WO2012059802A1

WO2012059802A1 - Function module of charging apparatus for electric vehicle and the charging apparatus having same

Info

Publication number: WO2012059802A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/002557
Authority: WO
Inventors: 将司中山; 理芳井; 傘谷　正人; 篠崎　聡
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2010-11-05
Filing date: 2011-10-31
Publication date: 2012-05-10
Also published as: TW201228185A; JP2012105374A

Abstract

The function module (display module) of this embodiment has a housing which can be stored in the storage space of a stand main body, and a display means (display unit) for displaying a variety of information pertaining to the charging of an electric vehicle (e.g. instantaneous power, cumulative power, charging time) is stored inside the housing. That is to say, the means for realizing the necessary functions (the display means in this embodiment) is stored together with the power socket module within a housing that can be stored in the stand main body, and there is therefore no need to fit these modules to the outside of the stand main body. As a result, it is possible to reduce the expense and labor associated with adding functions.

Description

Functional module for electric vehicle charging device and electric vehicle charging device

The present invention relates to a functional module used in a charging device for an electric vehicle for charging a secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle, and the charging device for the electric vehicle.

In recent years, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (hereinafter, these two types of vehicles are collectively referred to as “electric vehicles”) are becoming popular. And with the spread of these electric vehicles, provision of the charging device for electric vehicles for charging the secondary battery mounted in the electric vehicle is also started. For example, in an ordinary household, it is assumed that an electric vehicle parked in a garage is connected to an outlet with a charging cable for charging, and therefore an outlet needs to be installed outside the dwelling unit (outdoors). Here, the outlet is installed outdoors, and the outlet is arranged in a pole with the lower part buried in the ground, and the feeder line branched from the residential distribution board in the dwelling unit (indoor) is used as the outlet. A connected outlet device (also called a power supply pole) has been conventionally provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The power pole described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that a casing with a door is attached to an upper part of a cylindrical pole, and an outlet is accommodated in the casing. Plug in the charging cable into the outlet.
JP-A-10-223339

By the way, the distance that an electric vehicle can travel with only electric power is currently much shorter than that of a normal vehicle that uses gasoline as fuel. Therefore, in order for electric vehicles to spread in earnest, a charging device that can be used by an unspecified number of people in public places such as service areas on automobile roads, parking lots in commercial facilities, or parking lots in apartment buildings Many outlets need to be installed.
Here, when the charging device for an electric vehicle is installed in a public place, a function of collecting an electric charge from a user is required. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle charging device is installed in a parking lot of an apartment house, a function for authenticating the user (or vehicle) is required so that only the resident of the apartment house can use it.
However, when the power pole described in Patent Document 1 is diverted to a charging device for an electric vehicle, it is not easy to add functions according to the above-described installation location and usage form. In other words, if means for realizing the necessary functions (various mechanisms, electronic circuits, etc.) do not fit within the existing casing, they must be installed separately from the casing. As a result, there is a problem that it takes a lot of cost and labor to add functions.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce costs and labor required for adding functions.

The electric vehicle charging device functional module of the present invention is used in an electric vehicle charging device in which an outlet is accommodated in the charging device body, and means for realizing a desired function is accommodated in a box-shaped housing. And is stored in a storage space of the main body of the charging device.
In this functional module, the means is preferably authentication means for authenticating a specific user or electric vehicle registered in advance.
In this functional module, a door that opens and closes an opening of a space in which the outlet is accommodated and an electric lock for locking the door are provided in the electric vehicle charging device, and the means includes It is preferably an electric lock control means for controlling and locking and unlocking the electric lock.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the means is a power charge collecting means for collecting a charge for the power required for the charging from a user who charges the electric vehicle with the power supplied from the outlet.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the means is a communication means for performing data communication with an electronic control unit mounted on an electric vehicle.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the means is a communication means for performing data communication with an in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system mounted on an electric vehicle.
In this functional module, the means is preferably a recognition means for recognizing the automobile registration number displayed on the license plate.
In this functional module, the means is preferably control means for controlling on / off of power supply from the outlet to the electric vehicle.
In this functional module, the means is preferably a display means for displaying various information relating to charging of the electric vehicle.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the display means displays a time at which charging of the electric vehicle charged by charging from the outlet is completed.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the means is a measuring means for measuring at least one of current, power, and time supplied to the electric vehicle from the outlet.
In this functional module, the means is preferably wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal.
In this functional module, the means counts the number of times the plug of the charging cable has been inserted into and removed from the outlet, and informs that the maintenance is necessary if the number of times exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. Preferably it is a means.
In this functional module, it is preferable that the outlet is stored in a storage space of the charging device main body in which the outlet module is stored in a box-shaped housing.
The charging device for an electric vehicle of the present invention includes at least any one functional module, an outlet, and a charging device main body that stores the outlet, and the functional module is stored in a storage space of the charging device main body. It is characterized by becoming.
