JP5696673B2 - Charging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a charging system that charges a power storage device such as a secondary battery with power supplied from an external power source. More specifically, the present invention relates to a charging system that charges a power storage device such as a secondary battery with electric power supplied from an external power source, and includes the charging system that accompanies stoppage and resumption of power supply from the external power source. The present invention relates to a charging system capable of suppressing deterioration of components constituting the same.

  In this technical field, there is known a charging system that charges a power storage device such as a secondary battery (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “external charging”) using electric power supplied from an external power source. Specific examples of such a charging system include, for example, an electric vehicle charging system that receives electric power from a power infrastructure such as a commercial power source and charges a battery mounted on the electric vehicle by a charging unit that uses the electric power. Can do.

  In the power infrastructure as described above, power supply stoppage (power outage) may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as lightning strikes to substation facilities. Therefore, in a charging system that charges the power storage device by supplying power from an external power supply, it is common to incorporate some power failure countermeasures. For example, in the charging system for an electric vehicle as described above, by changing the operation mode of the control means for controlling the charging of the battery to the sleep mode at the time of a power failure, the control means continues to operate similarly to the normal time even during a power failure. It has been proposed to avoid consuming electric power remaining in the power storage device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In general, in the sleep mode, for example, a function of monitoring a restart of power supply from an external power source, for example, by interrupting a large power path such as a circuit for power supply from an external power source by a component such as a relay. By limiting to the minimum necessary functions such as the above, the power consumed with the operation of the control means is reduced. As a result, for example, when the control means continues to operate normally even during a power outage, the power stored in the power storage device is used up, and when the power supply from the external power source is resumed, the control means cannot operate, and external charging is not performed. It is possible to avoid a situation where it cannot be resumed. As a result, when the power supply from the external power supply is resumed, for example, the control means operating in the sleep mode detects the restart of the power supply from the external power supply and resumes the operation in the normal mode, as well as a relay, etc. The external power can be smoothly restarted by conducting the large power path with the parts.

  By the way, as is well known to those skilled in the art, a relay is, for example, a circuit for supplying power for control or power supply, for example, by opening / closing a contact according to the operation of a switch or the state of a power device. It is a power device that switches between conduction and interruption, and the durability (life) of the relay is generally defined by the number of times the contacts are opened and closed. As described above, the mechanism for switching the operation mode of the charging system may include a component whose life is defined by the number of operations (hereinafter, may be referred to as a “component having a lifetime of the number of operations”). In order to extend the service life of the component, it is important to reduce the number of operations of the component to the minimum necessary.

  On the other hand, in the power infrastructure field such as commercial power supply, for example, so-called “smart grid” is used to achieve the purpose of energy saving, power cost reduction, reliability and transparency by autonomously adjusting power supply and demand. The power management represented by etc. is going to spread. Under such power management, in order to achieve the above-described purpose, for example, a case where power supply to an electric vehicle charging system or the like is intentionally (planned) stopped is assumed. That is, with the widespread use of power management, there is a possibility that the frequency of the stoppage of power supply to the charging system (power failure) as described above may increase more than before.

  Therefore, in the charging system according to the related art that operates a component having the operation frequency life such as a relay every time a power failure occurs as described above, as the frequency of the power failure increases as described above, the component There is a concern that the number of operations increases and the time life of the component is shortened. That is, in this technical field, for example, there is a demand for a technology that can effectively suppress the temporal life of a part having a service life such as a relay from becoming shorter as the frequency of power outages increases. Exists.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-290533

  As described above, in the technical field, for example, it is possible to effectively suppress that the time life of a part having an operation frequency life such as a relay becomes shorter as the frequency of power outages increases. There is a demand for technology. The present invention has been made to meet such a demand. That is, the present invention provides a charging / discharging system that can effectively suppress the time life of a part having a service life, such as a relay, from becoming shorter as the frequency of power outages increases. One purpose is to do.

The above purpose is
First charging means for charging the first power storage device using power supplied from an external power source;
Control means for controlling the first charging means;
A charging system comprising:
The first charging means includes a component whose life is defined by the number of operations,
As an operation mode of the control means,
A first mode in which the first power storage device is charged with electric power supplied from an external power source;
A second mode in which the state of the component remains in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped; ,
Comprising
Achieved by charging system.

  According to the charging system of the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress, for example, the shortening of the temporal lifetime of a component having an operational frequency lifetime, such as a relay, as the frequency of power outages increases.

