JP2015104256A - Charger - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charger capable of charging a storage battery contained in a device for outdoor use, such as a vehicle, safely and securely with suppression of occurrence of electrification accidents caused by wetting with water when charging the storage battery.SOLUTION: A charger (A) includes: a power supply connector 3 for connection with a power reception connector provided in a vehicle EV; safety retention means 43 (13) for restricting the operation of the power supply connector 3; water detection means 33 for detecting that a power supply contact part 312, which is provided in the power supply connector 3 and to which power for charging a storage battery Bt is applied, is connected to an external surface by water; and control means 11 for operating the safety retention means 43 (13) when the water detection means 33 detects that the power supply contact part 312 is connected to the external surface by water.

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging device that charges a storage battery mounted on a vehicle or the like.

  In recent years, electric vehicles that are driven by rotating a motor with electric power from an installed storage battery are becoming popular for the purpose of reducing air pollution and noise. In this type of electric vehicle, since the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery decreases as the vehicle travels, the storage battery needs to be charged periodically (every time the vehicle travels a certain distance).

  In many cases, the electric vehicle is stored outdoors, and the storage battery mounted therein is often charged outdoors. The electric vehicle is charged by connecting a charging plug provided at the end of a power supply line to a charging connector provided in the electric vehicle, and the charging plug is also disposed outdoors. There are many. For this reason, if electric power is passed through the charging plug in a state where rain or the like is attached to the charging plug, electric leakage occurs and the risk of electric shock increases.

  As a countermeasure against such a risk, there is a method in which a rain detection alarm device that detects rain and issues an alarm is disposed near the charging device, warns that the charging plug is wet due to rain, and warns against electric shock. . As a rain detection alarm device, there exists a thing of Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2008-3069, for example. The rain detection alarm device uses a rain detector in which an electrode whose electric resistance is lowered when it rains is provided inside a cylindrical housing, and detects rain based on a change in the electric resistance of the electrode. Then, when the alarm device receives a signal whose electric resistance has decreased, it issues a rain alarm by voice, light, screen display, or the like. By detecting rain with such a rain warning detection device, it is possible to warn of an electric shock due to leakage of the charging plug.

JP 2008-3069 A

  However, the rain warning detection device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-3069 is configured to perform a warning after the alarm device receives a signal indicating that raindrops have adhered to the electrode after detecting rain. There is a time lag between the rain on the plug and the rain warning. Therefore, when a warning is given by the alarm device, the charging plug is leaking, and there is a possibility that electric shock cannot be suppressed.

  In addition, the rain warning detection device can detect rain, but the charging plug is already wet, or the charging due to water other than rain (for example, water jumping from a puddle on the road surface). It is difficult to detect electric leakage in the water adhesion of the plug. In other words, it is possible to detect moisture entering from a certain direction, but it is difficult to detect moisture from other directions, and even though the charging plug is wet, the warning There is a risk that will not be done.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a charging device that can suppress the occurrence of an electric shock accident due to water soaking when charging a storage battery mounted on a device used outdoors such as a vehicle, and can charge the storage battery safely and reliably. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a power feeding connector connected to a power receiving connector provided in a vehicle when charging a storage battery mounted on the vehicle, a safety holding means for restricting an operation of the power feeding connector, A water detection means for detecting that a power supply contact portion provided in a power supply connector to which electric power for charging the power storage location is applied and an outer surface are connected by water, and the water detection means are the power supply contact portion and the And control means for operating the safety holding means when it is detected that the outer surface is connected with water.

  According to this configuration, it is detected that the power supply contact portion of the power supply connector and the outer surface are connected with water, and when connected with water, the safety holding means is operated so that charging is not performed. It is possible to suppress electric shock due to water wetting.

  In the above configuration, the water detection means has a groove that divides between the outer surface and the power supply contact portion, and detects bridging of water that connects the outer surface side of the groove and the power supply contact portion side. Then, it may be detected that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water.

  In the above configuration, the water detection means includes a first conductive member provided on a side surface on the outer surface side of the groove, and a second conductive member provided on a side surface on the power feeding contact portion side, The power supply connection includes a water detection circuit that outputs a signal to the control means based on a resistance value between the first conductive member and the second conductive member, and the control means outputs a signal from the water detection circuit. It may be determined that the outer surface and the feeding contact portion are connected by water based on a change in signal.

  By comprising in this way, it can transmit as an electric signal that the electric power feeding contact part and the outer surface are connected with water, and operation | movement of the safety holding means by a control means becomes easy.

  In the above-described configuration, the power holding connector is provided with connector holding means, and the safety holding means is provided with locking means for locking the power supply connector so as not to be detached from the connector holding means, and an instruction from the control means Accordingly, the locking means may be locked or unlocked.