In this electric vehicle charging device, it is preferable that the outlet has an outlet module housed in a box-shaped housing, and the outlet module is housed in the storage space of the charging device body together with the functional module. .
In this electric vehicle charging apparatus, the outlet has an outlet module that is housed in a box-shaped housing, and the functional module is housed in a housing space in which the outlet module of the charging apparatus body is housed. It is preferable to become.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION The functional module of an electric vehicle charging device and the electric vehicle charging device of the present invention have an effect of reducing the cost and labor required for adding the function.

The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external appearance perspective view which shows Embodiment 1 of the outlet socket module which concerns on this invention, a function module, and the charging device (for example, charging stand) for electric vehicles. It is a front view of the state which showed the outlet socket module same as the above and opened the door. It is a perspective view of the state which showed the outlet socket module same as the above and opened the door. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the charge stand same as the above and was partially omitted. It is a block diagram of an outlet module same as the above. It is an external appearance perspective view of a display module same as the above. It is a block diagram of a display module same as the above. It is a block diagram of the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of Embodiment 2. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. It is a plane sectional view showing an outlet module same as the above. (A) is another block diagram of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above, and (b) is a system configuration diagram including an outlet module, an authentication / electric lock control module, and a management center. It is a block diagram of the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of Embodiment 3. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. It is a block diagram of the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module) of Embodiment 4. It is an external appearance perspective view of an authentication / electric lock control module same as the above. It is a block diagram of a functional module (fee collection module) of the fifth embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of a charge collection module same as the above. It is another block diagram of a charge collection module same as the above. The other outlet module same as the above is shown, (a) is a front view of a coin-type lock unit, (b) is a plan sectional view. It is a block diagram of the functional module (maintenance alerting module) of Embodiment 6. It is an external appearance perspective view of a maintenance alerting module same as the above. It is a plane sectional view of an outlet module same as the above.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the technical idea of the present invention is applied to a charging stand in which a stand body corresponding to a charging device body is erected on the ground will be described. However, it goes without saying that the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to a charging device for an electric vehicle other than the charging stand. The same or similar parts throughout the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the charging device for an electric vehicle (for example, a charging stand) of the present embodiment includes a charging device main body (stand main body) 1 standing on the ground where the electric vehicle is parked. The outlet module 10 and various functional modules are housed in the housing. This function module can have various functions other than the function other than the outlet function, for example, the display and authentication functions described later.
The stand body 1 has three metal plates (left side plate 2, right side plate 3, back plate 4 (see FIG. 10)) formed in a long rectangular plate shape so that the front surface, top surface, and bottom surface are respectively The opening of the top surface is closed by a flat box-shaped cover 5 that is formed in an open rectangular tube shape. A mounting plate 6 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the inner surface of the left side plate 2 and the right side plate 3 so as to be parallel to the back plate 4. That is, the inside of the stand body 1 is divided into front and rear by the mounting plate 6, the outlet module 10 is housed in the space in front of the mounting plate 6, and an earth leakage breaker and a power supply cable (not shown) are attached. It is housed (wired) in the space behind the plate 6. The outlet module 10 and the earth leakage breaker are attached to the attachment plate 6 by screws.
A rectangular plate-like upper panel 7A and lower panel 7B are attached to the uppermost and lowermost parts of the front surface of the stand body 1. In the stand main body 1, a storage space for storing the outlet module 10 and the functional modules side by side in the vertical direction is provided in a front space from the lower end of the upper panel 7A to the upper end of the lower panel 7B. In the illustrated example, the storage space is formed to have a size capable of storing, for example, up to five outlet modules 10 or the outlet modules 10 and functional modules. In the present embodiment, the upper panel 7A and the lower panel 7B are attached to the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the stand body 1, but different from this, various functional modules described later can be accommodated in the uppermost part and the lowermost part.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outlet module 10 includes a housing 11, an outlet block 12, a door 13, a ceiling cover 14, and the like. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape having an opening window 11A on the front surface by a metal plate. The ceiling cover 14 is formed in a box shape having an open bottom surface, and is attached to the housing 11 so as to cover the top surface (upper surface) of the housing 11. The door 13 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, and is hinged so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction (front-rear direction) between a closed position that closes the opening window 11A and an open position that opens the opening window 11A. The left end is pivotally supported by the front left end of the housing 11 by the portion 13A. Further, a lock device 15 is attached to the door 13, and the door 13 is locked by the lock device 15 when in the closed position. A notch (drawer outlet) 13 </ b> B from which the charging cable 90 is drawn is formed at the right end of the lower end portion of the door 13.
