JP2013192310A - Charger and charging system of electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charger for an electric vehicle that can be applied to a relatively small scale parking and can transfer/receive electric power to/from the same kind of charger.SOLUTION: A charger is connected with the other charger through a power cable so that electric power is mutually supplied between the chargers and includes: a built-in secondary battery charging a vehicle battery; electric path opening and closing means that opens and closes a first electric path between the built-in secondary battery and an electric vehicle charging connector and opens and closes a second electric path between a built-in secondary battery of the other charger and the electric vehicle charging connector; and control means performing control so that the electric path opening and closing means is driven to close the first electric path and open the second electric path and the vehicle battery is rapidly charged from the built-in secondary battery of the other charger through the electric vehicle charging connector in a case that the control part determines that the built-in secondary battery of its charger does not have the required residual quantity when the rapid charging is started in accordance with a command from the electric vehicle side.

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging device that charges a vehicle battery mounted on an electric vehicle, and in particular, a plurality of units such as a private pay parking lot, a customer collection facility such as a shopping mall, or a parking lot provided in an apartment house. The present invention relates to a charging device and a charging system that can be suitably applied to a charging system for charging an electric vehicle.

  Charging of an electric vehicle can be divided into medium-speed charging (also called normal charging) performed for a long time with a relatively small current and rapid charging performed for a short time with a large current.

  The charging method is, for example, for charging JEVS-G-101 to 105 (standard established by the Japan Electric Vehicle Association Standard) or SAE-J1772 (EV / PHEV (electric vehicle / plug-in hybrid vehicle) defined by the American Automotive Engineering Association) Standards related to connectors) are used.

  Rapid charging is necessary when the battery capacity is reduced at the destination, and power of several [kw] to several tens [kw] is required even for a short time. If this is to be obtained from the electric power system, a large amount of electric power is required. Therefore, in the conventional technique, electric power is temporarily stored in the secondary battery, and when quick charging is required, electric power is supplied from the secondary battery. Has been done. An example of this is shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, a conventional charging station capable of rapid charging includes, for example, a large-scale battery facility including a secondary battery charging circuit 51 and a large-capacity secondary battery 52, and a large-capacity secondary battery. It comprises a plurality of chargers 53 connected to the output of the battery 52. Then, power from the power system is stored in the large capacity secondary battery 52 through the secondary battery charging circuit 51, the charging power of the large capacity secondary battery 52 is discharged, and each electric vehicle 20 is connected through each charger 53. The vehicle battery can be rapidly charged simultaneously.

  As shown in this example, in the case of a charging station having a quick charging function, if a secondary battery having a sufficient capacity is to be installed, a large secondary battery installation place is required. Although suitable, it is inappropriate for private parking lots and customer-collection facilities.

  In order to improve this, there is also a method of providing a secondary battery for each individual charging device. An example of this is shown in FIG. The charger illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a secondary battery charging circuit 51A, a small-capacity secondary battery 52A, and a converter 53A, and discharges the small-capacity secondary battery 52A in the charger to produce an electric vehicle. The vehicle battery is charged.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the installation location of a large secondary battery is not required, but the secondary battery capacity is limited. Therefore, it takes time to recover after one quick charge, and continuous use is required. There is a drawback that it becomes difficult.

  Another example of the prior art is shown in FIG. 8 (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1). 8 includes a battery charger 21, an external power supply side connector 22, a plurality of capacitors 23, a vehicle side connector 25, a vehicle charger 26, and a charge control unit that controls the operation of each device. 28, for example, by controlling the opening / closing operation of the relay in the vehicle-side connector 25 by the charging control unit 28, the charger connector 3A- connected to each charger (capacitor 23) and each electric vehicle 20 3C can be connected in any combination. Then, when charging the vehicle battery, among the capacitors excluding the battery being charged and the battery being discharged to the vehicle battery, the battery having the smallest charge capacity is connected to the vehicle battery, and the battery is discharged. The vehicle battery is charged (see paragraph 0008 of Patent Document 1).

  In this example, secondary batteries are divided into a plurality of groups for effective use. However, the configuration and control method are complicated, and it is difficult to increase the number of secondary batteries and charging vehicles. is there.

