1. A vehicle capable of external charging in which a power storage device of the vehicle is charged with electric power supplied from a charging cable outside the vehicle, the vehicle comprising:

a socket configured to be connectable to a charging connector provided at a distal end of the charging cable; and

a cable locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state in which the charging connector cannot be detached from the receptacle and an unlocked state in which the charging connector can be detached from the receptacle,

the charging method includes the steps of charging the electric storage device with a first current value in a case where the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the cable locking mechanism is in the locked state, charging the electric storage device with the first current value in a case where the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the cable locking mechanism is not in the locked state, and charging the electric storage device with a second current value smaller than the first current value in a case where the cable locking mechanism is in the unlocked state.

2. A charging system capable of external charging for charging a power storage device of a vehicle by electric power supplied from the outside,

detecting a connection state of a charging connector to a receptacle and a locked state or a state not in the locked state in which the charging connector cannot be detached from the receptacle,

selecting a first mode in which the power storage device is allowed to be charged with a first current value when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the locked state,

when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and not in the locked state, a second mode is selected that allows charging of the electrical storage device at a second current value that is smaller than a first current value.

3. A charging method that performs external charging for charging an electric storage device of a vehicle with electric power supplied from outside, comprising:

detecting a connection state of a charging connector with a receptacle and a locked state in which the charging connector cannot be detached from the receptacle or a state in which the charging connector is not in the locked state; and

the charging control device is configured to select a first mode that permits charging of the power storage device with a first current value when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the locked state, and select a second mode that permits charging of the power storage device with a second current value smaller than the first current value when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the locked state.

Background

Japanese patent laid-open No. 2015-72855 discloses a vehicle that performs external charging. The vehicle includes a structure in which the charging connector of the charging cable is engaged with the receptacle by a lock pin for preventing the charging connector from coming off the receptacle. The vehicle permits external charging when the charging connector is engaged with the socket by the lock pin, and prohibits external charging when the charging connector is not engaged with the socket by the lock pin. As described above, the charging connector can be prevented from coming off the jack in external charging.

Disclosure of Invention

Among vehicles that perform external charging, there are vehicles that include a cable lock mechanism for preventing a state in which a charging connector is engaged with a receptacle (hereinafter referred to as an "engaged state") from being released due to mischief or the like by a third person. The cable locking mechanism is configured to switch between a locked state in which removal of the charging connector from the receptacle is restricted and a state in which removal of the charging connector from the receptacle is permitted.

In a vehicle provided with the cable lock mechanism, when external charging is permitted when the cable lock mechanism is in an unlocked state, a case is assumed in which the charging connector is disengaged from the receptacle (hereinafter also referred to as "disengagement at a large current") in a state in which a current equal to or larger than a predetermined value (hereinafter also referred to as "large current") flows. In the above case, when the charging connector is detached from the socket, the contact area between the charging connector and the socket is reduced, and a large current flows locally, which may cause a phenomenon of exceeding the allowable temperature.

On the other hand, when the external charging is prohibited when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, the disengagement at a large current can be prevented, but there is a possibility that the convenience of the user is impaired. Specifically, for example, even when the charging connector is engaged with the receptacle, if the user forgets to operate the cable lock mechanism to be in the locked state or if the cable lock mechanism is not in the locked state due to a failure or the like of the cable lock mechanism, external charging is not performed against the user's intention.

The present disclosure provides a vehicle capable of suppressing disengagement at a large current and performing external charging in a case where a cable lock mechanism is in an unlocked state.

A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle mounted with a power storage device and configured to execute external charging for charging the power storage device with electric power supplied through a charging cable, the vehicle including: a socket configured to be connected to a charging connector provided at a distal end of the charging cable; a cable locking mechanism provided in the vicinity of the receptacle, the cable locking mechanism being configured to switch between a locked state in which removal of the charging connector from the receptacle is restricted and an unlocked state in which removal of the charging connector from the receptacle is permitted; and a control device configured to select a first mode in which charging of the power storage device is permitted at a first current value when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the cable lock mechanism is in a locked state, and to select a second mode in which charging of the power storage device is permitted at a second current value smaller than the first current value when the charging connector and the receptacle are in a connected state and the cable lock mechanism is in an unlocked state.

