JP2018143032A - Charge control device and charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charge control device and a charging system, which can improve safety of charge to a secondary battery mounted on an electric vehicle of a fuel cell range extender type.SOLUTION: A charge control device for controlling charge from an external power supply device 80 to a secondary battery 30 of an electric vehicle 1 with a fuel cell system, comprises: an acquisition section acquiring information of a first hydrogen concentration that is detected by a first hydrogen detector 15 provided in the fuel cell system, and information of a second hydrogen concentration that is detected by a second hydrogen detector 89 provided at a junction between first charge connection, which is the charge connection of the electric vehicle, and second charge connection, which is the charge connection of the external power supply device; and a power supply control section controlling on and off of charge on the basis of the information of the first hydrogen concentration and the information of the second hydrogen concentration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging control device and a charging system.

  Conventionally, as an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle that travels by the output of a driving motor driven using power supplied from a secondary battery, the fuel is used when the remaining capacity (SOC: State Of Charge) of the secondary battery decreases. There are electric vehicles that can continue running by the power generated by the battery. Such an electric vehicle is also called a fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle. A fuel cell is a generator that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas (air), and a hydrogen tank is mounted on a fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle. Further, the secondary battery mounted on the fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle is charged by receiving power from an external power supply device such as a charging stand.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-211724

  Charging the in-vehicle secondary battery is performed by connecting a charging plug of the external power supply device to the charging port of the vehicle. If the charging plug is removed during charging, sparks (spark discharge) may occur. At this time, if the hydrogen concentration in the ambient atmosphere is high, hydrogen gas may ignite, so if there is a risk of leakage of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank mounted on the electric vehicle, charge It is desirable to stop.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the safety of charging a secondary battery mounted on an electric vehicle of a fuel cell range extender type. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved charging control device and charging system.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, in a charge control device that controls charging of an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system from an external power supply device to a secondary battery, the fuel cell system includes Information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by the first hydrogen detector, and the second charging that is the charging connection part of the electric vehicle and the charging connection part of the external power supply device An acquisition unit that acquires information on the second hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen detector provided in the connection unit with the connection unit, and information on the first hydrogen concentration and information on the second hydrogen concentration And a power supply control unit that controls on / off of charging based on the charging control device.

  The power supply control unit may turn off the charging when at least one of the first hydrogen concentration or the second hydrogen concentration exceeds a reference value.

  The second hydrogen concentration reference value may be smaller than the first hydrogen concentration reference value.

  The power supply control unit may control power supply from the external power supply device to the first hydrogen detector in a connected state of the first charging connection unit and the second charging connection unit.

  The power supply control unit may start power supply to the first hydrogen detector when the second hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than a reference value.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, in a charging system that controls charging of an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system from an external power supply device to a secondary battery, the fuel cell system includes: A first hydrogen detector provided, a first charging connection portion that is a charging connection portion of an electric vehicle, and a second charging connection portion that is a charging connection portion of an external power supply device. ON / OFF of charging based on the information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen detector, the information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by the first hydrogen detector, and the information on the second hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen detector And a charging control device that controls the charging system.

  The charging system further includes a switching circuit that switches a power source of power supplied to the first hydrogen detector to a secondary battery or an external power supply, and the switching circuit includes a first charging connection unit and a second charging connection unit. And the power source may be switched to the external power supply device when power is supplied from the external power supply device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the safety of charging the secondary battery mounted on the fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle.

It is the schematic which shows the structural example of the charging system of the electric vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the installation method of a 2nd hydrogen detector. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric power supply path | route at the time of charge of the electric vehicle which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric power supply path | route at the time of charge of a reference example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric power switching circuit of the vehicle-mounted 1st hydrogen detector. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the charge control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the charge control method by the charge control apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<1. Configuration Example of Charging System for Electric Vehicle>
With reference to FIG. 1, a configuration example of a charging system of a fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as “electric vehicle”) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system that charges a secondary battery mounted on a fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle 1 with electric power of an external power supply device 80.

