JP7410694B2 - Charger billing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a charger billing system.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, some chargers for public EVs (Electric Vehicles) or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are equipped with a billing function for collecting usage fees.

In addition to the power supply device of the charging service station, the charging service system is equipped with a user recognition device and a management server, communicates with the vehicle through power line communication, etc., and charges the user by inputting user information from the car navigation system. It has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5163238

However, the charging service system according to the conventional technology has a drawback that equipment costs and the like increase.

Furthermore, in the charging service system according to the prior art, the charging fee is determined not by the usage time of the charging space but by the amount of charging and the charging time. Therefore, it has not been possible to charge excess fees to users who do not move their vehicles from the charging space even after charging has been completed. Therefore, it is not possible to encourage users who are staying in the charging space to move, and other users suffer disadvantages such as losing the opportunity to charge.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a charger billing system that can charge according to the usage time of a charging space.

A charger billing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a charger including a charging connector electrically connected to a vehicle-side power receiving means, and a power supply source that supplies power to the charging connector; A locking means for fitting and locking, a locking means for releasing the locking means based on a release request signal transmitted via a communication line, and an authentication means for a server connected to the communication line. a connector holder comprising a communication means for transmitting charging user ID information and unlocking time information; the server performs billing processing based on charging usage time; When a predetermined period of time has elapsed in the unfitted state, charge addition processing and charge addition state notification processing are performed.

The locking means includes a fitting part formed on the charging connector side, a lock pin disposed on the connector holder side and movable between a fitted state and a non-fitted state with the fitting part, and It is preferable to include an actuator that displaces the lock pin between the fitted state and the non-fitted state, and a control section that controls the operation of the actuator.

The lock release means includes the control section and the actuator, and the control section drives the actuator based on a release request signal transmitted via the communication line to bring the lock pin into the fitted state. It is preferable to displace the connector from the non-fitting state to the non-fitting state.

A communication terminal is provided that transmits charging user ID information for authentication to the server, and the server transmits the cancellation request signal to the connector holder when the charging user ID information is authenticated. is preferred.
Preferably, the charger includes a control box that controls charging via the vehicle-side power receiving means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charger charging system that can perform charging according to the usage time of a charging space.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a charger billing system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a charger billing system according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a connector holder that constitutes a part of the charger billing system according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of the processing procedure of authentication and billing processing executed by the charger billing system according to the first embodiment. It is a continuation of the flowchart showing the continuation of the processing procedure of authentication and charging processing executed by the charger charging system according to the first embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of composition of a charger billing system concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a locked state of a locking means applied to a charger billing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an unlocked state of a locking means applied to a charger billing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a control box, a charging connector, and a connector holder applied to a charger billing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an AC/DC conversion circuit and the like. It is a chart showing storage battery voltage. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a voltage monitoring section. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the charging control process of the storage battery performed by the charger billing system based on 2nd Embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing an example of composition of a locking means using a latching solenoid. It is an explanatory view showing an example of composition of a locking means using a servo motor. It is an explanatory view showing another example of composition of a locking means using a servo motor.

[First embodiment]
A charger billing system S1 using a charger 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

(Example of configuration of charger billing system)
A configuration example of a charger billing system S1 using a charger 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
Here, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a charger billing system S1 using a charger 20 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the charger billing system S1. be.

The charger billing system S1 includes a vehicle V such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a charger 20 that charges a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V, and a charger 20. A connector holder 30 with an authentication function that holds and controls the data, and a server (billing server) that is connected to the connector holder 30 via a wireless line (such as an Internet line) 700, a router 650, etc., and performs billing processing for charging, etc. It consists of 40.
Note that communication between the router 650 and the like and the connector holder 30 can be performed via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), an LTE line, or the like.

The charger 20 includes a charging connector 21 that is electrically connected to the vehicle-side power receiving means 10, and a power supply source (such as a commercial power source) 22 that supplies power to the charging connector 21.