The outlet block 12 opens and closes an outlet 20 provided with an insertion port 20A on the front surface, an outlet plate 12A that holds the outlet 20 and covers the front surface of the outlet 20, and a plug insertion port 12B that opens at the center of the outlet plate 12A. And an outlet cover 12C that can be freely closed. The outlet plate 12A has a central portion where the plug insertion opening 12B is opened forward, and screw insertion holes 12D are formed at both left and right ends of the central portion. The outlet cover 12C is formed in a substantially semi-disc shape, and is pivotally supported by the central portion of the outlet plate 12A at the straight portion. That is, the outlet cover 12C rotates between a closed position that covers the plug insertion opening 12B of the outlet plate 12A and an open position that opens the plug insertion opening 12B, and is further opened by the spring force of a torsion coil spring (not shown). It is elastically urged in the direction toward the closed position. An engagement portion 12E that engages with an engaged portion (not shown) of a plug 91 provided at the tip of the charging cable 90 is provided on the inner side surface of the outlet cover 12C. The plug 91 inserted and connected to the insertion port 20A is prevented from coming off by the engagement of the engaging portion 12E and the engaged portion.
The outlet block 12 is screwed to a mounting plate 11B disposed on the upper rear side inside the housing 11 by screws inserted through screw insertion holes 12D at both left and right ends. Here, the mounting plate 11B is disposed so as to be gradually lowered downward toward the rear. For this reason, the outlet 20A of the outlet 20 is also tilted downward with respect to a horizontal plane (a plane including front, rear, left and right).
The outlet module 10 is provided with an interlock device 16. The interlock device 16 is turned on by a driving piece 13C that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the door 13 when the door 13 is in the closed position, and is turned off when the door 13 is not in the closed position and only while it is turned on. The power supply path to the outlet 20 is closed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the outlet module 10 includes a power measuring unit 21 that measures power (charging power) supplied to the electric vehicle through the outlet 20, a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (memory, timer, etc.). And a data transmission unit 23 for performing data transmission with the functional module.
The power measuring unit 21 measures the instantaneous power and the integrated power amount supplied from the outlet 20 to the electric vehicle, and outputs each measured value to the control unit 22. The data transmission unit 23 performs data transmission in accordance with a well-known data transmission standard such as RS-485, and functions to be described later via a data transmission path including a communication cable (not shown). Data is transmitted to and from the data transmission unit of the module.
The control unit 22 stores the measured value of the instantaneous power and the integrated power amount measured by the power measuring unit 21 in the memory, and reads the measured value stored in the memory and transmits (transmits) the data transmission unit 23 to the functional module. ) Here, the information transmitted from the control unit 22 is calculated not only from the instantaneous power and the integrated power amount but, for example, from the measured value of the charge capacity and the integrated power amount if the charge capacity of the electric vehicle is known. It may be a charging time (a time required until charging is completed after full charge) or a time when charging of the electric vehicle is completed.
The outlet module 10 configured as described above is housed in the housing space in the stand main body 1 from the front side, and is fixed to the stand main body 1 by screwing the housing 11 to the mounting plate 6. . Note that a terminal block for a power cable (not shown) and a terminal block (not shown) for a data transmission path (communication cable) are provided on the rear surface of the housing 11 of the outlet module 10, and a mounting plate Two terminal blocks are arranged in a space behind the mounting plate 6 (hereinafter referred to as a wiring space) through a window hole 6A (see FIG. 4) opened in FIG. As described above, five storage spaces of the same size are arranged in the vertical direction in the stand main body 1, and the outlet module 10 or the functional module can be stored in any of these five storage spaces. However, the front surface of the storage space in which the outlet module 10 and the functional module are not stored is closed with a flat cover 7C.
The functional module of the present embodiment is a display module 100 including means for displaying various information related to charging of an electric vehicle (for example, instantaneous power, integrated power amount, charging time, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6, the display module 100 includes a control unit 110, a display unit 111, and an operation input receiving unit in a box-shaped housing 101 having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. 112, the data transmission unit 113, and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 7).
The display unit 111 includes a display device 111A such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and a driver circuit (not shown) that drives the display device 111A to display characters, symbols, images, and the like. The operation input receiving unit 112 includes a transparent touch panel arranged on the screen of the display device 111A, and a driver circuit (not shown) that drives the touch panel and detects an operation position.
The control unit 110 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (memory, timer, etc.). The data transmission unit 113 performs data transmission in accordance with the same data transmission standard as the data transmission unit 23 of the outlet module 10.
On the other hand, the housing 101 of the display module 100 exposes the screen of the display device 111A and the operation surface of the touch panel at the center of the front surface. In addition, a terminal block (not shown) for a power cable and a terminal block (not shown) for a data transmission path (communication cable) are provided on the rear surface of the housing 101.
The display module 100 configured as described above is housed in the housing space in the stand main body 1 from the front side like the outlet module 10, and the housing 101 is screwed to the mounting plate 6 to stand. It is fixed to the main body 1. Then, two terminal blocks on the back surface of the housing 101 are arranged in the wiring space through the window hole 6A opened in the mounting plate 6, and a power cable and a communication cable are connected to the two terminal blocks, respectively.
