JP2012105375A - Module of charger for electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase a degree of freedom of an installation location and reduce necessary cost and labor hours for adding functions.SOLUTION: An outlet module 10 and a function module (display module 100) of this embodiment can be attached to bodies of gate posts 1, 1 which are an existing structure to be used. Thus, the module increases a degree of freedom of an installation location and reduces necessary cost and labor hours for adding functions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a module for a charging device for an electric vehicle.

  In recent years, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (hereinafter, these two types of vehicles are collectively referred to as “electric vehicles”) are becoming popular. And with the spread of these electric vehicles, provision of the charging device for electric vehicles for charging the secondary battery mounted in the electric vehicle is also started. For example, in ordinary households, it is assumed that an electric vehicle parked in a garage is connected to an outlet with a charging cable for charging, and therefore an outlet needs to be installed outside the dwelling unit (outdoors). Here, as an outlet to be installed outdoors, the outlet is arranged in a pole with the lower part buried in the ground, and the feeder line branched from the residential distribution board in the dwelling unit (indoor) is used as the outlet. A connected outlet device (also called a power pole) has been conventionally provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The power pole described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that a casing with a door is attached to an upper part of a cylindrical pole, and an outlet is accommodated in the casing. Plug in the charging cable into the outlet.

JP-A-10-223339

  By the way, the distance that an electric vehicle can travel with only electric power is currently much shorter than that of a normal vehicle that uses gasoline as fuel. Therefore, in order for electric vehicles to spread in earnest, a charging device that can be used by an unspecified number of people in public places such as service areas on automobile roads, parking lots in commercial facilities, or parking lots in apartment buildings Many outlets need to be installed. However, when the power pole described in Patent Document 1 is diverted to a charging device for an electric vehicle, the outlet is installed using a casing made of a pole and a casing. is there.

  Moreover, when the charging device for electric vehicles is installed in a public place, the function to collect an electric bill from a user is needed. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle charging device is installed in a parking lot of an apartment house, a function of authenticating the user (or vehicle) is required so that only the resident of the apartment house can use it. However, when the power pole described in Patent Document 1 is diverted to a charging device for an electric vehicle, it is not easy to add functions according to the above-described installation location and usage form. In other words, if the means for realizing the necessary functions (various mechanisms, electronic circuits, etc.) do not fit in the existing casing, it must be separately installed outside the casing. As a result, there is a problem that it takes a lot of cost and labor to add functions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and aims to increase the degree of freedom of installation location and reduce costs and labor required for adding functions.

  A module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention includes an outlet to which a plug of a charging cable for charging an electric vehicle is removably connected, and a box-shaped casing for storing the outlet. Is characterized in that it is detachably stored in a storage space provided in the construction material or structure.

  The module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention is characterized in that means for realizing a desired function is housed in a box-shaped housing instead of an outlet.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably authentication means for authenticating a specific user or electric vehicle registered in advance.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably an electric lock control means for controlling and locking and unlocking an electric lock provided on a door of a housing in which the outlet is accommodated.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means may be a power charge collecting means for collecting a charge for the power required for the charge from a user who charges the electric vehicle with power supplied from an outlet. preferable.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably a communication means for performing data communication with an electronic control unit mounted on the electric vehicle.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably a communication means for performing data communication with an in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system mounted on the electric vehicle.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably a recognition means for recognizing a vehicle registration number displayed on a license plate.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably a control means for controlling on / off of power feeding from the outlet to the electric vehicle.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably a display means for displaying various information relating to charging of the electric vehicle.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, it is preferable that the display means displays a time at which the charging of the electric vehicle being charged by being fed from an outlet is completed.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably measuring means for measuring at least one of current, power, or time supplied to the electric car from the outlet.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means is preferably wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal.

  In the electric vehicle charging device module, the means counts the number of times the plug of the charging cable has been inserted into and removed from the outlet, and notifies that maintenance is required when the number of times exceeds a predetermined upper limit. It is preferable that it is a notification means for doing.

  The module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention has an effect of increasing the degree of freedom of installation location and reducing the cost and labor required for adding functions.