The connector holder 30 includes a locking means 31 that fits into and locks the fitting portion 210 of the charging connector 21 of the charger 20. The connector holder 30 also includes a lock release means 32 that releases the lock means 31 based on a release request signal transmitted via a communication line (wireless line, etc.). Furthermore, the connector holder 30 includes a communication means 37 that transmits charging user ID information for authentication and unlocking time information to a server 40 connected to a communication line.
Note that a unique ID is assigned to the connector holder 30 and registered in the memory within the control unit 33.

The server 40 includes a billing processing unit 41 that performs billing processing based on charging usage time. The server 40 also includes a fee addition processing unit 42 that performs a fee addition process when a predetermined period of time has elapsed with the connector holder 30 and charging connector 21 unfitted. Furthermore, the server 40 includes a communication processing unit 43 that performs processing for notifying the charge addition state and the like.

Further, the server 40 stores in advance information such as the name, contact information, credit card number for payment, account number, etc. of the user 600 and the connector holder manager (charger owner or management entruster). Note that the user 600 is issued with an ID corresponding to the registered information, which is stored in a mobile information terminal or an IC card, or notified in writing. Further, the registration information of the charger owner is linked to the ID of the connector holder 30.

Here, the connector holder 30 holds the charging connector 21 when the charger 20 is not in use. The connector holder 30 includes a locking means 31 (a type of safety holding means) that locks the charging connector 21 so that it cannot be removed from the connector holder 30 without permission.

Locking means 31 in this embodiment releases locking means 31 based on a release request signal transmitted from server 40 when authentication is obtained using charging user ID information possessed by user 600. Thereby, the user 600 can remove the charging connector 21 from the connector holder 30 and connect it to the vehicle-side power receiving means 10.

(Regarding locking means, etc.)
The locking means 31 and the like will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the connector holder 30. As shown in FIG.
The locking means 31 in this embodiment has a fitting part 210 formed on the charging connector 21 side and a connector holder 30 side, and is displaceable between a fitted state and a non-fitted state with the fitting part 210. A possible lock pin 311 is provided. It also includes an actuator 312 made up of a solenoid or the like that displaces the lock pin 311 between a fitted state and a non-fitted state, and a control section 33 made up of a microcomputer etc. that controls the operation of this actuator.
Further, the lock release means 32 in this embodiment is composed of a control section 33 and an actuator 312.
Note that the control unit 33 is connected to a communication means (communication unit) 37 that transmits charging user ID information for authentication, unlock time information, etc. to and from the server 40 .

Further, the control unit 33 is connected to a display unit 35 configured with a liquid crystal display device or the like that displays billing information, charging time, etc., and a timer 34 that measures charging time, parking time in the charging space, etc.
As shown in FIG. 3, charging connector 21 is connected to holder part 500 on connector holder 30 side.
The holder portion 500 includes a CS (fitting detection signal line) terminal, a CP (control pilot signal line) terminal, a PE (protective earth line) terminal, and power line terminals L1 and L2.

The holder section 500 is connected to the CP/CS control/monitoring section 52 via a CS terminal, a CP terminal, and a PE terminal. Note that the CP/CS control/monitoring section 52 is connected to a control section (CPU) 33.

Furthermore, the holder section 500 is connected to the power supply/charging control section 51 via the L1 and L2 terminals. The power supply/charging control section 51 is connected to a storage battery 54 which is connected to the voltage monitoring section 53. Note that the voltage monitoring section 53 is connected to the control section (CPU) 33.
Further, a user ID input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. may be connected to the control unit (CPU) 33.
Note that a fitting detection means 50 for detecting the fitting state between the charging connector 21 and the connector holder 30 may be provided.
In this case, the fitting detection means 50 can be composed of an infrared sensor, a photosensor, or a physical switch.

Then, when the user ID is authenticated, the control unit (CPU) 33 drives the actuator 312 based on the release request signal transmitted via the communication line, and changes the lock pin 311 from the fitted state to the unfitted state. By shifting the charging connector 21 to the matching state, the charging connector 21 is unlocked. Thereby, the user 600 can remove the charging connector 21 from the holder part 500 of the connector holder 30, connect it to the vehicle-side power receiving means 10, and perform charging.