(1-1. System configuration example of electric vehicle)
First, an example of a system configuration of the fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle 1 will be described. The electric vehicle 1 includes a hydrogen tank 10, a fuel cell 20, a secondary battery 30, a drive motor 40, a drive wheel 50, a power conversion unit 60, an in-vehicle charger 70, and a charge connection unit (first The charging connection unit 75) and the vehicle control device 100 are provided. The power conversion unit 60 includes a first power converter 61, a second power converter 63, and a third power converter 65. The fuel cell range extender type electric vehicle 1 obtains driving torque using a driving motor 40 driven by using power supplied from the secondary battery 30 as a driving source. The electric vehicle 1 continues running by starting the fuel cell 20 to generate power when the remaining capacity SOC of the secondary battery 30 decreases, and charging the secondary battery 30 and driving the drive motor 40. Enable.

  The hydrogen tank 10 is filled with high-pressure hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell 20. The number of hydrogen tanks 10 is not particularly limited. There may be one hydrogen tank 10 or a plurality of hydrogen tanks. The fuel cell 20 generates electricity by reacting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The hydrogen tank 10 and the fuel cell 20 are connected via a pipe 12, and hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen tank 10 to the fuel cell 20 by a motor pump or the like (not shown). The fuel cell 20 is supplied with air as oxygen gas by a compressor or the like (not shown). The supply amounts of the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas are controlled by the vehicle control device 100 according to the voltage Vfc of the generated power. The fuel cell 20 may be a known fuel cell 20 as long as it has the above function.

  In the present specification, the “fuel cell system” means a power generation system including at least the hydrogen tank 10 and the fuel cell 20.

  A hydrogen gas sensor (first hydrogen gas sensor) 15 is provided in the vicinity of the hydrogen tank 10. The first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is a hydrogen gas sensor provided in the fuel cell system, and corresponds to the first hydrogen detector of the present invention. As the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, for example, a known sensor having a configuration in which the voltage of the supplied power changes according to the hydrogen concentration is used. The installation position of the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect an increase in the hydrogen concentration when hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen tank 10. For example, the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 may be provided in the vicinity of a connection portion between the hydrogen tank 10 and the pipe 12.

  The first hydrogen gas sensor 15 can be supplied with power from the secondary battery 30 (hereinafter also referred to as “battery power”) and power from the external power supply device 80 (hereinafter also referred to as “external power”). Yes. In a state where the external power supply device 80 is connected to the vehicle 1, external power can be supplied from the external power supply device 80 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15. On the other hand, when the external power supply device 80 is not connected to the vehicle 1, battery power can be supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15. Therefore, the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 can detect the hydrogen concentration not only when the secondary battery 30 is charged by the external power supply device 80 but also during normal use of the electric vehicle 1. In the charging system of the present embodiment, switching of the power supply source to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is performed by a power switching circuit described later.

  The first power converter 61 converts the voltage Vfc of the generated power output from the fuel cell 20 into a predetermined DC stage voltage Vdc. The voltage Vfc of the power generated by the fuel cell 20 is converted as it is DC power. The first power converter 61 is driven and controlled by the vehicle control device 100. The first power converter 61 is a so-called DCDC converter, and performs unidirectional power conversion from the fuel cell 20 side to the second power converter 63 or the third power converter 65 side, for example. The first power converter 61 may be a known power converter as long as it has the above function.

  The secondary battery 30 is a power source of the drive motor 40 and stores the power supplied to the drive motor 40. The electric power supplied from the secondary battery 30 may be able to be charged in an auxiliary battery (not shown). For example, the power supplied from the secondary battery 30 is stepped down by the step-down converter and charged to the auxiliary battery. The secondary battery 30 can be charged with the power generated by the fuel cell 20 and the regenerative power generated by the drive motor 40. Further, the secondary battery 30 is configured to be connectable to the external power supply device 80 via the charging circuit including the in-vehicle charger 70 and the first charging connection portion 75, and charging from the external power supply device 80 is possible. . The secondary battery 30 is a battery that can output power having a voltage of, for example, 200V. As the secondary battery 30, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lead storage battery is used, but other secondary batteries may be used.

  The secondary battery 30 is provided with a battery management device (BMS: Battery Management System) 35. In the present embodiment, the battery management device 35 calculates an output voltage (hereinafter also referred to as “battery voltage”) Vb, a remaining capacity SOC, and the like of the secondary battery 30, and signals indicating these information to the vehicle control device 100. Output.

