JP4930289B2 - Electric vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric vehicle, and more particularly to an electric vehicle that can be charged by an external power source.

  An electric vehicle is equipped with a power storage device (for example, a secondary battery or a capacitor) and travels using a driving force generated from electric power stored in the power storage device. The electric vehicle includes, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and the like.

  In recent years, a technique for charging a power storage device mounted on these vehicles with a commercial power source having high power generation efficiency has been proposed. By using this technology, for example, it can be expected to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of a hybrid vehicle. In particular, a technique for charging a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle by a commercial power source (for example, a supply source having a relatively low voltage such as 100 V or 200 V) supplied to each home is attracting attention.

  For a user who uses an electric vehicle that can be charged by a commercial power source, the lower the charge for the amount of power required to charge the power storage device, the better. For example, when the charge for midnight power is lower than the charge for power used during the day, it is possible to reduce the cost required for charging by charging the power storage device of the electric vehicle during the midnight power period. Become.

  However, it may be difficult to charge the electric vehicle at midnight due to user circumstances. For example, when a user who uses an electric vehicle during the day has to wait for a charging operation until midnight, the user's burden is likely to increase. In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to use a method of starting charging of the power storage device of the vehicle at the charging start time specified by the user.

An example of a vehicle that employs this method is a vehicle disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-117508 (Patent Document 1). The vehicle disclosed in the above document includes a battery that can be charged by an external power source. The user can set the charging start time of the battery by operating the charge reservation button. The vehicle further includes a display device that displays the charge reservation contents set by the user.
JP 2001-117508 A JP-A-5-308732 JP 2001-16793 A

  The display device for a vehicle disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-117508 (Patent Document 1) has a screen that can display whether the current battery state is before charging, during charging, or when charging is completed. However, the user cannot grasp the current battery state without looking at the screen. For this reason, the user may feel inconvenience.

  Moreover, the power stored in the battery is consumed by displaying the charge reservation content on the screen. When the power consumption of the display device is large, there is a possibility that the charging time becomes long. This can also be a factor that makes the user feel inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the user in an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device that can be charged by an external power source. It is to be.

  In summary, the present invention is an electric vehicle that can be charged by an external power source. The electric vehicle includes a power storage device, a charging device, a lighting device, a start time setting unit, a start instruction unit, a charging control unit, and a charging end unit. The power storage device stores electric power used to generate driving force for the electric vehicle. The charging device charges the power storage device using power supplied from an external power source. The start time setting unit receives at least one of the start reservation time and the end reservation time and sets the charge start time. The start instructing unit maintains the state of the lighting device in the first state from the time when the charging start time is set to the time when the charging starts, and charges the power storage device when the current time reaches the charging start time. Output a start instruction to start. The charge control unit activates the charging device in response to the start instruction and changes the state of the lighting device from the first state to the second state. The charging end unit determines whether or not the charging end condition of the power storage device is satisfied, and if the charging end condition is satisfied, instructs the charging control unit to end the operation of the charging device, and the lighting device The state is changed from the second state to the third state. A start instruction | indication part produces | generates the state by which the power consumption of the lighting device was suppressed rather than the 2nd state as a 1st state.

  Preferably, the start instruction unit generates a state in which the lighting device is intermittently lit as the first state. The charging start unit generates a state where the lighting device is continuously lit as the second state.

  More preferably, the charging end unit generates a state in which the lighting device is turned off as the third state.

  Preferably, the electric vehicle further includes an auxiliary power storage device electrically connected in parallel with the power storage device on a power supply path from the charging device to the power storage device. The lighting device is lit by receiving power from the auxiliary power storage device.

  Preferably, the lighting device is lit by receiving power supplied from an external power source.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the convenience of the user who uses the electric vehicle carrying the electrical storage apparatus which can be charged with an external power supply can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid vehicle is shown as an electric vehicle that can be charged by an external power source. However, the electric vehicle that can be charged by the external power source is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, and may be an electric vehicle, for example.

  Vehicle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an internal combustion engine (engine), a power storage device, and an electric motor that is rotationally driven by electric power from the power storage device, and optimally generates a driving force generated from the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. By allocating, high fuel consumption efficiency is realized. Furthermore, the power storage device mounted on the vehicle 100 can be charged with electric power from an external power source (commercial power source as an example).