  By configuring in this way, when the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water, the power supply connector is locked, so that the user cannot remove the power supply connector, thus preventing the occurrence of an electric shock accident. Is possible.

  In the above configuration, the safety holding means includes a switch provided in a wiring for supplying power for charging to the power supply connector. In the safety holding means, the switch is connected to the control means from the control means. An opening / closing operation may be performed according to the instruction.

  With this configuration, even when the power supply connector is in a copper-like state, when it is detected that the outer surface of the power supply contact portion is connected with water, power to the power supply connector is cut off. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an electric shock accident effectively.

  In the above-mentioned configuration, it is provided with notifying means for notifying that the safety holding means is operating, and the control means issues an instruction to operate the safety holding means and the safety holding means operates on the notification means. An instruction may be sent so as to notify that the user is doing.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to warn the user that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water before touching the power supply connector, so that an electric shock accident can be suppressed.

  In the above-described configuration, the power supply contact may be applied with a high voltage for rapidly charging the storage battery.

  According to the present invention, when charging a storage battery mounted on a device used outdoors such as a vehicle, a charging device capable of suppressing the occurrence of an electric shock accident due to water wetting and charging the storage battery safely and reliably. Can be provided.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the charging device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the terminal arrangement | positioning of the electric power plug used for the charging device concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the terminal part of the electric power feeding plug shown in FIG. 3 by the IV-IV line. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a water detection circuit provided in the power supply plug shown in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the other example of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the charging device shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the further another example of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the further another example of the charging device concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the further another example of the charging device concerning this invention.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a charging device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the charging device shown in FIG. A charging device A shown in FIG. 1 is a device that charges a storage battery Bt mounted inside a vehicle. 1 is a charging device that performs rapid charging, the configuration of the charging device according to the present invention can also be applied to a charging device that performs normal charging. Moreover, although the electric vehicle EV is mentioned here as a vehicle carrying the storage battery Bt inside, it is not limited to this. For example, it can be a vehicle driven by the power of the storage battery Bt, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) or an electric motorcycle. Furthermore, it is not limited to a vehicle, A ship etc. may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the charging device A includes a charger main body 1, a power supply cable 2 attached to the charger main body 1, and a power supply connector 3 provided at the tip of the power supply cable 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power feeding cable 2 is exposed to the outside from the outer surface of the charger main body 1, and a connector holder 4 that detachably holds the power feeding connector 3 is attached to the charger main body 1. Although details will be described later, the connector holder 4 also has a lock function for locking the power supply connector 3 so that it cannot be removed as long as a predetermined condition is satisfied (unless the condition is satisfied).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the charger main body 1 is connected to the commercial power system CS, and the storage battery Bt is charged with power from the commercial power system CS. As shown in FIG. 2, the charger main body 1 of the charging apparatus A includes a control unit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a storage unit 14, and a connector holder 4.

  The control unit 11 is a logic circuit (a circuit including an MPU, a CPU, etc.) that comprehensively controls the power supply circuit 12 and the connector holder 4. The storage unit 14 is a storage device for storing information, and includes a volatile memory (for example, RAM) and a non-volatile memory (for example, ROM, flash memory). The storage unit 14 passes information stored therein to the control unit 11 or stores information received from the control unit 11 in response to a request from the control unit 11. In addition, although the information for operation | movement of the connector holder 4 can be mentioned as information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 14, In addition to this, the information accompanying control and operation | movement of the charging device A is memorize | stored. .

  The power supplied from the power supplier such as an electric power company via the commercial power system CS is usually alternating current. On the other hand, the storage battery Bt mounted on the electric vehicle EV or the like is direct current, and power from the commercial power system CS cannot be directly supplied to the storage battery Bt. Therefore, the power supply circuit 12 includes an AC / DC converter 121 that converts supplied alternating current into direct current, and a DC / DC converter 122 that converts the direct current into voltage and current suitable for charging the storage battery Bt.

  In addition, when the direct current output from the AC / DC converter 121 has a voltage and current suitable for charging the storage battery Bt, the DC / DC converter 122 may be omitted. The AC / DC converter 121 and the DC / DC converter 122 are each controlled by the control unit 11.

  The power supply cable 2 is used to detect water in a water detection unit 33 (described later) provided in the power supply connector 3 separately from the power supply line 21 and the power supply line 21 for supplying power necessary for charging the storage battery Bt. The signal line 22 is configured to supply necessary power and transmit and receive signals. The power supply cable 2 is provided with a power supply line 21 and a signal line 22 independently of each other, and is surrounded by an insulating exterior body.

  The power feeding connector 3 is a connection body for connecting to a charging connector provided in an electric vehicle EV or the like. The power supply connector 3 includes a water detection unit 33 (water detection means) for detecting that a power supply pin 312 described later and an outer surface are connected with water. A signal from the water detection unit 33 is sent to the control unit 11 via the signal line 22. Details of the power supply connector 3 will be described later.