JP 2006-20438 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to improve the above-described drawbacks when a plurality of chargers are installed, and to compare private parking lots and customer collection facilities. It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging device for an electric vehicle that can be applied to a small parking lot and can exchange electric power with the same type of charging device installed in the same area. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is providing the charging device which can construct | assemble easily the charging system according to the number of vehicles of charge object only by connecting each charging device.

  The present invention relates to a charging device and a charging system that can be suitably applied to a charging system intended for charging a plurality of electric vehicles. With regard to the charging device, the above object of the present invention is mounted on an electric vehicle. A charging device for charging electric power to a vehicle battery and capable of mutually supplying power to another charging device of the same configuration adjacent to each other installed in the same area via the other charging device and a power cable A built-in secondary battery for charging the vehicle battery by storing the electric power from the power system and discharging the stored electric power, and the built-in secondary battery and an electric vehicle charging connector; An electric circuit opening and closing means for opening and closing a first electric circuit between the battery charger and the second charging circuit between the built-in secondary battery of the other charging device and the electric vehicle charging connector, and the electric vehicle side When starting the quick charge according to the command, if it is determined that the necessary rechargeable battery is not sufficient in the built-in secondary battery of its own charging device, the electric circuit opening / closing means is driven to close the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit And control means for performing control for rapidly charging the vehicle battery from the built-in secondary battery of the other charging device via the electric vehicle charging connector.

Furthermore, the above object of the present invention is to
And a communication unit capable of communicating information with the other charging device, wherein the control unit receives the remaining amount of the built-in secondary battery of the charging device from the other charging device through the communication unit. Rapidly charging the vehicle battery from a built-in secondary battery of the other charging device when it is determined that the received remaining amount is greater than or equal to the remaining amount required for the quick charge;
When it is determined that the received remaining amount is not greater than the remaining amount necessary for the quick charge, the control unit automatically switches from the quick charge to the normal charge and charges the vehicle battery with the normal charge. about,
The other charging device is one or two charging devices adjacent to the own charging device,
The built-in secondary battery is a low-capacity storage battery that can be charged only once.
An open / close control circuit having an open / close switch as the electric circuit open / close means and a switch driving circuit as the control means, and the open / close switch is provided between the built-in secondary battery of the own charging device and the open / close control circuit. A first switch for opening and closing an electric circuit; a second switch for opening and closing an electric circuit between one of the other charging devices adjacent to the own charging device and the own charging device; the opening and closing control circuit; and the electric vehicle charging. A third switch that opens and closes an electric circuit between the charging connector and a fourth switch that opens and closes an electric circuit between the other charging device adjacent to the charging device and the own charging device. about,
Are more effectively achieved by each.

  Regarding the charging system, the object of the present invention is to provide two or more charging devices, and adjacent charging devices in the same area are connected to each other by a single power cable. Achieved.

  According to the present invention, there is no need to install a large secondary battery, and it is possible to provide a charging device that can be installed in a relatively small parking lot such as a private parking lot or a customer collection facility. In addition, power can be interchanged with other charging devices installed in the same area, and even when using a small capacity secondary battery that can be charged only once, the same charging device can be used. Rapid charging can be performed continuously.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the interconnection at the time of installation is simple, and only the charging devices having the same configuration are used, and the adjacent charging devices are connected with the power cable, and according to the number of vehicles to be charged. A charging system can be easily constructed. Moreover, in the form provided with the communication means which can perform information communication between other adjacent charging devices, it is only necessary to communicate with only the adjacent charging device, so communication and control are facilitated.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the charging system to which the charging device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the switching control circuit in the charging device of FIG. It is a 1st schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation example of the charging device which concerns on this invention. It is a 2nd schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation example of the charging device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the charging device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the image of the parking lot which installed the multiple charging device which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the conventional charge stand in which quick charge is possible. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the conventional charger using a small capacity secondary battery. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the conventional charging stand in which quick charge is possible.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, although the following embodiment demonstrates as an example the charging device applied as a charging stand of an electric vehicle, the charging device which concerns on this invention is applied also as a charging stand for PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle). Can do. Hereinafter, an electric vehicle including an electric vehicle and a PHEV will be referred to as an electric vehicle.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a charging system according to the present invention. The charging system according to the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of chargers 1 (hereinafter referred to as “charging devices”) with a detachable power cable 2 in accordance with the number of vehicles to be charged. Specifically, one charging device 1 can supply power to another charging device 1 of the same configuration adjacent to each other installed in the same area. The cables 2 are connected so that they can be expanded.

