JPH07236204A - Method and system for charging electric automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide method and system for charging an electric automobile by which an operator can charge the battery for an electric automobile conveniently in a short time by oneself using directional electromagnetic wave. CONSTITUTION:Energy fed from an energy supply means 102 is converted a feeding energy converting means 104 in a feeding unit 103 into electromagnetic wave having directivity. The directional electromagnetic wave is fed through the feeding port 105 of the feeding unit 103 toward the power receiving port 105 of a power receiving unit 107 without dissipating the energy. The electromagnetic wave received collectively through the power receiving port 106 is fed through a receiving energy converting means 108 into DC power supply for charging the battery 109 in an electric automobile 101 efficiently. The feeding unit 103 and the regulator 110 for the power receiving unit 107 control the voltage and current to suitable levels.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging system and a charging method for an electric vehicle, and more particularly to a charging system and a charging method for an electric vehicle suitable for labor saving or unmanned charging work.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional technique for charging an electric vehicle, a cable system in which a charger and an electric vehicle are connected by a cable for charging is generally used.
For example, it is described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-62103.

Typical cableless systems are described, for example, in JP-A-63-87136, JP-A-4-49483 and JP-A-4-285406. It is a method of transmitting charging energy by utilizing an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, and light, respectively, and does not require a cable connecting a charger and an electric vehicle.

[0004]

The above-mentioned cable system involves the work of connecting cables and requires the assistance of a person. Considering that the labor cost will rise further in the future, the cable system has a price problem of charging fee.

In addition, the cableless system does not require the work of connecting and there is no need for human assistance. (1) Common to the three fields of electromagnetic field, electromagnetic wave, and light, per unit time of charging energy However, there are still problems such as (2) the charging is time consuming, and (2) the moneyless charging that occurs when manpower is omitted or eliminated is not taken into consideration.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a charging system and a charging method for an electric vehicle that allows a driver to charge a battery in a short time and conveniently without the help of a driver. Especially.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a charging system for an electric vehicle, which can prevent an innocent charge in an unmanned charging stand or the like.

[0008]

The first object of the present invention is to:
In a charging system for an electric vehicle that supplies energy from the outside of the electric vehicle and stores the energy in a battery of the electric vehicle, a power supply unit that is arranged outside the electric vehicle and supplies energy, and a battery that is mounted on the electric vehicle to transfer energy A power receiver for supplying energy to the power receiver is provided, and the power feeder is provided with a transmission energy form conversion means for converting the energy into directional electromagnetic wave energy and sending the directional electromagnetic wave energy toward the power receiver. It is achieved by providing a receiving energy form converting means for receiving and converting into energy.

Further, a power supply unit arranged outside the electric vehicle for supplying energy, a power receiver mounted on the electric vehicle for transferring energy to supply energy to the battery, and a power supply unit and power receiver for supplying and receiving energy. Manipulator automatic coupling means for automatically coupling manipulators that directly connect between each other, payment condition confirmation means for confirming the payment conditions of the charging charge of the battery, and supply starting means for starting the energy supply of the power feeder after confirming the payment conditions It can be achieved by providing and.

In addition, a charging method for an electric vehicle that achieves the first object is an electric vehicle that converts energy into directional electromagnetic wave energy outside the electric vehicle and sends the directional electromagnetic wave energy to the electric vehicle. It receives directional electromagnetic wave energy, converts it into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy.

The charging system for an electric vehicle that achieves the second object includes an electric vehicle, a battery mounted in the electric vehicle, and an energy supply unit that is disposed outside the electric vehicle and supplies energy to the electric vehicle. In a charging system for an electric vehicle that stores energy in a battery including a battery, a payment condition confirmation means for confirming a payment condition of a charge charge of the battery, and a supply start means for starting the energy supply of the energy supply means after confirming the payment condition. Is provided.

[0012]

The present invention is to use an electromagnetic wave having directivity to send energy from a power feeder to an electric vehicle to charge a battery. That is, since it is an electromagnetic wave, there is no work of connecting the power feeder and the electric vehicle with a cable or the like at the time of charging, and since it has directivity, energy is not dissipated at the time of transmission. Therefore, the battery can be charged in a short time without human assistance.

When the electric vehicle is parked on the unmanned charging stand, the manipulator, like a robot arm, is automatically controlled by wireless communication to electrically connect the power feeder and the electric vehicle. Since the electric connection between the power feeder and the electric vehicle is directly connected, the amount of energy supplied per unit time is large. Therefore, also in this case, the battery can be charged in a short time without human assistance.

