 111. The cable-side connector 101 can be inserted into or removed from the main body 110 when the connector locking mechanism 130 (connector locking door) is unlocked (open). On the other hand, the cable-side connector 101 cannot be inserted into or removed from the main body 110 when the connector locking mechanism 130 (connector locking door) is locked (closed).

[0058] Note that the connector locking mechanism 130 does not have to be configured like a connector locking door, as long as the cable side connector 101 can be locked, and may be, for example, a pin that fits into the cable side connector 101 while the cable side connector 101 is housed in the main body 110.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of charger 53. As shown in Fig. 6, charger 53 includes cable unit 100 (charging gun 54, cable-side connector 101, charging cable 102), gun locking mechanism 120, connector locking mechanism 130, panel 55, as well as charger control unit 141 and holder unit 142. Note that charger control unit 141 and holder unit 142 are provided in main body unit 110.

[0060] The charger control unit 141 is a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The charger control unit 141 may be configured similarly to the information processing device 30 described above. The charger control unit 141 may also be the provider terminal 51.

[0061] The charger control unit 141 controls the entire charger 53 by having the CPU execute various processes according to programs stored in the ROM etc. The charger control unit 141 also functions as an authentication unit 151, a current / voltage control unit 152, a detection unit 153, a gun lock control unit 154, a connector lock control unit 155, and a notification control unit 156.

[0062] The holder part 142 is provided inside the accommodation space 112 (see FIG. 5) and is capable of holding the charging gun 54. The holder part 142 is also provided with electrical terminals that can be electrically connected to electrical terminals provided on the charging gun 54 when the charging gun 54 is inserted. The electrical terminals provided on the holder part 142 are connected to the charger control part 141, and the charger control part 141 can acquire the current, voltage, etc. input to the electrical terminals.

[0063] The authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53 and the provider who provides the charger 53. Here, the authentication unit 151 may authenticate the user and the provider by receiving the result of authentication performed by the user terminal 21 or the provider terminal 51, or may perform authentication by, for example, inputting passwords of the user and the provider into the panel 55. When performing authentication by inputting passwords into the panel 55, for example, the server device 1 may issue a password or the like to the user in advance at the time of reservation, and the user may be authenticated by having the user input the password at the time of use.

[0064] The current / voltage control unit 152 controls the AC voltage supplied to the vehicle 2 when the charging gun 54 is connected to the connector unit 67 of the vehicle 2. The current / voltage control unit 152 also applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) when the charging gun 54 is held in the holder unit 142. When a test current and a test voltage are applied to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) while the charging gun 54 is held in the holder part 142, if the charging gun 54 is normal, a current and a voltage corresponding to the test current and the test voltage will be applied to the electrical terminals of the holder part 142 connected to the electrical terminals of the charging gun 54.

[0065] The detection unit 153 acquires, via the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142, voltage and current based on the test current and test voltage applied to the charging gun 54 while the charging gun 54 is held in the holder unit 142. The detection unit 153 then calculates the resistance value of the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on the acquired current and voltage, and detects an abnormality in the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on the calculated resistance value. The ROM of the charger control unit 141 stores the range (normal range) of the resistance value of the charging gun 54 in response to the test current and test voltage when the charging gun 54 is normal. The detection unit 153 determines that the charging gun 54 is normal if its resistance value is within the normal range, and determines that an abnormality (failure) exists if its resistance value is outside the normal range.

[0066] The gun lock control unit 154 controls the locking and unlocking of the gun lock mechanism 120. The connector lock control unit 155 controls the locking and unlocking of the connector lock mechanism .

[0067] The notification control unit 156 notifies the user, the reserver, the provider, and the server device 1 whether or not there is an abnormality in the charging gun 54. As a notification method, the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51 may be notified of the presence or absence of an abnormality in the charging gun 54. Alternatively, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the charging gun 54 may be displayed on the panel 55. Furthermore, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the charging gun 54 may be notified to the server device 1, and the server device 1 may notify the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51 of the same.

[0068] 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of abnormality detection notification control. FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing various states of charger 53.