  The connector holder 4 holds the power feeding connector 3, and has a main body portion 41 fixed to the outer surface of the charger main body 1 and a sandwiching portion 42 that protrudes from the main end portion 41 and sandwiches the power feeding connector 3. (See FIG. 1). The connector holder 4 also includes a lock portion 43 (one of safety holding means) that prevents the power feeding connector 3 from being detached from the connector holder 4. The lock portion 43 may be a member that physically locks the power supply connector 3, restricts the operation of the clamping portion 42, and restricts (locks) the removal of the power supply connector 3. Also good. In the present embodiment, the sandwiching portion 42 is configured to be electrically openable and closable, and the lock portion 43 is provided to limit the opening and closing of the sandwiching portion 42. When the lock by the lock portion 43 is released, the holding portion 42 can be opened and closed, and the user can remove the power supply connector 3 from the connector holder 4.

  Next, details of the power supply connector 3 used in the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 3 is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the power supply plug used in the charging device according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal portion of the power supply plug shown in FIG. 3 cut along the line IV-IV. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a water detection circuit included in a water detection unit provided in the power supply plug shown in FIG. 3.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the power supply connector 3 detects a wet main body 31, a tubular main frame 31, an inner frame 32 having an insulating property (resin or the like) disposed inside the main frame 31, and water wetting. And a water detector 33.

  The main frame 31 has a circular bottom portion 310 and a cylindrical portion 311 connected to the outer periphery of the bottom portion 310. The main frame 31 has a shape with an open end. The bottom 310 is provided with power supply pins 312 and 313 (power supply contact portions) to which high-voltage power for charging the storage battery Bt is supplied, and a plurality of signal pins 314 for transmitting and receiving signals. . The power supply pins 312 and 313 and the signal pin 314 and the bottom 310 of the main frame 31 are electrically insulated. In the present embodiment, although eight signal pins 314 are provided, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the charging device A, the storage battery Bt is charged with direct current electricity. Therefore, the power supply pin 312 is a positive terminal to which positive electricity is supplied, and the power supply pin 313 is a negative terminal (ground terminal) to which power is returned. The eight signal pins 314 include communication pins, power supply pins, ground pins, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply pins 312 and 313 extend in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 311 and are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis. In addition, four signal pins 314 are grouped, and every four signal pins 314 are arranged at positions facing each other across the central axis so as to be orthogonal to the power supply pins 312 and 313.

  Although not shown, the power supply pins 312 and 313 are connected to the power supply line 21 of the power supply cable 2, and the eight signal pins 314 are connected to the signal line 22. When the power supply connector 3 is inserted into the connector of the electric vehicle EV, the power supply pins 312 and 313 are electrically connected to the corresponding power supply connection portions (not shown). Similarly, the signal pins 314 are electrically connected to corresponding signal connection portions (not shown).

  The inner frame 32 includes a disc part 320 and five projecting parts 321 projecting from the disc part 320. The central protruding portion 321 is in contact with the central portion of the disc portion 320, and the remaining four protruding portions 321 are arranged on the concentric circles at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The tip of the protrusion 321 is fixed to the bottom 310 of the main frame 31. Thereby, the disc part 320 of the inner frame 32 is arrange | positioned inside the main frame 31 (part behind the front-end | tip). The protruding portion 321 has a concave shape when viewed from the distal end side of the power supply connector 3, and the distal end portion is fixed to the bottom portion 310 of the main frame 31 using a fixing member such as a screw. Although the screw Sc is used here as the fixing member, the fixing member is not limited to this, and a fixing member that has conductivity and can be firmly fixed can be widely used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, four through holes 322 are formed in the disc portion 320 so as to be equally spaced in the circumferential direction. The four through holes 322 are formed at positions corresponding to the power supply pins 312 and 313 and each of the four signal pins 314 grouped together. Since the inner frame 32 has an insulating property, it is possible to suppress contact with different connection terminals, frames, and the like when connecting to the connection portion of the electric vehicle EV. In other words, the inner frame 32 serves as a guide for preventing each pin from being in contact with each other accurately when the power supply connector 3 is inserted into the charging connector of the electric vehicle EV and each pin is accurately connected to the corresponding connection portion. Has a side.

  The charging device A is a device for charging a storage battery Bt mounted on a vehicle used outdoors such as an electric vehicle EV, and at least the charger main body 1, the feeding cable 2 and the feeding connector 3 are arranged outdoors. Often done. When the power feeding connector 3 is disposed outdoors, rain or water splashed from a puddle on the road surface is likely to adhere to the power feeding connector 3. Rain water or splashed water is often mixed with foreign matter and has electrical conductivity. Therefore, when water adheres to the power supply connector 3 and the power supply pins 312 and the outer surface are connected by water, the outer surface becomes a conductive state, and the user is likely to get an electric shock. Therefore, the charging device A according to the present invention includes the water detection unit 33 that detects that the power supply pin 312 of the power supply connector 3 is connected to the outer surface with water, and restricts the operation when water wetting is detected. ing.