  FIG. 1 is a side view of vehicle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a charging port 200 is formed in a vehicle main body (body) 300. The charging port 200 has a connector (not shown in FIG. 1) connected to a cable for transmitting power supplied from a commercial power source, and a lid 204 for preventing water or dust from entering the connector. Is provided. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the charging port 200 is formed on the left side surface and the front wheel side of the vehicle main body 300. However, the position where the charging port 200 is formed is not particularly limited.

  Vehicle 100 can start charging the power storage device when the cable is connected to the connector. Vehicle 100 can also start charging the power storage device at a preset time. The charging of the power storage device that starts at a preset time is hereinafter referred to as “timer charging”.

  Lamps 211 and 212 are provided in the vicinity of charging port 200. When the user sets timer charging for the vehicle 100, the lamp 211 is lit from the time when the timer charging is set until the charging start time. Thereby, the user can confirm that the timer charging is correctly set. When the current time reaches the charging start time, the lamp 211 is turned off.

  The lamp 212 is turned on when charging of the power storage device is started, and is turned off when charging is finished. When timer charging is set, the lamp 212 is lit when the current time reaches the charging start time. Thus, the user can confirm that the power storage device is being charged.

  In addition, a vehicle body (body) of vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment is formed with a fuel filler port (not shown) for fueling the fuel necessary for the operation of the internal combustion engine.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicle 100. Referring to FIG. 2, vehicle 100 is a parallel / series hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes a power storage device (BAT) 4 that stores power for generating a driving force, a charge / discharge device 30 that charges and discharges the power storage device 4, and a power control unit 2 that controls the charge / discharge device 30. A timer control unit 3 for executing timer charging, a lighting device 40, a display unit 50 for displaying the start time of timer charging, and an input unit 55 for inputting a timer charging start reservation time by the user. And switches 61 and 62.

  The power storage device 4 is a power storage element configured to be chargeable / dischargeable. The power storage device 4 includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, and a power storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor.

  The charging / discharging device 30 includes a converter (CONV) 6, a main positive bus MPL, a main negative bus MNL, a capacitor C, a first inverter (INV1) 8-1 and a second inverter (INV2) 8-2. Motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2 are included.

  Converter 6 mutually converts the input / output voltage of power storage device 4 and the voltage between main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL. The voltage conversion by the converter 6 is controlled according to the switching command PWC from the power control unit 2.

  Capacitor C smoothes the voltage between main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL. Inverters 8-1 and 8-2 are provided corresponding to motor generators MG1 and MG2, respectively. Inverters 8-1 and 8-2 are electrically connected in parallel to power storage device 4. Inverters 8-1 and 8-2 mutually convert DC power and AC power.

  Charging / discharging device 30 further includes a charging connector 25, an AC port 210, and power lines Lp, Ln, ACLp, ACLn.

  The AC port 210 electrically connects the power line Lp and the power line ACLp, and electrically connects the power line Ln and the power line ACLn. AC port 210 is connected to charging connector 25 by power lines Lp and Ln. Further, AC port 210 is connected to neutral point N1 of motor generator MG1 and neutral point N2 of motor generator MG2 by power lines ACLp and ACLn.

  Each of motor generators MG1 and MG2 includes a stator in which a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil, and a W-phase coil are Y-connected (star-connected). In this Y connection, the point where the three coils are connected in common corresponds to neutral point N1 of motor generator MG1 and neutral point N2 of motor generator MG2.

  When charging power storage device 4 with external power supply 240, power from external power supply 240 is transmitted to vehicle 100 through a charging cable. The charging cable includes power lines PSLp and PSLn and plugs 260 and 261.

  Plug 260 is connected to a connector 241 that is electrically coupled to external power source 240. Plug 261 is connected to charging connector 25. Thereby, power lines PSLp, Lp, ACLp are electrically connected, and power lines PSLn, Ln, ACLn are electrically connected.

  When the plug 261 is connected to the charging connector 25, the switch 62 is turned on. For example, the switch 62 is a mechanical switch having a fixed contact and a movable contact. When the switch 62 is turned on, a predetermined voltage (ground voltage in the configuration of FIG. 2) is applied to the power control unit 2. As a result, the power control unit 2 detects that the plug 261 is connected to the charging connector 25.

  The voltage value and type (direct current or alternating current) of the power supplied from the external power source 240 are not particularly limited. For example, a commercial power source supplied to each household can be used as the external power source 240. In the present embodiment, external power supply 240 is a single-phase AC commercial power supply (its voltage value is 100 V or 200 V). The control device 262 outputs a signal SAC including information such as the voltage value of the power supplied from the external power supply 240 and the current capacity. The signal SAC is sent to the power control unit 2 through a signal line (not shown) in the charging cable and a signal line (not shown) provided between the charging connector 25 and the power control unit 2. The power control unit 2 detects that power is being supplied from the external power supply 240 based on information included in the signal SAC, for example.