On the other hand, in a power feeder installed in an unmanned charging stand or the like, a charging system in which energy transmission from the power feeder to the electric vehicle is started after confirming the payment condition of the charge charge of the battery. The term of payment referred to here means payment by credit card or cash. By doing so, even if the charging station is an unmanned charging stand, it is possible to prevent the charging without money.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a charging system for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the electric power from the energy supply means 102 is converted into an energy form called electromagnetic wave by a power feeder 103 and sent to an electric vehicle 101, and then a power receiver 107.
It is shown that the energy form is reconverted from electromagnetic waves to electric energy and the battery 109 is charged. The energy supply means 102 in this case is a commercial power source drawn from the utility pole.

More specifically, the transmission energy form conversion means 104 arranged in the power feeder 103 converts the electric power obtained from the energy supply means 102 into electromagnetic waves having directivity. That is, the transmission energy form conversion means 104 is composed of, for example, a transmission parabolic antenna and an electromagnetic wave generation circuit, and produces directional electromagnetic waves that can be delivered to the electric vehicle 101 without dissipating energy. A Cassegrain antenna may also be used.

The directional electromagnetic wave generated by the energy conversion means 104 for transmission is transmitted through the power supply port 105.

The transmitted directional electromagnetic wave is received by the receiving energy form converting means 108 through the power receiving port 106. Then, the energy of the received electromagnetic waves is reconverted into an energy form called electric energy by the receiving energy form converting means 108 arranged in the power receiver 107. That is, the receiving energy form converting means 108 is composed of, for example, a receiving parabolic antenna and a power conversion circuit, and transfers energy in a concentrated manner to convert it into a DC power source.

In this case, the power supply port 105 and the power receiving port 106 are
It is a protective cover for the energy form conversion means for sending 104 and the energy form conversion means for reception 108, and informs the outside of their installation positions. Therefore, the power supply port 105 and the energy form conversion means for sending 104 and the power reception port 106 and the energy form conversion means for reception 108 are installed close to each other.

In this way, the directional electromagnetic wave is used to supply energy from the power feeder 103 to the power receiver 107,
Since energy is transmitted and received with a large energy density, the amount of energy supplied per unit time is large. Therefore, the battery 109 is efficiently charged in a short time.

A regulator 110 is arranged in each of the power feeder 103 and the power receiver 107, and controls the voltage and the current to a usable amount.

In this embodiment, the commercial power source is used as the energy supply means 102. However, even if a generator is used as the energy supply means, the energy supply using sunlight, wind power, etc. Vessels may be used. Specifically, the energy form conversion means 104 can be attached to a portable gasoline power generator and used as a simple power feeder. This configuration is effective in extending the traveling distance in an area where the exhaust gas regulations are loose. Further, the configuration in which the solar cell is attached to the power feeder 103 is also effective in the low latitude area and the dry area. The charging system of FIG. 1 as described above has the following advantages.

First, it is not necessary to directly connect the electric vehicle and the charger with a cable for charging. Therefore, there is no risk of electric shock during connection. In addition, there is no worry of electric leakage even in the rain, and charging can be performed with peace of mind. Further, since there is no cable connection work, it is possible to meet the demand for labor saving or unmanned operation in the future.

Further, the remote charging method using directional electromagnetic waves according to the present invention does not dissipate energy and is very good in charging efficiency as compared with the conventional remote charging method using electromagnetic fields, ordinary electromagnetic waves and light. There are advantages. Therefore, the battery can be charged in a short time. about this,
The detailed description is as follows.

At present, a remote charging method using an electromagnetic field is used in electric toothbrushes and is found in everyday life. However, this method has a drawback that charging efficiency is poor. According to calculation by the present inventor, the charging efficiency is about 22%. Compared to directional electromagnetic waves,
1/4 to 1/5 times charge efficiency is poor. In addition, even if it is electromagnetic field charging, if you prepare a dedicated connector, you can reach the charging efficiency of a practical level, but connector connection work is required,
It becomes impossible to meet the demand for labor saving or unmanned operation.

A remote charging method using sunlight is found in solar cars and the like. However, this method has a very low energy density at present and is not at a level at which it can be put to practical use for charging electric vehicles at present. Specifically, using sunlight having an energy density of about 1 kW per 1 m ² , about 20 kW as used in an electric vehicle.
In the case of charging a battery with a large capacity of h, if sunlight is charged in an area of 2 m ² and it is charged, it takes about 10 hours to charge, which is not practical.