  The second power converter 63 converts the DC power voltage (battery voltage) Vb output from the secondary battery 30 into a DC stage voltage Vdc. The electric power output from the secondary battery 30 is converted into voltage with the direct current power maintained. The second power converter 63 converts the voltage (DC stage voltage) Vdc of the power generated by the fuel cell 20 or the regenerative power generated by the driving motor 40 into a predetermined charging voltage Vb_c. The generated power is supplied to the secondary battery 30 as DC power. For example, when the remaining capacity SOC of the secondary battery 30 is sufficient and the fuel cell 20 is not activated, the second power converter 63 charges the secondary battery 30 with the generated power during the regenerative drive of the drive motor 40. To do. Further, when the remaining capacity SOC of the secondary battery 30 decreases and the fuel cell 20 is activated, the second power converter 63 charges the secondary battery 30 with the generated power of the fuel cell 20.

  The second power converter 63 is driven and controlled by the vehicle control device 100. The second power converter 63 has a function as a so-called DCDC converter, and the secondary power 30 side to the third power converter 65 side, the first power converter 61 and the third power converter 65. Bidirectional power conversion from the side to the secondary battery 30 side is performed. The second power converter 63 may be a known power converter as long as it has the above function.

  The drive motor 40 is driven by the supplied electric power and outputs torque that drives the drive wheels 50. The drive motor 40 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor, and is driven (powering drive) using power supplied from the secondary battery 30 and the fuel cell 20 to generate drive torque of the drive wheels 50. Further, the drive motor 40 may have a function (regeneration function) as a generator that is regeneratively driven when the vehicle is decelerated and generates electric power using the rotational torque of the drive wheels 50. The drive motor 40 may be a known drive motor 40 as long as it has the above function.

  The third power converter 65 converts DC power supplied from the fuel cell 20 or the secondary battery 30 into AC power. The third power converter 65 converts AC power regenerated by the drive motor 40 into DC power. The third power converter 65 is driven and controlled by the vehicle control device 100.

  Specifically, when the driving motor 40 is driven by powering, the vehicle control device 100 controls the third power converter 65 to convert DC power into AC power, and supplies the AC power to the driving motor 40 to drive the driving motor. 40 is driven. When the drive motor 40 is regeneratively driven, the vehicle control device 100 controls the third power converter 65 to convert the AC power generated by the drive motor 40 into DC power, and charge the secondary battery 30. The electric power is supplied to the second power converter 63. The third power converter 65 has a function as a so-called inverter, and the first power converter 61 and the second power converter 63 side from the driving motor 40 side, and the driving motor 40 side from the second power converter 65 side. Bidirectional power conversion with the power converter 63 side is performed. The third power converter 65 may be a known power converter as long as it has the above function.

  The number of third power converters 65 is not limited to one, and a plurality of third power converters 65 may be provided. Further, the number of drive motors 40 connected to one third power converter 65 is not limited to one, but a plurality of drive motors 40 are connected to one third power converter 65. A drive motor 40 may be connected.

  The on-vehicle charger 70 includes a rectifier circuit, an inverter, a transformer, and the like (not shown). The secondary battery 30 is connected to the in-vehicle charger 70 via energization wires 78 and 79. The on-vehicle charger 70 is connected to a first charging connection portion 75 via energization wires 76 and 77. A charging connection part (second charging connection part) 83 of the external power supply device 80 can be connected to the first charging connection part 75. When the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 are connected and external power is supplied from the external power supply device 80, the external power is converted into a predetermined charging voltage by the in-vehicle charger 70, and the The secondary battery 30 is supplied. When the supplied external power is a direct current, the in-vehicle charger 70 has a circuit that converts the direct current into an alternating current. Thereby, the secondary battery 30 is charged. That is, the electric vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a so-called plug-in electric vehicle 1.

  Moreover, the 1st hydrogen gas sensor 15 is connected to the vehicle-mounted charger 70 through the electricity wire which is not shown in figure. When the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 are connected and external power is supplied from the external power supply device 80 and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the external power is set to a predetermined voltage by the in-vehicle charger 70. It is converted and supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15.

  The vehicle control device 100 controls driving of the first power converter 61, the second power converter 63, and the third power converter 65 of the power conversion unit 60. The vehicle control apparatus 100 mainly includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device that stores software programs, control parameters, acquired information, and the like. The storage device may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Information detected by a sensor or the like (not shown) is input to the vehicle control device 100. In addition, an output signal from a battery management device 35 provided in the secondary battery 30 is input to the vehicle control device 100. Although the illustrated vehicle control device 100 is configured as a single control device, the vehicle control device 100 may be configured such that a plurality of control devices can communicate with each other.