It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed when a power failure generate | occur | produces during external charging in the charging system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed when a power failure generate | occur | produces during external charging in the charging system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed when a power failure generate | occur | produces during external charging in the charging system which concerns on another another embodiment of this invention. The step of switching the operation mode according to the amount of electric power that can be supplied to the control means, which is included in the operation mode transition process executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining these. In the charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the operation mode is switched according to the amount of electric power that can be supplied to the control means, which is included in the operation mode transition process that is executed when a power failure occurs during external charging. It is a flowchart explaining a step. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed when a power failure generate | occur | produces during external charging in the charging system which concerns on a prior art.

  As described above, one object of the present invention is to effectively suppress, for example, that the time life of a component having an operation frequency life such as a relay becomes shorter as the frequency of power outages increases. Is to provide a charging / discharging system.

  As a result of earnest research to achieve the above object, the present inventor does not immediately execute the transition to the third mode involving the operation of the component having the operation life even if a power failure occurs during external charging. By executing the transition to the second mode that does not involve the operation of the part, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operation times of the part due to the occurrence of a power failure, and to effectively suppress the shortening of the time life of the part. As a result, the present invention has been conceived.

That is, the first embodiment of the present invention is:
First charging means for charging the first power storage device using power supplied from an external power source;
Control means for controlling the first charging means;
A charging system comprising:
The first charging means includes a component whose life is defined by the number of operations,
As an operation mode of the control means,
A first mode in which the first power storage device is charged with electric power supplied from an external power source;
A second mode in which the state of the component remains in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped; ,
Comprising
It is a charging system.

  As described above, the charging system according to this embodiment includes a first charging unit that charges the first power storage device using power supplied from an external power source, and a control unit that controls the first charging unit; Is a charging system. Examples of the external power source include a power infrastructure such as a commercial power source including a household power source as described above. Examples of the first power storage device include secondary batteries including lithium ion batteries. Further, the control means controls the first charging means to control, for example, start and stop of power supply from the external power source to the first power storage device, conduction and interruption of the power supply path, and the like. To do. In addition, the first charging unit may include a power conversion unit that converts the power supplied from the external power source into a state suitable for charging the first power storage device, if necessary. In this case, the control unit controls the function of converting the power supplied from the external power source into a state suitable for charging of the first power storage device by controlling the first charging unit as necessary. be able to.

  Furthermore, in the charging system according to this embodiment, as described above, the first charging unit includes a component whose life is defined by the number of operations. Examples of the parts whose life is defined by the number of operations include parts such as a relay that switches between conduction and interruption of a large power path such as a circuit for supplying power from an external power source. As described above, a relay is a power device that switches between conduction and cutoff of a circuit or the like for supplying power for control or power supply, for example, by opening or closing a contact according to the operation of a switch or the state of a power device, for example. In general, the durability (lifetime) of the relay is defined by the number of times the contacts are opened and closed. As described above, the mechanism for switching the operation mode of the charging system may include a component whose life is defined by the number of operations (hereinafter, may be referred to as a “component having a lifetime of the number of operations”). As described above, it is important to reduce the number of operations of the component to the minimum necessary to extend the service life of the component.

  The first power storage device charged by the charging system according to the present embodiment may be a power storage device such as a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, for example. Moreover, as such an electric vehicle, electric vehicles, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) and an electric vehicle (EV), can be mentioned, for example. As is well known in the technical field, these electric vehicles that can charge a running battery with a commercial power source such as a household power source reflecting the recent increase in global environmental protection awareness, for example. Is becoming widespread. Moreover, as described above, for example, power management such as a smart grid using a battery for traveling mounted on these electric vehicles as a power supply source is also becoming popular.

  In the power management as described above, as described above, in order to achieve the purpose of energy saving, power cost reduction, reliability and transparency, etc. by autonomously adjusting power supply and demand, It is assumed that power supply to the charging system is intentionally (planned) stopped. That is, with the widespread use of power management, there is a possibility that the frequency of the stoppage of power supply to the charging system (power failure) as described above may increase more than before.

  By the way, as described above, in the charging system according to the prior art, the control means is controlled in the same way as during normal power outages by changing the operation mode of the control means for controlling the charging of the power storage device to the sleep mode at the time of the power outage. Can be prevented from continuing to operate and consuming electric power remaining in the power storage device. In the sleep mode, for example, a high power path such as a circuit for power supply from an external power source is interrupted by a component such as a relay, and the operation of the control unit is monitored, for example, a function of monitoring resumption of power supply from the external power source. By limiting to the minimum necessary functions, the electric power consumed with the operation of the control means is reduced.