  When the power of the external power supply is supplied to neutral points N1 and N2 of motor generators MG1 and MG2, the voltage of power line PSLp is applied to each phase on the AC side of inverter 8-1 and AC of inverter 8-2 is supplied. The voltage of the power line PSLn is applied to each phase on the side. Inverters 8-1 and 8-2 perform switching operations in response to switching commands PWM1 and PWM2, respectively. Thus, DC power having a predetermined voltage value is supplied from inverters 8-1 and 8-2 to main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL.

  More specifically, each of inverters 8-1 and 8-2 has three arm circuits respectively corresponding to three phases on the AC side. Each arm circuit includes an upper arm circuit and a lower arm circuit having at least one switching element.

  In each of inverters 8-1 and 8-2, the upper arm circuit corresponding to each phase is turned on / off at the same time, and the lower arm circuit corresponding to each phase is turned on / off in the same manner. Let Thereby, in each of inverters 8-1 and 8-2, the three upper arm circuits can be regarded as the same switching state (all on or all off). Similarly, the three lower arm circuits can be regarded as the same switching state. By such a switching operation, the respective phase voltages can be made equal to each other. Such a switching mode is also referred to as a zero-phase mode.

  FIG. 3 is a zero-phase equivalent circuit of inverters 8-1, 8-2 and motor generators MG1, MG2 in the zero-phase mode. Referring to FIG. 3, when inverters 8-1, 8-2 perform switching operation according to the above-described zero phase mode, the three upper arm circuits in inverter 8-1 can be collectively shown as upper arm ARM1p. The three lower arm circuits in the inverter 8-1 can be collectively shown as the lower arm ARM1n. Each of the upper arm ARM1p and the lower arm ARM1n includes a switching element TR and a free wheel diode D. Similarly, the three upper arm circuits in the inverter 8-2 can be collectively shown as an upper arm ARM2p, and the three lower arm circuits in the inverter 8-2 can be collectively shown as a lower arm ARM2n.

  The zero-phase equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 3 is capable of converting DC power supplied via the main positive bus MPL and the main negative bus MNL into single-phase AC power, and has a neutral point via the power lines ACLp and ACLn. It can be regarded as a single-phase inverter capable of converting single-phase AC power input to N1 and N2 into DC power.

  That is, by controlling the inverters 8-1 and 8-2 so that the zero-phase mode can be realized, the inverters 8-1 and 8-2 can be equivalently operated as a single-phase inverter. As a result, single-phase AC power supplied from external power supply 240 can be converted to DC power, and the DC power can be supplied to main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL. The power storage device 4 is charged by this DC power.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the charging / discharging device 30 further includes an internal combustion engine ENG and a power split mechanism 22. The internal combustion engine ENG operates by combustion of fuel. Motor generator MG1 can generate electric power by receiving part of the power from internal combustion engine ENG. Motor generator MG2 operates as an electric motor by electric power from power storage device (BAT) 4.

  Internal combustion engine ENG and motor generators MG1, MG2 are mechanically coupled to each other via power split mechanism 22. The power split mechanism 22 is typically constituted by a planetary gear mechanism.

  When the vehicle 100 is traveling, the charging / discharging device 30 functions as a device that generates driving force of the vehicle. Inverter 8-1 mainly converts AC power generated by motor generator MG 1 into DC power in response to switching command PWM 1 from power control unit 2. Inverter 8-2 converts DC power supplied via main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL into AC power in accordance with switching command PWM2 from power control unit 2, and converts the AC power to a motor generator. Supply to MG2. Power split mechanism 22 splits the driving force generated by the operation of internal combustion engine ENG into two parts, distributes one of them to motor generator MG1 side, and distributes the rest to motor generator MG2.

  The driving force distributed from power split mechanism 22 to motor generator MG1 is used for the power generation operation. Electric power generated by motor generator MG1 is used for charging power storage device 4 or used for generating driving force by motor generator MG2. The driving force distributed to motor generator MG2 is combined with the driving force generated by motor generator MG2 and used to drive drive wheels 24.