(1-2. Configuration Example of External Power Supply Device)
The external power supply device 80 is a power supply device that supplies external power to the electric vehicle 1. The external power supply device 80 may be a charging stand capable of supplying an alternating current having a voltage of, for example, 200V. Alternatively, the external power supply device 80 may be a household power supply that can supply a DC current having a voltage of, for example, 100 V or 200 V to the electric vehicle 1. The external power supply device 80 may be connected to a power network, for example. The external power supply device 80 includes a charge control device 150 that controls charging of the in-vehicle secondary battery 30. A second charging connection portion 83 is connected to the external power supply device 80 via power supply lines 86 and 87. The second charging connection portion 83 is connectable to the first charging connection portion 75 of the vehicle, and is supplied when the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 are connected. The electric wires 86 and 87 and the conducting wires 76 and 77 are electrically connected. For example, the second charging connection portion 83 may be a charging plug, and the first charging connection portion 75 may be a charging port into which the charging plug can be inserted.

  The second charging connection portion 83 is provided with a hydrogen gas sensor (second hydrogen gas sensor) 89. The second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is a hydrogen gas sensor provided in the connecting portion 90 between the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1 and the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80. This corresponds to 2 hydrogen detectors. Similar to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 may be a known sensor. The second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is an arrangement position as long as it can detect the hydrogen concentration in the connecting portion 90 between the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1 and the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80. Is not particularly limited.

  However, it is preferable that the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in a portion of the second charging connection portion 83 that faces the first charging connection portion 75. The second hydrogen gas sensor 89 only needs to be able to detect the hydrogen concentration in a state where the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80 is connected to the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1. In the state where is disconnected, it is not necessary to receive power supply. For this reason, the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in the second charging connection portion 83, and external power can be supplied from the external power supply device 80 to the second hydrogen gas sensor 89. It is not necessary to provide a power supply path to the second hydrogen gas sensor 89.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the second charging connection portion 83. The second charging connection portion 83 is connected to the external power supply device 80 by a cable 82 that accommodates power supply lines 86 and 87 and a signal transmission line therein. The second charging connection portion 83 has an insertion portion 81 that is inserted into the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1. In the illustrated example, the insertion portion 81 has a cylindrical shape. The distal end portion of the insertion portion 81 is electrically connected to a terminal 86a electrically connected to the feeder line 86, a terminal 87a electrically connected to the feeder line 87, and a signal transmission line (not shown). Terminals 85a and 85b are provided. In a state where the second charging connection portion 83 is connected to the first charging connection portion 75, these terminals 85a, 85b, 86a, 87a are respectively corresponding terminals provided on the first charging connection portion 75 side. Electrically connected. Thereby, external electric power is supplied from the external power supply device 80 to the electric vehicle 1, and signals are transmitted and received between the external power supply device 80 and the electric vehicle 1.

  The four terminals 85a, 85b, 86a, 87a are provided about every 90 degrees around the center point on the end face of the cylindrical insertion portion 81. A second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in a central portion surrounded by the four terminals 85a, 85b, 86a, 87a. The second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in a recess 84 surrounded by four terminals 85a, 85b, 86a, 87a. External power is supplied to the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 via a feeder line housed in the cable 82.

  The arrangement position of the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is not limited to the illustrated example, but communication with the outside is not performed even when the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 are connected. It is preferable to arrange the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 at a position where is maintained. By disposing the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 at such a position, it is possible to detect the hydrogen concentration in the ambient atmosphere with the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 connected. Further, by utilizing the fact that hydrogen gas is lighter than air, a space where hydrogen gas can be easily stored is provided in the second charging connection portion 83, and the second charging connection portion 83 may be disposed in the space.

<2. Configuration example of power supply system>
Next, a power supply system for supplying power from the external power supply device 80 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, the second hydrogen gas sensor 89, and the secondary battery 30 will be described.