Next, the operation (function) of the display module 100 will be described in detail. When a human finger touches the screen of the display device 111A (the operation surface of the touch panel), the control unit 110 activates the display unit 111 and causes the display device 111A to display a menu screen. On this menu screen, buttons (selection buttons) for selecting various information related to charging of the electric vehicle (for example, instantaneous power, integrated power amount, charging time, etc.) are displayed. When any one of the selection buttons, for example, the selection button for selecting the integrated power amount is touch-operated, an operation input of the selection button is received by the operation input receiving unit 112, and an operation input signal is sent to the control unit 110. Is output. Receiving the operation input signal, the control unit 110 transmits a command requesting the selected information (integrated power amount) from the data transmission unit 113 to the data transmission unit 23 of the outlet module 10.
In the outlet module 10, when the command is received by the data transmission unit 23, the control unit 22 obtains the latest measured value of the accumulated power stored in the memory from the data transmission unit 23 to the display module 100 according to the command. The data is transmitted to the data transmission unit 113.
In the display module 100, the measured value of the integrated power amount received by the data transmission unit 23 is passed to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 controls the display unit 111 to display the measured value of the integrated power amount on the screen of the display device 111A. To display.
As described above, the functional module (display module 100) of the present embodiment includes the housing 101 that can be stored in the storage space of the stand body 1, and various information (for example, instantaneous power and electric power) related to charging of the electric vehicle. Display means (display unit 111) for displaying the accumulated electric energy, charging time, etc.) is housed in the housing 101. That is, since the means (display means in the present embodiment) for realizing the necessary functions is housed in the housing 101 that can be housed in the stand body 1 together with the outlet module 10, it is outside the stand body 1. There is no need for installation, and as a result, the cost and labor required for adding functions can be reduced.
Here, the information that can be displayed on the display module 100 is not limited to the information measured by the outlet module 10 such as the instantaneous power, the accumulated power, and the charging time. For example, if the charging station usage time (the time used for charging the electric vehicle) can be reserved, the reserved usage time (reservation time) and the identification information of the person (user) who made the reservation (registered in advance with the reservation service) It is also possible to display on the display module 100 the ID information assigned to the user. Alternatively, the display module 100 includes a communication unit for performing data communication with an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the electric vehicle, and information acquired from the electronic control unit of the electric vehicle using the communication unit. For example, it is also possible to display information such as the number of mileage and fuel consumption. In this case, a functional module (communication module) having the communication means may be configured separately from the display module 100.
In addition, a functional module (wireless communication module) having wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal (for example, a mobile phone) may be linked with the display module 100. That is, if the information displayed on the display module 100 is transmitted from the wireless communication module to a communication terminal such as a mobile phone and the information is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone, the information can be viewed at a place away from the charging stand. To improve convenience.
(Embodiment 2)
A lock device 15 is provided on the door 13 of the outlet module 10 according to the first embodiment. The lock device 15 is locked and unlocked using a general key. However, since such a key can easily create a combined key, there is a risk that the lock device 15 is unlocked with the illegally generated combined key and the electric vehicle is charged (stolen) without permission.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking device 15 of the outlet module 10 is replaced with an electric lock 30, and a functional module having electric lock control means for locking and unlocking the electric lock 30 is attached to the stand body 1 together with the outlet module 10. It is stored.
As shown in FIG. 10, the electric lock 30 includes a case 31 formed in a flat box shape, a signal line 32 drawn from the back surface of the case 31, and an electromagnetic for projecting the movable iron core from the upper surface of the case 31 so as to freely advance and retract. It has a solenoid (not shown) and is installed in the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. The signal line 32 is connected to a signal terminal block 35 provided on the back surface of the housing 11.
On the other hand, the door 13 is provided with a fitting hole 13D for fitting with the movable iron core of the electromagnetic solenoid that advances from the case 31, and the electric lock 30 is locked by fitting the movable iron core into the fitting hole 13D. Then, the movable core of the electromagnetic solenoid is retracted into the case 31 and is not fitted into the fitting hole 13D, so that the electric lock 30 is unlocked. The electromagnetic solenoid is driven (excited) in accordance with a control signal (described later) input via the signal line 32.
On the other hand, the functional module of the present embodiment includes an authentication unit that authenticates a specific user registered in advance, and an electric lock control unit that controls (locks / unlocks) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication unit. Authentication / electric lock control module 200. This authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter abbreviated as “authentication control module”) 200 is a box-shaped housing having an outer shape and dimensions substantially the same as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG. A control unit 210, an ID information acquisition unit 211, an ID collation unit 212, a data transmission unit 213, and the like are housed in 201 (see FIG. 8).
The ID information acquisition unit 211 includes, for example, a non-contact type IC card reader that reads ID information recorded on an IC card, and an IC card (card key) is connected to an antenna 211A provided at the center of the front surface of the housing 201. ) Is read, ID information is read from the card key. Here, the ID information recorded in the card key is, for example, an identification code (a combination of English letters and numbers) assigned to the user.
The ID verification unit 212 stores in the memory one or more identification codes that are normally assigned to the user, and stores the ID information (identification code) acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 211 in the memory. It collates with a regular identification code and outputs the collation result to the control unit 210.