It is a perspective view of the outlet module and display module of the state which showed Embodiment 1 of this invention and was installed in the functional gate pillar. It is a perspective view of an outlet module same as the above. It is a perspective view of the state which showed the outlet socket module same as the above and opened the door. It is a perspective view of a state where the outlet module is shown and the door is opened and a plug is connected. It is a block diagram of an outlet module same as the above. It is an external appearance perspective view of a display module same as the above. It is a block diagram of a display module same as the above. It is a block diagram of a functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of the second embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. It is a plane sectional view showing an outlet module same as the above. (a) is another block diagram of the same authentication / electric lock control module, and (b) is a system configuration diagram including an outlet module, an authentication / electric lock control module, and a management center. It is a block diagram of a functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of the third embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. It is a block diagram of the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of Embodiment 4. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a function module (fee collection module) according to a fifth embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of a charge collection module same as the above. It is another block diagram of a charge collection module same as the above. The other outlet module same as the above is shown, (a) is a front view of a coin-type lock unit, (b) is a plan sectional view. It is a block diagram of the functional module (maintenance alerting module) of Embodiment 6. It is an external appearance perspective view of a maintenance alerting module same as the above. It is a plane sectional view of an outlet module same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the charging device for electric vehicles which consists of an outlet socket module, a functional module, and a main body. (a) is a perspective view when the functional module of Embodiments 1-6 is stored in the storage space of a pillar, (a) is a perspective view when the functional module of Embodiments 1-6 is stored in the storage space of a wall. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in each embodiment described below, the case where the housing is housed in the gate pillar installed at the entrance of the dwelling unit is illustrated, but the object in which the module housing is housed is not limited to the gate pillar, Other construction materials such as structures or walls are also included.

(Embodiment 1)
The module according to the present embodiment includes an outlet module 10 including an outlet to which a plug 91 of a charging cable 90 for charging an electric vehicle is detachably connected, a box-shaped casing 11 that stores the outlet, and an electric vehicle. The display module 100 includes means for displaying various information related to charging (for example, instantaneous power, integrated power amount, charging time, etc.). Here, the outlet module 10 is an indispensable module for constituting the electric vehicle charging device, and the electric vehicle charging device may be constituted by the outlet module 10 alone. On the other hand, the display module 100 is a module for adding various functions to the electric vehicle charging device by combining with the outlet module 10 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “functional module”). That is, the display module 100 (functional module) alone cannot constitute a charging device for an electric vehicle, and is always combined with the outlet module 10 (or the outlet module 10 and other functional modules) to charge the electric vehicle. Configure the device. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the outlet module 10 and the display module 100 constitute an electric vehicle charging device.

  Here, the gate pillar in which the charging device for electric vehicles of this embodiment is installed is demonstrated. This gatepost is called a functional gatepost. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of gatepost main bodies 1, 1 installed with a lower portion buried in the ground (not shown) and standing upright, 1 to a plurality of equipment units stored in a space (storage space) sandwiched between 1 (see, for example, JP-A-2008-280757). In addition, the main body cover 2 formed in the flat box shape is attached to the upper end part of a pair of gate pole main bodies 1 and 1 installed facing the left-right direction. Further, a flat reinforcing member 3 is attached to the lower inner side surface of the gate post main body 1, 1, and the pair of gate post main bodies 1, 1 are positioned relative to each other by the main body cover 2 and the reinforcing member 3.

  The equipment unit shown in FIG. 1 is an interphone slave unit 60 of the interphone system and a post (mailbox) 70 for receiving newspapers and postal items. The intercom slave unit 60 is installed on the front surface of a box-shaped mounting base 61 that is screwed to the opposing surfaces of the gate post main bodies 1 and 1. Further, the post 70 is made of a metal box having a depth dimension in the front-rear direction larger than that of the gate post body 1, and the left and right side walls are screwed to the opposing surfaces of the gate post bodies 1, 1.

  Here, at the lower part of the inner side surface of the main body 1, long-hole wiring inlets 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> A are provided side by side in the front-rear direction, and a resin conduit ( A lower end portion (not shown) is introduced from one of the wiring introduction ports 1A. Then, the lower end portion of the conduit tube introduced from the wiring introduction port 1A and the end portion of the conduit tube (not shown) embedded in the ground are joined by a joint (not shown). Note that a telephone line connected to the intercom handset 60 and a power supply line (power cable) connected to the outlet of the outlet module 10 are inserted through these conduits.

  The outlet module 10 includes a housing 11, an outlet block 12, a door 13, a ceiling cover 15 and the like as shown in FIGS. The casing 11 is formed in a box shape having an opening window 11A on the front surface by a metal plate. The door 13 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, and is hinged so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction (front-rear direction) between a closed position that closes the opening window 11A and an open position that opens the opening window 11A. The left end portion is pivotally supported by the front left end portion of the housing 11 by the portion 13A. Further, a locking device 16 is attached to the door 13, and the door 13 is locked by the locking device 16 when in the closed position. Note that a notch (drawer port) 13B from which the charging cable 90 is drawn is formed at the center in the left-right direction at the lower end of the door 13.

  The outlet block 12 includes an outlet (not shown) provided with an insertion port on the front surface, an outlet plate 12A that holds the outlet and covers the front surface of the outlet, and a plug insertion port 12B that opens at the center of the outlet plate 12A. And an outlet cover 12C that can be freely opened and closed. In the outlet plate 12A, the central portion where the plug insertion port 12B is opened protrudes forward, and screw insertion holes 12D are formed at both left and right ends of the central portion. The outlet cover 12C is formed in a substantially semicircular shape, and is pivotally supported by the central portion of the outlet plate 12A at the straight portion. That is, the outlet cover 12C rotates between a closed position that covers the plug insertion port 12B of the outlet plate 12A and an open position that opens the plug insertion port 12B, and is further opened by the spring force of a torsion coil spring (not shown). It is elastically urged in the direction toward the closed position. Note that the inner surface of the outlet plate 12A is provided with an engaging portion 12E that engages with an engaged portion (not shown) of the plug 91 provided at the tip of the charging cable 90. The plug 91 inserted and connected to the opening is prevented from coming off by the engagement between the engaging portion 12E and the engaged portion (see FIG. 4).