  Each charging device 1 includes a secondary battery charging circuit 11 and a built-in secondary battery 12, and can be charged from the power system.

  The built-in secondary battery 12 is a built-in battery that stores power from the power system and discharges the stored power to charge the vehicle battery of the electric vehicle 20. In the present embodiment, the built-in secondary battery 12 Is connected to the converter 14 via the switching control circuit 13 and converted into necessary voltage / current by the converter 14 to charge the electric vehicle 20 as a load.

  The open / close control circuit 13 opens and closes the first electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery 12 of the own charging device 1 and the connector for charging the electric vehicle (between the converter 14 in this example) and other charging devices. 1 operates as an electric circuit opening / closing means for opening and closing the second electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery 12 and the electric vehicle charging connector (in this example, between the converter 14 of the own charging device 1).

  The open / close control circuit 13 has a control means. When the quick charge is started in accordance with an instruction from the electric vehicle, for example, the control means 13 has a required remaining capacity in the built-in secondary battery of its own charging device. When the determination is made, the electric circuit opening / closing means is driven to close the first electric circuit and open the second electric circuit, and from the built-in secondary battery of the other charging device to the electric vehicle charging connector of the own charging device (not shown) ) To quickly charge the vehicle battery of the electric vehicle 20.

  In addition to this, the charging device 1 is provided with communication means 15, which exchanges data with other charging devices via the communication means 15 and controls the operation of the open / close control circuit 13. As the communication means 15, either wired communication (known as LAN or EIA-485) or wireless communication (known as wireless LAN, Zigbee (registered trademark), or infrared communication) can be used. .

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the open / close control circuit 13. The open / close switch 131 as the electric circuit open / close means described above, control of the open / close operation of the open / close switch 131, communication control with other charging devices, and the like. And a switch drive circuit 132 as a control means to perform.

  The open / close control circuit 13 includes a plurality of switches (in this example, four switches 131 (a) to (d)) and the switch drive circuit 132, and as shown in FIG. Are connected to the open / close control circuit 13 via the power cable 2. Each of the switches (a) to (d) may have a mechanical contact such as a relay, or may be a semiconductor switch (transistor or IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor)).

  In the example of FIG. 2, the open / close control circuit 13 includes a first switch 131 (a) that opens and closes an electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery 12 and the open / close control circuit 13 in its own charging device, and one adjacent charge. A second switch 131 (b) for opening and closing an electric circuit between the device and its own charging device, and a third switch 131 (for opening and closing an electric circuit between the switching control circuit 13 and the converter 14 in the own charging device. c), and a fourth switch 131 (d) for opening and closing an electric circuit between the other adjacent charging device and its own charging device, and the switches 131 (a) to (d) The opening / closing operation is controlled by the switch drive circuit 132.

  The built-in secondary battery 12 in the charging device 1 may be, for example, a storage battery with a small capacity such that only one quick charging is possible. In the present embodiment, the same charging device 1 continuously performs quick charging. In some cases, rapid charging is performed using a built-in secondary battery in another charging device.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the charging device 1 starts rapid charging according to the instruction on the electric vehicle 20 side, it is determined that there is not a necessary remaining amount in the built-in secondary battery in the own charging device 1. In such a case, the built-in in the adjacent one or other charging device 1 is controlled by the switching control of the electric circuit by the open / close control circuit 13 in the self and other charging devices 1 (in this example, the adjacent one or other charging device 1). A secondary battery (a built-in secondary battery that is not in use and has a remaining amount necessary for quick charging) and a converter 14 in its own charging device 1 are connected, and a built-in secondary battery in another charging device 1 The electric vehicle 20 is charged via the converter 14 of the self.