The control unit 210 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), creates a command for controlling the electric lock 30 according to the collation result received from the ID collation unit 212, and stores the created command as data. Transmission (transmission) is performed from the transmission unit 213. The data transmission unit 213 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485 or the like) with which the electric lock 30 is compliant.
On the other hand, the casing 201 of the authentication control module 200 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) on the back surface thereof.
Like the outlet module 10 and the display module 100, the authentication control module 200 configured as described above is stored in the storage space in the stand body 1 from the front side, and the housing 201 is screwed to the mounting plate 6. As a result, the stand body 1 is fixed. Then, two terminal blocks on the back surface of the housing 201 are arranged in the wiring space through the window hole 6A opened in the mounting plate 6, and a power cable and a communication cable are connected to the two terminal blocks, respectively.
Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 200 will be described in detail. In the outlet module 10, as a general rule, the electric lock 30 is locked when the door 13 is in the closed position. Therefore, the user who intends to charge the electric vehicle must first unlock the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 using the card key. Therefore, when the user brings the card key close to the antenna 211A provided on the front surface of the casing 201 of the authentication control module 200, the ID information acquisition unit 211 reads the ID information (identification code) of the user from the card key. The ID is passed to the ID verification unit 212. The ID collation unit 212 collates the identification code acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 211 with the regular identification code, and if the identification code matches the regular identification code, the authentication verification result is output to the control unit 210. If it does not match the code, a verification result indicating that authentication is impossible is output to the control unit 210. If the collation result received from the ID collation unit 212 is “authenticated”, the control unit 210 creates a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 and transmits the command from the data transmission unit 213, and the collation result is “authentication not possible”. ", No unlock command is created.
In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the insertion port 20A of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle. If the user connects the plug 91 to the outlet 20 and closes the door 13 and then brings the card key close to the antenna 211A, the identification code is authenticated and the electric lock 30 is locked in the above-described procedure.
As described above, the functional module (authentication control module 200) of the present embodiment can authenticate an authorized user and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. Costs and labor required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30 can be reduced. The personal authentication of the user is not limited to the above-described authentication using an IC card (card key), and for example, biometric authentication using biometric information (such as a fingerprint or a voiceprint) of the user can be used. In the present embodiment, the function module having both the authentication function and the electric lock control function is exemplified. However, a function module (authentication module and electric lock control module) having each function alone may be used.
Here, it is assumed that a system that centrally manages the usage status, usage reservation, user ID information, and the like of many charging stations at the management center S is constructed (see FIG. 11B). At this time, the authentication control module 200 is provided with a network communication unit 214 that communicates with the management center S through a network (Internet) NW as shown in FIG. Then, when the network communication unit 214 performs network communication with the management center S, the regular ID information managed by the management center S is acquired by the control unit 210 of the authentication control module 200, and the regular ID acquired by the control unit 210 is acquired. The ID collation unit 212 can collate using the ID information.
Note that the authentication control module 200 may control on / off of power feeding from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10 to the electric vehicle together with the control of the electric lock 30 or instead of the control of the electric lock 30. For example, assume that the outlet module 10 is provided with an electromagnetic relay 24 that opens and closes a power supply path from the power cable to the outlet 20 as shown in FIG. The control unit 210 of the authentication control module 200 transmits a power supply start control command from the data transmission unit 213 when authentication is possible based on regular ID information acquired through network communication with the management center S. In the outlet module 10, when the control command is received by the data transmission unit 23, the control unit 22 controls the electromagnetic relay 24 according to the control command to close the power supply path, thereby supplying power from the outlet 20 to the electric vehicle. Can be turned on and off.
(Embodiment 3)
The functional module of the present embodiment includes authentication means for authenticating a specific electric vehicle registered in advance, and electric lock control means for controlling (locking / unlocking) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication means. The authentication / electric lock control module 300 is provided. However, since the configurations of the stand main body 1 and the outlet module 10 are the same as those of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
An authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter, abbreviated as an authentication control module) 300 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the case 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG.
A control unit 310, an imaging unit 311, an image processing unit 312, a data transmission unit 313, and the like are accommodated in a box-shaped casing 301 (see FIG. 12).
The imaging unit 311 includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, a lens 311A, a video processing circuit, and the like. The image processing unit 312 recognizes the vehicle registration number written on the license plate of the electric vehicle by performing conventionally known image processing such as template matching on the image captured by the imaging unit 311 and recognizes the recognition. The result (automobile registration number) is output to the control unit 310.
The control unit 310 includes a microcomputer and peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collates the vehicle registration number received from the image processing unit 312 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. The regular car registration number is a car registration number that has been registered in advance. Moreover, the data transmission part 313 performs data transmission based on the data transmission standard (for example, RS-485 etc.) with which the electric lock 30 is based.
On the other hand, the casing 301 of the authentication control module 300 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) on the back, and on the front. A window hole 302 is opened to allow the lens 311A of the imaging unit 311 to face forward.
Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 300 will be described in detail. When the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space, the license plate of the electric vehicle is picked up by the image pickup unit 311, and the picked-up license plate image is passed to the image processing unit 312. The image processing unit 312 recognizes the vehicle registration number from the image of the license plate, and passes the recognized vehicle registration number to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 collates the vehicle registration number recognized by the image processing unit 312 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. A command for unlocking 30 is created and transmitted from the data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the vehicle registration number recognized by the image processing unit 312 does not match the regular vehicle registration number, it is determined that authentication is not possible and a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 is not created.
In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that receives the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the insertion port 20A of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle.
As described above, the functional module (authentication control module 300) of the present embodiment can authenticate the regular automobile registration number and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. The cost and time required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30 can be reduced. Moreover, in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked by forgetting or losing the IC card (card key), but in this embodiment, the user can substitute for a key such as an IC card. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked.
In the authentication control module 300 of the present embodiment, a network communication unit is provided in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the network communication unit performs network communication with the management center, so that regular vehicle registration managed by the management center is performed. It is also possible to acquire the number by the control unit 310 of the authentication control module 300.
(Embodiment 4)
In the authentication control module 300 of the third embodiment, the automobile registration number is recognized by image processing from the captured image of the license plate. In this case, however, the recognition accuracy may be lowered at night or when the license plate is dirty. is there. On the other hand, the on-board equipment for automatic toll collection (ETC) system (hereinafter referred to as ETC on-board equipment) has been increasing recently. Is set up (stored) in a built-in memory. Therefore, if the vehicle registration number is acquired by performing wireless communication with the ETC on-vehicle device, the vehicle registration number can be acquired easily and accurately compared to the method of recognizing the vehicle registration number by image processing.
Therefore, in the functional module (authentication / electric lock control module 400) of the present embodiment, a communication means for performing data communication with the ETC vehicle-mounted device mounted on the electric vehicle, and a specific information registered in advance. Authentication means for authenticating the electric vehicle and electric lock control means for controlling (locking / unlocking) the electric lock 30 according to the authentication result of the authentication means are provided. However, since the configurations of the stand main body 1 and the outlet module 10 are the same as those of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
An authentication / electric lock control module (hereinafter abbreviated as “authentication control module”) 400 according to the present embodiment 400 is a box-shaped housing having substantially the same external shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10 as shown in FIG. A control unit 410, a wireless communication unit 411, a data transmission unit 412, and the like are housed in the body 401 (see FIG. 14).
The wireless communication unit 411 performs wireless communication by a wireless communication method of the ETC on-vehicle device (DSRC <Dedicated Short Range Communication> method using amplitude shift keying), and the ID information ( Vehicle registration number) is acquired and output to the control unit 410.
The control unit 410 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collates the vehicle registration number received from the wireless communication unit 411 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. Further, the data transmission unit 412 performs data transmission in accordance with a data transmission standard (for example, RS-485 or the like) with which the electric lock 30 is compliant.
On the other hand, the housing 401 of the authentication control module 400 is provided with a power cable terminal block (not shown) and a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown) on the back, and on the front. An antenna 411A of the wireless communication unit 411 is provided.
Next, the operation (function) of the authentication control module 400 will be described in detail. When the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space, the wireless communication unit 411 acquires the vehicle registration number by wireless communication from the ETC on-board unit mounted on the electric vehicle, and passes the acquired vehicle registration number to the control unit 410. . The control unit 410 collates the vehicle registration number acquired by the wireless communication unit 411 with the regular vehicle registration number stored in the memory. A command for unlocking 30 is created and transmitted from the data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the vehicle registration number acquired by the wireless communication unit 411 does not match the regular vehicle registration number, it is determined that authentication is not possible and a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 is not created.
In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and connect the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 to the insertion port 20A of the outlet 20 to charge the electric vehicle.
As described above, the functional module (authentication control module 400) of the present embodiment can authenticate the regular automobile registration number and control the electric lock 30 of the outlet module 10 to be unlocked when authentication is possible. The cost and time required for adding the authentication function and the control function of the electric lock 30 can be reduced. Moreover, in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked by forgetting or losing the IC card (card key), but in this embodiment, the user can substitute for a key such as an IC card. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that the electric lock 30 cannot be unlocked. Furthermore, compared with the case where the automobile registration number is recognized from the captured image of the license plate by image processing, the automobile registration number can be acquired easily and accurately.
In the authentication control module 400 of the present embodiment, a network communication unit is provided in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments, and the network communication unit performs network communication with the management center, so that the regular communication managed by the management center is performed. It is also possible to acquire the automobile registration number by the control unit 410 of the authentication control module 400.
(Embodiment 5)
The functional module according to the present embodiment collects a charge having a power charge collecting means for collecting a charge for the power required for the charging from a user who charges the electric vehicle with the power supplied from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10. This is a (fee settlement) module 500. However, since the configurations of the stand main body 1 and the outlet module 10 are the same as those of the second embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 17, the fee collection module 500 includes a control unit 510, a card information acquisition unit 511, a network, and a box-shaped housing 501 having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. A communication unit 512, a data transmission unit 513, and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 16).