  The outlet block 12 is screwed to a mounting plate 11B disposed on the upper rear side inside the housing 11 by screws (not shown) inserted through screw insertion holes 12D at both left and right ends. Here, the attachment plate 11B is disposed so as to be gradually lowered downward toward the rear. For this reason, the outlet outlet is also arranged to be inclined downward with respect to a horizontal plane (a plane including front, rear, left and right). Further, the bottom plate (inner bottom plate) 11C inside the housing 11 is inclined so as to gradually rise upward toward the rear (see FIG. 3). That is, rainwater that has entered the housing 11 through the opening window 11A is drained out of the housing 11 from the opening window 11A through the inner bottom plate 11C inclined forward.

  In addition, the outlet module 10 is provided with an interlock device. When the door 13 is not in the closed position, the power supply to the outlet is turned off by the interlock device, and only when the door 13 is in the closed position. Is turned on. Such an interlock device is well known in the art and has an actuator 17 that is pushed and driven by a drive piece 13C that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the door 13, and when the door 13 is in the closed position, the actuator 17 The drive piece 13C is pushed to close the power supply path to the outlet, and when the door 13 is not in the closed position, the actuator 17 is not pushed by the drive piece 13C to open the power supply path to the outlet.

  Meanwhile, a space (wiring space) in which a power supply line (not shown) to the outlet is wired is provided on the back side of the housing 11. This wiring space is formed by a rectangular box-shaped wiring cover (not shown) that is screwed to the back surface of the housing 11.

  The ceiling cover 15 is formed in a box shape with an open lower surface, and is attached to the housing 11 so as to cover the housing 11 and the top surface (upper surface) of the wiring cover. A part of the ceiling cover 15 covering the wiring cover is provided with an inlet (not shown) for drawing the power supply line into the wiring space. However, a wall 15A that rises upward protrudes around the entrance opening in the ceiling cover 15. A plurality of protrusions 15B extending in the left-right direction are arranged in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the ceiling cover 15, and the protrusions 15B prevent rainwater that has entered from the front from moving backward.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the outlet module 10 includes a power measuring unit 21 that measures the power (charging power) supplied to the electric vehicle through the outlet, a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (memory, timer, etc.). A control unit 22 and a data transmission unit 23 for performing data transmission between the functional modules.

  The power measuring unit 21 measures the instantaneous power and the accumulated power amount supplied from the outlet to the electric vehicle, and outputs each measured value to the control unit 22. The data transmission unit 23 performs data transmission in accordance with a well-known data transmission standard such as RS-485, and functions to be described later via a data transmission path including a communication cable (not shown). Data is transmitted to and from the data transmission unit of the module.

  The control unit 22 stores the measured value of the instantaneous power and the integrated power amount measured by the power measuring unit 21 in the memory, and reads the measured value stored in the memory and transmits (transmits) the data from the data transmission unit 23 to the functional module. ) Here, the information transmitted from the control unit 22 is calculated not only from the instantaneous power and the integrated power amount, but from, for example, the charge capacity of the electric vehicle and the measured value of the integrated power amount if the charge capacity of the electric vehicle is known. It may be a charging time (a time required until charging is completed after full charge) or a time when charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

  The outlet module 10 configured as described above is attached to the inner side surfaces of the pair of gate pole main bodies 1 and 1 using a fixture (not shown) and disposed in the storage space. That is, after the fixture is attached to the inner side surface of the gate post body 1, the outlet module 10 is stored in the storage space from the front. Then, the outlet module 10 is attached to the gate pole main bodies 1 and 1 by screwing the fixture and the housing 11 together. In addition, a terminal block for a power cable (not shown) and a terminal block for a data transmission path (communication cable) (not shown) are arranged in the wiring space provided on the back surface of the casing 11 of the outlet module 10. Has been.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the display module 100 has a control unit 110, a display unit 111, and an operation input received in a box-shaped housing 101 having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. The unit 112, the data transmission unit 113, and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 7).

  The display unit 111 includes a display device 111A such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and a driver circuit (not shown) that drives the display device 111A to display characters, symbols, images, and the like. The operation input receiving unit 112 includes a transparent touch panel disposed on the screen of the display device 111A, and a driver circuit (not shown) that drives the touch panel and detects an operation position.

  The control unit 110 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer). The data transmission unit 113 performs data transmission in accordance with the same data transmission standard as the data transmission unit 23 of the outlet module 10.