At this time, normal billing processing is performed by the server 40 in conjunction with the start of charging. Furthermore, in the charger billing system S1 according to the present embodiment, if a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 minutes or more) has elapsed with the connector holder 30 and the charging connector 21 unfitted, a charge addition process is performed. The unit 42 can perform charge addition processing.

Therefore, a fee can be added as an excess fee to a user who does not move his vehicle from the charging space even after charging is completed. Thereby, users staying in the charging space can be encouraged to move. Further, convenience can be improved by reducing situations where other users suffer disadvantages such as losing the opportunity to charge the battery.

(Authentication/billing processing)
With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the processing procedure of the authentication/billing process executed in the charger billing system S1 using the charger 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

When this process is started, first in step S10, user authentication is performed for the user 600 using the user ID. That is, the charger user 600 inputs user ID information using a mobile communication terminal, an IC card, a keyboard or a touch panel mounted on the connector holder 30, and notifies the connector holder 30 of the information.
Next, in step S11, it is determined whether the charging connector 21 is locked in the connector holder 30.
If the determination result is "No", the process moves to step S29, where an error message is displayed to notify that an abnormality or the like has occurred, and the process ends.

If the determination result is "Yes", the process moves to step S12, where the connector holder ID and user ID information are transmitted to the billing server 40, and the process moves to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not user authentication has been successful. If the answer is "No", the process moves to step S29, where an error message is displayed to notify that the authentication was not successful, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination result is "Yes", the process moves to step S14, and the charging connector 21 is unlocked. More specifically, the charging connector 21 is unlocked by driving the actuator 312 based on a release request signal transmitted from the billing server 40 and displacing the lock pin 311 from the fitted state to the unfitted state. do. This allows the user 600 to charge the EV or PHEV.
Next, in step S15, the connector lock release time is recorded in the billing server 40, and the process moves to step S16.
In step S16, it is determined whether or not fitting of the charging connector 21 in the connector holder 30 is detected.

If the determination result is "Yes", the process moves to step S17, and the charging connector 21 is locked. More specifically, when charging of the vehicle is completed and charging connector 21 is returned to connector holder 30, the fitting detection signal changes. The connector holder 30 detecting this change drives the actuator 312 under the control of the CP/CS control/monitoring section 52 to displace the lock pin 311 from the unfitted state to the fitted state, thereby locking the charging connector 21. do.
Next, in step S18, the charging connector 21 is diagnosed, and the process moves to step S19.

In step S19, the diagnosis result is determined. That is, the connector holder 30 diagnoses whether the control pilot signal and the energization state correspond to the operation determined by the charger or control box. More specifically, for example, a diagnosis is performed to determine whether the charging connector inserted into the connector holder 30 is a legitimate one and not an unauthorized dummy connector.
If it is determined that it is fraudulent, the process moves to step S20.

In step S20, the connector lock is released and the process moves to step S21. In step S21, an error message such as that there is an abnormality in the charging connector is displayed, and the process returns to step S16.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the diagnosis result is normal, the process moves to step S25.

In step S25, the charging server 40 records the connector lock time, and the process moves to step S26. In step S26, the fee is calculated from the usage time and the process moves to step S27.
In step S27, billing processing is performed and the process moves to step S28. In step S28, the user 600 settles the usage fee, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the fitting of the charging connector 21 in the connector holder 30 is not detected (that is, the determination is "No"), the process moves to step S22.

In step S22, it is determined whether the maximum usage time has elapsed. Then, if the determination result is "No", the process returns to step S16, and if the determination result is "Yes", the process moves to step S23.

In step S23, the billing server 40 records the time, and the process moves to step S24. In step S24, the administrator of the connector holder is notified and the process moves to step S26.

In step S26, the fee is calculated from the usage time and the process moves to step S27. In step S27, billing processing is performed and the process moves to step S28. In step S28, the user 600 settles the usage fee, and the process ends.