[0069] Next, an abnormality detection / notification control that is performed by the charger control unit 141 of the charger 53 to detect an abnormality in the charging gun 54 and notify the presence or absence of an abnormality will be described. Before the abnormality detection notification control is started, i.e., when charging is not being performed by the charger 53, the gun lock mechanism 120 and the connector lock mechanism 130 are locked as shown in Fig. 9. When the gun lock mechanism 120 is locked, i.e., the gun lock door is closed, the charging gun 54 cannot be removed. Also, when the connector lock mechanism 130 is locked, i.e., the connector lock door is closed, the cable-side connector 101 cannot be removed.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7, when abnormality detection notification control is started and the user starts using the charger 53, first, the authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53 in ST21.

[0071] Once the user is authenticated, in ST22, the gun lock control unit 154 unlocks the gun lock mechanism 120, as shown in FIG. 10. That is, the gun lock control unit 154 opens the gun lock door. This allows the user to remove the charging gun 54 from the main body 110, as shown in FIG. 11. The user then inserts the charging gun 54 into the connector unit 67 of the vehicle 2.

[0072] When charging gun 54 is inserted into connector 67, current / voltage control unit 152 applies AC voltage via cable unit 100 to charge battery 62 in ST23. Then, current / voltage control unit 152 determines whether charging of battery 62 is complete in ST24. Here, whether charging is complete is determined based on the SOC of battery 62 transmitted from vehicle 2 via cable unit 100, for example. Then, current / voltage control unit 152 repeats ST24 and continues charging battery 62 until charging of battery 62 is complete.

[0073] When charging is complete (Yes in ST24), in ST25 the notification control unit 156 instructs the user to return the charging gun 54 to its original position (insert it into the holder unit 142). Here, for example, a message such as "Please return the charging gun to its original position" is displayed on the panel 55 or is given by voice.

[0074] In ST26, the current / voltage control unit 152 determines whether the charging gun 54 has been inserted into the holder unit 142. Here, for example, insertion may be determined by applying a test current and test voltage to the cable unit 100 and monitoring the current and voltage at the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142. Alternatively, a contact sensor may be provided in the holder unit 142, and insertion may be determined by detecting contact of the charging gun 54 with the contact sensor.

[0075] The system waits until the charging gun 54 is inserted into the holder 142 (No in ST26), and when the charging gun 54 is inserted into the holder 142 (Yes in ST26), the gun lock control unit 154 locks the gun lock mechanism 120 in ST27. This prevents the user or others from removing the charging gun 54. If the charging gun 54 is not returned to its original position, it is not possible to diagnose an abnormality in the charging gun 54. Therefore, if the charging gun 54 is not returned to its original position within a predetermined time, the notification control unit 156 may notify the server device 1 that the charging gun 54 will not be returned to its original position, and may notify the person who made the reservation via the server device 1 that the charger 53 can no longer be used. This prevents the charger 53 from being used by subsequent users who have made a reservation, thereby preventing the situation where it becomes unclear who caused the breakdown of the charging gun 54 due to an abnormality being detected in the charging gun 54 after multiple users have used it. Furthermore, if the user does not return the charging gun 54 to its original position, the server device 1 may impose a penalty, such as a fine, on the user.

[0076] Thereafter, in ST28, current / voltage control unit 152 applies a test current and test voltage to cable unit 100. In ST29, detection unit 153 acquires the current and voltage of charging gun 54 via the electrical terminals of holder unit 142, and calculates the resistance value of charging gun 54 based on the acquired voltage and current. Detection unit 153 then detects an abnormality in charging gun 54 based on the calculated resistance value.

[0077] 8, in ST30, the notification control unit 156 determines whether an abnormality has been detected in the charging gun 54. If no abnormality has been detected in the charging gun 54 (No in ST30), in ST31 the notification control unit 156 notifies the current user and provider that no abnormality has been detected in the charging gun 54.

[0078] On the other hand, if an abnormality in the charging gun 54 is detected (Yes in ST30), the notification control unit 156 notifies the current user, reserver, and provider that an abnormality in the charging gun 54 has been detected in ST32. In this case, the person who made the reservation is notified that an abnormality has been detected in the charging gun 54 and that charging can no longer be performed using the charger 53, thereby eliminating the need for the person who made the reservation to take the trouble to come to the location where the charger 53 is installed.