  On the other hand, in the housing 101 of the display module 100, the screen of the display device 111A is exposed at the center of the front surface through the operation surface of the transparent touch panel. In addition, a terminal block for a power cable (not shown) and a terminal block (not shown) for a data transmission path (communication cable) are disposed in the wiring space on the rear surface of the housing 101.

  The display module 100 configured as described above is housed in a housing space between the gate pole main bodies 1 and 1 and fixed to the gate pole main bodies 1 and 1 in the same manner as the outlet module 10.

  Next, the operation (function) of the display module 100 will be described in detail. When a human finger touches the screen of the display device 111A (the operation surface of the touch panel), the control unit 110 activates the display unit 111 and causes the display device 111A to display a menu screen. On this menu screen, buttons (selection buttons) for selecting various information related to charging of the electric vehicle (for example, instantaneous power, integrated power amount, charging time, etc.) are displayed. When one of the selection buttons, for example, the selection button for selecting the accumulated power amount is touch-operated, the operation input receiving unit 112 receives the operation input of the selection button, and the control unit 110 receives the operation input signal. Is output. Receiving the operation input signal, the control unit 110 transmits a command requesting the selected information (integrated power amount) from the data transmission unit 113 to the data transmission unit 23 of the outlet module 10.

  In the outlet module 10, when the command is received by the data transmission unit 23, according to the command, the control unit 22 obtains the latest measured value of the accumulated power stored in the memory from the data transmission unit 23 to the display module 100. The data is transmitted to the data transmission unit 113.

  In the display module 100, the measured value of the integrated power amount received by the data transmission unit 23 is passed to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 controls the display unit 111 to display the measured value of the integrated power amount on the screen of the display device 111A. To display.

  As described above, since the outlet module 10 and the function module (display module 100) of the present embodiment can be used by being attached to the main pole body 1 or 1 of the main pole which is an existing structure, the degree of freedom of installation location is increased. In addition, the cost and labor required for adding functions can be reduced.

  By the way, the information that can be displayed on the display module 100 is not limited to the information measured by the outlet module 10 such as the instantaneous power, the accumulated power, and the charging time. For example, if the usage time of an electric vehicle charging device (time used for charging an electric vehicle) can be reserved, the reserved usage time (reservation time) and the identification information of the person who made the reservation (user) It is also possible to display on the display module 100 the ID information assigned to the user registered in the service. Alternatively, the display module 100 includes a communication unit for performing data communication with an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the electric vehicle, and information acquired from the electronic control unit of the electric vehicle using the communication unit For example, it is also possible to display information such as the number of mileage and fuel consumption. In this case, the functional module (communication module) having the communication means may be configured separately from the display module 100.

  Further, a functional module (wireless communication module) having wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal (for example, a mobile phone) may be linked with the display module 100. That is, if the information displayed on the display module 100 is transmitted from the wireless communication module to a communication terminal such as a mobile phone, and the information is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone, the information can be viewed at a place away from the charging stand. To improve convenience.

(Embodiment 2)
A lock device 16 is provided on the door 13 of the outlet module 10 in the first embodiment. The lock device 16 is locked and unlocked using a general key. However, since such a key can easily create a combined key, there is a possibility that the lock device 16 is unlocked with the illegally generated combined key and the electric vehicle is charged (stolen) without permission.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking device 16 of the outlet module 10 is replaced with an electric lock 30, and a functional module having electric lock control means for locking and unlocking the electric lock 30 is provided together with the outlet module 10 on the gate pole body 1. It is stored in the storage space.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electric lock 30 includes a case 31 formed in a flat box shape, a signal wire 32 drawn from the back surface of the case 31, and an electromagnetic for projecting the movable iron core from the upper surface of the case 31 so as to advance and retract. It has a solenoid (not shown) and is installed in the casing 11 of the outlet module 10. The signal line 32 is connected to a signal terminal block 40 provided on the back surface of the housing 11.

  On the other hand, the door 13 is provided with a fitting hole 13D for fitting with the movable iron core of the electromagnetic solenoid that advances from the case 31, and the electric lock 30 is locked by fitting the movable iron core into the fitting hole 13D. Then, the movable core of the electromagnetic solenoid is retracted into the case 31 and is not fitted into the fitting hole 13D, whereby the electric lock 30 is unlocked. The electromagnetic solenoid is driven (excited) in accordance with a control signal (described later) input via the signal line 32.

  On the other hand, the functional module of the present embodiment includes an authentication unit that authenticates a specific user registered in advance, and an electric lock control unit that controls (locks and unlocks) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication unit. And an authentication / electric lock control module 200. This authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter abbreviated as “authentication control module”) 200 is a box-shaped housing having an outer shape and dimensions substantially the same as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG. 201 includes a control unit 210, an ID information acquisition unit 211, an ID collation unit 212, a data transmission unit 213, and the like (see FIG. 8).