In this way, if the predetermined maximum usage time has elapsed since the lock was released, the billing server 40 determines that there is an abnormality such as forgetting to put the charging connector back in, and sends an electronic message to the administrator of the connector holder 30. Notifications will be sent via e-mail, etc., and fees will be charged for the maximum usage time.
Note that the server (billing server) 40 may communicate with the connector holder 30 and display on the display section 35 a message that "return the charging connector" to warn the user.

As described above, according to this process, normal charging processing can be performed for charging, and the connector holder 30 and charging connector 21 are not mated for a predetermined period of time (maximum usage time). If the time has elapsed, a fee addition process can be performed.
As a result, it is possible to add an excess fee to users who do not move their vehicles from the charging space even though charging has been completed, and it is possible to encourage users who remain in the charging space to move. Further, convenience can be improved by reducing situations where other users suffer disadvantages such as losing the opportunity to charge the battery.

Note that the charging usage time to be charged may include the time from the unlock time (the time recorded in step S23) to the relock time (the time recorded in step S25). Thereby, users staying in the charging space can be more effectively encouraged to move.

[Second embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13, a charger billing system S1a using the cable set 20A according to the second embodiment will be described.
Note that the same components as the charger billing system S1 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

The main difference between the charger billing system S1a according to the second embodiment and the charger billing system S1 according to the first embodiment is that the cable set 20A as a charger does not have an authentication function. The point is that a box (CCID: Charging Circuit Interrupt Device) 203 is provided.

(Example of configuration of locking means and unlocking means)
A configuration example of the locking means 31 and the lock releasing means 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a locked state of the locking means 31 applied to the charger billing system S1a according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an unlocked state of the locking means 31.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an engagement recess 21a is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the distal end side of the charging connector 21, with which the distal end portion of the lock pin 311 engages.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the lock pin 311 is displaced in the D1 direction by the operation of the actuator 312 in a state where the charging connector 21 is connected to the holder part 500, the tip of the lock pin 311 is connected to the charging connector 500. 21 is engaged with the engagement recess 21a.
This prevents the charging connector 21 from being removed in the D2 direction and maintains the locked state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the lock pin 311 is displaced in the D3 direction by the operation of the actuator 312 based on the release request signal while the charging connector 21 is connected to the holder part 500, the lock pin 311 The engagement between the distal end of the charging connector 21 and the engagement recess 21a of the charging connector 21 is released.
This allows the charging connector 21 to be inserted and removed in the D4 direction.

Furthermore, the configurations of the locking means and the unlocking means are not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the hook member may be displaced to achieve the locked or unlocked state.
For example, the locking means and unlocking means using hook members can be configured as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15.
FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of the locking means 31 and the unlocking means 32 using the latching solenoid 320 as an actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), connection and disconnection with the connector holder 30 are made by a protrusion 30a formed on the connector holder 30 side and a hook-shaped link 130 rotatable in the D5 direction. This is done by engaging and disengaging with.

The engagement between the protrusion 30a and the hook-shaped link 130 is locked or unlocked by moving the lock pin 311, which is a plunger of the latching solenoid 320, in the D1 direction.
That is, when the lock pin 311 is brought into the advanced state by the operation of the latching solenoid 320, the hook-shaped link 130 is locked in the engaged state.

On the other hand, when the lock pin 311 is retracted by the activation of the latching solenoid 320 based on the release request signal, the hook-shaped link 130 is unlocked from the engaged state, and the hook-shaped link 130 and the protrusion The state becomes such that the engagement with 30a can be released.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the locking means 31 and the unlocking means 32 using a servo motor 330 as an actuator.

As shown in FIG. 14, connection and disconnection with the connector holder 30 are determined by engagement and disengagement between a protrusion 30a formed on the connector holder 30 side and a hook-shaped link 130 that is rotatable in the D5 direction. This is done by

A worm gear 331 is provided on the rotating shaft of the servo motor 330. The lock pin 311 includes a rack gear that meshes with the worm gear 331 and slides in the D1 direction along the guide rail 335 as the worm gear 331 rotates as the servo motor 330 operates.