According to the aspect of the present disclosure, even if the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, charging of the power storage device is permitted. The charging is permitted at a second current value (current value equal to or smaller than a predetermined value: small current) smaller than a first current value (current value equal to or larger than the predetermined value: large current) permitted in the locked state. Therefore, even when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, the power storage device may be charged with the second current value, and even when the charging connector is disengaged from the receptacle, disengagement at a large current can be suppressed.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the socket may be configured to engage with the charging connector. The control device may be configured to select the first mode when the charging connector and the outlet are engaged and the cable lock mechanism is in the locked state. The control device may be configured to select the second mode when the charging connector and the outlet are engaged and the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first mode and the second mode are selected according to the state of the cable lock mechanism on the premise that the cable lock mechanism is in the engaged state. Even when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, the charging connector and the receptacle are engaged with each other. Therefore, even when the cable lock mechanism is in the unlocked state and external charging is performed, the charging connector is less likely to come off the receptacle unless the engagement state is intentionally released. Therefore, the charging connector can be prevented from coming off the outlet even in external charging under a small current.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the first current value may be a current value greater than 16 amperes, and the second current value may be a current value less than 16 amperes.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, the flow of current larger than 16 amperes can be suppressed in the unlocked state. Therefore, even if the charging connector is detached from the jack during external charging, the connector is not detached at a large current.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the control device may perform charging of the electrical storage device based on the selected charging mode.

According to the aspect of the present disclosure, in the unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism, it is possible to suppress disengagement under a large current and perform external charging.

Drawings

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.

Fig. 1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the charging cable and the periphery of the outlet.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the inlet and the charging connector in a locked state of the cable lock mechanism (1 thereof).

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the inlet and the charging connector in an unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism (1 thereof).

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the ECU determining whether or not the power storage device can be charged from the external power supply device.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the inlet and the charging connector in a locked state of the cable lock mechanism (2 thereof).

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the inlet and the charging connector in an unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism (2 thereof).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding portions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. Vehicle 1 runs by driving a running motor, not shown, using electric power stored in power storage device 100.

Vehicle 1 includes power storage device 100 that stores dc power for driving a running motor, and ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 300 that controls the vehicle. ECU300 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory.

Vehicle 1 is configured to be able to charge power storage device 100 with electric power (hereinafter, also referred to as "external electric power") supplied from power supply device 500 provided outside vehicle 1 via charging cable 400. In the present embodiment, a case where the external power is ac power will be described.

Specifically, the vehicle 1 includes: a socket 220 configured to be connectable to a substantially cylindrical connection part 413 provided at the tip of a charging connector 410 of the charging cable 400; and charger 200 disposed between outlet 220 and power storage device 100. In the present embodiment, the socket 220 is disposed on the rear side surface of the vehicle body. Charger 200 converts external power (ac power) received by inlet 220 into power (dc power) that can charge power storage device 100, and outputs the converted power to power storage device 100.

A cable lock switch 10 is provided in the vicinity of (adjacent to) the insertion opening 220. Cable lock switch 10 outputs to ECU300 a request for switching between fixing (locking) and releasing (unlocking) of charging connector 410 and outlet 220, in accordance with an operation by a user.

The inlet 220 and the cable lock switch 10 are normally covered by the charging cover 2. When the charging cover 2 is opened, the user can connect the charging connector 410 of the charging cable 400 to the inlet 220 or operate the cable locking switch 10.

An antenna 20 is further provided in the vicinity of the inlet 220, and the antenna 20 is used for communication between the electronic key 30, which can be carried by the user 31, and the ECU 300. The ECU300 can communicate with the electronic key 30 using the antenna 20 when the electronic key 30 is present in the communicable range of the antenna 20 (hereinafter referred to as "authorized range". referring to fig. 1), but cannot communicate with the electronic key 30 when the electronic key 30 is not present in the authorized range.

ECU300 performs a process (hereinafter, also referred to as "approval process") of determining whether or not an approval condition exists that electronic key 30 existing within the approval range is an electronic key of a legitimate user, based on the information received by antenna 20. If the approval condition is established, ECU300 determines "approval possible", and if the approval condition is not established, ECU300 determines "approval impossible".