  By the above, for example, when the control means continues to operate normally even during a power outage, the power stored in the power storage device is used up, and when the power supply from the external power source is resumed, the control means cannot operate, and external charging is not performed. It is possible to avoid a situation where it cannot be resumed. As a result, when the power supply from the external power supply is resumed, for example, the control means operating in the sleep mode detects the restart of the power supply from the external power supply and resumes the operation in the normal mode, as well as a relay, etc. The external power can be smoothly restarted by conducting the large power path with the parts. Thus, in the charging system according to the prior art that operates a component having a life of operation frequency such as a relay every time a power failure occurs, the number of times of operation of the component is increased as the frequency of power outage increases as described above. There is a concern that the time life of the component will be shortened.

  Therefore, in the charging system according to this embodiment, as described above, as the operation mode of the control unit, the first mode in which the first power storage device is charged with the power supplied from the external power source, and the external power source A second mode in which the state of the component remains in the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control unit is lower than the power consumption in the first mode when power supply is stopped. That is, in the charging system according to this embodiment, when a power failure occurs during external charging, the operation mode of the control means is the operation mode in which the power consumption is lower without the operation of the component having the operation life. To move to. As a result, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if the frequency of power outages increases as described above, the number of operations of the component having the operation life is immediately increased, and the time life of the component is further increased. The problem of shortening can be suppressed.

  The power consumption of the control means in the second mode may be equal to the power consumption of the control means in a third mode (details will be described later) corresponding to the sleep mode described above, or the third mode. May be different from the power consumption of the control means. For example, in the second mode, as described above, since the state of the component having the operation life is still in the state in the first mode, external charging is immediately performed when power supply from the external power source is resumed. You may continue without stopping at least one part of the function required for execution and control of the external charge in the said control means so that it can restart. As a result, the power consumption of the control means in the second mode may be larger than the power consumption of the control means in the third mode, but when power supply from the external power supply is resumed, for example, from the external power supply As compared with the third mode in which the operation of the control means is limited to the minimum necessary function such as a function for monitoring the resumption of power supply, external charging can be resumed more quickly.

  By the way, even in the second mode, all the functions of the control means are stopped, and the power consumption of the control means is not completely eliminated. In addition, as described above, for example, for the purpose of quickly restarting external charging when power supply from an external power supply is restarted, at least a part of functions required for execution and control of external charging in the control means. When the operation is continued without stopping, the power consumption of the control means in the second mode may be larger than the power consumption of the control means in the third mode corresponding to the sleep mode. Therefore, if the second mode is continued for a long time during the power failure, as described above, for example, the control means continues to operate during the power failure and the power stored in the power storage device is used up, and the power supply from the external power source is performed. There is a possibility that the control means cannot operate when resuming, and external charging cannot be resumed.

  In addition, when the user intentionally stops the power supply from the external power supply to the charging system for any purpose, the user assumes that the power supply from the external power supply to the charging system is not performed. Estimated. On the other hand, in the second mode in which the state of the component having the operation frequency life as described above remains in the state in the first mode, for example, the state of the component such as a relay that switches conduction and interruption of the power supply path from the external power source is The state in the first mode (for example, the state where the power feeding path is conducted) remains. Therefore, when the user intentionally stops the power supply from the external power supply to the charging system, if the second mode is continued, the external charging is immediately resumed when the power supply from the external power supply is resumed as described above. Unintentional charging may start.

  From the above viewpoint, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, more preferably, after a power failure occurs during external charging, the operation mode of the control means is changed to the second mode as described above. Instead of continuing the second mode unconditionally, it may be desirable to further transition to the third mode corresponding to the aforementioned sleep mode at an appropriate timing or under an appropriate condition.

Therefore, the second embodiment of the present invention is:
A charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
As an operation mode of the control means,
When the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, when the power supply stop period is longer than a predetermined period, the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means The third mode is lower than the power consumption in the first mode,
Further comprising
It is a charging system.

As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped as the operation mode of the control unit, the power supply stop period is longer than a predetermined period. A third mode in which the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode;
Is further provided. As described above, in the third mode, the state of the component having the operation life is different from the state in the first mode. More specifically, in the third mode, for example, the state of a component such as a relay that switches between conduction and interruption of the power supply path from the external power source is the state in the first mode (for example, the state where the power supply path is conductive). It is a different state (for example, a state where the power supply path is cut off). In addition, in the third mode, the operation of the control means is generally consumed with the operation of the control means by limiting the operation of the control means to a minimum necessary function such as a function of monitoring the resumption of power supply from an external power source. Reduce power consumption.