(2-1. Configuration of power supply path)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the supply path of external power from the external power supply device 80 in the charging system according to the present embodiment with arrows. In the charging system according to the present embodiment, the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in the second charging connection portion 83. Therefore, the external power is supplied to the second hydrogen detector 89 via the power supply line in the cable 82. In addition, external power is supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 and the secondary battery 30 via the in-vehicle charger 70 in a state where the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 are connected. Is done. Specifically, the external electric power is supplied from the in-vehicle charger 70 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 and the secondary battery 30 through respective energization paths. At this time, the on-vehicle charger 70 adjusts the voltage as necessary, and external power is supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 or the secondary battery 30.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a power supply path of a charging system according to a reference example for comparison with the charging system according to the present embodiment. In the charging system shown in the reference example, battery power can be supplied from the secondary battery 30 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, while directly from the external power supply device 80 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15. The external power cannot be supplied. When battery power is supplied from the secondary battery 30 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, the voltage is adjusted by a control circuit (not shown) as necessary. That is, the charging system according to the reference example is connected to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 from the external power supply device 80 via the power supply path to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 that can be used even during normal use of the electric vehicle 1. Supply power. Therefore, since the electric power charged in the secondary battery 30 is taken out from the external power supply device 80 again and the electric power is supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, energy loss occurs.

  On the other hand, in the charging system according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is directly activated by external power supplied from the external power supply device 80. Therefore, energy loss that occurs when power supplied from the external power supply device 80 enters and exits the secondary battery 30 can be reduced.

(2-2. Configuration example of power switching circuit)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a power switching circuit 200 that switches the power supply source of the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 in the power supply system of the charging system according to the present embodiment. The electric power switching circuit 200 activates the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 by battery power when the electric vehicle 1 is not connected to the external power supply device 80, and the first electric power by the external power when the electric vehicle 1 is connected to the external power supply device 80. It is constructed as a circuit for starting one hydrogen gas sensor 15.

  The power switching circuit 200 includes a relay switch 210 and a transistor 219. The relay switch 210 includes a movable contact 211, a first fixed contact 213, a second fixed contact 215, and an electromagnetic coil 217. Among these, the movable contact 211 is electrically connected to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15. The first fixed contact 213 is electrically connected to the secondary battery 30, and the second fixed contact 215 is electrically connected to the in-vehicle charger 70. The electromagnetic coil 217 is electrically connected to the in-vehicle charger 70 via the transistor 219.

  The transistor 219 is switched on and off by the control unit 220 and switches between supply and interruption of power to the electromagnetic coil 217. When the transistor 219 is off, power supply from the external power supply 80 to the electromagnetic coil 217 via the in-vehicle charger 70 is interrupted. On the other hand, when the transistor 219 is on, power is supplied from the external power supply device 80 to the electromagnetic coil 217 via the in-vehicle charger 70. The transistor 219 may be replaced with another switching element or the like that can switch on / off of current application.

  The control unit 220 is activated when the first charging connection unit 75 of the electric vehicle 1 and the second charging connection unit 83 of the external power supply device 80 are connected and supply of external power is started, and the transistor 219 is started. Switch from off to on. For example, the control unit 220 may be a circuit that controls the voltage of the external power supplied from the external power supply device 80 to an appropriate voltage and supplies the voltage to the transistor 219. When electric power is supplied to the electromagnetic coil 217, a magnetic field is generated in the electromagnetic coil 217, the movable contact 211 is attracted to the electromagnetic coil 217, and the movable contact 211 and the second fixed contact 215 are connected. As a result, external power is supplied from the external power supply device 80 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 via the in-vehicle charger 70.

  On the other hand, when the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1 and the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80 are disconnected, the external power supply from the external power supply device 80 to the electric vehicle 1 is performed. In a state where the control unit 220 is not activated, such as when it is stopped, the transistor 219 is turned off. In this state, the magnetic field generated in the electromagnetic coil 217 disappears, and the movable contact 211 and the first fixed contact 213 are connected. Thereby, electric power can be supplied from the secondary battery 30 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15.

  According to the illustrated power switching circuit 200, when the first charging connection portion 75 of the electric vehicle 1 and the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80 are disconnected, the in-vehicle secondary battery 30 The first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is activated by the electric power, while the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is activated by the electric power of the external power supply device 80 when the electric vehicle 1 is charged. Therefore, energy loss due to external power entering and exiting the secondary battery 30 can be reduced.

  The configuration of the power switching circuit 200 is an example, and the power switching circuit may have a configuration different from the above configuration.

<3. Configuration Example of Charge Control Device>
Next, a configuration example of the charging control device 150 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the charging control device 150. The charging control device 150 includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device that stores software programs, control parameters, acquired information, and the like. The storage device may include a RAM and a ROM, and may include other storage media such as a CD-ROM and a storage device. The charging control device 150 can acquire the sensor signal of the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 in a state where the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 are connected. Further, the charge control device 150 can acquire the sensor signal of the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 regardless of whether the first charge connection unit 75 and the second charge connection unit 83 are connected.