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of charging cable 400 and the periphery of outlet 220. The vehicle 1 further includes a cable lock mechanism 50 and a pressing force detection sensor 24.

The cable locking mechanism 50 is provided above the slot 220 (in the vicinity of the slot 220). The cable lock mechanism 50 is configured to switch between a locked state in which removal of the charging cable 400 from the receptacle 220 is restricted and an unlocked state in which removal of the charging cable 400 from the receptacle 220 is permitted.

Specifically, the cable lock mechanism 50 includes a lock lever 52 that slides in the vertical direction, and an electromagnetic actuator 51 that slides the lock lever 52. A pressing force detection sensor 24 is provided at the lower end of the lock lever 52.

The charging cable 400 includes: charging connector 410, plug 420, and ac power line 440. Charging connector 410 has a distal end provided with a connection portion 413 that is electrically connectable to outlet 220. A link 411 is provided on the charging connector 410. The link 411 is rotatably attached around a shaft 412, and has a projection at one end that engages with the projection 221 of the socket 220 and a button 415 at the other end. The link 411 elastically biases the main body of the charging connector 410 by a spring 414 (see fig. 3 and 4). The charging connector 410 includes a detection circuit (not shown) for detecting connection of the charging cable 400. When charging connector 410 is electrically connected to outlet 220, a connection signal (proximity detection signal) PISW indicating a state in which charging cable 400 is electrically connected is transmitted to ECU300 via outlet 220. ECU300 determines that charging connector 410 and outlet 220 are electrically connected when PISW is received.

The plug 420 is configured to be connectable to the external power supply device 500. The ac power line 440 connects the charging connector 410 with the plug 420.

Fig. 3 and 4 are sectional views III-III of fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the inlet 220 and the charging connector 410 in the locked state of the cable lock mechanism 50 (1 thereof). Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the inlet 220 and the charging connector 410 in the unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism 50 (1 thereof). The mechanism for engaging and fixing charging connector 410 with outlet 220 will be described with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

In fig. 3, when charging connector 410 is inserted into receptacle 220, electrical connection is made and the convex portion of link 411 engages with protrusion 221 of receptacle 220 (hereinafter also referred to as "engaged state"). Therefore, charging connector 410 is not detached from outlet 220.

In the locked state of the cable lock mechanism 50, the lock lever 52 slides downward and is fixed to a position in contact with the upper surface of the link 411. As described above, even if the button 415 is pressed, the rotation of the link 411 is suppressed by the lock lever 52, and the convex portion of the link 411 does not rise and does not come off the projection 221 of the socket 220. That is, even if the user presses button 415, charging connector 410 cannot be removed from outlet 220.

When charging connector 410 is engaged with receptacle 220 and brought into a locked state, pressing force detection sensor 24 moves together with the lower end portion of lock lever 52 to a position where the engagement and disengagement of the convex portion of link 411 is prevented. In this case, the pressing force detection sensor 24 is pressed against the upper surface side of the link 411. The pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 24 is converted into an electric signal and transmitted to the ECU 300. If the pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the ECU300 determines that the lock state is present. The ECU300 determines that the lock state is unlocked if the pressing force applied to the pressing force detection sensor 24 is smaller than a predetermined value.

In fig. 4, in the unlocked state, lock lever 52 is slid upward and fixed at a position where rotation of link 411 is not inhibited. Since the lock lever 52 does not inhibit the rotation of the link 411, when the button 415 is pressed, the link 411 rotates around the shaft 412 and the convex portion provided at the opposite end rises. As described above, the convex portion of link 411 is disengaged from protrusion 221 of receptacle 220, and charging connector 410 can be detached from receptacle 220. That is, the user can press button 415 to detach charging cable 400 from outlet 220.

The ECU300 performs the above-described approval process when detecting the operation of the cable lock switch 10, and controls the cable lock mechanism 50 according to the result of the approval process. More specifically, when it is determined that authorization is "available" by the authorization process, the ECU300 assumes that the authorized user 31 has operated the cable lock switch 10 within the authorization range shown in fig. 1, and therefore the ECU300 receives the operation of the cable lock switch 10. When the operation of the cable lock switch 10 is received, the ECU300 outputs a lock command to the actuator 51 when the state of the cable lock mechanism 50 is the unlocked state, and the ECU300 outputs an unlock command to the actuator 51 when the state of the cable lock mechanism 50 is the locked state.