  The ID information acquisition unit 211 includes, for example, a non-contact type IC card reader that reads ID information recorded on an IC card, and an IC card (card key) is connected to an antenna 211A provided at the center of the front surface of the housing 201. ) Is read, ID information is read from the card key. Here, the ID information recorded on the card key is, for example, an identification code (a combination of English letters and numbers) assigned to the user.

  The ID verification unit 212 stores in the memory one or more identification codes that are properly assigned to the user, and stores the ID information (identification code) acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 211 in the memory. It collates with a regular identification code and outputs the collation result to the control unit 210.

  The control unit 210 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), creates a command for controlling the electric lock 30 according to the collation result received from the ID collation unit 212, and stores the created command as data. Transmission (transmission) is performed from the transmission unit 213. The data transmission unit 213 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485) that the electric lock 30 is compliant with.

  On the other hand, the housing 201 of the authentication control module 200 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) in the wiring space on the back side. Has been.

  Similar to the outlet module 10 and the display module 100, the authentication control module 200 configured as described above is housed in the housing space between the gate pole main bodies 1 and 1, and is fixed to the gate pole main bodies 1 and 1.

  Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 200 will be described in detail. In the outlet module 10, as a rule, the electric lock 30 is locked when the door 13 is in the closed position. Therefore, a user who wants to charge an electric vehicle must first unlock the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 using a card key. Therefore, when the user brings the card key close to the antenna 211A provided on the front surface of the casing 201 of the authentication control module 200, the ID information acquisition unit 211 reads the ID information (identification code) of the user from the card key. Passed to the ID verification unit 212. The ID collation unit 212 collates the identification code acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 211 with the regular identification code, and if it matches the regular identification code, it outputs an authentication verification result to the control unit 210. If it does not match the code, a verification result indicating that authentication is impossible is output to the control unit 210. If the verification result received from the ID verification unit 212 is “authenticated”, the control unit 210 creates a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 and transmits the command from the data transmission unit 213. ", No unlock command is created.

  In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the outlet of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle. If the user connects the plug 91 to the outlet 20 and closes the door 13 and then brings the card key closer to the antenna 211A, the identification code is authenticated and the electric lock 30 is locked in the above procedure. The

  As described above, the functional module (authentication control module 200) of the present embodiment can authenticate a regular user and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. Costs and labor required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30 can be reduced. The personal authentication of the user is not limited to the above-described authentication using an IC card (card key), and for example, biometric authentication using the user's biometric information (such as a fingerprint or a voiceprint) can be used. In the present embodiment, the function module having both the authentication function and the electric lock control function is exemplified. However, a function module (authentication module and electric lock control module) having each function alone may be used.

  Here, it is assumed that a system has been constructed in which the management center S centrally manages the usage status, usage reservations, user ID information, etc. of many charging stations (see FIG. 11B). At this time, the authentication control module 200 is provided with a network communication unit 214 that performs communication with the management center S through a network (Internet) NW as shown in FIG. Then, when the network communication unit 214 performs network communication with the management center S, the regular ID information managed by the management center S is acquired by the control unit 210 of the authentication control module 200, and the normalization information acquired by the control unit 210 is acquired. The ID verification unit 212 can perform verification using the ID information.

  The authentication control module 200 may control power on / off from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10 to the electric vehicle together with the electric lock 30 or instead of the electric lock 30. For example, it is assumed that the socket module 10 is provided with an electromagnetic relay 24 that opens and closes a power supply path from the power cable to the outlet 20 as shown in FIG. The control unit 210 of the authentication control module 200 transmits a power supply start control command from the data transmission unit 213 when authentication is possible based on regular ID information acquired through network communication with the management center S. In the outlet module 10, when the control command is received by the data transmission unit 23, the control unit 22 controls the electromagnetic relay 24 according to the control command to close the power supply path, thereby supplying power from the outlet 20 to the electric vehicle. Can be turned on and off.

(Embodiment 3)
The functional module of the present embodiment includes authentication means for authenticating a specific electric vehicle registered in advance, and electric lock control means for controlling (locking / unlocking) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication means. The authentication / electric lock control module 300 is provided. However, since the configuration of the outlet module 10 is the same as that of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  An authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter abbreviated as an authentication control module) 300 according to the present embodiment is a box-shaped housing having substantially the same external shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG. In the body 301, a control unit 310, an imaging unit 311, an image processing unit 312, a data transmission unit 313, and the like are housed (see FIG. 12).

  The imaging unit 311 includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, a lens 311A, a video processing circuit, and the like. The image processing unit 312 recognizes the vehicle registration number written on the license plate of the electric vehicle by performing conventionally known image processing such as template matching on the image captured by the imaging unit 311 and recognizes the recognition. The result (vehicle registration number) is output to the control unit 310.

  The control unit 310 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collates the vehicle registration number received from the image processing unit 312 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. The regular car registration number is a car registration number that has been registered in advance. The data transmission unit 313 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485) that the electric lock 30 is compliant with.