  When the electricity of the power supply pin 312 reaches the outer surface, since the conductive portion of the power supply pin 312 is surrounded by the through hole 322 of the inner frame 32, the inner frame 32 and the main frame 31 are in a conductive state. Therefore, the state where the power supply pin 312 and the outer surface are connected with water can be replaced with the state where the inner frame 32 and the main frame 31 are connected with water. The water detection unit 33 is configured to detect that the inner frame 32 and the main frame 31 are connected by water.

  Specifically, the outer diameter of the disc part 320 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical part 311 of the main frame 31 to form the groove 330. The groove 330 forms a part of the water detection unit 33 for detecting water wetting of the power supply connector 3.

  The water detection unit 33 includes a first conductive member 331 disposed on the inner surface of the main frame 31, a second conductive member 332 disposed on the inner frame 32, and a water detection circuit 34 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). ). The first conductive member 331 is disposed so as to cover the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 311, and among the screws Sc fixing the protruding portion 321, four screws Sc (screws) provided away from the center are provided. It is electrically connected to Sc1).

  In addition, the second conductive member 332 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the disk portion 320 of the inner frame 32, the surface facing the bottom surface 310, and the protruding portion 321 formed at the center of the disk portion 320. It is electrically connected to a screw Sc (referred to as screw Sc2) that fixes the protruding portion 321.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first conductive member 331 provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 311 of the main frame 31 and the second conductive member 332 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion 311 are opposed to each other across the groove 330. Therefore, the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 are in an insulated state. In addition, the first conductive member 331 is electrically connected to the four screws Sc1, but is not limited thereto, and may be electrically connected to at least one screw Sc1. If the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 are formed so as to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of screws Sc without directly contacting each other, the connecting screws Don't stick to the location of Sc.

  Wiring (wiring) is connected to each of the screws Sc1 and Sc2. The tip of the wiring connected to the screw Sc1 is the first terminal 333, the tip of the wiring connected to the screw Sc2 is the second terminal 334, and the terminals 333 and 334 are connected to the water detection circuit 34. . Next, the water detection circuit 34 to which the first terminal 333 and the second terminal 334 are connected will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 5, the water detection circuit 34 includes a comparator Cp1, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, and a fourth resistor R4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the water detection circuit 34 includes a power supply terminal Pn, an output terminal On, a first input terminal In1, and a second input terminal In2. The power terminal Pn is connected to a control power supply power cable among the signal lines 22 of the power supply cable 2. The power supply terminal Pn is connected to the + power supply of the comparator Cp1. The negative power source of the comparator Cp1 is grounded. The output terminal On is connected to the output of the comparator Cp1. The second input terminal In2 is grounded.

  Further, the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are connected in series, the first resistor R1 is connected to the power supply terminal Pn, and the second resistor R2 is grounded. The connection point between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 is connected to the inverting terminal of the comparator Cp1 and to the first input terminal In1. The third resistor R3 and the fourth resistor R4 are connected in series, the third resistor R3 is connected to the power supply terminal Pn, and the fourth resistor R4 is grounded. The connection point between the third resistor R3 and the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp1.

  The first terminal 333 is connected to the first input terminal In1, and the second terminal 334 is connected to the second input terminal In2. When the water is not interposed between the main frame 31 and the inner frame 32, the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 are in an insulated state. At this time, the first input terminal In1 connected to the first conductive member 331 via the first terminal 333 and the second input terminal In2 connected to the second conductive member 332 via the second terminal 334 are in an open state. It has become. In the water detection circuit 34, when the first input terminal In1 and the second input terminal In2 are in the open state, the resistance values of the first resistor R11 to the fourth resistor R4 so that the Lo signal is output from the output of the comparator Cp1. Has been determined.

  Further, when water is interposed in the groove 330 between the main frame 31 and the inner frame 32, a bridge of water is formed in the groove 330 between the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332. Rain water and splash water are often mixed with foreign matter, and a bridge of water is formed, so that the state between the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 changes from an insulating state to a conductive state. To do. That is, the electrical resistance between the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 is reduced. As a result, the resistance between the first input terminal In1 and the second input terminal In2 is also reduced. In the water detection circuit 34, when the resistance between the first input terminal In1 and the second input terminal In2 becomes a predetermined value (for example, a water resistance value) or less, a Hi signal is output from the output terminal of the comparator Op1. As described above, the resistance values of the first resistor R1 to the fourth resistor R4 are determined.