  Note that the number and capacity of the power storage devices are not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of power storage devices may be mounted on vehicle 100. When power storage device 4 is charged by external power supply 240, power storage device 4 can be sufficiently charged. In this case, traveling using only the driving force generated by motor generator MG2 while maintaining internal combustion engine ENG in a stopped state, so-called EV (Electric Vehicle) traveling is possible. For example, since a large amount of electric power can be stored by increasing the number of power storage devices, the EV travel distance can be increased.

  Each of the power control unit 2 and the timer control unit 3 includes, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an input / output interface unit. Unit).

  The power control unit 2 controls the charge / discharge device 30 based on information from the current sensors 10 and 14 and the voltage sensors 12 and 16. Current sensor 10 detects a current Ibat which is a current flowing through power line PL (current input to and output from power storage device 4). Voltage sensor 12 detects voltage Vbat between power lines PL and NL. Current sensor 14 detects current IDC flowing through main positive bus MPL. Voltage sensor 16 detects voltage VDC between main positive bus MPL and main negative bus MNL. The power control unit 2 receives the values of the currents Ibat and IDC and the values of the voltages Vbat and VDC, and outputs the switching commands PWM1, PWM2, and PWC.

  The timer control unit 3 instructs the power control unit 2 to control the charge / discharge device 30 when the current time reaches the charge start time (start reservation time) designated by the user.

  The display unit 50 includes a display screen 52. The display screen 52 displays the start time of timer charging (start time specified by the user) or the current time.

  The input unit 55 includes operation buttons 56 to 58. When the user pushes the operation buttons 56 and 57, the charging start time or the current time displayed on the display screen 52 is changed. When the user presses the operation button 58, the charging start time displayed on the display screen 52 is input to the timer control unit 3, or the time displayed on the display screen 52 is determined as the current time.

  A switch 61 is connected to the timer control unit 3. For example, the switch 61 is a mechanical switch like the switch 62. When the user presses the switch 61, a predetermined voltage (ground voltage in the configuration of FIG. 2) is applied to the timer control unit 3. Thereby, the timer control unit 3 detects that the user has set the timer charging. In response, the timer control unit 3 outputs a signal S1 indicating a request for timer charging to the power control unit 2.

  The power control unit 2 determines whether or not the timer charging may be permitted in response to the signal S1. The power control unit 2 sends a signal S4 indicating the determination result to the timer control unit 3. The power control unit 2 shifts to a standby state (sleep mode) after transmitting the signal S4. Thereby, the power consumption of the power control unit 2 until charging of the power storage device 4 is started is reduced.

  When the information included in the signal S4 indicates that the power control unit 2 has permitted the timer charging, the timer control unit 3 outputs a signal S2 for setting the state of the lighting device 40 to the first state. When the current time reaches the charging start time set by the user, the timer control unit 3 outputs a signal S3 for starting the power control unit 2 to the power control unit 2. The power control unit 2 charges the power storage device 4 by operating the charge / discharge device 30 in response to the signal S3. Furthermore, the power control unit 2 outputs a signal S5. The lighting device 40 changes from the first state to the second state in response to the signal S5.

  Vehicle 100 further includes a DC / DC converter 20 and an auxiliary battery SB. DC / DC converter 20 is electrically connected to power storage device 4 in parallel with converter 6. DC / DC converter 20 steps down the power discharged from power storage device 4 to generate auxiliary power. The voltage of the auxiliary power is set lower (for example, 12V or 24V) than the charge / discharge voltage (for example, 288V) of the power storage device.

  The auxiliary machine power generated by the DC / DC converter 20 is supplied to various auxiliary machines (not shown) of the vehicle 100 via the power line DCL, and a part thereof is supplied to the auxiliary battery SB. The auxiliary battery SB stores auxiliary electric power.

  With the auxiliary battery SB, auxiliary power can be supplied to each auxiliary machine even when the vehicle 100 is in a resting state (ignition off state). The electric power stored in auxiliary battery SB is supplied to, for example, power control unit 2, timer control unit 3, and lighting device 40.

  Auxiliary battery SB is charged by external power supply 240 together with power storage device 4, for example. For example, power storage device 4 and auxiliary battery SB can be charged by operating DC / DC converter 20 while power storage device 4 is charged.

  The lighting device 40 includes lamps 211 and 212 and driving devices 221 and 222 for driving the lamps 211 and 212, respectively. The lamps 211 and 212 are, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes). By using the LEDs for the lamps 211 and 212, it is possible to reduce power consumption. Further, since the LED emits light with relatively sharp directivity, the user can easily determine whether or not each of the lamps 211 and 212 is lit. That is, even when the user is away from vehicle 100, the state of power storage device 4 (during charging or before charging) can be easily determined.