  On the other hand, the housing 301 of the authentication control module 300 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) in the wiring space on the back side. In addition, a window hole 302 for opening the lens 311A of the imaging unit 311 forward is opened on the front surface.

  Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 300 will be described in detail. When the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space, the license plate of the electric vehicle is picked up by the image pickup unit 311, and the picked-up license plate image is passed to the image processing unit 312. The image processing unit 312 recognizes the vehicle registration number from the license plate image, and passes the recognized vehicle registration number to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 collates the vehicle registration number recognized by the image processing unit 312 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. A command for unlocking 30 is created and transmitted from the data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the vehicle registration number recognized by the image processing unit 312 does not match the regular vehicle registration number, it is determined that authentication is not possible and a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 is not created.

  In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the outlet of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle.

  As described above, the functional module (authentication control module 300) of the present embodiment can authenticate the regular automobile registration number and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. Further, it is possible to reduce the cost and time required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30. Moreover, in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked if the IC card (card key) is forgotten or lost, but in this embodiment, the user substitutes for a key such as an IC card. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked.

  In the authentication control module 300 of the present embodiment, a network communication unit is provided in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the network communication unit performs network communication with the management center, so that regular vehicle registration managed by the management center is performed. It is also possible to obtain the number by the control unit 310 of the authentication control module 300.

(Embodiment 4)
In the authentication control module 300 of the third embodiment, the automobile registration number is recognized by image processing from the picked-up image of the license plate. In this case, the recognition accuracy may be lowered at night or when the license plate is dirty. is there. On the other hand, on-board equipment for automatic toll collection (ETC) systems (hereinafter referred to as ETC on-board equipment) has recently been increasing, and this ETC on-board equipment has an automobile registration number of the car to be installed. Vehicle information including is set up (stored) in the built-in memory. Therefore, if the vehicle registration number is acquired by performing wireless communication with the ETC on-vehicle device, the vehicle registration number can be acquired easily and accurately compared to the method of recognizing the vehicle registration number by image processing.

  Therefore, in the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module 400) of the present embodiment, a communication means for performing data communication with the ETC vehicle-mounted device mounted on the electric vehicle, and a specific information registered in advance. Authentication means for authenticating the electric vehicle and electric lock control means for controlling (locking / unlocking) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication means are provided. However, since the configuration of the outlet module 10 is the same as that of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  An authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter, abbreviated as an authentication control module) 400 according to the present embodiment is a box-shaped housing having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG. In the body 401, a control unit 410, a wireless communication unit 411, a data transmission unit 412, and the like are housed (see FIG. 14).

  The wireless communication unit 411 performs wireless communication by a wireless communication method (DSRC <Dedicated Short Range Communication> method using amplitude shift keying) using an ETC vehicle-mounted device, and the ID information ( Vehicle registration number) is acquired and output to the control unit 410.

  The control unit 410 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collates the vehicle registration number received from the wireless communication unit 411 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. The data transmission unit 412 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485) that the electric lock 30 is compliant with.

  On the other hand, the housing 401 of the authentication control module 400 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) in the wiring space on the back side. An antenna 411A of the wireless communication unit 411 is provided on the front surface.

  Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 400 will be described in detail. When the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space, the wireless communication unit 411 acquires the vehicle registration number by wireless communication from the ETC vehicle-mounted device mounted on the electric vehicle, and passes the acquired vehicle registration number to the control unit 410. . The control unit 410 collates the vehicle registration number acquired by the wireless communication unit 411 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. A command for unlocking 30 is created and transmitted from the data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the vehicle registration number acquired by the wireless communication unit 411 does not match the regular vehicle registration number, it is determined that the authentication is impossible and a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 is not created.

  In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the outlet of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle.

  As described above, the function module (authentication control module 400) of the present embodiment can authenticate the regular automobile registration number and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. Further, it is possible to reduce the cost and time required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30. Moreover, in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked if the IC card (card key) is forgotten or lost, but in this embodiment, the user substitutes for a key such as an IC card. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked. Furthermore, compared with the case where the automobile registration number is recognized from the captured image of the license plate by image processing, the automobile registration number can be acquired easily and accurately.

  In the authentication control module 400 of the present embodiment, a network communication unit is provided in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments, and the network communication unit performs network communication with the management center, so that the regular control managed by the management center is performed. It is also possible to acquire the automobile registration number by the control unit 410 of the authentication control module 400.

(Embodiment 5)
The functional module of the present embodiment includes a fee collection unit that collects a fee for power required for charging from a user who charges an electric vehicle with power supplied from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10. This is a (charge settlement) module 500. However, since the configuration of the outlet module 10 is the same as that of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the fee collection module 500 includes a control unit 510, a card information acquisition unit 511, a network, and a box-shaped housing 501 having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. The communication unit 512, the data transmission unit 513, and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 16).