The card information acquisition unit 511 reads card information such as a card number and a card contractor from the credit card, and outputs the read card information to the control unit 510. However, the card information acquisition unit 511 includes both a reading device that reads card information from a magnetic recording unit (magnetic stripe) of a credit card and a reading device that reads card information from an IC chip of a credit card (IC card). It is desirable.
The network communication unit 512 is a modem for performing data communication via a network such as the Internet or a public telephone line network. The control unit 510 includes a microcomputer and peripheral circuits (such as a memory and a timer), and collects (sets up) an electricity bill using card information received from the card information acquisition unit 511. Moreover, the data transmission part 513 performs data transmission based on the data transmission standards (for example, RS-485 etc.) with which the electric lock 30 is based.
On the other hand, the housing 501 of the toll collection module 500 has a power cable terminal block (not shown), a data transmission path (communication cable) terminal block (not shown), and a network communication terminal block on the back. (Not shown) is provided, and a card insertion slot 511A of the card information acquisition unit 511 is provided on the front surface.
Next, the operation (function) of the fee collection module 500 will be described in detail. After the charging of the electric vehicle is completed, when the user inserts his / her credit card into the card insertion slot 511A, the card information acquisition unit 511 acquires the card information from the credit card and outputs it to the control unit 510. On the other hand, the control unit 510 transmits a command from the data transmission unit 513 to acquire a measured value of the amount of electric power (integrated electric energy) used for charging from the outlet module 10, and an electric charge corresponding to the acquired electric energy Is calculated. Further, control unit 510 encrypts the calculated electricity bill value and the card information received from card information acquisition unit 511, and then sends the credit card issuer (credit card company) server from network communication unit 512. Send it.
In the server of the credit card company, the card information received from the fee collection module 500 is compared with the card information of the card contractor registered in the database. Settle the received electricity bill with a credit card that matches the card information (authenticated). On the other hand, if the card information does not match the card information of the card contractor, the server does not make a payment by credit card. Then, the server of the credit card company returns the result (paid or unpaid) of the settlement (fee collection) by the credit card to the charge collection module 500 via the network. The settlement (fee collection) result returned from the server is received by the network communication unit 512 and passed to the control unit 510.
If the settlement result received from the credit card company server through the network communication unit 512 has already been completed, the control unit 510 creates a command for unlocking the electric lock 30 and transmits the command from the data transmission unit 213. On the other hand, if the settlement result is not yet completed, control unit 510 does not create a command for unlocking electric lock 30.
In the outlet module 10, the electric lock 30 that has received the command drives the electromagnetic solenoid to unlock the movable iron core in the case 31. Therefore, the user can open the door 13 and pull out the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 from the insertion port 20 </ b> A of the outlet 20.
As described above, in the functional module (fee collection module 500) of the present embodiment, the electricity charge required for the charging can be collected from the user who has charged the electric vehicle with the power supplied from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10. It is possible to reduce the cost and labor required for adding the function of collecting electricity charges.
Note that the collection of the electricity bill does not necessarily have to be performed by credit card settlement, and may be settled with cash (coins and banknotes). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, instead of the card information acquisition unit 511, a cash counting unit 514 is provided in the fee collection module 500, and banknotes (or banknotes and coins) inserted into a cash slot provided on the front surface of the housing 501 are collected. Counting may be performed by the cash counting unit 514 and settlement may be performed by the control unit 510.
Alternatively, the outlet module 10 may be provided with an electricity bill collection means. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when a coin-type lock unit 40 used for a coin locker is installed in the housing 11 and a coin corresponding to an electricity bill is inserted from a coin insertion port 41 of the lock unit 40, the lock unit 40 is used. Can be unlocked. However, since such a coin-type lock unit 40 can collect only a fixed charge, it is necessary to set the electricity charge for one charge to a fixed charge.
(Embodiment 6)
By the way, while the plug 91 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10, the blade holder of the outlet 20 may deteriorate and the holding power of the plug 91 may be reduced. Further, while the outlet cover 12C is repeatedly opened and closed, the torsion coil spring that elastically biases the outlet cover 12C may deteriorate, and the outlet cover 12C may not return to the closed position. Therefore, the outlet 20 and the outlet cover 12C of the outlet module 10 need to be repaired (maintenance) when the number of times of use (the number of insertions / removals and the number of times of opening / closing) reaches a specified value.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of times the plug 91 of the charging cable 90 is inserted into and removed from the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10 is counted, and if the number of insertions / removals exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, notification is made that maintenance is necessary. A functional module (maintenance notification module) 600 having a notification means for storing is stored in the storage space of the stand body 1.