  For example, the colors of light emitted from the lamps 211 and 212 are green and red, respectively. By changing the color of light emitted from the lamps 211 and 212, the user can easily identify which of the lamps 211 and 212 is lit.

  The driving device 221 drives the lamp 211 in response to the signal S2. Similarly, the driving device 222 drives the lamp 212 in response to the signal S5.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the power control unit 2 and the timer control unit 3. Referring to FIG. 4, timer control unit 3 includes a setting unit 71, a storage unit 72, and an instruction unit 73. The power control unit 2 includes a determination unit 81, a charge control unit 82, and an end unit 83.

  The timer control unit 3 and the power control unit 2 operate with electric power supplied from the auxiliary battery SB. The determination unit 81 controls a switch 63 that switches between power supply to the charge control unit 82 and the end unit 83 and stop of power supply. When the switch 63 is turned off, the charging control unit 82 and the end unit 83 are stopped.

  The setting unit 71 sets the charging start time. When the user presses the operation button 56 (see FIG. 2) of the input unit 55, an instruction to delay the charging start time is sent from the input unit 55 to the setting unit 71. When the user presses the operation button 57 (see FIG. 2) of the input unit 55, an instruction to advance the charging start time is sent from the input unit 55 to the setting unit 71. In response to these instructions, the setting unit 71 advances or delays the charging start time. When the user presses the operation button 58 (see FIG. 2) of the input unit 55, the setting unit 71 sets the charging start time.

The storage unit 72 stores the charging start time set by the setting unit 71.
When the instruction unit 73 detects that the switch 61 has been pressed by the user, the instruction unit 73 acquires information on the charging start time from the storage unit 72. The instruction unit 73 transmits a signal S1 indicating a timer charging request to the determination unit 81. The determination unit 81 determines whether or not timer charging may be permitted in response to the signal S1. Specifically, the determination unit 81 detects whether or not the switch 62 is on. The switch 62 being in the on state means that the charging cable is connected to the charging connector. Further, the determination unit 81 receives the signal SAC and determines whether or not AC power from the external power supply 240 has reached the charging connector 25. Based on these determination results, the determination unit 81 outputs a signal S4 indicating whether or not timer charging is permitted to the instruction unit 73.

The determination unit 81 turns off the switch 63 after transmitting the signal S4.
Instructing unit 73 receives signal S4 and determines whether or not timer charging is permitted. When the timer charging is permitted, the instruction unit 73 acquires information on the charging start time from the storage unit 72. Further, the instruction unit 73 sends a signal S2 to the driving device 221. The driving device 221 turns on the lamp 211 in response to the signal S2.

  Instructing unit 73 transmits signal S3 to determining unit 81 when the current time reaches the charging start time. Determination unit 81 turns on switch 63 in response to signal S3. As a result, the charge control unit 82 and the end unit 83 are activated. Since the charging control unit 82 and the ending unit 83 are stopped between the time when the timer charging is set and the time when the charging of the power storage device is started, the power consumption of the power control unit 2 during this period is reduced. be able to. Further, the instruction unit 73 causes the driving device 221 to stop the lamp 211.

  When power is supplied from auxiliary battery SB, charging control unit 82 activates charging / discharging device 30. Further, the charging control unit 82 sends a signal S5 to the driving device 222. The driving device 222 turns on the lamp 212 in response to the signal S5.

  Charging control unit 82 calculates a value indicating the charging state of power storage device 4 based on current Ibat and voltage Vbat, and outputs the value to ending unit 83. Ending unit 83 determines whether or not the charging end condition of power storage device 4 is satisfied based on a value indicating the state of charge of power storage device 4. The end unit 83 instructs the charge control unit 82 to end the operation of the charge / discharge device 30 when the charge end condition is satisfied. The charging control unit 82 stops the charging / discharging device 30 in accordance with an instruction from the end unit 83 and causes the driving device 222 to stop the lamp 212.

  End unit 83 calculates a value indicating the state of charge of power storage device 4 based on current Ibat and voltage Vbat, and determines whether or not the charge end condition of power storage device 4 is satisfied based on the value. Good.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining operations of the power control unit 2 and the timer control unit 3. In FIG. 5, a state where the signal is at the H (logic high) level indicates that the logic is valid. Further, the state in which a certain signal is switched from the L (logic low) level to the H level in FIG. 5 corresponds to the state in which the signal is transmitted.