Further, a high-power laser beam generator is conceivable, but a luminescent substance capable of withstanding high-power laser beam generation for a long time is still in the research area, and it is far from the stage of practical application.

Further, there is a remote charging method using ordinary electromagnetic waves, but since electromagnetic waves are widely radiated by this method, the energy density proportional to the radiation solid angle is inevitably small. If anything, this charging method using electromagnetic waves is considered to be suitable for supplying energy to a moving body whose position is not fixed. It can be said that a charging method using directional electromagnetic waves is effective in supplying energy to a moving body whose position is fixed, such as charging an electric vehicle from a power feeder at an unmanned charging station.

Specifically, according to the calculation by the inventor of the present invention, the charging efficiency of the ordinary charging method using electromagnetic waves is about 14%. The charging efficiency is 1/6 to 1/7 times lower than that of the directional electromagnetic wave.

From the above, when performing remote charging,
It turns out that the method of converting external electric power into an energy form called directional electromagnetic wave and charging it is the most suitable. With this method, it is possible to output a high-power directional electromagnetic wave using a Cassegrain antenna or the like. Then, according to the calculation by the present inventor, when charging a battery of 20 kWh, 2
The charging time is about 20 minutes with an unmanned charging station that can use a commercial electromagnetic wave generator of 00V, 60kW class. By the way, when comparing in the case of business use, the electromagnetic field is 80 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the ordinary electromagnetic wave is 2 hours to 3 hours, while the directional electromagnetic wave is 20 minutes.

Further, in a household electromagnetic wave generator of 100V, 3kW class, the charging time is about 7 hours. In the case of a home, charging at night will save both time and money, which is a great advantage. The directional electromagnetic wave used here is from 10 ⁷ to
It is in the range of 10 ¹² Hz, and the light is 10 ¹² to 10 ^16.
It is described as being in the range of Hz.

2 and 3 are views showing a method of aligning a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the rear part of the electric vehicle. At the rear of the electric vehicle 101, a receiving antenna 206, which is a part of the receiving energy form converting means 108, and an antenna position information transmitting means 112 are provided. The antenna position information transmitting means 112 determines the position of the receiving antenna 206 by the power feeder 10.
It emits a signal light to inform the 3rd party.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method of aligning the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. For charging, an electric vehicle 101 as shown in FIG.
Is parked towards. The feeder 103 is provided with a sending antenna 205 which is a part of the sending energy form converting means 104.

The signal light emitted from the antenna position information transmitting means 112 is applied to the light receiving plate 113 attached to the surface of the power feeder 103. The power feeder 103 detects the position of the receiving antenna 206 based on the signal light with which the light receiving plate 113 is irradiated.

The position of the power receiving port 106 or the electric vehicle 101 may be detected. That is, the position of the power receiving port 106 or the electric vehicle 101 can be replaced with the position of the receiving antenna 206. In this case, the receiving antenna 20
It is assumed that the relative position and the relative angle between 6 and the power receiving port 106 or the electric vehicle 101 are fixed.

The method of detecting the position and obtaining the position information is, for example, as follows. The light receiving plate 113 is composed of a large number of light receiving elements. Then, the circular spot-shaped signal light is applied to the light receiving plate 113. Here, from the change in the projected shape of the circular spot signal light that becomes a perfect circle or an ellipse depending on the facing angle between the transmitting antenna 205 and the receiving antenna 206, the distance between the transmitting antenna 205 and the receiving antenna 206 is further increased. The positional information for the alignment is obtained from the change in the intensity of the signal light or the size of the projected area due to

Then, according to the position information, the position or angle of the transmitting antenna 205 is adjusted so that the receiving antenna 206 surely transmits and receives the transmitted energy, and the direction of the transmitting antenna 205 and the receiving antenna 206 are adjusted. This is done so that the direction of is directly opposite. At this time, the power feeder 103 is installed on a pedestal on which the power feeder itself is rotatable in up, down, left, right, and back directions so as to facilitate the adjustment. The receiving antenna 206 may be freely adjusted. The antenna position information may be exchanged from either the electric vehicle side or the power feeder side.

4 and 5 are views showing a method of aligning the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of another embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when the alignment is not completed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state when the alignment is completed.

