Vehicle Charging Control Device Current Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with a cable lock mechanism for preventing removal of the charging connector during external charging face issues where a large current flows, potentially exceeding safe temperatures, and user convenience is compromised when the mechanism is in the unlock state, leading to unintended prohibition of charging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a control device that selects between a high current charging mode when the cable lock mechanism is locked and a lower current mode when it is unlocked, ensuring safe charging even if the connector is removed, by maintaining engagement and controlling current flow based on the lock mechanism's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external charging is allowed when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlock state, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of large current removal causing excessive temperature is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control device changes the current parameter based on the cable lock mechanism state. When unlocked, it limits charging current to a first value; when locked, it allows charging current up to a second value. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting operational parameters to match safety requirements while maintaining user convenience.
2Reliability
If external charging is prohibited when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlock state, then the large current removal is prevented, but user convenience is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the cable lock mechanism state. Rather than a fixed prohibition, the system transitions between different charging modes (first current value when unlocked, second current value when locked), providing dynamic safety adaptation that maintains user convenience while ensuring reliability.
3Productivity
If the charging connector is removed from the inlet during external charging with large current, then the charging can be stopped, but the contact area reduction causes local current concentration and excessive temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies preliminary anti-action by limiting the charging current to a first value when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlock state. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of current concentration before it can occur, allowing the connector to be safely removed without causing excessive temperature or local current damage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle in which an electric power storage device is mounted and which is configured to execute external charging. The vehicle includes an inlet connected to a charging connector, a cable lock mechanism disposed near the inlet and switching between a lock state and an unlock state, and a control device selecting a first mode in which the electric power storage device is allowed to be charged at a first current value in a case where the cable lock mechanism is in the lock state with the charging connector and the inlet connected to each other and selecting a second mode in which the electric power storage device is allowed to be charged at a second current value in a case where the cable lock mechanism is in the unlock state with the charging connector and the inlet connected to each other.