  The card information acquisition unit 511 reads card information such as a card number and a card contractor from the credit card, and outputs the read card information to the control unit 510. However, the card information acquisition unit 511 includes both a reading device that reads card information from a magnetic recording unit (magnetic stripe) of a credit card and a reading device that reads card information from an IC chip of a credit card (IC card). It is desirable.

  The network communication unit 512 is a modem for performing data communication via a network such as the Internet or a public telephone line network. Control unit 510 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collects (sets up) an electricity bill using card information received from card information acquisition unit 511. The data transmission unit 513 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485) that the electric lock 30 is compliant with.

  On the other hand, the housing 501 of the toll collection module 500 has a power cable terminal block (not shown), a data transmission line (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) and network communication in the wiring space on the back side. Terminal block (not shown) is provided, and a card insertion slot 511A of the card information acquisition unit 511 is provided on the front surface.

  Next, the operation (function) of the fee collection module 500 will be described in detail. After the charging of the electric vehicle is completed, when the user inserts his / her credit card into the card insertion slot 511A, the card information acquisition unit 511 acquires the card information from the credit card and outputs it to the control unit 510. On the other hand, the control unit 510 transmits a command from the data transmission unit 513 to acquire a measurement value of the amount of electric power (integrated electric energy) used for charging from the outlet module 10, and an electric charge corresponding to the acquired electric energy Is calculated. Further, the control unit 510 encrypts the calculated electricity bill value and the card information received from the card information acquisition unit 511 and then sends the credit card issuer (credit card company) server to the server from the network communication unit 512. Send it.

  In the server of the credit card company, the card information received from the charge collection module 500 is compared with the card information of the card contractor registered in the database. Settle the received electricity bill with a credit card that matches the card information (authenticated). On the other hand, if the card information does not match the card information of the card contractor, the server does not make a payment with a credit card. Then, the server of the credit card company returns the result (paid or unpaid) of the settlement (fee collection) by the credit card to the charge collection module 500 via the network. The result of payment (fee collection) returned from the server is received by the network communication unit 512 and passed to the control unit 510.

  If the result of the settlement received from the credit card company server through network communication unit 512 is already completed, control unit 510 creates a command for unlocking electric lock 30 and transmits the command from data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the result of the settlement is incomplete, control unit 510 does not create a command for unlocking electric lock 30.

  In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and pull out the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 from the outlet of the outlet 20.

  As described above, in the functional module (fee collection module 500) of the present embodiment, it is possible to collect the electricity fee required for the charging from the user who charged the electric vehicle with the power supplied from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10. It is possible to reduce the cost and labor required for adding the function of collecting electricity charges.

  Note that the collection of the electricity bill does not necessarily have to be performed by credit card settlement, and may be settled with cash (coins and banknotes). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, instead of the card information acquisition unit 511, a cash counting unit 514 is provided in the fee collection module 500, and banknotes (or banknotes and coins) inserted into a cash slot provided on the front surface of the housing 501 are Counting may be performed by the cash counting unit 514 and settlement may be performed by the control unit 510.

  Alternatively, the outlet module 10 may be provided with an electricity bill collection means. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when a coin-type lock unit 40 used for a coin locker is installed in the casing 11, and when a coin corresponding to an electricity bill is inserted from a coin insertion port 41 of the lock unit 40, the lock unit 40 Can be unlocked. However, since such a coin-type lock unit 40 can collect only a fixed charge, it is necessary to set the electricity charge for one charge to a fixed charge.

(Embodiment 6)
By the way, while the plug 91 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10, the blade holder of the outlet 20 may deteriorate and the holding power of the plug 91 may be reduced. In addition, while the outlet cover 12C is repeatedly opened and closed, the torsion coil spring that elastically biases the outlet cover 12C may deteriorate and the outlet cover 12C may not return to the closed position. Accordingly, the outlet 20 and the outlet cover 12C of the outlet module 10 need repair (maintenance) work, for example, when the number of times of use (the number of insertions / removals and the number of times of opening / closing) reaches a specified value.

  Therefore, the functional module of the present embodiment counts the number of times the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 has been inserted into and removed from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10, and maintenance is necessary if the number of insertions / extractions exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. It has a reporting means for reporting.

  As shown in FIG. 21, this functional module (maintenance notification module) 600 includes a control unit 610 and a notification unit 611 in a box-shaped casing 601 having an outer shape and dimensions almost the same as the casing 11 of the outlet module 10. The data transmission unit 612 and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 20). The notification unit 611 includes a light emitting element (light emitting diode) and a light emitting circuit that causes the light emitting element to emit light, and light emitted from the light emitting element irradiates the front of the housing 601 through a window hole 602 provided on the front surface of the housing 601. Is done.

  The control unit 610 is composed of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (memory, timer, etc.), counts the number of insertions / removals of the plug 91 with respect to the outlet 20, and controls the notification unit 611 to emit light when the number of insertions / removals reaches the upper limit. The fact that the maintenance work is necessary is notified by causing the element to emit light. The data transmission unit 612 receives a transmission signal output from the output circuit 51 of the outlet module 10 described later.