  Further, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped as the operation mode of the control unit, when the power supply stop period is longer than a predetermined period, And a third mode in which the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode. Here, the length of the predetermined period is, for example, the power consumption of the control means (for example, the power consumption of the control means in the second mode) and the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means (for example, for the control means) And the charge capacity of the power storage device). In addition, the predetermined period may change according to the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means at the time when a power failure occurs, for example.

  With the above configuration, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, the second mode continues for a long time during a power failure, so that, for example, the control means continues to operate during the power failure and is stored in the power storage device. When the power supply from the external power supply is resumed, the control means cannot be operated, and the possibility that external charging cannot be resumed can be reduced. In addition, when the user intentionally stops the power supply from the external power supply to the charging system, the second mode is continued, so that the external charging is immediately resumed when the power supply from the external power supply is resumed as described above. The possibility that charging unintended by the user is started can be reduced.

  By the way, in the charging system according to this embodiment, as described above, since the second mode is continued for a long time during the power failure, for example, the control means continues to operate during the power failure and is stored in the power storage device. A power outage occurs during external charging for the purpose of avoiding the situation where the control means cannot operate when the power from the external power supply is resumed and the external charging cannot be resumed. Then, when the power failure state continues longer than a predetermined period, the operation mode of the control means is shifted to the third mode. However, the above object can also be achieved by a measure other than the measure according to this embodiment.

  For example, in the charging system according to the present invention, even after the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, even if the operation of the control means in the second mode is continued, power supply from the external power supply is resumed later If the amount of power required to resume external charging is sufficiently secured, the operation in the second mode is continued, and if the amount of power is insufficient, the operation mode of the control means May be shifted to the third mode.

That is, the third embodiment of the present invention
A charging system according to any one of the first or second embodiments of the present invention,
As an operation mode of the control means,
When the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode when the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold value and A third mode in which the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode;
Further comprising
It is a charging system.

  As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, as the operation mode of the control unit, when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control unit is predetermined. And a third mode in which the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode when it is less than one threshold. The power supply source to the control unit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the first power storage device or a power source other than the first power storage device. The power source may be, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. Furthermore, the first threshold value is appropriately set based on, for example, the amount of power necessary for the control means to complete the control required to resume external charging when power supply from the external power source is resumed. can do.

  As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even after the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, even if the operation of the control unit in the second mode is continued, the power supply from the external power supply is performed later. When the amount of electric power required to restart external charging is sufficiently secured when restarting, the operation in the second mode is continued. Therefore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if a power failure occurs during external charging, the frequency of the transition to the third mode accompanied by the operation of the component having the operation frequency life is minimized. Thus, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations of the part due to the occurrence of a power failure, and to effectively suppress the shortening of the time life of the part.

  On the other hand, if the operation of the control means in the second mode is continued, when the amount of power required to resume external charging becomes insufficient when power supply from the external power source is resumed later, Since the operation mode is shifted to the third mode, the control means operates when the control means continues to operate normally even during a power failure, uses up the electric power stored in the power storage device, and the power supply from the external power supply resumes. It is possible to avoid a situation in which external charging cannot be resumed.

  Incidentally, as described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, the power supply source to the control unit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the first power storage device or a power source other than the first power storage device. There may be. That is, the power supply source to the control means may be a second power storage device other than the first power storage device. In this case, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means can be detected based on the charge capacity of the second power storage device.

That is, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is
A charging system according to the third embodiment of the present invention,
A second power storage device for supplying the control means with power for operating the control means;
The amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device,
It is a charging system.

  As described above, the charging system according to the present embodiment further includes the second power storage device that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means. That is, the charging system according to this embodiment separately includes a second power storage device other than the first power storage device as a power supply source to the control unit. Examples of the second power storage device include a secondary battery including a lithium ion battery. The second power storage device may be, for example, a dedicated power storage device for operating the control unit, or is provided with equipment (for example, an electric vehicle or the like) in which the charging system according to the present embodiment is mounted. A power storage device other than the first power storage device may be used. For example, when the facility in which the charging system according to the present embodiment is mounted is an electric vehicle, the second power storage device is, for example, a power storage device that supplies power to components other than the control means mounted in the electric vehicle. May be shared.

  Furthermore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control unit is detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device. The amount of power stored in the second power storage device is detected by measuring or estimating the output voltage of the second power storage device, for example, when the output voltage of the second power storage device changes according to the charge capacity. can do. Alternatively, the amount of power stored in the second power storage device can be calculated, for example, by measuring or estimating an integrated value of input / output currents in the second power storage device. Further, the amount of power stored in the second power storage device may be estimated based on, for example, a battery model that uses an electrochemical formula.

