Automatic connection method between the charging port and charging connector

Abstract

To provide a method of automatic connection between a charging port and a charging connector that automatically connects the charging port of an electric vehicle and the charging connector of a charger.SOLUTION: A method of automatic connection between a charging port and a charging connector is an automatic connection method between a charging port of an electric vehicle and a charging connector of a charger and includes an alignment step and a connection step that is executed after the alignment step. In an alignment step, the electric vehicle automatically adjusts the position and attitude based on an alignment signal from an imaging device that images the charging port and the charging connector thereby aligning the position of the charging port to the position where the charging connector can be connected. In the connection step, the electric vehicle automatically adjusts the attitude or the charging connector automatically adjusts the position based on a connection signal from the image device, thereby connecting the charging port and the charging connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically connecting a charging port and a charging connector, and more particularly, to a method for automatically connecting a charging port of a power storage device of an electric vehicle and a charging connector of a charger for charging the power storage device of the electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle capable of smoothly performing external charging while suppressing a user's sense of discomfort. This electric vehicle is an electric vehicle capable of being charged by electric power supplied via a charging cable from an external power source provided outside the vehicle, and includes a power storage device, a charging inlet, a charging lid, and a control device for the charging lid. When the electric vehicle parks within a predetermined range from the external power source, the control device of this charging lid opens the charging lid when the SOC of the power storage device is below the reference value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, an electric vehicle as disclosed in Patent Document 1 only automatically opens the charging lid under the above-described predetermined conditions, and the subsequent connection between the charging inlet and the charging cable must be performed by the user himself / herself.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a method for automatically connecting a charging port of a power storage device of an electric vehicle and a charging connector of a charger for charging the power storage device of the electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to achieve the above objective and have found that the objective can be achieved by having an electric vehicle automatically adjust its position and attitude based on a predetermined signal from a predetermined imaging device, thereby aligning the position of the charging port to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector, and by connecting the charging port and charging connector through the electric vehicle's automatic attitude adjustment or the charging connector's automatic position adjustment, thus completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention provides an automatic connection method between a charging port and a charging connector, which automatically connects the charging port of an electric vehicle's energy storage device to the charging connector of a charger used to charge the energy storage device. This automatic connection method between the charging port and the charging connector includes an alignment step and a connection step performed after the alignment step. In the alignment process, the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its position and attitude based on alignment signals from an imaging device that images the charging port and charging connector, thereby aligning the charging port to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector. In the connection process, the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its posture or the charging connector automatically adjusts its position based on connection signals from an imaging device that images the charging port and charging connector, thereby connecting the charging port and charging connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, based on the above-mentioned signals from the imaging device, the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its position and attitude to align the position of the charging port to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector, and the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its attitude or the charging connector automatically adjusts its position to connect the charging port and the charging connector. Thus, an automatic connection method between a charging port and a charging connector is provided, which automatically connects the charging port of the electric vehicle's energy storage device to the charging connector of a charger for charging the electric vehicle's energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle and charger capable of implementing the first embodiment of the automatic connection method between a charging port and a charging connector of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the connection process of the automatic connection method between the charging port and the charging connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the connection process for the automatic connection method between the charging port and the charging connector of the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing an example of an automatic connection method between the charging port and the charging connector in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a method for automatically disconnecting the charging port and charging connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The automatic connection method between the charging port and charging connector of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings cited below are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios. In the drawings, arrow X indicates the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, arrow Y indicates the left-to-right direction of the vehicle, and arrow Z indicates the up-to-down direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, arrows α, βγ in the drawings indicate the rotational directions around arrows X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0011] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 is equipped with an energy storage device 11 such as a secondary battery having a charging port 13. The charging port 13 is provided with a charging lid 19 that can be opened or closed. In Figure 1, the charging lid 19 is closed when the electric vehicle 10 is in the vicinity of the registered charger 20, as shown by the dotted line, and the charging lid 19 is open when the electric vehicle 10 is near the registered charger 20, as shown by the solid line. The electric vehicle 10 and the charger 20 are connected by wireless communication or the like. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 10 is equipped with a four-wheel independent air suspension 15 and an imaging device 17 such as a camera.

[0012] The charger 20 also includes a charging connector 21 and an imaging device 23 such as a camera.

[0013] Then, when the electric vehicle 10 is near the charger 20, based on alignment signals from the imaging device 23, which can image both the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21, the electric vehicle 10 performs automatic parking for charging using the automatic parking system. As shown by arrow A, the position of the electric vehicle 10 is moved closer to the charger 20, and the position of the charging port 13 is adjusted to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector 21.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, after alignment, the charging connector 21 automatically moves in a straight line as indicated by arrow B based on the connection signal from the imaging device 23, thereby connecting the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21.