The engagement between the protrusion 30a and the hook-shaped link 130 is locked or unlocked by moving the lock pin back and forth in the D1 direction by operating the servo motor 330.

That is, when the lock pin 311 is brought into the advanced state by operating the servo motor 330 in the normal rotation direction, the hook-shaped link 130 is locked in the engaged state. In this state, the lock pin 311 is prevented from moving in the D1 direction by the self-lock function of the worm gear 331, and can maintain the locked state.

On the other hand, when the lock pin 311 is retracted by operating the servo motor 330 in the reverse direction based on the release request signal, the hook-shaped link 130 is unlocked from the engaged state, and the hook-shaped link 130 is released from the engaged state. 130 and the protrusion 30a can be disengaged from each other.
FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are explanatory diagrams showing other configuration examples of the locking means 31 and the unlocking means 32 using a servo motor 330 as an actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), connection and disconnection with the connector holder 30 are made by a protrusion 30a formed on the connector holder 30 side and a hook-shaped link 130 rotatable in the D5 direction. This is done by engaging and disengaging with.

A pinion gear 332 is provided on the rotating shaft of the servo motor 330. The lock pin 311 is integrally provided with a gear 333 that meshes with the pinion gear 332 and rotates in the D6 direction due to the rotation of the pinion gear 332 as the servo motor 330 operates.

The engagement between the protrusion 30a and the hook-shaped link 130 is locked or unlocked by rotating the lock pin in the D6 direction by the operation of the servo motor 330.
That is, when the lock pin 311 is brought into the advanced state by operating the servo motor 330 in the normal rotation direction, the hook-shaped link 130 is locked in the engaged state.

On the other hand, when the lock pin 311 is retracted by operating the servo motor 330 in the reverse direction based on the release request signal, the hook-shaped link 130 is unlocked from the engaged state, and the hook-shaped link 130 is released from the engaged state. 130 and the protrusion 30a can be disengaged from each other.
Note that the configurations of the locking means and unlocking means described above are also applicable to the charger billing system S1 using the charger 20 according to the first embodiment.

(Regarding the main components of the charger billing system, etc.)
With reference to FIG. 8, the main configuration of the charger billing system S1a will be described.
Here, FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the control box 203, charging connector 21, and connector holder 30 applied to the charger billing system S1a according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control box 203 includes a relay RY connected to the plug 202, a pulse power source VG, and a resistor R10 (for example, 1 kΩ) connected in series to the pulse power source.

The charging connector 21 includes a CP (control pilot signal line) terminal connected to a resistor R10, and resistors R3 (for example, 330Ω) and R4 connected in series between a node n3 and a CS (fitting detection signal line) terminal. (for example, 150Ω), and a switch SW3 connected in parallel with a resistor R3 via nodes n1 and n2. It also includes power line terminals L1 and L2 connected to relay RY.

The connector holder 30 includes a diode D connected to the CP terminal and a resistor R1 (for example, 2.74 kΩ) connected between nodes n10 and n11. Further, in parallel with the resistor R1, a resistor R2 (for example, 1.3 kΩ) and a switch SW2 are provided, which are connected in series between nodes n10 and n14.

The PE (protective ground line) terminal is connected to the negative side of the DC power supply SV via a node n14. The positive side of the DC power supply SV is connected to the CS terminal via a resistor R6 (for example, 330Ω). Further, a resistor R5 (for example, 2.7 kΩ) is connected between nodes n12 and n13.
Further, the power line terminals L1 and L2 are connected to the power supply/charging control section 51.
Although not shown in FIG. 8, the connector holder 30 also includes other members such as a CPU 33 as shown in FIG.
Here, the operation of the connector holder 30 and the like will be explained.

The connector holder 30 cooperates with the CPU 33 to control and monitor the control pilot signal and the mating detection signal based on the international standard IEC61851-1.
For example, the connection state of the charging connector 21 to the connector holder 30 is monitored based on the fitting detection signal (CS-PE voltage).
Here, when the charging connector 21 is not inserted into the connector holder 30, the fitting detection signal seen from the connector holder 30 side becomes a DC voltage of about 4.5V.