  The charging control device 150 includes an acquisition unit 151, a plug connection detection unit 153, and a power supply control unit 155. Each of these units may include a processor and an electric circuit, and may have a function realized by executing a software program by the processor. Note that a part or all of the charging control device 150 may be configured by an updatable device such as firmware in addition to an example configured by a CPU or MPU. Alternatively, a part or all of the charging control device 150 may be a program module that is executed by a command from a CPU or the like.

  The acquisition unit 151 acquires information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 and information on the second hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen gas sensor 89. For example, the acquisition unit 151 can acquire the first hydrogen concentration information in a state where the second charging connection unit 83 of the external power supply device 80 is connected to the first charging connection unit 75 of the electric vehicle 1. . On the other hand, since the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 is provided in the second charging connection unit 83 of the external power supply device 80, the acquisition unit 151 includes the first charging connection unit 75, the second charging connection unit 83, and the like. The second hydrogen concentration information can be acquired regardless of whether or not these are connected.

  Moreover, the acquisition part 151 may acquire the information of the battery voltage Vb in the connection state of the 1st charge connection part 75 and the 2nd charge connection part 83, for example. Or the acquisition part 151 may acquire the signal which shows the information of the battery voltage Vb and remaining capacity SOC from BMS35 in the connection state of the 1st charge connection part 75 and the 2nd charge connection part 83, for example.

  The connection detection unit 153 detects the connection between the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83. For example, a weak current flows when the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 are appropriately connected, and the connection detection unit 153 detects the current to detect the first charging connection unit. The connection between 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 may be detected. The method for detecting the connection between the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 is not particularly limited.

  The power supply control unit 155 controls on / off of charging of the secondary battery 30 based on the first hydrogen concentration information and the second hydrogen concentration information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. When the power supply control unit 155 determines that there is a low possibility that hydrogen gas has leaked from the hydrogen tank 10 based on the information on the first hydrogen concentration and the information on the second hydrogen concentration, the power supply control unit 155 The secondary battery 30 is charged from 80. For example, the power supply control unit 155 compares the first hydrogen concentration and the second hydrogen concentration with the reference value, respectively, and performs charging when at least one of the first hydrogen concentration and the second hydrogen concentration exceeds the reference value. Ban.

  The reference value of the first hydrogen concentration and the reference value of the second hydrogen concentration may be the same or different. For example, the second hydrogen concentration reference value detected by the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 provided at a position farther from the hydrogen tank 10 may be smaller than the first hydrogen concentration reference value. That is, when the hydrogen concentration (second hydrogen concentration) at a position away from the hydrogen tank 10 is increasing, the hydrogen concentration (second hydrogen concentration) in the vicinity of the hydrogen tank 10 is a higher value. there is a possibility. For this reason, by setting the second hydrogen concentration reference value to a value smaller than the first hydrogen concentration reference value, it is possible to reduce delay in detection of leakage of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen tank 10.

  In addition, the power supply control unit 155 of the charge control device 150 according to the present embodiment is connected to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 from the external power supply device 80 in a connected state of the first charge connection unit 75 and the second charge connection unit 83. Control the power supply to. The power supply control unit 155 does not always supply external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 after the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 are connected, but instead of supplying the second hydrogen. When the concentration is less than the reference value, supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is started. That is, the power supply control unit 155 confirms that the hydrogen concentration (second hydrogen concentration) around the connecting portion 90 between the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 is low and safe. Then, the supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is started. Thereby, even if it is a case where the connection of the 1st charge connection part 75 and the 2nd charge connection part 83 remove | deviates and a spark arises, the possibility of igniting hydrogen gas can be reduced.

<4. Processing Flow by Charge Control Device>
Next, an example of a flowchart of processing executed by the charging control device 150 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the connection detection unit 153 of the charge control device 150 detects the connection between the first charge connection unit 75 and the second charge connection unit 83 (step S11). For example, the connection detection unit 153 detects the weak current that flows when the first charge connection unit 75 and the second charge connection unit 83 are appropriately connected, thereby detecting the first charge connection unit 75 and the second charge connection unit 75. The connection with the charging connection portion 83 may be detected. The method for detecting the connection between the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 is not particularly limited. When the connection between the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83 is detected, the power supply control unit 155 of the charging control device 150 receives the second charging connection unit 83 provided with the second charging connection unit 83. Supply of external power to the hydrogen gas sensor 89 is started (step S13).