To simplify the description, the transmitting antenna 205
Shows the case of moving left and right in one dimension. The received power amount information transmitting means 114 is attached to the rear part of the electric vehicle 101. The power reception amount information transmission unit 114 transmits the power reception amount information of energy transferred / received per hour to the power feeder 103. Then, the positions where the transmitting antenna 205 and the receiving antenna 206 face each other are adjusted so that the amount of received power is maximized. That is, the power feeder 103 is the power reception amount information transmission means 1
The signal generated from 14 is constantly monitored, the vertical and horizontal directions and the angle are freely adjusted, and the transmitting antenna 205 and the receiving antenna 206 are aligned so as to face each other.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positioning algorithm when the power reception amount information transmitting means is used. The registration algorithm follows the following rules.

1) If the amount of power received after the movement is larger than that before the movement, move the same as the previous time. 2) If the amount of power received after the move is less than that before the move, move in the opposite direction to the previous time. 3) If the movement direction is changed three times in a row, consider it as the optimum point and stop the movement.

This rule can be applied not only in one-dimensional movement of the transmitting antenna 205 but also in two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement. Further, when adjusting not only the position direction but also the angle direction, only the position variable x changes to the angle variable θ,
Can respond. Since the algorithm itself is commonly used and is called the hill climbing method,
I will omit the explanation.

Further, although the movement amount Δx is not changed for simplification, the movement amount Δx may be changed each time the movement is repeated.

If the sending antenna and the receiving antenna are not properly aligned and it is determined that the expected efficiency of the charging operation is less than a predetermined value, even if the driver issues a charging instruction, A means is provided to prevent the electric appliance 103 from transmitting power. This is to prevent waste of power.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a charging system that stops charging when the battery is fully charged. The battery remaining capacity detecting means 115 always detects the remaining capacity of the battery 109 and outputs a charge completion signal when the battery is in a fully charged state.

The battery remaining capacity information transmitting means 116 receives the charging completion signal from the battery remaining capacity detecting means 115 and transmits the charging completion signal to the power feeder 103.

The charge completion signal transmitted from the battery remaining capacity information transmitting means 116 is received by the battery remaining capacity information receiving means 117, and the switch 118 is turned off. With the above configuration, the charging can be automatically terminated when the charging of the battery is completed, and, for example, useless power consumption when the driver falls asleep during charging can be avoided. This is particularly effective in the case of an unmanned charging stand.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a charging system that stops charging depending on the distance between the power feeder and the electric vehicle. When the distance between the power feeder and the electric vehicle is a certain distance or more, the length measuring means 119 determines the distance and turns off the switch 118 to automatically stop the charging. Specific length measuring means 11
As the optical length measuring device 9, an optical length measuring device or an ultrasonic length measuring device can be used.

With such a structure, even if the vehicle starts suddenly during charging, it is possible to avoid the conventional cable breakage, the sudden cable disconnection, and the like. In addition, the waste of continuing to charge the electric vehicle even when it is absent is prevented.

Although the length measuring means 119 is attached to the power feeder side in the embodiment of FIG. 8, it may be attached to the electric vehicle side. However, in this case, it is necessary to additionally arrange the distance information transmitting means on the electric vehicle side and the distance information receiving means on the power feeder side.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a charging system for stopping charging depending on the presence or absence of an obstacle between the power feeder and the electric vehicle. An example is shown in which charging is stopped using an obstacle detection means.

Signal light is emitted from the parallel light beam generating means 120 attached to the electric vehicle 101. The signal light is
The light receiving plate 113 as shown in FIG. 3 is irradiated. Then, when the signal light is blocked by the obstacle 121 and does not reach the light receiving plate 113, the charging is temporarily stopped. The parallel light beam generating means 120 may be used also as the antenna position information transmitting means 112 shown in FIG. 2, or may be attached to the feeder side. Further, the signal light may be emitted from the periphery of the power receiving port in a circle so as to envelop the power feeding port.
The signal light may be radio waves or electric induction.

With this configuration, it is possible to avoid a decrease in charging efficiency and damage to the obstacle 121 when the obstacle 121 enters between the power supply port and the power receiving port during charging.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing mutual communication between a power feeder and an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This mutual communication is considered in order to realize saving or eliminating manpower when charging the battery. In particular, it is effective in preventing the unpaid charging in the unmanned charging stand. The following mutual communication is performed wirelessly between the power feeder and the driver, and the charging work in the unmanned charging station is executed.