[0079] Thereafter, in ST33, the authentication unit 151 authenticates the provider who has come to exchange the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100). Then, once the provider is authenticated, in ST34 the gun lock control unit 154 unlocks the gun lock mechanism 120, and the connector lock control unit 155 unlocks the connector lock mechanism 130. This allows the provider to remove the cable unit 100 from the main body 110, as shown in FIG.

[0080] Then, after the provider replaces the cable unit 100, in ST35 the current / voltage control unit 152 applies a test current and test voltage to the cable unit 100. In ST36, the detection unit 153 acquires the current and voltage of the charging gun 54 via the electrical terminals of the holder unit 142 and calculates the resistance value of the charging gun 54 based on the acquired voltage and current. The detection unit 153 then detects an abnormality in the charging gun 54 based on the calculated resistance value. This makes it possible to confirm whether the replacement of the cable unit 100 has been completed normally. The processes in ST35 and ST36 may be omitted.

[0081] <Modification> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described above and can adopt various configurations. For example, in the above embodiment, the current / voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and test voltage to the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) in ST28. However, the current / voltage control unit 152 may control only one of the test current or the test voltage, thereby applying the test current and test voltage to the charging gun 54.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 153 detects an abnormality (failure) based on the resistance value of the charging gun 54. However, the detection unit 153 may also detect an abnormality based on the state of the charging gun 54, such as the current and voltage of the charging gun 54, the presence or absence of conductivity, capacitance, inductance, etc.

[0083] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the detection unit 153 detects an abnormality in the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on a resistance value calculated from the voltage and current based on the test current and test voltage applied to the charging gun 54. However, when the charging gun 54 is connected to the vehicle 2 Between Charger 53If the cable unit 100 includes a communication line for communication therebetween, the detection unit 153 may be configured to detect an abnormality in the charging gun 54 (cable unit 100) based on the communication status with the vehicle 2 using the communication line.

[0084] In the above embodiment, if the charging gun 54 is abnormal, the provider can replace the cable unit 100. However, if the charging gun 54 is abnormal, not only the provider but also the user may be able to replace it. In this case, the user who replaces the cable unit 100 may be authenticated. Furthermore, the replacement procedure may be displayed on the panel 55.

[0085] <Summary> The charger 53 that charges the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 includes a gun locking mechanism 120 that locks the charging gun 54 inserted into the vehicle 2, a current / voltage control unit 152 that applies a test current and test voltage to the charging gun 54, a detection unit 153 that detects an abnormality in the charging gun 54 based on the state of the charging gun 54 when the test current and test voltage are applied, and a notification control unit 156 that notifies the presence or absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit 153. This makes it possible to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in the charging gun 54 every time a user uses the charger 53. Therefore, the charger 53 can easily identify the user who caused the charging gun 54 to malfunction.

[0086] Furthermore, the notification control unit 156 notifies the user who uses the charger 53 and the provider who provides the charger 53 of the presence or absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit 153. This allows both the user and the provider to know that an abnormality has occurred in the charging gun 54. Therefore, for example, the provider can immediately replace the charging gun 54. Also, by knowing that the user has damaged the charging gun 54, the user can make compensation for the damage.

[0087] Furthermore, charger 53 can accept reservations from multiple users, and when detection unit 153 detects an abnormality, notification control unit 156 notifies users who have reserved use of charger 53 of the abnormality. This eliminates the need for the person making the reservation to go to the location where the charger 53 is installed when an abnormality occurs and the battery 62 cannot be charged, thereby eliminating the reservation person's unnecessary trip.

[0088] Furthermore, when the user has finished charging the vehicle 2, the notification control unit 156 notifies the user to return the charging gun 54 to a predetermined position. This allows the user to return the charging gun 54 to its original position (holder part 142), thereby reducing the possibility that an abnormality diagnosis cannot be performed because the charging gun 54 is not returned to its original position.

[0089] In addition, after the charging of the vehicle 2 of the user using the charger 53 is completed, the current / voltage control unit 152 applies a test current and test voltage when the charging gun 54 is returned to a predetermined position and locked by the gun lock mechanism 120. This prevents the charging gun 54 from being removed during abnormality diagnosis. It also prevents the next user from attempting to charge the vehicle 2's battery 62 using the charging gun 54 that is experiencing an abnormality, without knowing that an abnormality has occurred in the charging gun 54.