  Next, an overall operation example of the charging system illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Here, in FIG. 3A, a case where the vehicle 20 that requires quick charging uses the charging device 1B will be described as an example.

  If the remaining amount of the built-in secondary battery of the charging device 1B is sufficient, the charging device 1B closes the switches (a) and (c) in the open / close control circuit 13 and converts the built-in secondary battery 12 of the charging device 1B from the converter. The vehicle 20 is charged via the power supply 14, and the built-in secondary battery 12 is replenished from the power system.

  Generally, when the quick charging is finished, the remaining amount of the built-in secondary battery of the charging device B is considerably reduced. In this state, when the quick charging with the charging device 1B is requested again, the built-in secondary battery 12 cannot be used.

  In this case, the charging device 1B checks the state (remaining amount) and the usage state (whether charging is in progress) of the adjacent 1A or 1C built-in secondary battery by the communication unit (communication unit 15 in FIG. 1). . From this result, the appropriate switching control circuit 13 is switched, and the built-in secondary battery 12 of the adjacent charging device 1 (charging device 1A in the example of FIG. 3A) is connected to the power cable 2 as shown in FIG. 3B. By connecting to the charging device 1 </ b> B via the battery, it is possible to cope with rapid charging even when the secondary battery capacity is small.

  Next, an operation example of the charging apparatus 1 will be described along the flow of the flowchart of FIG. Note that the communication protocol between the charging device 1 and the electric vehicle 20 and the connection form by the connector conform to the above-mentioned standards, and the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the operation control of the charging device 1 is performed by the switch driving circuit 132 (see FIG. 2) in the opening / closing control circuit 13 of the charging device 1. In the following description, the switch driving circuit is controlled. 132 will be described as “control means”. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the switches 131 (a) to (d) in the open / close control circuit 13 are all assumed to be open during standby.

  When the control unit of the charging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the charging device 1B) receives a quick charge request from the electric vehicle 20 (step S1), first, the control unit sets the status flag to be in use and sets its own built-in secondary battery 12 Whether or not the remaining amount is sufficient is checked (step S2), and if it is determined that the remaining amount of the built-in secondary battery 12 is sufficient (there is a remaining amount necessary for quick charging), the opening / closing control of itself By closing the switches (a) and (c) in the circuit 13 (step S3), the vehicle battery of the electric vehicle 20 is rapidly charged by the electric path between the self-built-in secondary battery 12 and the converter 14 (step S3). S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the remaining capacity of the built-in secondary battery 12 is not sufficient, the control unit of the charging device 1B determines whether the adjacent one of the charging devices 1A is in use (step). S5) When it is determined that it is not in use, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the charging device 1A is sufficient (step S6). When it is determined that the remaining amount of the charging device 1A is sufficient, the switches (b) and (c) of the own charging device 1B are closed and the switches (a) and (d) of the adjacent one of the charging devices 1B are closed. Is closed (and the state flag of the charging device 1B is in use) (step S7), the built-in secondary battery 12 of one adjacent charging device 1A and the converter 14 in its own charging device 1B The vehicle battery of the electric vehicle 20 is rapidly charged by the electric circuit between them (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that one of the adjacent charging devices 1A is in use, or if it is determined in step S6 that the remaining amount of the charging device 1A is not sufficient, the charging device 1B The control means determines whether or not the other adjacent charging device 1C is in use (step S8). If it is determined that the charging device 1C is not in use, it determines whether or not the remaining amount of the charging device 1C is sufficient. (Step S9). When it is determined that the remaining amount of the other adjacent charging device 1C is sufficient, the control unit of the charging device 1B closes the switches (c) and (d) of its own charging device 1B and By closing the switches (a) and (b) of the charging device 1C (and making the status flag of the charging device 1C in use) (step S10), the built-in secondary battery 12 of the other adjacent charging device 1C The vehicle battery of the electric vehicle 20 is rapidly charged by the electric path between the converter 14 in the own charging device 1B (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the other adjacent charging device 1C is in use, or if it is determined in step S9 that the remaining charging device 1C is not sufficient. Then, the control means of the charging device 1B notifies the vehicle that rapid charging is not possible (step S11), and closes the switches (a) and (c) in its own open / close control circuit 13, thereby making its own built-in secondary Depending on the electrical path between the battery 12 and the converter 14 (or the switches (c) and (d) of the own charging device 1B and the switches (a) and (b) of the other adjacent charging device 1C are closed, A voltage / current required for medium-speed charging (ordinary charging) is converted through the converter 14, and electricity is generated by an electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery 12 of the other adjacent charging device 1C and its own converter 14. Performing medium-speed charging of the vehicle battery Dosha 20 (step S12).