First, the driver stops the electric vehicle on the unmanned charging stand. Then, the driver transmits a charging request instruction. The power feeder receives the instruction and sends back a confirmation signal regarding payment conditions such as whether the charge fee is paid by credit card or cash.

Next, the driver transmits the driver information such as the transfer account number to the power feeder, and the credit transaction such as the card payment of the charging fee is completed. This secures the collection of the charging fee and prevents the non-paying charging.

Next, since the power feeder has confirmed the payment condition of the charging fee, the preparation for charging such as the alignment of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is carried out. When alignment is completed and preparations are complete, the driver instructs the start of charging and officially charging starts.

The following information can be considered as the information exchanged with each other. (1) Charge request signal (2) Charge payment confirmation signal (3) Transfer account number (4) Positioning confirmation signal (5) Charge start signal (6) Charge amount (7) Charge fee (8) Charge interruption signal (9) ) Charge end signal (10)
For example, a charge confirmation signal.

The charge amount and charge charge information are sent from the power feeder to the driver, and how much is being charged,
It is convenient because the driver can know whether or not it was done.

The charge interruption signal is used when the driver wants to stop charging at a predetermined charge, or when he / she wants to stop an emergency.

The charge end signal is used for final confirmation by the driver. For example, when the driver recognizes that the charging is not completed yet, but the power supply device replies that the charging is completed, it is possible to deal with the driver's misunderstanding and the machine failure. The charge confirmation signal is for the driver to confirm the charge finally transferred to the bank.

In the case of cash payment, a method in which cash is first put in a power feeder and charged according to the amount paid can be considered. Also in this case, charging is performed in the same manner as card payment, except for payment and payment. Further, the exchange information may be displayed on the operation panel or stored.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the driver information reading means. The driver information storage means 122 is a driver's credit card or the like. Further, the driver information reader 123 is attached near the steering wheel 124 and reads the information of the driver information storage means 122. The read driver information is transmitted from the electric vehicle to the power feeder.

With this configuration, the driver information can be exchanged easily, and it can be used with different credit cards.
One electric car can be shared by many people.

With the configuration described above, the charging operation can be completely automated until the payment, and the unmanned charging station can also charge the battery. Therefore, the driver only needs to stop the electric vehicle within a chargeable distance from the power feeder and instruct automatic charging.

The power supply according to the present invention is very effective when installed in a parking lot. This is because the battery can be automatically charged during parking. This reduces the frequency of going to the charging station for charging, which saves time.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is attached to an electric vehicle. This allows
When the battery of another electric vehicle is empty, the electric energy can be distributed.

Here, since both the power feeder 103 and the power receiver 107 are structurally composed of a directional antenna and a regulator, they can be easily combined. Therefore, by simply adding a simple circuit including a changeover switch, the electric vehicle 101 can be equipped with a device that also serves as the power feeder 103 and the power receiver 107.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a charging system using a self-propelled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. The energy supply means 102 and the power feeder 103 are mounted on the self-propelled vehicle 125. The energy supply means 102 is, for example, a large battery,
For example, a small generator. The illustration shows, for example, a muddy road 130.
It shows a case where the electric vehicle 101 has entered and is in a state where it cannot escape. Using a self-propelled vehicle 125 from a distant road 128, the battery is completely discharged,
This is the case when charging. In such a case, the remote charging method using directional electromagnetic waves is most useful.

That is, the electromagnetic field method is too far away to transmit and receive energy, and the optical and ordinary electromagnetic wave methods take too much time to charge and are not useful in an emergency.
Further, in a place where the charging vehicle cannot enter or a place where the charging device cannot be brought in, it is difficult to transmit and receive energy even in the cable system, and the goodness of the directional electromagnetic wave system is exhibited.
In such a case, it is desirable that the diameter of the transmitting antenna is larger than the diameter of the receiving antenna in terms of energy transmission and reception.

Further, the self-propelled vehicle 125 is effective for use in an area where the charging station is not maintained.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is attached to a vehicle carrier. If the vehicle carrier 126 is equipped with the power supply 103, the electric vehicle 10
This is an example in which charging can be performed during transportation of 1.

Although the vehicle carrying means 126 is a freight carrying vehicle in this figure, it may also be a rail car.
There is no problem even if it is an aircraft. Particularly in a railway vehicle, since electric power can be easily used via the pantograph, the effect of this embodiment is great.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is arranged on the floor surface. This charging system is provided with vehicle weight detection means 127. When the electric vehicle 101 is placed on the vehicle weight detecting means 127, the vehicle weight detecting means 127 is switched.
Turn on 118 to enable charging.