  Next, the power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the detected concentration (second hydrogen concentration) of the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 acquired by the acquiring unit 151 is equal to or less than a preset reference value C2 ( Step S15). It is known that hydrogen gas tends to ignite when the volume concentration of hydrogen gas in the atmosphere is 4% or more. For this reason, the reference value C2 of the second hydrogen concentration is preferably less than 4%, and may be set to 1%, for example. When the second hydrogen concentration exceeds the reference value C2 (S15 / No), the hydrogen gas is ignited when the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 are disconnected and a spark is generated. Therefore, the power supply control unit 155 stops the supply of external power from the external power supply device 80 to the electric vehicle 1 side (step S27). Thereby, the charge to the vehicle-mounted secondary battery 30 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the second hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than the reference value C2 (S15 / Yes), the power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is turned off. (Step S17). When the supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is off (S17 / Yes), the power supply control unit 155 starts supplying external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 (step S19). ). For example, when the electric vehicle 1 includes the power switching circuit 200 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 220 is activated when external power is supplied to the on-vehicle charger 70, and the movable contact 211 of the relay switch 210 is charged on-vehicle. The second fixed contact 215 electrically connected to the container 70 is connected. As a result, external power is supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 155 has a low hydrogen concentration (second hydrogen concentration) around the connecting portion 90 between the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83, and is safe. The supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is started after it is confirmed that Thereby, even if it is a case where the connection of the 1st charge connection part 75 and the 2nd charge connection part 83 remove | deviates and a spark arises, the possibility of igniting hydrogen gas can be reduced.

  After supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is started in step S19, or when supply of external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is already turned on in step S17 (S17 / Yes) ) The power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the detected concentration (first hydrogen concentration) of the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 acquired by the acquiring unit 151 is equal to or less than a preset reference value C1 ( Step S21). As described above, the reference value C1 of the first hydrogen concentration and the reference value C2 of the second hydrogen concentration may be the same, but the reference value C2 of the second hydrogen concentration is the first hydrogen concentration. It is preferable that the value is smaller than the reference value C1.

  When the first hydrogen concentration exceeds the reference value C1 (S21 / No), the hydrogen concentration around the connecting portion 90 between the first charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 (second hydrogen concentration). The power supply control unit 155 may cause external power from the external power supply device 80 to the electric vehicle 1 side to ignite hydrogen gas when the connecting portion 90 is detached and sparks are generated. Is stopped (step S27). Thereby, the charge to the vehicle-mounted secondary battery 30 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the first hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than the reference value C1 (S21 / Yes), the power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the secondary battery 30 is currently being charged (step S23). When the secondary battery 30 is being charged (S23 / Yes), the power supply control unit 155 returns to step S15 and repeats the processing of each step described so far. On the other hand, when the secondary battery 30 is not being charged (S23 / No), the power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the charging of the secondary battery 30 has been completed (step S25). The power supply control unit 155 determines whether or not the secondary battery 30 is being charged, or whether or not the secondary battery 30 is fully charged, for example, the battery voltage Vb acquired by the acquisition unit 151 or the remaining You may discriminate | determine based on the information of capacity | capacitance SOC.

  If charging of the secondary battery 30 is not complete (S25 / No), the power supply control unit 155 starts charging the secondary battery 30 from the external power supply device 80 (step S29). Thereafter, the power supply control unit 155 returns to step S15 and repeats the processing of each step described so far. On the other hand, when charging of the secondary battery 30 is complete (S25 / Yes), the power supply control unit 155 stops the supply of external power from the external power supply device 80 to the electric vehicle 1 side (step S25 / Yes). S27), the charging control of the secondary battery 30 is terminated.