On the other hand, if it is determined that "approval is not possible" by the approval process, it is estimated that a person other than the authorized user 31 has operated the cable lock switch 10, and therefore the ECU300 does not accept the operation of the cable lock switch 10.

When the vehicle 1 configured as described above is externally charged, it is assumed that a current equal to or larger than a predetermined value (hereinafter, also referred to as a "large current") is caused to flow to complete the charging as soon as possible. However, when cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state, the state in which charging connector 410 is engaged with outlet 220 may be released by mischief or the like by a third person. Therefore, when external charging is permitted in a case where the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state, it is assumed that the charging connector 410 is disengaged from the receptacle 220 in a state where a large current flows (hereinafter, also referred to as "disengagement at a large current"). In this case, when charging connector 410 is detached from socket 220, the contact area between the two is reduced, and a large current flows locally, which may cause a phenomenon of exceeding the allowable temperature.

On the other hand, when the external charging is prohibited in the case where the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state, the disengagement under a large current can be prevented, but the convenience of the user may be impaired. Specifically, for example, although charging connector 410 and outlet 220 are in the engaged state, if user 31 forgets to operate cable lock mechanism 50 to be in the locked state or if cable lock mechanism 50 fails to be in the locked state due to a failure or the like, external charging is not performed against the user's intention.

In the present embodiment, when the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state, the ECU300 permits external charging with a large current. When the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state, the ECU300 permits external charging with a current smaller than a predetermined value (hereinafter also referred to as a "small current") instead of prohibiting external charging.

As a result, even when cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state, charging of power storage device 100 is permitted at a low current. Since charging is performed at a low current, even if charging connector 410 is detached from outlet 220, detachment at a high current does not occur.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of ECU300 determining whether or not power storage device 100 can be charged from external power supply device 500. The above-described flowchart is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle when the charging lid 2 is opened.

In step (hereinafter, the step is simply referred to as "S") 10, ECU300 determines whether or not charging connector 410 is engaged with outlet 220. If ECU300 determines that the engagement state is not established (no in S10), ECU300 prohibits charging of power storage device 100 (S50). As described above, when charging connector 410 and outlet 220 are not engaged, charging is prohibited and disengagement at a large current is reliably suppressed.

If the ECU300 determines that the cable is in the engaged state (yes at S10), the ECU300 determines the state of the cable locking mechanism 50 (S20). Specifically, the ECU300 determines whether the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state or the unlocked state using information from the pressing force detection sensor 24 provided at the lower end portion of the lock lever 52. If ECU300 determines that cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state (yes at S20), ECU300 selects the first mode (S30). The first mode is a mode in which the power storage device 100 is allowed to be charged with a large current. The large current is a charging current when power storage device 100 is charged from external power supply device 500, and is a current equal to or larger than a predetermined value at which separation occurs when charging connector 410 is separated from outlet 220 during external charging. The large current is, for example, a current of 16 amperes or more. The large current may be regarded as "the first current value" of the present disclosure.

If the ECU300 determines that the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state (no in S20), the ECU300 selects the second mode (S40). The second mode is a mode in which charging of the power storage device 100 is permitted at a small current smaller than a large current. The small current is a charging current when power storage device 100 is charged from external power supply device 500, and is a current smaller than a predetermined value that does not cause disengagement at a large current when charging connector 410 is disengaged from outlet 220 during external charging. The small current is a current value of, for example, less than 16 amperes. The small current may be regarded as "the second current value" of the present disclosure.

ECU300 determines whether or not power storage device 100 can be charged from external power supply device 500 or the selection of the charging mode is possible, and ends the process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, ECU300 first determines the engagement state of charge connector 410 and outlet 220. When charging connector 410 and outlet 220 are not in the engaged state, ECU300 prohibits power storage device 100 from being charged from external power supply device 500. This can reliably suppress detachment at a large current.

On the other hand, when ECU300 determines that charging connector 410 and outlet 220 are in the engaged state, ECU300 determines the state of cable lock mechanism 50. If the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state, the ECU300 permits external charging with a large current.