With such a structure, during charging, the power supply port
There is an advantage that obstacles are less likely to enter between 105 and the power receiving port 106. In this configuration, the vehicle weight detection means 127 is arranged in a divided manner, and charging is impossible unless a plurality of vehicle weight detection means 127 detect vehicle weights at the same time. Further, the arrangement of the switch 118 may be changed so that the charging state is set when any one of the vehicle weight detection means 127 detects the vehicle weight. Also, the vehicle weight detection means 127
Instead of the above, a similar configuration may be realized by using a proximity sensor, a metal detection sensor, a sensor that detects electromagnetic noise emitted from the electric vehicle 101, or the like.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is buried in a road. This charging system is
The power feeder 103 on the floor as shown in FIG. 15 is buried in the road 128, and the vehicle weight detection means 127 performs charging operation.

By thus burying the power feeder in the road, charging can be performed while the vehicle is running, and the range of action of the electric vehicle is dramatically increased. Therefore, this charging system
It is suitable for use in places with high energy consumption, such as highways.

In addition, in the automobile-only road, it is conceivable to install the power feeder 103 on the noise shielding wall, the tunnel wall surface, or the guard rail, in addition to being buried in the road.
Further, when installed on a wall surface, there are advantages that the installation cost is lower and repair is easier than when installed on a road.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a charging system for an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. The outline of the automatic charging system using a manipulator is shown.

When considering the charging of an electric vehicle by an unmanned charging stand in the future, if limited to the unmanned charging stand, a manipulator type automatic charging system will emerge in addition to the directional electromagnetic wave system. Although only the supply and transfer of energy is different, the wireless communication between the driver and the power feeder, the alignment of the power supply port and the power reception port, and the like are the same ideas as in the case of charging by the directional electromagnetic wave described above.

The structure and operation are as follows. A manipulator 111 is attached to the power feeder 103. A power supply port 105 having a connector is attached to the end effector section of the manipulator 111. A power receiving port 106 having a connector is attached to one of the electric vehicles 101,
A power receiver 107 that charges the battery 109 is mounted.

At the start of charging, the manipulator 111 is automatically controlled so that the power feeding port 105 and the power receiving port 106 are automatically coupled via the connector.

This automatic control is carried out by the exchange between the electric vehicle 101 and the power feeder 103, as in the case of charging by the directional electromagnetic wave described above. That is, the position information of the power receiving port 106 is fed back to the power feeder 103 by the position information transmitting means, so that the position adjustment control of the power feeding port 105 and the power receiving port 106 is performed.

Also in the charging system using the present manipulator, the switch can be turned off by receiving the charge completion signal at the time of full charge from the battery remaining capacity information transmitting means. Then, when charging is completed, the manipulator 111 is controlled so as to automatically release the mechanical connection between both connectors.

In the case of manipulator type charging,
Since the amount of charging energy supplied per unit time is large, charging can be performed in a short time. In this way, the electric power from the energy supply unit 102 is charged into the battery 109 via the power feeder 103 and the power receiver 107 without the help of a person.

[0089]