[0015] Furthermore, vehicle adjustments in the direction of arrow X can be made by moving the vehicle forward or backward, vehicle adjustments in the direction of arrow Z can be made by adjusting the front-to-rear height using the air suspension, and charger adjustments in the direction of arrow Y can be made by moving the charging connector forward or backward. In addition, vehicle adjustments in the rotational direction around arrow X can be made by adjusting the left-to-right difference using the air suspension, vehicle adjustments in the rotational direction around arrow Y can be made by adjusting the front-to-rear difference using the air suspension, and vehicle adjustments in the rotational direction around arrow Z can be made by steering.

[0016] Next, the advantages of the present embodiment will be described. According to the present embodiment, based on the alignment signal from the imaging device 23, the electric vehicle 10 automatically adjusts its position and orientation to align the position of the charging port 13 to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector 21. Based on the connection signal from the imaging device 23, the charging connector 21 automatically adjusts its position to connect the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21. Therefore, the charging port of the power storage device of the electric vehicle and the charging connector of the charger for charging the power storage device of the electric vehicle can be automatically connected. As a result, the user is liberated from the work of connecting the charging connector to the charging port.

[0017] Also, according to the present embodiment, in the connection process, the automatic position adjustment of the charging connector includes the automatic position adjustment by the automatic linear movement of the charging connector. Therefore, in addition to the above advantages, if the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21 are in a straight line and at a predetermined distance from each other, there is an advantage that the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21 can be connected. Also, there is an advantage that the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21 can be connected even when it is not possible to create a height difference by an air suspension or the like on the left and right sides of the electric vehicle.

[0018] Also, according to the present embodiment, since the imaging device 23 is provided on the fixed charger 20, in addition to the above advantages, unlike the case where the imaging device is provided on the electric vehicle 10, there is no need to adjust the viewpoint, and there is an advantage that a simple imaging device can be used.

[0019] (Second Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, when the electric vehicle 10 is in the vicinity of the charger 20, based on the alignment signal from the imaging device 23 that can image both the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21, the electric vehicle 10 performs automatic parking for charging using the automatic parking system, and as shown by the arrow A, the position of the electric vehicle 10 is brought closer to the vicinity of the charger 20. Then, by automatically adjusting the posture of the electric vehicle 10 by the four-wheel independent air suspension 15, the position of the charging port 13 is adjusted to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector 21.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, after alignment, based on the connection signal from the imaging device 23, the electric vehicle 10 is automatically adjusted in posture as shown by the arrow C by the four-wheel independent air suspension 15, so that the charging connector 21 of the charger 20 equipped with the alignment mechanism 25 and the charging port ......

[0021] The adjustment of the vehicle in the direction of arrow X can be performed by the forward and backward movement of the vehicle, the adjustment of the vehicle in the direction of arrow Z can be performed by the front and rear height by the air suspension, and the adjustment of the vehicle in the direction of arrow Y can be performed by the left - right difference by the air suspension (simultaneously with the adjustment in the direction of arrow α). In the adjustment of the vehicle in the direction of arrow Y, an alignment mechanism using a spring or the like is required for the adjustment of the charger. Also, the adjustment of the vehicle in the rotational direction around arrow X can be performed by the left - right difference by the air suspension (simultaneously with the adjustment in the direction of arrow γ). In the adjustment of the vehicle in the direction of arrow α, an alignment mechanism using a spring or the like is required for the adjustment of the charger. Also, the adjustment of the vehicle in the rotational direction around arrow Y can be performed by the front - rear difference by the air suspension, and the adjustment of the vehicle in the rotational direction around arrow Z can be performed by steering.

[0022] It should be noted that in the translation of the content in ID = [4], the text seems to be incomplete in the original. I have translated it as far as possible according to the existing text. If there are any inaccuracies, please provide the complete original text for a more accurate translation.Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, in the alignment process, the automatic position and attitude adjustment of the electric vehicle 10 includes automatic position adjustment by the electric vehicle 10's automatic parking system and automatic attitude adjustment by the electric vehicle 10's four-wheel independent air suspension 15, which is performed after the automatic position adjustment. In the connection process, the automatic attitude adjustment of the electric vehicle 10 includes automatic attitude adjustment by the electric vehicle 10's four-wheel independent air suspension 15. In addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, the charging port 13 and the charging connector 21 can be connected by rolling the electric vehicle through control of the height difference of the left (right) four-wheel independent air suspension of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, once mating is complete, the mating between the charging connector and the charging port is less likely to come undone even with slight changes in attitude. Therefore, by ending the automatic attitude adjustment when mating detection is complete, the amount of electricity used for automatic attitude adjustment can be reduced, which has the advantage of extending the electric vehicle's driving range.

[0023] Next, an example of the automatic connection method between the charging port and the charging connector in this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 4, in process 1 (referred to as S1 in Figure 4; the same applies hereinafter), the electric vehicle determines whether its own position is in the vicinity of the charger where it is registered. If YES, proceed to S2; if NO, proceed to Return.

[0024] In S2, the system determines whether the electric vehicle has a charger available. If YES, it proceeds to S3; otherwise, it returns to the previous state.