When the charging connector 21 is inserted into the connector holder 30 but the lock pin 311 is not engaged (half-fitted state), the mating detection signal becomes a DC voltage of approximately +2.8V (at this time, , charging connector switch SW3 is open).

When the charging connector 21 is inserted into the connector holder 30 and the lock pin 311 is engaged, the mating detection signal becomes a DC voltage of approximately +1.5V (at this time, the switch S3 of the charging connector is closed) ).
Then, the control pilot signal (CP-PE voltage) monitors the state of the control box 203 and permits charging.

When the charging connector 21 is inserted into the connector holder 30, the control pilot signal (CP-PE voltage) becomes a DC voltage of about +9V. When the control box 203 detects this voltage, it changes the control pilot signal to a pulse wave with a high level of about +9V, a low level of about -12V, and a frequency of 1kHz.
The connector holder 30 detects this signal and closes the switch SW2 when starting charging.

As a result, the control pilot signal changes to a pulse wave with a high level of about +6V, a low level of about -12V, and a frequency of 1kHz. When control box 203 detects this signal, it closes relay RY and supplies commercial power 22 to connector holder 30 .

When charging is completed, the connector holder 30 opens the switch SW2. As a result, the control pilot signal becomes a pulse wave with a high level of about +9V, a low level of about -12V, and a frequency of 1kHz. When control box 203 detects this signal, it opens relay RY and cuts off the power supply to connector holder 30.

Also, if the control pilot signal is no longer a pulse wave with a frequency of 1kHz, with a high level of approximately +6V and a low level of approximately -12V during charging, or if the mating detection voltage is no longer approximately +1.5V, immediately turn switch SW2. Open.
Note that by providing a mechanism for forcibly closing the switch SW2, the AC voltage can be supplied from the control box 203 without relying on the above charging control. Thereby, even if the voltage of the storage battery 54 is discharged to a voltage lower than the circuit operating voltage of the connector holder 30, the connector holder 30 can be activated and the storage battery 54 can be charged.
Furthermore, the storage battery 54 in the charger billing system S1 using the charger 20 according to the first embodiment can also be charged in a similar manner.

(About power supply/charging control unit and storage battery)
The power supply/charging control unit and the storage battery will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the AC/DC conversion circuit and the like.
The AC/DC conversion circuit 60 as shown in FIG. 9 transforms and rectifies the AC voltage supplied from the control box 203 to convert it into a DC voltage.

The charging control circuit 61 charges the storage battery with a constant current or voltage while monitoring the charging current to the storage battery 54 and the voltage of the storage battery in accordance with the charging characteristics of the storage battery 54. It also has a function of preventing backflow of current from the storage battery 54 to the charging control circuit 61 when the AC power source is cut off (by using a backflow prevention diode, disconnection using a transistor switch, etc.).
The voltage conversion circuit 62 converts the voltage supplied from the storage battery 54 into a voltage used in each circuit block (DCDC converter, voltage regulator, etc.).
As the storage battery 54, a lithium ion storage battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lead storage battery, or the like can be used.
The same applies to the storage battery 54 in the charger billing system S1 using the charger 20 according to the first embodiment.

(About the voltage monitoring section)
The voltage monitoring section 53 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 10 is a chart showing the storage battery voltage, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the voltage monitoring section 53.
The voltage monitoring unit 53 monitors the voltage of the storage battery 54 and outputs a signal corresponding to the voltage of the storage battery 54 to the CPU 33.
The voltage monitoring unit 53 can be realized by comparators OP1 and OP2 using operational amplifiers or a voltage detector IC having an equivalent function.
Comparators OP1 and OP2 compare the storage battery voltage with a reference voltage, and output a high level (H) if the storage battery voltage exceeds the reference voltage, and output a low level (L) if the voltage falls below the reference voltage.
The voltage monitoring unit 53 has two types of reference voltages. Reference 1 is the upper limit voltage (full charge voltage) of the storage battery, reference 2 is the lower limit voltage (charging start voltage), and the comparator OP1 compares the storage battery voltage with the reference 1, Comparator OP2 compares the storage battery voltage with reference 2.
The relationship between the storage battery voltage and the comparator output is as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