  5 and 4, switch 61 (shown as timer SW in FIG. 5) is turned on at time tA. As a result, the signal S1 becomes H level. Accordingly, the determination unit 81 determines whether or not timer charging may be permitted. Here, when the user presses switch 61 again, instructing unit 73 cancels the timer charging setting (time tB). Specifically, instructing unit 73 changes the level of signal S1 from the H level to the L level. The determination unit 81 stops the timer charging permission determination according to the change in the signal S1. Therefore, each state of the timer control unit 3 and the power control unit 2 returns to the state before time tA.

  When the user presses the switch 61 at time t1, the signal S1 rises and becomes H level, and the determination of permission for timer charging by the determination unit 81 is started. At time t2, the determination unit 81 changes the level of the signal S4 from the L level to the H level in order to notify the instruction unit 73 that the timer charging is permitted. Instructing unit 73 changes the level of signal S2 from the L level to the H level in response to signal S4. The driving device 221 turns on the lamp 211 in response to the signal S2. At time t2, timer charging setting is completed.

  Time t3 corresponds to the charging start time set by the user. At time t3, instructing unit 73 changes the level of signal S3 from the L level to the H level. Determination unit 81 turns on switch 63 in response to signal S3. As a result, the charging control unit 82 is started and the operation of the charging / discharging device 30 is started. Therefore, charging of the power storage device is started at time t3.

  Further, at time t3, the determination unit 81 changes the level of the signal S5 from the L level to the H level. In response to the signal S5, the driving device 222 turns on the lamp 212. On the other hand, at time t3, instructing unit 73 changes the level of signal S2 from the H level to the L level. As a result, the driving device 221 turns off the lamp 211. That is, at time t3, the lamp 211 is turned off and the lamp 212 is turned on.

  At time t4, end unit 83 determines that the state of charge of the power storage device satisfies a predetermined state. End unit 83 instructs charge control unit 82 to end the charging of the power storage device. In response to the instruction from the end unit 83, the charging control unit 82 stops the charging / discharging device 30 and changes the level of the signal S5 from the H level to the L level. The driving device 222 turns off the lamp 212 in response to the signal S5.

  As described above, by changing the lighting pattern of the lighting device 40 before starting charging, during charging, and after charging is completed, the user can easily grasp the current charging state of the power storage device.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining in detail the lighting state of the lamp 211 between time t2 and time t3 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, signal S2 is at H level during ton and at L level during toff. The lamp 211 is turned on during ton and turned off during toff. That is, the lamp 211 emits light (flashes) intermittently during the period T. From time t2 to time t3, the blinking of the lamp 211 is repeated. The values of time ton and toff are not particularly limited.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device 40 is connected to the auxiliary battery SB. By causing the lamp 211 to emit light, the electric power stored in the auxiliary battery SB is consumed. When timer charging is set, the period from time t2 to time t3 shown in FIG. 5 may be relatively long (for example, several hours). In the present embodiment, the lamp 211 is intermittently lit during this period. Thereby, the reduction | decrease of the electric power stored in auxiliary machine battery SB can be suppressed.

  The blinking period of the lamp 211 may not be the entire period during which charging is started from the time when timer charging is set. For example, in order to indicate to the user that timer charging has been set, the lamp 211 may be lit continuously for a certain period (for example, several seconds) from time t2. In this case, the power consumption of the lamp 211 can be suppressed by blinking the lamp 211 after the end of the period.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the power control unit 2 and the timer control unit 3. The processing shown in this flowchart is called from the main routine and executed at regular time intervals or when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  Referring to FIG. 7, processes in steps ST1 to ST9 indicate processes executed by timer control unit 3 (mainly instruction unit 73), and processes in steps ST11 to ST18 are performed by power control unit 2 (mainly determination unit 81). It is a process to be executed.

  First, in step ST1, the timer control unit 3 determines whether or not the switch 61 is turned on. If switch 61 is off (NO in step ST1), the process of timer control unit 3 ends. When switch 61 is turned on (YES in step ST1), timer control unit 3 outputs a timer charging request (signal S1) to power control unit 2.

  The power control unit 2 determines whether to permit charging in response to the signal S1 indicating the timer charging request (step ST11). Specifically, the determination unit 81 determines whether or not the switch 62 is on. Further, the determination unit 81 receives the signal SAC and determines whether or not the AC power from the external power source 240 has reached the charging connector 25. For example, when the switch 62 is in the ON state and AC power from the external power supply 240 reaches the charging connector 25, the determination unit 81 permits timer charging. In this case, the determination unit 81 transmits a determination result, that is, a signal S4 indicating that the timer charging is permitted to the timer control unit 3 (instruction unit 73) (step ST12).