  In the water detection circuit 34, the first resistor R1 to the fourth resistor R4 are determined so as to perform the following operation. When the first input terminal In1 and the second input terminal In2 are in the open state, the voltage input to the non-inverting input of the comparator Cp1 is lower than the voltage input to the inverting input. Further, assuming that the resistance between the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 due to water wetting is the resistance Rx, the water detection circuit 34 connects the resistance Rx to the first input terminal In1 and the second input terminal R2. In this state, the voltage input to the non-inverting input is higher than the voltage input to the inverting input.

  Note that the water detection circuit is not limited to the circuit shown in FIG. 5, and it is electrically connected that a water bridge is formed between the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332. It is possible to widely employ a circuit capable of detection.

  Next, the operation of the charging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, in the charging device A, the power supply connector 3 is locked by the lock portion 43 of the connector holder 4, and the power supply connector 3 is unlocked only when an instruction is issued from the control unit 11. It has a configuration.

  The charging device A is in a state where only a minimum amount of power necessary for resuming the operation is supplied in order to suppress power consumption during standby. Therefore, the charging device A activates the system based on an instruction from the user (for example, operation of an operation unit provided in the charger main body 1) (step S101).

  When the system is activated, the control unit 11 supplies power for activating the water detection unit 33 mounted on the power supply connector 3 (step S102). This power is supplied via the signal line 22 of the power feeding cable 2. And the control part 11 acquires the signal sent from the water detection part 33 (water detection circuit 34) (step S103), and judges whether the signal is a Lo signal (step S104).

  When the signal from the water detection circuit 34 is a Lo signal (Yes in step S104), the control unit 11 determines that there is no water adhering to the power supply connector 3 that may cause the user to receive an electric shock. Then, an instruction is sent from the control unit 11 to unlock the power supply connector 3 by the lock unit 43 of the connector holder 4 (step S105).

  And the control part 11 confirms whether the electric power feeding connector 3 was attached to the electric vehicle EV (connector) based on the response from the pin which detects a connection among the signal pins 314 (step S106). If the attachment of the power supply connector 3 is not confirmed (No in step S106), the process waits until the attachment is confirmed. When attachment of the power supply connector 3 is confirmed (Yes in step S106), the control unit 11 drives the power supply circuit 12 and starts charging the storage battery Bt mounted on the electric vehicle EV (step S107).

  On the other hand, if the signal from the water detection circuit 34 is not a Lo signal, that is, a Hi signal (No in step S104), the control unit 11 assumes that there is a risk of electric shock due to leakage due to water wetting. The power supply connector 3 is continuously locked by the lock portion 43 of the holder 4. And it returns to step S103 and acquires a signal again.

  In the charging device A according to the present invention, water wetting at the tip of the power supply connector 3 with high risk of leakage is detected. And since it is the structure which cancels | releases the lock | rock of the electric power feeding connector 3 by the lock part 43 of the connector holder 4 only when there is no danger of the electric shock by water wetting, the electric power feeding connector with the risk of an electric leakage (the electric shock accompanying) 3 cannot be removed from the connector holder. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an accident in which the user receives an electric shock due to the wetness of the power supply connector 3. Further, when the battery is wet, the user cannot remove the power supply connector 3 from the charger main body 1. By attaching the power supply connector 3 wet to the connector of the electric vehicle EV, the storage battery Bt Accidents with electric shock can be suppressed.

  In the charging device A according to the present invention, the water detection unit 33, the water detection circuit 34, the control circuit 11 and the connector holder 4 provided in the power supply connector 3 serve as a safety device that prevents a user's electric shock. .

  The connector holder 4 attached to the charger main body 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like is configured to be attached with the front end side of the power supply connector 3 facing downward, but is not limited thereto. However, the power supply connector 3 is provided with the main frame 31 including the bottom portion 310 provided with the power supply pins 312 and 313 and the cylindrical portion 312 on the distal end side, so that water accumulated in the main frame 31 can be dropped. Therefore, it is preferable to attach the tip side downward. In addition, it is good also as a structure which provides the member which encloses the connector holder 4 in the charger main body 1, and suppresses adhesion of water. Further, a drainage hole may be formed in a part of the cylindrical portion 311 and the power supply connector 3 may be attached to the connector holder 4 so that the hole faces downward.

  In addition, at least one of the charger main body 1, the power supply connector 3, or the connector holder 4 is provided with a display unit, and the lock unit 43 can display that the power supply connector 3 is locked. May be. As this display unit, a display device such as a liquid crystal panel may be used, or a display device such as an LED lamp may be turned on or blinked. Note that the actual charging device A may be provided with a safety device for preventing an electric shock due to a cause other than leakage due to water wetting.