  As described above, the charging control device 150 according to the present embodiment includes the first hydrogen concentration information detected by the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 provided in the fuel cell system, and the first electric vehicle 1. The secondary battery 30 is based on the information on the second hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen gas sensor 89 provided in the connecting portion 90 between the charging connection portion 75 and the second charging connection portion 83 of the external power supply device 80. Control on / off of charging to the. For this reason, the charging of the secondary battery 30 can be turned off not only when the hydrogen concentration in the ambient air around the connecting portion 90 but also when the hydrogen concentration in the ambient air around the in-vehicle fuel cell system increases. Therefore, not only when the hydrogen concentration in the ambient air around the connecting portion 90 actually increases, the hydrogen gas in the vicinity of the fuel cell system moves to the connecting portion 90 and the hydrogen concentration in the ambient air around the connecting portion 90 increases. Even when there is a fear, the charging of the secondary battery 30 is turned off. As a result, the risk of ignition of hydrogen gas due to the disconnection of the connecting portion 90 and the occurrence of sparks can be reduced, and the safety during charging of the secondary battery 30 can be improved.

  In addition, the charging control device 150 according to the present embodiment starts supplying external power to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 mounted on the vehicle when the second hydrogen concentration is equal to or less than the reference value C2. That is, after the safety around the connecting portion 90 is confirmed, external power is supplied to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15 to reduce the risk of ignition of hydrogen gas due to sparks generated when the connecting portion 90 is disconnected. be able to.

  In the charging system according to the present embodiment, the on-vehicle first hydrogen gas sensor 15 is activated by the external power supplied from the external power supply device 80. For this reason, compared with the case where electric power is supplied from the secondary battery 30 to the first hydrogen gas sensor 15, it is possible to reduce energy loss due to the external power once entering and exiting the secondary battery 30.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, although the charging control device 150 according to the above embodiment is provided in the external power supply device 80, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The charge control device may be provided on the electric vehicle 1 side. In this case, for example, charging control of the secondary battery 30 by external power is performed by the in-vehicle charging control device in a connected state of the first charging connection unit 75 and the second charging connection unit 83. The same effect as that of the above embodiment can also be obtained by the charge control device mounted on the electric vehicle 1.

  In the charging system according to the above embodiment, the in-vehicle charger 70 is mounted on the electric vehicle 1, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The charger may be provided in the external power supply device 80. The effect similar to the said embodiment can be acquired also by the charging system comprised in this way.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric vehicle 10 Hydrogen tank 15 1st hydrogen gas sensor (1st hydrogen detector)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Fuel cell 30 Secondary battery 40 Drive motor 70 Car-mounted charger 75 1st charge connection part 80 External power supply device 83 2nd charge connection part 89 2nd hydrogen gas sensor (2nd hydrogen detector)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 90 Connection part 150 Charge control apparatus 151 Acquisition part 153 Connection detection part 155 Power supply control part 200 Power switching circuit

Claims (7)

In a charging control device that controls charging from an external power supply device to a secondary battery of an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system,
Information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by a first hydrogen detector provided in the fuel cell system, and charging of the first charging connection unit which is a charging connection unit of the electric vehicle and the external power supply device An acquisition unit that acquires information of a second hydrogen concentration detected by a second hydrogen detector provided in a connection unit with the second charge connection unit that is a connection unit;
A power supply control unit for controlling on / off of charging based on the information on the first hydrogen concentration and the information on the second hydrogen concentration;
A charge control device.   The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control unit turns off the charging when at least one of the first hydrogen concentration or the second hydrogen concentration exceeds a reference value.   The charge control device according to claim 2, wherein the second hydrogen concentration reference value is smaller than the first hydrogen concentration reference value.   The power supply control unit controls power supply from the external power supply device to the first hydrogen detector in a connected state of the first charging connection unit and the second charging connection unit. The charge control device according to any one of?   The charge control device according to claim 4, wherein the power supply control unit starts power supply to the first hydrogen detector when the second hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than a reference value. In a charging system that controls charging from an external power supply to a secondary battery of an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system,
A first hydrogen detector provided in the fuel cell system;
A second hydrogen detector provided at a connecting portion between a first charging connection portion that is a charging connection portion of the electric vehicle and a second charging connection portion that is a charging connection portion of the external power supply;
Charge control for controlling on / off of charging based on information on the first hydrogen concentration detected by the first hydrogen detector and information on the second hydrogen concentration detected by the second hydrogen detector Equipment,
A charging system comprising: The charging system further includes a switching circuit that switches a power source of power supplied to the first hydrogen detector to the secondary battery or the external power supply device,
The switching circuit switches the power source to the external power supply device when the first charge connection portion and the second charge connection portion are connected to receive power from the external power supply device. The charging system according to claim 6.

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