  The determination unit 81 turns off the switch 63 after transmitting the signal S4. Thereby, the operation mode of the power control unit 2 shifts to the sleep mode (step ST13).

  The timer control unit 3 receives the signal S4 indicating the determination result of the charging permission by the power control unit 2 (step ST3). The timer control unit 3 determines whether or not the power control unit 2 permits timer charging based on the level (H level or L level) of the signal S4 (step ST4). If timer charging is not permitted (NO in step ST4), the process of timer control unit 3 ends. When timer charging is permitted (YES in step ST4), instructing unit 73 sets the charging start time by reading the reserved start time stored in storage unit 72 (step ST5).

  Next, instructing unit 73 transmits signal S2 shown in FIG. 6 to driving device 221 to light up lamp 211 intermittently (step ST6). The state where the lamp 211 is lit intermittently corresponds to the first state of the lighting device 40.

  Subsequently, the timer control unit 3 determines whether or not the current time has reached the charging start time (step ST7). If the current time has not reached the charging start time (NO in step ST7), the process of step ST6 is repeated. When the current time reaches the charging start time (YES in step ST7), timer control unit 3 transmits signal S3 for starting power control unit 2 to power control unit 2 (step ST8). Subsequently, the timer control unit 3 causes the driving device 221 to turn off the lamp 211 (step ST9). When the process of step ST9 ends, the entire process of the timer control unit 3 ends.

  The power control unit 2 starts charging in response to the signal S3 (step ST14). The determination unit 81 first turns on the switch 63. As a result, the power stored in the auxiliary battery SB is supplied to the charge control unit 82 and the end unit 83. Further, the determination unit 81 instructs the charging control unit 82 to start charging. In response to the instruction from the determination unit 81, the charge control unit 82 starts controlling the charge / discharge device 30.

  In step ST15, the power control unit 2 transmits a signal S5 to the driving device 222 to light the lamp 212. The state in which the lamp 212 is lit corresponds to the second state of the lighting device 40. Note that the lamp 212 is continuously lit. During the lighting period of the lamp 212, a part of the electric power from the external power supply 240 is given to the auxiliary battery SB by the DC / DC converter 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary battery SB from being overdischarged by the lighting of the lamp 212.

  Subsequently, power control unit 2 determines whether or not a charging end condition for the power storage device is satisfied (step ST16). For example, charge control unit 82 calculates the value of the state of charge of the power storage device. End unit 83 determines that the charge end condition is satisfied when the value reaches a predetermined value (for example, 80%).

  If the charging end condition is not satisfied (NO in step ST16), the process of step ST16 is repeated. On the other hand, when the charging end condition is satisfied (YES in step ST16), end unit 83 sends an instruction to end charging to charge control unit 82. In response to this instruction, the charging control unit 82 stops the charging / discharging device 30. Thereby, the charging of the power storage device is completed (step ST17). Furthermore, the power control unit 2 turns off the lamp 212 (step ST18). As a result, the lamps 211 and 212 are both turned off. This state corresponds to the third state of the lighting device 40. When the process of step ST18 ends, the process of the power control unit 2 ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, lamps 211 and 212 for indicating the state of charge of the power storage device are provided on the vehicle body (body). Further, in the present embodiment, the state of the lighting device is changed according to the state of the power storage device (the state before the start of charging, the state where charging is performed, and the state where charging is completed). As a result, the state of charge of the power storage device can be grasped even if the distance from the user vehicle is some distance away. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the lamp 211 is intermittently lit during the period from the timer charging setting time to the charging start time. Thereby, the consumption of the electric power stored in the auxiliary battery can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, two lamps are used. However, only one lamp may be mounted on the vehicle. In this case, the lighting pattern of the lamp is made different according to the state of the power storage device, and before starting the charging of the power storage device, the lamp is blinked to reduce the power consumption of the lamp, or the illuminance of the lamp is decreased. do it. Thereby, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification)
The lighting device 40 is not necessarily operated by the power of the auxiliary battery SB.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example for driving the lighting device 40. Referring to FIG. 8, the vehicle is provided with an AC / DC converter 85 for converting AC power from external power supply 240 into DC power. Note that power for operating the AC / DC converter 85 is also supplied from the external power source 240. The lighting device 40 operates by receiving DC power from the AC / DC converter 85.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to avoid the problem that the auxiliary battery SB is overdischarged by continuing to turn on the lamp 211. As in the present embodiment, the lamp 211 blinks during the period from the time when timer charging is set to the time when charging starts. Thereby, the power consumption of the lamp 211 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the power consumption from the external power source (commercial power source) can be reduced, the electricity bill can be reduced.