  Incidentally, as described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control unit is detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device, and the amount of power is determined in advance. When it is less than the predetermined first threshold, the operation mode of the control means is changed to the third mode. In this case, even if the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device is less than the first threshold value, for example, the first power stored in the first power storage device 2 If the amount of power stored in the second power storage device is increased by charging the power storage device, etc., even if a power failure occurs during external charging, the third mode with the operation of the parts having the number of operation lifespan It is possible to further suppress the frequency of transition, further suppress an increase in the number of operations of the part due to the occurrence of a power failure, and more effectively suppress the shortening of the time life of the part.

Accordingly, the fifth embodiment of the present invention provides:
A charging system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
Further comprising a second charging means for charging the second power storage device using the power stored in the first power storage device;
When the supply of power from the external power source is stopped and the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold, the amount of power stored in the first power storage device is determined in advance. When the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the second power storage device is charged with the power stored in the first power storage device, and the operation mode of the control means is maintained in the second mode.
It is a charging system.

  As described above, the charging system according to the present embodiment further includes second charging means for charging the second power storage device using the power stored in the first power storage device. The second charging unit is a charging unit that can charge the second power storage device using the first power storage device as a power source. When there is a difference in power standards between the first power storage device and the second power storage device (for example, a difference in voltage or current, AC or DC, etc.), the second charging means is, for example, a power source such as a converter or an inverter. A conversion device may be provided.

  Furthermore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, as described above, the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, and the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold value. The first power storage device is charged with the power stored in the first power storage device when the amount of power stored in the first power storage device is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, and the control means The operation mode is maintained in the second mode. That is, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, when a power failure occurs during external charging, the second power storage device is charged using the first power storage device even if the second power storage device does not store sufficient power. If it is possible to charge the second power storage device and continue the second mode, and if it is impossible to charge the second power storage device using the first power storage device, the third mode is set. Transition.

  Note that the second threshold value is, for example, the amount of power required for the control means to complete the control required to resume external charging when power supply from the external power source is resumed. It can be set as appropriate based on the amount of power of the first power storage device necessary for charging.

  As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even after the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, it is necessary to restart external charging when power supply from the external power supply is restarted later. The first power storage device is charged using the power stored in the first power storage device when the first power storage device stores the amount of power required to charge the second power storage device Then, the operation in the second mode is continued. Therefore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if a power failure occurs during external charging, the frequency of the transition to the third mode accompanied by the operation of the component having the operation frequency life is further suppressed, and the power failure occurs. Accordingly, the increase in the number of operations of the component can be further suppressed, and the shortening of the time life of the component can be further effectively suppressed.

  On the other hand, the amount of power required to charge the second power storage device with the amount of power required to resume external charging when power supply from the external power source is resumed later is not stored in the first power storage device In this case, since the operation mode of the control means is shifted to the third mode, when the control means continues to operate normally even during a power failure, the electric power stored in the power storage device is used up and the power supply from the external power source is resumed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the control means cannot operate and external charging cannot be resumed.

  As described above, the charging system according to the present invention is used as a charging system that charges a power storage device such as a battery mounted on an electric vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) or an electric vehicle (EV). be able to. In such an electric vehicle, for example, a running battery can be charged by a commercial power source such as a household power source. Further, as described above, for example, since power management such as a smart grid that uses a battery for traveling mounted on these electric vehicles as a power supply source is also becoming popular, in a charging system for electric vehicles, The power outage countermeasure as described above is extremely important.

Accordingly, the sixth embodiment of the present invention provides:
A charging system according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention,
The first power storage device is a main battery for traveling mounted on an electric vehicle.
It is a charging system.

  Further, as described above, the charging system according to the present invention is used as a charging system for charging a power storage device such as a battery mounted on an electric vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) or an electric vehicle (EV). In this case, the charging system according to the present invention may further include a battery other than the main battery for traveling as the second power storage device that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means.

That is, the seventh embodiment of the present invention is
The charging system according to any one of the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention,
The first power storage device is a main battery for traveling mounted on an electric vehicle,
The second power storage device is a sub-battery that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means.
It is a charging system.

  By the way, as described above, examples of the parts whose life is defined by the number of operations include parts such as a relay that switches on and off of a large power path such as a circuit for supplying power from an external power source. . As described above, the relay is a power device that switches between conduction and cutoff of a circuit or the like for supplying power for control or power supply, for example, by opening or closing a contact according to the operation of the switch or the state of the power device, for example. In general, the durability (lifetime) of the relay is defined by the number of times the contacts are opened and closed. As described above, the mechanism for switching the operation mode of the charging system may include a component whose life is defined by the number of operations (hereinafter, may be referred to as a “component having a lifetime of the number of operations”). As described above, it is important to reduce the number of operations of the component to the minimum necessary to extend the service life of the component.