As shown in FIG. 21, the maintenance notification module 600 includes a control unit 610, a notification unit 611, and a data transmission unit 612 in a box-shaped housing 601 having substantially the same external shape and dimensions as the housing 11 of the outlet module 10. Etc. are accommodated (see FIG. 20). The notification unit 611 includes a light emitting element (light emitting diode) and a light emitting circuit that causes the light emitting element to emit light, and light emitted from the light emitting element irradiates the front of the housing 601 through a window hole 602 provided in the front surface of the housing 601. Is done.
The control unit 610 is composed of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits (memory, timer, etc.), counts the number of insertions / removals of the plug 91 with respect to the outlet 20, and controls the notification unit 611 to emit light when the number of insertions / removals reaches the upper limit. The fact that the maintenance work is necessary is notified by causing the element to emit light. The data transmission unit 612 receives a transmission signal output from the output circuit 51 of the outlet module 10 described later.
By the way, in order for the control unit 610 of the maintenance notification module 600 to count the number of insertions / removals of the plug 91, a commercially available limit switch 50 and an output circuit 51 that outputs (transmits) the on / off state of the limit switch 50 to the data transmission unit 612. Are provided on the outlet block 12 of the outlet module 10 (see FIG. 22). That is, when the plug 91 is connected to the outlet 20, the limit switch 50 is turned on. When the plug 91 is removed from the outlet 20, the limit switch 50 is turned off, so that the output circuit 51 is turned on / off. Based on this, the controller 610 can count the number of insertions / removals.
Thus, when the number of insertions / extractions of the plug 91 with respect to the outlet 20 of the outlet module 10 exceeds the upper limit value, the control unit 610 of the maintenance notification module 600 causes the light emitting element of the notification unit 611 to emit light and requires maintenance work. Inform. That is, according to the maintenance notification module 600 of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically notify the administrator who manages the charging stand that the maintenance work of the outlet module 10 is necessary. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outlet module 10 from being used without performing maintenance work.
In the first to sixth embodiments described so far, the configuration in which the outlet module 10 in which the outlet 20 is stored in the box-shaped casing 11 is stored in the stand main body 1 is illustrated, but the outlet is integrated with the stand main body 1. In other words, only the functional module may be stored in the storage space. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the outlet module 10 is stored in the uppermost position in the storage space of the stand main body 1 and the functional module is stored in the second and lower positions from the top of the storage space is illustrated. The module may be stored in the uppermost position of the storage space.
In the embodiment of the present invention, five storage spaces are formed in the stand main body 1 and one functional module is stored. However, the number of storage spaces is not limited to this. Can accommodate all the above-mentioned functional modules as required.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the following claims. It can be said that it belongs to the category of the present invention.

Claims

Used in a charging device for an electric vehicle in which an outlet is housed in a charging device body, and a means for realizing a desired function is housed in a box-shaped housing. A functional module of a charging device for an electric vehicle characterized by being housed.
The function module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is an authentication means for authenticating a specific user or electric vehicle registered in advance.
A door for opening and closing the opening of the space in which the outlet is stored and an electric lock for locking the door are provided in the charging device for the electric vehicle, and the means controls the electric lock. 2. The functional module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the functional module is an electric lock control means for locking and unlocking.
2. The electricity according to claim 1, wherein the means is a power charge collecting means for collecting a charge of power required for the charging from a user who charges the electric vehicle with power supplied from the outlet. Functional module for automotive charging equipment.
The function module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a communication means for performing data communication with an electronic control unit mounted on the electric vehicle.
The function of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a communication unit for performing data communication with an on-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system mounted on an electric vehicle. module.
2. The function module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a recognition means for recognizing a vehicle registration number displayed on a license plate.
2. The functional module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a control means for controlling on / off of power feeding from the outlet to the electric vehicle.
2. The function module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a display means for displaying various information relating to charging of the electric vehicle.
10. The function module of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the display means displays a time at which charging of the electric vehicle charged by charging from the outlet is completed.
The function of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a measuring unit for measuring at least one of current, power, and time supplied to the electric vehicle from the outlet. module.
The function module of the charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the means is a wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with an arbitrary communication terminal.
The means is a notification means for counting the number of times the plug of the charging cable has been inserted / removed with respect to the outlet and notifying that maintenance is required if the number of times exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. The functional module of the charging device for electric vehicles of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electric vehicle is housed in a housing space of the charging device main body in which an outlet module is housed in a box-shaped housing. Functional unit of the charging device for the camera.
A function module comprising at least one of the function modules according to claim 1, an outlet, and a charging device main body for storing the outlet, wherein the functional module is stored in a storage space of the charging device main body. A charging device for an electric vehicle.
16. The electricity according to claim 15, wherein the outlet has an outlet module housed in a box-shaped housing, and the outlet module is housed in a housing space of the charging device main body together with the functional module. Car charger.
The electrical outlet has an outlet module accommodated in a box-shaped housing, and the functional module is accommodated in a storage space in which the outlet module of the charging device body is accommodated. 15. The charging device for electric vehicles according to 15.