According to the present invention, the charging system and the charging method of the directional electromagnetic wave system or the manipulator system are adopted, the charging can be automatically performed by the wireless instruction of the driver, and the supply amount of the charging energy per unit time is also increased. Since there are many, it is possible to omit or eliminate manpower, and charging can be performed in a short time. Further, there is an effect that moneyless charging when charging at an unmanned charging stand is prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a charging system for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rear portion of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method of aligning a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when alignment is not completed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state when alignment is completed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positioning algorithm when a power reception amount information transmitting means is used. Diagram.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a charging system that stops charging when the battery is fully charged.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a charging system that stops charging depending on a distance between a power feeder and an electric vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a charging system that stops charging depending on the presence or absence of an obstacle between the power feeder and the electric vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing mutual communication between a power feeder and an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a driver information reading unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is attached to an electric vehicle.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a charging system using a self-propelled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment according to the present invention in which a power feeder is attached to a vehicle carrier.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is arranged on the floor surface.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a charging system of an embodiment in which a power feeder is embedded in a road.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an outline of a charging system for an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Electric vehicle, 102 ... Energy supply means, 103 ... Power supply device, 104 ... Energy form conversion means for sending, 105 ... Power supply port,
106 ... Power receiving port, 107 ... Power receiving device, 108 ... Receiving energy form conversion means, 109 ... Battery, 110 ... Regulator, 111 ...
manipulator.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Fumio Tajima 7-1-1 Omika-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Yusuke Takamoto 7-chome, Omika-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki No. 1 in Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoru Kaneko 7-11, Omika-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Inside Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A charging system for an electric vehicle, which supplies energy from the outside of an electric vehicle and stores the energy in a battery of the electric vehicle, comprising: a power supply unit arranged outside the electric vehicle to supply the energy; An electric power receiver mounted on a vehicle for transmitting and receiving the energy to give the energy to the battery is provided, and the electric power feeder converts the energy into directional electromagnetic wave energy and sends the directional electromagnetic wave energy toward the electric power receiver. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an energy form conversion means for transmission; and the power receiver comprising an energy form conversion means for reception for receiving the directional electromagnetic wave energy and converting it into electric energy. 2. The power feeder according to claim 1, further comprising: a sending antenna for sending the directional electromagnetic wave energy toward the electric vehicle, and the power receiver facing the sending antenna, the directional electromagnetic wave. An antenna position information transmitting means for transmitting position information of at least one of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, and an antenna for receiving the energy based on the position information. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an antenna position adjusting means for directly aligning the orientation of the receiving antenna with the orientation of the receiving antenna. 3. The power feeder according to claim 1, further comprising: a sending antenna for sending the directional electromagnetic wave energy toward the electric vehicle, and the power receiver facing the sending antenna, the directional electromagnetic wave. A receiving antenna for receiving energy, the received power amount information detecting means for detecting received power amount information of the directional electromagnetic wave energy per unit time, and the direction of the sending antenna based on the received power amount information. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an antenna position adjusting means for directly facing the direction of the receiving antenna. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the power feeder and the electric vehicle is provided with length measuring means for measuring a distance between the power feeder and the electric vehicle, and the distance exceeds a predetermined value. A charging system for an electric vehicle, characterized in that a delivery stopping means for stopping the delivery of the directional electromagnetic wave energy is provided in the. 5. The obstacle detecting means according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the power feeder and the electric vehicle is provided with obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle existing between the power feeder and the electric vehicle. 2. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a delivery stopping means for stopping the delivery of the directional electromagnetic wave energy when the obstacle is detected. 6. The payment condition confirmation means for confirming a payment condition of a charge charge of the battery according to claim 1, and a transmission start means for starting transmission of the directional electromagnetic energy after confirming the payment condition. An electric vehicle charging system characterized by being provided. 7. A charging system for an electric vehicle, which supplies energy from the outside of the electric vehicle and stores the energy in a battery of the electric vehicle, comprising: a power supply unit arranged outside the electric vehicle to supply the energy; A power receiver that is mounted on a vehicle and transfers the energy to give the energy to the battery;
Manipulator automatic coupling means for automatically coupling the manipulator directly connecting the power feeder and the power receiver for supplying and receiving the energy, payment condition confirmation means for confirming the payment condition of the charge charge of the battery, and the payment A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a supply starting means for starting the supply of the energy of the power feeder after confirming a condition. 8. The information transmission means according to claim 1 or 7, for transmitting at least one of the charge amount information and the charge fee information of the battery from the power feeder to the electric vehicle, and the information is displayed. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising: 9. The method according to claim 1 or 7, further comprising stop instruction means for instructing to stop the supply of the energy, and supply stop means for stopping the supply of the energy in accordance with the instruction. Electric vehicle charging system. 10. A charging method for an electric vehicle, which supplies energy from outside the electric vehicle and stores the energy in a battery of the electric vehicle, wherein the energy is converted to directional electromagnetic wave energy outside the electric vehicle. A method of charging an electric vehicle, comprising: transmitting electromagnetic wave energy to the electric vehicle, receiving the directional electromagnetic wave energy in the electric vehicle, converting the directional electromagnetic wave energy into electric energy, and charging the battery with the electric energy. 11. Electricity that includes an electric vehicle, a battery mounted on the electric vehicle, and energy supply means that is disposed outside the electric vehicle and supplies energy to the electric vehicle, and that stores the energy in the battery. In an automobile charging system, payment condition confirmation means for confirming payment conditions for the charge charge of the battery, and supply start means for starting supply of the energy of the energy supply means after confirming the payment conditions are provided. Charging system for electric vehicles.