Accordingly, the eighth embodiment of the present invention provides:
A charging system according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention,
The component whose life is defined by the number of operations is a relay,
It is a charging system.

  Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following description is for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the following description.

1. Operation Mode Control Method at Power Failure in Charging System According to Conventional Technology Here, the operation mode control method at power failure in the charging system according to the conventional technology will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation mode transition processing executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to the related art as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the charging system according to the related art, it is monitored whether or not the supply of power from the external power source is stopped during the execution of the external charging. Specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not power is supplied from an external power source. If it is determined in step S10 that power is supplied from the external power source (step S10: Yes), in the next step S40, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is set (maintained) to the normal charging mode. The On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that there is no power supply from the external power source (step S10: No), in the next step S60, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is shifted to the sleep mode. .

  As described above, in the charging system according to the related art, when a power failure occurs during external charging, for example, the transition to the sleep mode accompanied by the operation of a component having an operation life such as a relay is immediately executed. Therefore, in the charging system according to the prior art, an increase in the frequency of power failure directly leads to an increase in the number of operations of a component having an operation frequency life, leading to a reduction in the time life of such a component.

  The control routine represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 includes electronic processing included in the control means included in the charging system, such as determination processing corresponding to each of the above-described processing, processing for issuing a command signal necessary for control, and the like. As a program describing an algorithm to be executed by a central processing unit (CPU) provided in a control device (ECU: Electronic Control Unit), for example, a storage device (eg, ROM (Read-Only Memory) provided in the ECU is described. ), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.). Further, the control routine represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed, for example, with a sufficiently short time period in view of the required control accuracy, for example, using a clock or the like provided in the control means. Can be configured.

  On the other hand, in the charging system according to the present invention, as described above, even if the frequency of power failure increases, the increase in the number of operations of a component having the operation life is suppressed, and the shortening of the time life of the component is avoided. can do. In the following description, an operation mode control method during a power failure in a charging system according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2. Operation mode control method during power failure in charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention (1) Charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 1 shows charging according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed when a power failure generate | occur | produces during external charging in a system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, as in the above-described charging system according to the related art, it is monitored whether or not the supply of power from the external power source is stopped during the external charging. To do. Specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 1, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not power is supplied from an external power source. If it is determined in step S10 that power is supplied from the external power source (step S10: Yes), in the next step S40, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is the power supplied from the external power source. The first mode for charging the first power storage device is set (maintained). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that there is no power supply from the external power source (step S10: No), in the next step S50, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system has an operation frequency life. The state of the component remains in the state in the first mode, and the control unit shifts to the second mode in which the power consumption of the control unit is lower than the power consumption in the first mode.

  As described above, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, when a power failure occurs during external charging, for example, a transition to the third mode corresponding to the sleep mode involving the operation of a component having an operation frequency life such as a relay is performed. Instead of immediately executing, the transition to the second mode without the operation of such components is executed. Therefore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if the frequency of power failure increases, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations of a component having an operation frequency life and to avoid a reduction in the time life of the component. .

(2) Charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention FIG. 2 is executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention as described above. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of an operation mode.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, as in the above-described charging system according to the related art, it is monitored whether or not the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped during the external charging. To do. Specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S10, it is determined whether power is supplied from an external power source. If it is determined in step S10 that power is supplied from the external power source (step S10: Yes), in the next step S40, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is set (maintained) to the first mode. The

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that there is no power supply from the external power source (step S10: No), the power failure state continues after the power failure state occurs during external charging in the next step S20. It is determined whether the remaining time (power failure time) is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ). If it is determined in step S20 that the power failure time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ) (step S20: Yes), the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is the second in step S50. Transition to mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S20 that the power failure time has exceeded a predetermined period (T ₀ ) (step S20: No), the operation of the control means included in the charging system in the next step S60. The mode is shifted to the third mode. Thereby, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if a power failure occurs during external charging, for example, the transition to the third mode accompanied by the operation of a part having the operation frequency life such as a relay is not immediately executed. However, while the power failure time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ), the transition to the second mode without the operation of the component is executed.