[0025] In S3, the electric vehicle determines whether its current position allows for automatic parking for charging. If YES, proceed to S4; otherwise, proceed to the return step.

[0026] In S4, it is determined whether the user or electric vehicle will initiate an automatic charging connection. If YES, proceed to S5; otherwise, proceed to Return.

[0027] In S5, the electric vehicle determines whether its current position allows for automatic parking for charging. If YES, proceed to S6; otherwise, proceed to S11. In S11, display an alert stating, "Automatic charging connection cannot be performed because the vehicle's position is inappropriate," and proceed to Return.

[0028] In S6, the electric vehicle performs automatic parking for charging and proceeds to S7.

[0029] In S7, the electric vehicle opens the charging lid and proceeds to S8.

[0030] In S8, the electric vehicle performs automatic attitude adjustment using its four-wheel independent air suspension, and then proceeds to S9.

[0031] In S9, the electric vehicle completes the charger connection and proceeds to S10.

[0032] In S10, the charger begins charging.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a charging step is further included, which is performed after the connection step and in which the charger charges the energy storage device based on a charging signal from the imaging device, then, in addition to the advantages described above, charging can be performed after the imaging device has determined whether the connection is normal.

[0034] Next, we will explain an example of a method for automatically disconnecting the charging port and charging connector. As shown in Figure 5, in S21, it is determined whether to terminate charging. If YES, proceed to S22; if NO, proceed to Return.

[0035] In S22, the electric vehicle performs automatic attitude adjustment using its four-wheel independent air suspension, and then proceeds to S23.

[0036] In S23, the electric vehicle closes the charging lid and proceeds to S24.

[0037] In S24, the electric vehicle completes the disconnection of the charger and proceeds to S25.

[0038] In S25, the electric vehicle issues an alert stating, "Preparation for departure is complete. Please begin driving," and proceeds to the return route.

[0039] Furthermore, if the above-described embodiment further includes a disconnection step performed after the charging step, which disconnects the charging port and the charging connector based on a disconnection signal from the imaging device, in addition to the advantages described above, the charging port of the electric vehicle's energy storage device and the charging connector of the charger for charging the electric vehicle's energy storage device can be automatically disconnected after charging is complete. This frees the user from the task of disconnecting the charging connector from the charging port.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to some embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0041] In this invention, the core principle is to automatically connect the charging port of the electric vehicle's energy storage device and the charging connector of a charger for charging the electric vehicle's energy storage device by having the electric vehicle automatically adjust its position and attitude based on the above-mentioned signal from the above-mentioned imaging device, thereby aligning the charging port and the charging connector, and connecting the charging port and the charging connector by either the electric vehicle automatically adjusting its attitude or the charging connector automatically adjusting its position.

[0042] Therefore, although the above embodiment illustrates the use of an imaging device 23 provided on the charger 20, it is also possible to use an imaging device 17 provided on the electric vehicle 10.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, during or after the automatic position and attitude adjustment of the electric vehicle described above, the vehicle's position may be adjusted by performing automatic parking of the electric vehicle based on a signal from the imaging device.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the components described above are not limited to the configurations shown in each embodiment, and the details of the specifications of the electric vehicle and charger can be changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Electric Vehicles 11. Energy storage device 13 charging ports 15. Four-wheel independent air suspension 17 Imaging device 19 Charging Lid 20 charger 21 Charging connector 23 Imaging device 25 Alignment Mechanism

Claims

1. An automatic connection method between a charging port and a charging connector, which automatically connects the charging port of an electric vehicle's energy storage device to the charging connector of a charger for charging the energy storage device, A positioning step in which the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its position and attitude based on a positioning signal from an imaging device that images the charging port and the charging connector, thereby aligning the position of the charging port to a position where it can be connected to the charging connector, This includes a connection step performed after the alignment step, in which the electric vehicle automatically adjusts its posture or the charging connector automatically adjusts its position based on a connection signal from the imaging device, thereby connecting the charging port and the charging connector. An automatic connection method between a charging port and a charging connector, characterized by the above.

2. The method for automatically connecting a charging port and a charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the alignment step, the automatic position and attitude adjustment of the electric vehicle includes automatic position adjustment by the electric vehicle's automatic parking system and automatic attitude adjustment by the electric vehicle's four-wheel independent air suspension, which is performed after the automatic position adjustment.

3. The method for automatically connecting a charging port and a charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic position adjustment of the charging connector in the connection step includes automatic position adjustment by automatic linear movement of the charging connector.

4. The method for automatically connecting a charging port and a charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the connection step, the automatic posture adjustment of the electric vehicle includes automatic posture adjustment by the four-wheel independent air suspension of the electric vehicle.

5. The method for automatically connecting an electric vehicle and a charger according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device is provided on the charger.

6. The method for automatically connecting a charging port and a charging connector according to claim 1, further comprising a charging step performed after the connection step, wherein the charger charges the energy storage device based on a charging signal from the imaging device.

Images