(Second Embodiment)
Another example of the charging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the charging apparatus according to the present invention. The charging device B shown in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as the charging device B, except that the switch 13 is provided inside the charger main body 1b. Therefore, in charging device B, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral as charging device A, and detailed description of substantially the same portion is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the charging device B, the switch 13 is one of safety holding means, and is disposed between the power supply circuit 12 and the power supply cable 2. The switch 13 is a switch that performs an opening operation or a closing operation in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 11. By opening / closing the switch 13, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 12 to the power supply cable 2 or the power is cut off. As the switch 13, either a normally closed switch that is normally closed and opened when an instruction is given, or a normally open switch that is normally opened and is closed when an instruction is given may be used. However, a normally open switch is preferable in order to reduce the risk of electric shock due to electric leakage.

  That is, the control unit 11 instructs the switch 13 to perform an opening operation when it is determined that power supply to the power supply pin 312 (313) is not preferable based on information from the water detection unit 33 and other information. By sending, the power supply to the power feeding connector 3 can be cut off.

  The operation of the charging apparatus B having such a configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging apparatus shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the charging device B activates the system based on an instruction from the user (for example, operation of an operation unit provided in the charger main body 1) (step S201).

  When the system is activated, the control unit 11 supplies electric power for activating the water detection unit 33 mounted on the power supply connector 3 (step S202). This power is supplied via the signal line 22 of the power feeding cable 2. And the control part 11 acquires the signal sent from the water detection part 33 (water detection circuit 34) (step S203), and judges whether the signal is a Lo signal (step S204).

  When the signal from the water detection circuit 34 is a Lo signal (Yes in step S204), the control unit 11 determines that there is no water adhering to the power supply connector 3 that may cause the user to receive an electric shock. The control unit 11 confirms whether or not the power supply connector 3 is attached to the electric vehicle EV (connector thereof) based on a response from the signal pin 314 that detects the connection (step S205). If the attachment of the power supply connector 3 is not confirmed (No in step S205), the process waits until the attachment is confirmed.

  When the attachment of the power feeding connector 3 is confirmed (Yes in step S205), an instruction is sent from the control unit 11 to open the switch 13 (step S206). And the control part 11 drives the power supply circuit 12, and starts charge of the storage battery Bt mounted in the electric vehicle EV (step S207). As described above, in the power feeding connector 3, water may remain in the portion surrounded by the bottom portion 310 and the cylindrical portion 311 of the main frame 31, and the water moves during charging, resulting in leakage. there's a possibility that. Therefore, the charging device B acquires a signal even during charging (step S203), and the control unit 11 detects water wetting based on the signal.

  On the other hand, when the signal from the water detection circuit 34 is not a Lo signal, that is, is a Hi signal (No in step S204), the control unit 11 determines that there is a risk of electric shock due to water leakage due to water wetting. An instruction is sent to the device 13 to open the switch 13. And it returns to step S203 and acquires a signal again.

  Note that the operation of step S206 or step S208 changes depending on the state when the switch 13 is not instructed from the control unit 11, that is, whether the switch 13 is a normally closed switch or a normally open switch. That is, when the switch 13 is a normally closed switch, the operation of the switch 13 in step S206 is unnecessary, and operates so as to maintain the closed state. Further, when the switch 13 is a normally open switch, the operation of the switch in step S208 is unnecessary, and the switch 13 operates to maintain the open state.

  In the charging device B according to the present invention, the occurrence of electric leakage can be suppressed even when the power supply connector 3 is moved. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electric leakage due to the movement of the water accumulated in the power supply connector 3, and it is possible to safely charge the storage battery Bt of the electric vehicle EV. Further, even in the charged state, a change in resistance between the main frame 31 and the inner frame 32 can be detected, and power supply can be cut off, so that safety can be improved. In the charging device B, the switch 13, the water detection unit 33, the water detection circuit 34, and the control unit 11 constitute a safety device.

  Other features are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Still another example of the charging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of still another example of the charging device according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device shown in FIG. Since the charging device C according to the present embodiment has the same configuration except that the connector holder 4 of the charging device B shown in the first embodiment includes the lock portion 43, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the charging device C includes both the switch 13 and the lock portion 43 as safety holding means in the charger main body 1c. And the electric shock of a user is suppressed by using both appropriately. In addition, about the switch 13 and the lock part 43, it is the same as the above-mentioned, and abbreviate | omits the detail.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the charging device C activates the system based on an instruction from the user (for example, operation of an operation unit provided in the charger main body 1c) (step S301). When the system is activated, the control unit 11 supplies power for activating the water detection unit 33 mounted on the power supply connector 3 (step S302). This power is supplied via the signal line 22 of the power feeding cable 2.

  And the control part 11 judges whether the lock | rock part 43 of the connector holder 4 has locked the electric power feeding connector 3 based on the information from the lock | rock part 43 (step S303). When the power feeding connector 3 is locked to the lock unit 43 (Yes in step S303), the control unit 11 acquires a signal from the water detection circuit 34 (step S304). And the control part 11 judges whether the acquired signal is a Lo signal (step S305).