Therefore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if the frequency of power failure increases, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations of a component having an operation frequency life and to avoid a reduction in the time life of the component. . Thereafter, when such a power failure state continues further and the power failure time exceeds a predetermined period (T ₀ ), the operation mode of the charging system is shifted to the third mode. When the power stored in the power storage device continues to be used in the two modes and the power supply from the external power supply is resumed, the control means cannot operate, and external charging cannot be resumed, As described above, when the power supply from the external power source is restarted, the external charging is immediately restarted, and the possibility that the charging not intended by the user is started can be reduced.

(3) Charging system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, as described above. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the transfer process of the operation mode performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, as in the charging system according to the related art described above, it is monitored whether or not the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped during the execution of external charging. To do. Specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not power is supplied from an external power source. If it is determined in step S10 that power is supplied from the external power source (step S10: Yes), in the next step S40, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is set (maintained) to the first mode. The

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that there is no power supply from the external power source (step S10: No), the power failure state continues after the power failure state occurs during external charging in the next step S20. It is determined whether the remaining time (power failure time) is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ). In step S20, when it is determined that the power failure time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ) (step S20: Yes), in the next step S30, power that can be supplied to the control means provided in the charging system It is determined whether or not the amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁ ). If it is determined in step S30 that the amount of power is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S30: Yes), the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system in the next step S50 Is shifted to the second mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S20 that the power failure time exceeds a predetermined period (T ₀ ) (step S20: No), or in step S30, the electric energy is set to a first threshold (predetermined). If it is determined that it is less than (W ₁ ) (step S30: No), the operation mode of the control means provided in the charging system is shifted to the third mode in the next step S60. Thereby, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if a power failure occurs during external charging, for example, the transition to the third mode accompanied by the operation of a part having the operation frequency life such as a relay is not immediately executed. Without a power outage time being a predetermined period (T ₀ ) or less, or while the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means included in the charging system is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ). The transition to the second mode is performed without the operation of the component having the operation frequency life.

Therefore, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, even if the frequency of power failure increases, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations of a component having an operation frequency life and to avoid a reduction in the time life of the component. . Thereafter, when the power outage state continues further and the power outage time exceeds a predetermined period (T ₀ ), or the first threshold (predetermined amount of power that can be supplied to the control means included in the charging system) When it becomes less than W ₁ ), the operation mode of the charging system is shifted to the third mode. For example, the power stored in the power storage device while the control means continues to operate in the second mode even during a power failure. When the power supply from the external power supply resumes, the control means cannot operate, and the external charging cannot be resumed. It is possible to restart immediately and reduce the possibility that charging unintended by the user is started.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means included in the charging system is determined after step S20 for determining whether the power failure time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ). While running determining step S30 whether a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁₎ or more, the execution order of these steps may be reversed. Furthermore, in the charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention, a control routine in which step S20 for determining whether or not the power failure time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period (T ₀ ) is omitted from the flowchart shown in FIG. Can also be executed.

By the way, the process executed in step S30 for determining whether the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means provided in the charging system is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) is provided in the charging system. It differs depending on the configuration of the power feeding mechanism to the control means. Therefore, in the following description, step S30 in the charging system according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(4) Step S30 in the charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows the power that can be supplied to the control means included in the operation mode transition process that is executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above. It is a flowchart explaining the step which switches an operation mode according to quantity. The charging system according to the present embodiment further includes a second power storage device that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means, and is larger or smaller than the first threshold value (W ₁ ) previously determined in step S30 described above. The amount of power that can be supplied to the control means for which the relationship is determined is detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S30 in such a charging system, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means included in the charging system is determined in advance based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a first threshold (W ₁ ). Specifically, in the charging system according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the amount of power stored in the second power storage device in step S31 is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁ ). Thus, step S30 is executed to determine whether or not the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means provided in the charging system is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁ ).

In the case where the amount of power stored in the second storage device in the step S31 is determined to be a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁₎ or more (step S31: Yes), the said charging system in step S30 This corresponds to the case where it is determined that the amount of electric power that can be supplied to the control means included in is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S30: Yes). Therefore, in this case, in the next step S50, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is shifted to the second mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of electric power stored in the second power storage device in step S31 is less than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S31: No), the charging system in step S30. This corresponds to the case where it is determined that the amount of electric power that can be supplied to the control means included in is less than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S30: No). Therefore, in this case, in the next step S60, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is shifted to the third mode.

  As described above, in the charging system according to this embodiment, as long as the amount of power that can be supplied to the control unit is ensured by the second power storage device, the power failure frequency can be reduced by maintaining the second mode as much as possible. Even if the number is increased, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations of a component having an operation frequency life, and to avoid a reduction in the time life of the component.