  By adopting the configuration and control form of the charging device 1 as described above, it is not necessary to install a large secondary battery, and it can be installed in a relatively small parking lot 30 and expanded as shown in FIG. Can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to exchange power with other charging devices installed in the same area, and when using a small capacity secondary battery that can be quickly charged only once. However, it is possible to continuously perform rapid charging with the same charging device 1. Furthermore, the interconnection at the time of installation is simple, and the charging system according to the number of vehicles to be charged can be obtained simply by connecting the adjacent charging devices 1 with the power cable 2 using only the charging device 1 having the same configuration. It can be easily constructed. Moreover, since it is only necessary to communicate with only the adjacent charging device, there are advantages such as easy communication and control.

  In addition, in embodiment mentioned above, although demonstrated as an example the charging system of the structure which connected the three or more charging devices 1, even in the charging system of the structure which connected the two charging devices, it is a partner's charging device. By using the built-in secondary battery, rapid charging can be performed continuously with the same charging device.

1, 1A to 1C Charging device 2 Power cable 11 Secondary battery charging circuit 12 Built-in secondary battery 13 Open / close control circuit 131 Switch 132 Drive circuit 14 Converter 15 Communication means 20 Electric vehicle 30 Parking lot

Claims (7)

A charging device for charging electric power to a vehicle battery mounted on an electric vehicle, and the other charging device capable of mutually supplying electric power with another adjacent charging device of the same configuration installed in the same area And a charging device connected via a power cable,
A built-in secondary battery that charges the vehicle battery by storing the power from the power system and discharging the stored power;
The first electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery and the electric vehicle charging connector is opened and closed, and the second electric circuit between the built-in secondary battery of the other charging device and the electric vehicle charging connector is opened and closed. Electric circuit opening and closing means;
When the quick charge is started in accordance with the command from the electric vehicle, when it is determined that there is not enough remaining charge in the built-in secondary battery of its own charging device, the electric circuit opening / closing means is driven to close the first electric circuit. And a control means for opening the second electric circuit and performing a control of rapidly charging the vehicle battery from the built-in secondary battery of the other charging device via the electric vehicle charging connector;
A charging device comprising:   And a communication unit capable of communicating information with the other charging device, wherein the control unit receives the remaining amount of the built-in secondary battery of the charging device from the other charging device through the communication unit. The vehicle battery is rapidly charged from a built-in secondary battery of the other charging device when it is determined that the received remaining amount is greater than or equal to the remaining amount necessary for the quick charging. Charging device.   When it is determined that the received remaining amount is not greater than the remaining amount necessary for the quick charge, the control unit automatically switches from the quick charge to the normal charge and charges the vehicle battery with the normal charge. The charging device according to claim 2.   4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the other charging device is one or two charging devices adjacent to its own charging device. 5.   The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the built-in secondary battery is a storage battery having a small capacity such that rapid charging can be performed only once.   An open / close control circuit having an open / close switch as the electric circuit open / close means and a switch driving circuit as the control means, and the open / close switch is provided between the built-in secondary battery of the own charging device and the open / close control circuit. A first switch for opening and closing an electric circuit; a second switch for opening and closing an electric circuit between one of the other charging devices adjacent to the own charging device and the own charging device; the opening and closing control circuit; and the electric vehicle charging. A third switch that opens and closes an electric circuit between the charging connector and a fourth switch that opens and closes an electric circuit between the other charging device adjacent to the charging device and the own charging device. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein   Two or more of the charging devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are provided, and adjacent charging devices in the same area are connected to each other by a single power cable. Charging system.

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