  When the acquired signal is not a Lo signal (a Hi signal) (No in step S305), locking of the power supply connector 3 by the lock unit 43 is continued (step S306), and the process returns to the signal acquisition 304. When the acquired signal is a Lo signal (Yes in step S305), the control unit 11 sends an instruction to unlock the power supply connector 3, and releases the lock by the lock unit 43 (step S307).

  On the other hand, when the power feeding connector 3 is not locked to the connector holder 4 (No in step S303) or after the lock is released (step S307), the control unit 11 acquires a signal from the water detection circuit 34 ( Step S308). The control unit 11 determines whether or not the acquired signal is a Lo signal (step S309). If the signal is a Lo signal (Yes in step S309), the control unit 11 determines whether the power supply connector 3 is attached to the connector of the electric vehicle EV (step S310). If the signal is not connected (No in step S310). ), Signal acquisition is performed again (return to step S308).

  When it is confirmed that the power feeding connector 3 is connected to the connector of the electric vehicle EV (Yes in Step S310), an instruction is sent from the control unit 11 to close the switch 13 (Step S311). In addition, after closing the switch 13, the control unit 11 drives the power supply circuit 12 to start charging (step S312). After starting charging, the control unit 11 obtains a signal from the water detection circuit 34 again (returns to step S308).

  On the other hand, when the acquired signal is a Hi signal (not a Lo signal) (No in step S309), an instruction is sent from the control unit 1 to open the switch 13 (step S313). And after opening the switch 13, the control part 11 acquires the signal from the water detection circuit 34 again (returns to step S308).

  As described above, the power supply connector 3 is locked by the lock portion 43 of the connector holder 4 and the switch 13 is opened and closed, so that the power supply connector 3 is opened and closed when the connector holder 4 is locked. The operation of the vessel 13 can be prevented from being performed. In addition, by moving the power feeding connector 3, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of leakage due to the movement of water accumulated inside.

  Other features are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

(Fourth embodiment)
Still another example of the charging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of still another example of the charging apparatus according to the present invention. The charging device D shown in FIG. 11 has the same configuration as the charging device B shown in FIG. 7 except that the power feeding connector 3 includes a drainage mechanism 35. For this reason, in charging device D, parts that are substantially the same as charging apparatus A are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the power supply connector 3 of the charging device D includes a drainage mechanism 35 for draining the water accumulated inside. Therefore, the drainage mechanism 35 has a configuration in which moisture that crosslinks the first conductive member 331 and the second conductive member 332 is discharged to the outside. For this reason, examples of the drainage mechanism 35 include a mechanism that blows off moisture using a vibrator that vibrates with voltage, a mechanism that blows off moisture with wind, and a mechanism that evaporates moisture with heat. However, the drainage mechanism 35 is not limited to this, and the drainage mechanism 35 has a small and light configuration so that water accumulated in the power supply connector 3 is discharged to the outside so that the power supply connector 3 does not become too large. Can be widely adopted.

  The drainage mechanism 35 operates based on an instruction from the control unit 11 and is controlled so that it operates when the signal of the water detection circuit 34 is a Hi signal and does not operate when the signal is a Lo signal. . On the other hand, since the operation in a state where the power supply connector 3 is attached to the connector of the electric vehicle EV may cause deformation or breakage of the power supply connector 3 or the connector, the operation is controlled by the control unit 11 so as not to operate. It is preferable.

  As described above, by providing the drainage mechanism 35, water is accumulated inside the power supply connector 3, and even when the lock portion 43 is locked, the water inside the power supply connector 3 is effectively discharged. Therefore, charging can be performed safely without causing the user to perform drainage operation. From the above, in the charging device D, the water detection unit 33, the water detection circuit 34, the lock unit 43, the drainage mechanism 35, and the control unit 11 serve as safety devices.

  Moreover, in the charging device D of this embodiment, the control part 11 may acquire the signal from the water detection circuit 34 regularly, and when the water wetness is detected, you may make it drive the drainage mechanism 35. FIG. Further, the drainage mechanism 35 may be driven periodically regardless of the signal from the water detection circuit 34.

  The other features are the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the quick charging device that performs rapid charging with respect to the storage battery Bt mounted on the vehicle (electric vehicle EV) as the charging device has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The same configuration can be used for a charging device that performs normal charging or a charging device that selectively uses quick charging or normal charging using a power supply plug that has both a quick charging pin and a normal charging pin. It is.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this content. The embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  When charging a storage battery mounted on the vehicle, the charging device according to the present invention includes a power supply connector connected to a power receiving connector provided in the vehicle, safety holding means for restricting an operation of the power supply connector, and the power supply connector. The water detection means for detecting that the power supply contact portion to which the electric power for charging the power storage location is applied and the outer surface are connected by water, the water detection means is the power supply contact portion and the outer surface Control means for operating the safety holding means when it is detected that the water is connected with water.