(5) Step S30 in the charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, FIG. 5 is a control system included in the operation mode transition process executed when a power failure occurs during external charging in the charging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the step which switches an operation mode according to electric energy. The charging system according to the present embodiment further includes a second power storage device that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means, similarly to the charging system that executes the control process represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. The amount of electric power that can be supplied to the control means that is determined to have a magnitude relationship with the predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) in step S30 described above is detected based on the amount of electric power stored in the second power storage device. . In addition to the above, the charging system according to the present embodiment further includes second charging means for charging the second power storage device using the power stored in the first power storage device, and the operation mode of the control means is the first. The power amount stored in the first power storage device is determined to be a second predetermined value even when the power is in a power failure state and the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold. When it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the second power storage device is charged by the second charging means using the power stored in the first power storage device, and the operation mode of the control means is maintained in the second mode.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S30 in the charging system, first, in step S31, is the amount of power stored in the second power storage device equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁ )? Determine whether or not. In step S31, when it is determined that the amount of power stored in the second power storage device is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S31: Yes), in step S30, the charging system This corresponds to the case where it is determined that the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means provided is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S30: Yes). Therefore, in this case, in the next step S50, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is shifted to the second mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of power stored in the second power storage device in step S31 is less than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ) (step S31: No), in the next step S32, It is determined whether or not the amount of power stored in the first power storage device is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value (W ₂ ). When it is determined that the amount of power stored in the first power storage device in step S32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold (W ₂ ) (step S32: Yes), in the next step S33, the first The second power storage device can be charged with the power stored in the power storage device, and the amount of power stored in the second power storage device can be set to a predetermined first threshold value (W ₁ ) or more. Therefore, also in this case, in the next step S50, the operation mode of the control means provided in the charging system is shifted to the second mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of power stored in the first power storage device in step S32 is less than the predetermined second threshold (W ₂ ) (step S32: No), the power is stored in the first power storage device. The second power storage device is charged with the generated power, and the amount of power stored in the second power storage device cannot be made equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (W ₁ ). Therefore, in this case, in the next step S60, the operation mode of the control means included in the charging system is shifted to the third mode.

  As described above, in the charging system according to this embodiment, the amount of power that can be supplied to the control unit is ensured by the second power storage device, or the second power storage device is charged by the first power storage device. As long as the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is ensured by the second power storage device, the number of operations of the component having the operation life is increased by maintaining the second mode as much as possible even if the frequency of power failure increases. And the shortening of the time life of such parts can be avoided.

  The control routine represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 includes, for example, a determination process corresponding to each of the above-described processes and a process for issuing a command signal necessary for the control. As a program describing an algorithm to be executed by a CPU included in the included ECU, for example, it can be stored in a storage device (for example, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc.) included in the ECU. In addition, the control routine represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is, for example, a sufficiently short time period in view of the required control accuracy, for example, using a clock or the like provided in the control means. , Can be configured to be executed repeatedly.

  Although several embodiments having specific configurations have been described above for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and patents Needless to say, modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the description of the specification.

Claims (7)

First charging means for charging the first power storage device using power supplied from an external power source;
Control means for controlling the first charging means;
A charging system comprising:
The first charging means includes a component whose life is defined by the number of operations,
As an operation mode of the control means,
A first mode in which the first power storage device is charged with electric power supplied from an external power source;
A second mode in which the state of the component remains in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode when the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped; ,
When the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode when the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold. And a third mode in which the power consumption of the control means is lower than the power consumption in the first mode;
Comprising
Charging system. The charging system according to claim 1,
As an operation mode of the control means,
When the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped, when the power supply stop period is longer than a predetermined period, the state of the component is different from the state in the first mode and the power consumption of the control means The third mode is lower than the power consumption in the first mode,
Further comprising
Charging system. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 and 2 ,
A second power storage device for supplying the control means with power for operating the control means;
The amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is detected based on the amount of power stored in the second power storage device,
Charging system. The charging system according to claim 3 ,
Further comprising a second charging means for charging the second power storage device using the power stored in the first power storage device;
When the supply of power from the external power source is stopped and the amount of power that can be supplied to the control means is less than a predetermined first threshold, the amount of power stored in the first power storage device is determined in advance. When the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the second power storage device is charged with the power stored in the first power storage device, and the operation mode of the control means is maintained in the second mode.
Charging system. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The first power storage device is a main battery for traveling mounted on an electric vehicle.
Charging system. The charging system according to any one of claims 3 and 4 ,
The first power storage device is a main battery for traveling mounted on an electric vehicle,
The second power storage device is a sub-battery that supplies power for operating the control means to the control means.
Charging system. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The component whose life is defined by the number of operations is a relay,
Charging system.

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