  By the way, in order for the control unit 610 of the maintenance notification module 600 to count the number of insertions and removals of the plug 91, a commercially available limit switch 50 and an output circuit 51 that outputs (transmits) the on / off state of the limit switch 50 to the data transmission unit 612. Are provided on the outlet block 12 of the outlet module 10 (see FIG. 22). In other words, the limit switch 50 is turned on when the plug 91 is connected to the outlet 20, and the limit switch 50 is turned off when the plug 91 is removed from the outlet 20, so that the output circuit 51 is turned on / off. Based on this, the controller 610 can count the number of insertions / removals.

  Thus, when the number of insertions / extractions of the plug 91 with respect to the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10 exceeds the upper limit value, the control unit 610 of the maintenance notification module 600 causes the light emitting element of the notification unit 611 to emit light and requires maintenance work. Inform. That is, according to the maintenance notification module 600 of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically notify the administrator who manages the charging device for an electric vehicle that the maintenance work of the outlet module 10 is necessary. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outlet module 10 from being used without performing maintenance work.

  By the way, in Embodiment 1-6 mentioned above, since it is the structure accommodated in the storage space between the gate pillar main bodies 1 and 1 of a functional gate pole, the housing | casing 11 of the outlet module 10 and the housing | casing of a functional module are common. Shaped and dimensioned. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the casings 11, 101, 201, 501,... Formed in a common shape and dimensions are accommodated in a main body 80 formed in a vertically long box shape with an open front surface. For example, an electric vehicle charging device (charging stand) including the outlet module 10, one or more functional modules, and the main body 80 can be configured.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, the functional module (display module 200 in the illustrated example) may be stored in a storage space 701 provided in the pillar 700 or a storage space 711 provided in the wall 710. However, the outlet module 800 shown in FIG. 24 is attached in a state where the shape of the casing is different from that of the outlet module 10 described in the first embodiment and is exposed on the surfaces of the pillar 700 and the wall 710. Here, data transmission between the outlet module 800 and the function module (display module 200) is performed via a signal line wired inside the pillar 700 and the wall 710, or by wireless communication using radio waves. Done. The outlet module 10 described in the first embodiment may be stored together with the functional module in the storage space 701 of the pillar 700 or the storage space 711 of the wall 710. A plurality of functional modules may be stored in the storage space 701 of the pillar 700 and the storage space 711 of the wall 710.

1 Main body (structure)
10 Outlet module
11 Enclosure
100 Display module (functional module)
101 housing

The electric vehicle charging device module of the present invention is a module for an electric vehicle charging device that constitutes the electric vehicle charging device by being housed in a vertically long body, and is a charging cable for charging the electric vehicle. And an outlet to which the plug is removably connected, and a box-shaped casing for storing the outlet, and the casing is detachably stored in a storage space provided in the construction material or structure. Features.

The electric vehicle charging device module of the present invention is a module for an electric vehicle charging device that constitutes the electric vehicle charging device by being housed in a vertically long body, and is a charging cable for charging the electric vehicle. A means for realizing a function other than an outlet to which the plug is removably connected, and a box-shaped casing for storing the means, and the casing is a storage space provided in the construction material or the structure It is characterized by being housed in .

Claims (14)

  An electrical outlet having a charging cable plug for charging an electric vehicle removably connected thereto, and a box-shaped housing for housing the electrical outlet, the housing being a storage space provided in a construction material or a structure A module for a charging device for an electric vehicle, which is housed in a battery.   2. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 1, wherein means for realizing a desired function is housed in a box-shaped housing instead of the outlet. .   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is an authentication means for authenticating a specific user or electric vehicle registered in advance.   3. The charging for an electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the means is an electric lock control means for controlling and locking and unlocking an electric lock provided on a door of a housing in which the outlet is accommodated. Device module.   3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the means is a power charge collecting means for collecting a charge for the power required for the charging from a user who charges the electric vehicle with power supplied from an outlet. Charging device module.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is a communication means for performing data communication with an electronic control unit mounted on the electric vehicle.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein said means is a communication means for performing data communication with an on-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system mounted on an electric vehicle. .   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is a recognition means for recognizing a vehicle registration number displayed on a license plate.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is control means for controlling on / off of power feeding from the outlet to the electric vehicle.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is display means for displaying various information relating to charging of the electric vehicle.   The module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the display unit displays a time when charging of the electric vehicle that is charged by being fed from an outlet is completed.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is a measuring means for measuring at least one of current, power, and time supplied to the electric vehicle from the outlet.   3. The electric vehicle charging device module according to claim 2, wherein the means is wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal.   The means is a notifying means for counting the number of times the plug of the charging cable has been inserted / removed with respect to the outlet and notifying that the maintenance is necessary if the number of times exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. The module of the charging device for electric vehicles of Claim 2.

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