  By configuring in this way, it is detected that the power supply contact portion of the power supply connector and the outer surface are connected with water, and when connected with water, the safety holding means is operated so that charging is not performed. By doing so, it is possible to suppress electric shock due to water wetting.

  In the charging device configured as described above, the water detection unit includes a groove that divides the outer surface and the power supply contact portion, and water that connects the outer surface side of the groove and the power supply contact portion side. When the cross-linking is detected, it is detected that the feeding contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water.

  In the charging device configured as described above, the water detection means includes a first conductive member provided on the side surface on the outer surface side of the groove, a second conductive member provided on the side surface on the power supply contact portion side, the first conductive member, A water detection circuit that outputs a signal to the control means based on a resistance value between the two conductive members is provided, and the control means connects the outer surface and the power supply contact portion with water based on a change in the signal from the water detection circuit. Judge that

  By comprising in this way, it can transmit as an electric signal that the electric power feeding contact part and the outer surface are connected with water, and operation | movement of the safety holding means by a control means becomes easy.

  The charging device having the above configuration includes connector holding means for holding the power supply connector, and the safety holding means includes lock means for locking the power supply connector so as not to be detached from the connector holding means, and is locked according to an instruction from the control unit. Lock or unlock the means.

  By configuring in this way, when the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water, the power supply connector is locked, so that the user cannot remove the power supply connector, thus preventing the occurrence of an electric shock accident. Is possible.

  In the charging device configured as described above, the safety holding means includes a switch provided in the wiring for supplying charging power to the power supply connector. In the safety holding means, the switch follows the instruction from the control means. Open and close operation.

  With this configuration, even when the power supply connector is in any state, when it is detected that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected with water, the power to the power supply connector is cut off. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an electric shock accident effectively.

  The charging device having the above-described configuration includes a notification unit that notifies that the safety holding unit is operating, and the control unit issues an instruction to operate the safety holding unit, and the safety holding unit operates on the notification unit. Send instructions to notify you.

  By configuring in this way, it is possible to warn the user that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water before touching the power supply connector, so that an electric shock accident can be suppressed.

  In the charging device having the above configuration, the power supply contact is applied with a high voltage for rapidly charging the storage battery.

A charging device 1 charger main body 11 control unit 12 power supply circuit 121 AC / DC converter 122 DC / DC converter 13 switch 14 storage unit 2 power supply cable 21 power supply line 22 signal line 3 power supply connector 31 main frame 310 bottom portion 311 cylindrical portion 312 Power supply pin (positive electrode)
313 Power supply pin (negative electrode / ground)
314 Signal pin 32 Inner frame 320 Disc part 321 Projection part 322 Through hole 33 Water detection part 330 Groove 331 First conductive member 332 Second conductive member 333 First terminal 334 Second terminal 34 Water detection circuit R1 First resistance R2 First 2 resistance R3 3rd resistance R4 4th resistance Cp1 Comparator In1 1st input terminal In2 2nd input terminal On Output terminal 4 Connector holder 41 Main-body part 42 Clamping part 43 Lock part

Claims (5)

When charging a storage battery mounted on the vehicle, a power supply connector connected to a power receiving connector provided in the vehicle,
Safety holding means for restricting the operation of the power supply connector;
A water detection means for detecting that the power supply contact portion provided to the power supply connector and to which the power for charging the power storage location is applied and the outer surface are connected by water,
A charging apparatus comprising: a control unit that operates the safety holding unit when the water detection unit detects that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water. The water detection means has a groove for dividing between the outer surface and the power supply contact portion,
2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein when the bridge of water connecting the outer surface side of the groove and the power supply contact portion side is detected, it is detected that the power supply contact portion and the outer surface are connected by water. The water detection means includes
A first conductive member provided on a side surface of the groove on the outer surface side;
A second conductive member provided on a side surface on the power supply contact portion side,
The power supply connect includes a water detection circuit that outputs a signal to the control unit based on a resistance value between the first conductive member and the second conductive member,
The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that the outer surface and the power supply contact portion are connected by water based on a change in a signal from the water detection circuit. Comprising a connector holding means for holding the power supply connector;
4. The safety holding unit includes a lock unit that locks the power feeding connector so as not to be detached from the connector holding unit, and locks or unlocks the lock unit according to an instruction from the control unit. The charging apparatus in any one of. The safety holding means includes a switch provided in a wiring for supplying electric power for charging to the power supply connector,
The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the safety holding means, the switch is opened and closed in accordance with an instruction from the control means.

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