(Storage battery charging control processing)
The storage battery charging control process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12 .
When this process is started, first in step S40 it is determined whether the voltage of the storage battery 54 is equal to or higher than the charging start voltage.
If the determination is "Yes", the process waits; if the determination is "No", the process moves to step S41.
In step S41, it is determined whether the voltage of the storage battery 54 is equal to or higher than the fully charged voltage.
If the determination is "Yes", the process moves to step S47, charging is stopped, and the process moves to step S48. In step S48, the switch SW2 (see FIG. 8) is opened and the process returns to step S40.
On the other hand, if the determination in step S41 is "Yes", the process moves to step S42.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not fitting of charging connector 21 and connector holder 30 has been detected. If the determination is "No", the process moves to step S47, and if the determination is "Yes", the process moves to step S43.
In step S43, it is determined what the control pilot signal is.
If the control pilot signal is +6V/-12V and a pulse wave, the process returns to step S41.
Further, if the control pilot signal is +9V/-12V and a pulse wave, the process moves to step S44.
In step S44, the switch SW2 (see FIG. 8) is closed and the process moves to step S45.

In step S45, the state of the alternating current voltage (L1-L2) is determined, and if it is in the energized state, the process moves to step S46. In step S46, charging is started and the process returns to step S41.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the control pilot signal is something else, the process moves to step S49.

In step S49, the switch SW2 (see FIG. 8) is opened and the process moves to step S50. In step S50, a message indicating that the control box (CCID) is out of order is displayed on the display unit 35 (see FIG. 1), and the process ends.

In this way, in this process, since the storage battery 54 is charged under the same control as in an electric vehicle, a failure diagnosis of the control box 203 can be performed based on whether or not the connector holder 30 can be charged.

Although the charger billing system of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part may be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having a similar function. be able to.

S1, S1a Charger billing system V Vehicle (EV, PHEV)
10 Vehicle-side power receiving means 20 Charger 20A Cable set 21 Charging connector 21a Engagement recess 30 Connector holder 31 Locking means 32 Lock release means 33 Control unit (CPU)
37 Communication Department (Communication Means)
40 Server (billing server)
50 Fitting detection means 203 Control box (CCID)
311 Lock pin 312 Actuator 500 Holder part

Claims (4)

A charger comprising a charging connector electrically connected to a vehicle-side power receiving means, and a power supply source supplying power to the charging connector;
A locking means that fits and locks the charging connector, an unlocking means that releases the locking means based on a release request signal transmitted via a communication line, and a server connected to the communication line. a communication means for transmitting charging user ID information for authentication and unlock time information indicating an unlock time at which the lock means was released by the lock release means ;
Equipped with
The server transmits the release request signal to the connector holder when the charging user ID information is authenticated;
The connector holder diagnoses whether or not the charging connector is a regular one when the connector holder and the charging connector are fitted together;
When the connector holder diagnoses that the charging connector is not a genuine one, the connector holder displays an error;
The server performs billing processing based on charging usage time, and determines whether the charging connector is a regular one when a predetermined time has elapsed from the unlocking time while the connector holder and the charging connector are not mated. A charger billing system that performs charge addition processing for the elapse of the predetermined time and notification processing of a charge addition state, regardless of whether the predetermined time has elapsed . The locking means is
a fitting portion formed on the charging connector side;
a lock pin disposed on the connector holder side and movable between a fitted state and a non-fitted state with the fitting part;
an actuator that displaces the lock pin between the fitted state and the unfitted state;
a control unit that controls the operation of the actuator;
The charger billing system according to claim 1, comprising: The lock release means includes the control section and the actuator,
The control unit includes:
The charger billing system according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is driven based on the release request signal transmitted via the communication line to displace the lock pin from the fitted state to the unfitted state. The charger billing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the charger includes a control box that controls charging via a vehicle-side power receiving means.

Images