[0090] In addition, the charger 53 that charges the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 includes a charging gun 54 that can be inserted into the vehicle 2, a cable unit 100 that has a cable side connector 101 that can be connected to the main body 110 of the charger 53, and a charging cable 102 to which the charging gun 54 is connected at one end and the cable side connector 101 is connected at the other end, a gun locking mechanism 120 that locks the charging gun 54, a connector locking mechanism 130 that locks the cable side connector 101, a current / voltage control unit 152 that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun 54, a detection unit 153 that detects an abnormality in the charging gun 54 based on the state of the charging gun 54 when the test current and the test voltage are applied, and a notification control unit 156 that notifies the presence or absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit 153. This allows only the provider to remove the cable unit 100 from the main body 110 when the charging gun 54 of the charger 53 used by an unspecified number of users breaks down. This allows the provider to easily replace the broken cable unit 100. It also prevents the cable unit 100 from being stolen by an unspecified number of users or other people.

[0091] The charger includes an authentication unit that authenticates the provider of the charger, and the connector lock mechanism unlocks the cable-side connector when the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit. This allows only the provider to remove the cable side connector 101 from the main body 110. Therefore, the cable unit 100 can be prevented from being stolen, and the cable unit 100 can be easily replaced by the provider.

[0092] After the detection unit 153 detects an abnormality, the connector lock mechanism 130 unlocks the cable-side connector 101 when the authentication unit 151 authenticates the provider. This makes it possible to prevent the cable side connector 101 from being removed carelessly when no abnormality has been found in the charging gun 54.

[0093] The authentication unit 151 authenticates the user who uses the charger 53, and when the user is authenticated, the gun lock mechanism 120 or , and unlocks the charging gun 54 if the provider is authenticated. It is sufficient if cable-side connector 101 can be removed only by the provider, but if charging gun 54 cannot be removed by not only the provider but also the user, the user will not be able to use charger 53. Therefore, by allowing the user and provider to unlock charging gun 54, users can easily use charger 53. When the user using the charger 53 has finished charging the vehicle 2, the notification control unit 156 notifies the user to return the charging gun 54 to a designated position, and the current / voltage control unit 152 applies the test current and the test voltage after the charging gun 54 has been returned to the designated position. This prevents the charging gun 54 from being removed during the abnormality diagnosis. It also prevents the next user from using the charging gun 54 with an abnormality to charge the battery 62 of the vehicle 2 without being aware that an abnormality has occurred in the charging gun 54. 。 [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 53 Charger 54 Charging Gun 55 Panels 100 cable units 101 Connector 102 Charging cable 120 Gun lock mechanism 130 Connector locking mechanism 151 Authentication Department 152 Current and voltage control section 153 Detector 156 Communication control section

Claims

1. A charger for charging a vehicle battery, a cable unit including a charging gun that can be inserted into the vehicle, a connector that can be connected to a main body of the charger, and a charging cable having the charging gun connected to one end and the connector connected to the other end; a gun lock mechanism that locks the charging gun; a connector lock mechanism that locks the connector; a current / voltage control unit that applies a test current and a test voltage to the charging gun; a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the charging gun based on the state of the charging gun when the test current and the test voltage are applied; a notification control unit that notifies the presence or absence of an abnormality detected by the detection unit; an authentication unit that authenticates a provider that provides the charger; Equipped with The connector lock mechanism unlocks the connector when the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit. charger.

2. The connector lock mechanism unlocks the connector when the provider is authenticated by the authentication unit after the detection unit detects an abnormality. The charger of claim 1.

3. the authentication unit authenticates a user who uses the charger; The gun lock mechanism unlocks the charging gun when the user is authenticated or when the provider is authenticated. The charger of claim 1.

4. the notification control unit notifies the user to return the charging gun to a predetermined position when charging of the vehicle by the user using the charger is completed; The current / voltage control unit applies the test current and the test voltage after the charging gun is returned to a predetermined position. The charger of claim 1.

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