  FIG. 2 shows a series / parallel type hybrid system in which engine power can be divided and transmitted to an axle and a generator by a power split mechanism as an example of a hybrid vehicle that can be charged by an external power source. However, the present invention is also applicable to parallel type hybrid vehicles and series type hybrid vehicles.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the user shall input charge start time (start reservation time). However, the end reservation time may be input to the setting unit 71 by the user. In this case, the setting unit 71 sets, for example, a time before a predetermined time from the scheduled end time as the charging start time. Note that the method by which the setting unit 71 sets the charging start time from the scheduled end time is not limited to this method.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

It is a side view of vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle 100. FIG. It is a zero phase equivalent circuit of inverters 8-1, 8-2 and motor generators MG1, MG2 in the zero phase mode. 3 is a functional block diagram of a power control unit 2 and a timer control unit 3. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining operations of a power control unit 2 and a timer control unit 3; It is a figure explaining the lighting state of the lamp | ramp 211 in detail between the time t2 and the time t3 of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a power control unit 2 and a timer control unit 3; It is a figure which shows the other structural example for driving the lighting device.

Explanation of symbols

  2 Power control unit, 3 Timer control unit, 4 Power storage device, 6 Converter, 8-1, 8-2 Inverter, 10, 14 Current sensor, 12, 16 Voltage sensor, 20 DC / DC converter, 22 Power split mechanism, 24 Drive wheel, 25 charging connector, 30 charging / discharging device, 40 lighting device, 50 display unit, 52 display screen, 55 input unit, 56-58 operation buttons, 61-63 switch, 71 setting unit, 72 storage unit, 73 indicating unit , 81 determination unit, 82 charge control unit, 83 termination unit, 85 AC / DC converter, 100 vehicle, 200 charging port, 204 lid, 210 AC port, 211, 212 lamp, 221, 222 driving device, 240 external power source, 241 Connector, 260, 261 plug, 262 control device, 300 vehicle body, ACLp, ACLn DCL, Lp, Ln, PL, NL, PSLp, PSLn Power line, ARM1n, ARM2n lower arm, ARM1p, ARM2p upper arm, C capacitor, D freewheeling diode, ENG internal combustion engine, MG1, MG2 motor generator, MNL main negative bus, MPL Main positive bus, N1, N2 neutral point, SB auxiliary battery, TR switching element.

Claims (5)

An electric vehicle that can be charged by an external power source,
A power storage device for storing electric power used to generate the driving force of the electric vehicle;
A charging device that charges the power storage device using power supplied from the external power source;
A lighting device;
A start time setting unit that receives at least one of the start reservation time and the end reservation time and sets the charge start time;
From the time when the charging start time is set to the charging start time, the lighting device is kept in the first state, and when the current time reaches the charging start time, the power storage device is charged. A start instruction unit for outputting a start instruction for starting;
A charging control unit that activates the charging device in response to the start instruction and changes the state of the lighting device from the first state to the second state;
It is determined whether or not a charging end condition of the power storage device is satisfied, and if the charging end condition is satisfied, the charging control unit is instructed to end the operation of the charging device, and the lighting device A charging end unit for changing the state of the second state from the second state to the third state ;
A determination unit that controls a switching circuit that switches supply and stop of operation power to the charge control unit and the charge end unit ;
The start instruction unit generates a state in which power consumption of the lighting device is suppressed as compared with the second state as the first state ,
The determination unit sets the switching circuit to stop supplying the operating power to the charge control unit and the charge end unit from when the charge start time is set until the start instruction is output. An electric vehicle that controls and controls the switching circuit so that supply of operating power to the charge control unit and the charge end unit is started when the start instruction is output . The start instruction unit generates a state in which the lighting device is intermittently lit as the first state,
The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the charging control unit generates a state in which the lighting device is continuously lit as the second state.   The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the charging end unit generates a state in which the lighting device is turned off as the third state. The electric vehicle is
The power supply path from the charging device to the power storage device further includes an auxiliary power storage device electrically connected in parallel with the power storage device,
The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is lit by receiving electric power from the auxiliary power storage device.   The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is turned on in response to the power supplied from the external power source.

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