ECU300 performs external charging with a small current even if cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state. Therefore, even when the user forgets to operate to lock cable lock mechanism 50 or even when cable lock mechanism 50 fails to be locked, power storage device 100 is charged. Therefore, in the unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism 50, disengagement at a large current can be suppressed and external charging can be performed.

< modification 1>

In the embodiment, the ECU300 determines the state of the cable lock mechanism 50 using the signal from the pressing force detection sensor 24 provided at the lower end portion of the locking lever 52, but the present invention is not limited to the use of the signal from the pressing force detection sensor 24 as long as it can determine whether the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state or the unlocked state. For example, a push switch may be used instead of the pressing force detection sensor 24.

The pressing force detection sensor may not be used. For example, whether the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state or the unlocked state is determined by the operating position of the lock lever 52 operated by the actuator 51 in response to a state switching command issued by the ECU300 to the cable lock mechanism 50. In this case, if the lock lever 52 is located at a position specified as the locked state, the ECU300 determines that the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state, and if the lock lever 52 is located at a position specified as the unlocked state, the ECU300 determines that the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state.

< modification 2>

In the embodiment, charging connector 410 is provided with link 411, and when charging connector 410 is inserted into receptacle 220, the convex portion of link 411 engages with protrusion 221 of receptacle 220. There is also a vehicle that does not have the mechanism for engaging charging connector 410 with outlet 220 as described above, among vehicles that perform external charging. The present disclosure can also be applied to the vehicle as described above, and will be described below. Modification 2 is basically the same as the embodiment except for the configuration of outlet 220 and charging connector 410. Therefore, the description of the configuration is not repeated except for the configuration of outlet 220A and charging connector 410A.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the inlet 220A and the charging connector 410A in the locked state of the cable lock mechanism 50 (fig. 2). The socket 220A removes the structure of the protrusion 221 from the structure of the socket 220. Charging connector 410A has a configuration in which link 411 and button 415 are removed from the configuration of charging connector 410, and a locking portion 455 is added.

In fig. 6, a lock 455 is provided at the tip of charging connector 410A together with connection portion 413A. The locking portion 455 is provided outside the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 413A in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and is provided with a hole 456 for being locked by inserting the locking lever 52 that slides downward into the upper side of the connection portion 413A.

The cable lock mechanism 50 determines whether the cable lock mechanism 50 is in the locked state or the unlocked state based on the operating position of the lock lever 52 operated by the actuator 51 in response to a state switching command issued by the ECU300 to the cable lock mechanism 50.

In fig. 6, when charging connector 410A is inserted into outlet 220A, connection portion 413A provided at the tip of charging connector 410A is electrically conductively connected to outlet 220. At S10 in the flowchart of fig. 5, it is determined whether or not charging connector 410A is connected to outlet 220A. The lock 455 is inserted into the insertion opening 220A together with the connection 413A, and a hole 456 provided in the lock 455 is located below the locking lever 52.

In fig. 6, in the locked state of the cable lock mechanism 50, the lock lever 52 slides downward and is fixed at a position inserted into the hole 456. As a result, charging connector 410A cannot be removed from outlet 220A.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the inlet 220A and the charging connector 410A in the unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism 50 (fig. 2 thereof). In fig. 7, in the unlocked state of the cable lock mechanism 50, the lock lever 52 is slid upward and fixed in a state of not being inserted into the hole 456. As a result, charging connector 410A can be detached from outlet 220A.

In the vehicle configured as described above, ECU300 can determine the state of connection between charging connector 410A and outlet 220A and the state of cable lock mechanism 50, and control the charging current for external charging, applying the present disclosure.

Cable lock mechanism 50 and lock portion 455 may be provided below outlet 220A, for example, as long as charging connector 410A and outlet 220A can be locked by cable lock mechanism 50 and lock portion 455.

< modification 3>

In the configuration of embodiment and modification 2, the cable lock mechanism 50 is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to the user operation of the cable lock switch 10, but may be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state. For example, when it is determined that charging connector 410(410A) and outlet 220(220A) are electrically connected, the state may be automatically switched to the locked state. The unlocking state may be switched by completion of external charging or elapse of a predetermined time or the like.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is disclosed by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and includes all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.