JP7611034B2 - Charging device, charging system, and scheduled charging method for electric vehicles - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a charging device, charging system, and scheduled charging method for electric vehicles, and more specifically to a charging device, charging system, and scheduled charging method for electric vehicles that have the function of starting charging when a set time arrives.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have been put to practical use and are expected to become even more popular in the future. They are designed to be charged from an external power source. Owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles often install a charger (charger/discharger) at home to charge the vehicle.
Some chargers have a timer charging (scheduled charging) function that starts charging at a specified time. By using the timer charging function, it is possible to charge using cheaper nighttime electricity.
Regarding timer charging at home, an energy management system has been proposed that enables charging to be controlled by simple remote operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, the following technology has been proposed for a V2H system that uses the battery power of an electric vehicle as in-home power (see, for example, Patent Document 2). When charging and discharging using a quick charge port of a vehicle, it is necessary to perform charging and discharging in accordance with standards and guidelines. According to the standards and guidelines, it is desired to communicate with the vehicle before the start of charging and discharging to obtain vehicle information and detect the connection of the connector. In order to perform communication, it is necessary to turn on the relay on the charger/discharger side and operate the vehicle's controller. Therefore, before the start of charging and discharging, in a state in which vehicle information has not yet been obtained, even if the electric vehicle is not connected, the relay on the charger/discharger side is turned on to start communication with the vehicle, so that the relay is turned on unnecessarily even when the electric vehicle is not connected, deteriorating the relay and increasing power consumption. Therefore, a connection detector that detects that the connector of the charger/discharger is connected to the plug of the quick charge port on the vehicle side of the quick charge port is separately provided to detect the connection of the connector.

JP 2012-039832 A JP 2016-028546 A

For the timer charging function to function effectively, the charger connector must be connected to the charging plug of the electric vehicle. If the charger connector is not connected when the timer charging time arrives, charging will not occur. If the user does not notice this condition, the electric vehicle will not be charged as scheduled, which could cause problems for the user when they go to work the next morning, for example.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a charging device, a charging system, and a scheduled charging method that can avoid a situation in which charging using a timer charging function is not performed because a connector is forgotten to be connected to the charging plug of an electric vehicle.

This invention provides an electric vehicle charging device that includes a charging circuit that charges an electric vehicle, a connector for connecting to a charging plug provided on the electric vehicle, a connection detection circuit that detects whether the connector is connected to the charging plug, a charging control unit that sets a time to start charging the electric vehicle and starts charging the electric vehicle when the set time arrives, and a notification unit that issues a notification to a user, and the charging control unit determines whether the connector is connected at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time, and if it is not connected, causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to connect the connector.

The present invention also provides an electric vehicle charging system that includes a charging device including a charging circuit and a connector for charging an electric vehicle, a connection detection circuit for detecting whether the connector is connected to the charging plug, an operation unit for providing a user with information related to the charging and accepting user settings, and a charging control unit for controlling the charging, in which the charging control unit sets a time for starting charging of the electric vehicle, controls the charging device to start charging the electric vehicle when the set time arrives, determines whether the connector is connected at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time, and, if the connection detection circuit detects that the connector is not connected, causes the operation unit to provide information prompting the user to connect the connector.

Furthermore, from a different perspective, the present invention provides a method for scheduling charging of an electric vehicle, comprising the steps of: a control unit that controls scheduled charging of an electric vehicle receiving a setting of a time to start charging the electric vehicle; detecting whether or not the connector on the charger side is connected to the charging plug on the electric vehicle side at the set time or at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time; and, if the connector is not connected to the charging plug, issuing a notification to prompt the user to connect the connector.

In the electric vehicle charging device of this invention, the charging control unit determines whether the connector is connected at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time, and if it is not connected, causes the notification unit to issue an alert urging the user to connect the connector, thereby avoiding a situation where charging using the timer charging function is not performed because the connector has been forgotten to be connected to the charging plug.
The electric vehicle charging system and scheduled charging method according to the present invention also provide the same advantageous effects.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment in which a charging device according to the present invention is installed in an ordinary home; 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the charger shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the charging device of the present invention installed in a general home, different from that shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the charger/discharger shown in FIG. 3 and corresponds to FIG. 2 . 10 is a flowchart showing control performed when a charging control unit detects a disconnected state of a connector in the first embodiment. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification that the charging control unit causes the notification unit to perform in a state in which the connector is not connected in this embodiment; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control in a case where a charge control unit detects a disconnected state of the connector when accepting a reservation for timer charging in the second embodiment. 13 is a first flowchart showing control by a charging control unit to perform notification or the like depending on the current location of the EV and the connection state of the connector in the third embodiment. 13 is a second flowchart showing control by the charging control unit to perform notification, etc., depending on the current location of the EV and the connection state of the connector in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to a fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)
<Example of power control system configuration>
Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment in which a charging device of the present invention is installed in a home. As shown in Fig. 1, a power consumption device 92 and a charger 10 are connected to a general home that receives power from a commercial power system 96 via a power receiving point R and a distribution board 81. The charger 10 corresponds to the charging device of the present invention.

The power consumption devices 92 are household electrical appliances such as air conditioners, cooking appliances, or information devices, and are loads that consume power for the commercial power system 96. The charger 10 is also a load that charges the battery of an electric vehicle (EV 95) connected to it.
The charger 10 has a charger main body 12 installed in an outdoor garage where the EV 95 is parked, and a remote controller 11 for the charger 10 installed indoors. The remote controller 11 includes a display device that displays information related to charging by the charger 10 and an operation device that accepts user operations.

The charger 10 obtains information on whether the EV 95 is connected and the charging state of the battery (charging power value, remaining battery power, etc.), and displays the information on the display device of the remote controller 11. The charger 10 also accepts operations by the user, such as settings related to charging of the EV 95. Settings related to charging of the EV 95 include instructions to start charging, instructions to stop charging, and settings for timer charging.
The user uses the remote controller 11 to check the status of the charger 10 and the connected EV 95 and to make settings.
The main body of the charger 10 and the remote controller 11 communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

The main body 12 of the charger 10 is equipped with a charging cable having a connector 11T at the end. When charging the EV 95, the user needs to connect the connector 11T to a charging plug provided on the EV 95. By doing so, the charging circuit of the charger 10 and the battery of the EV 95 are electrically connected, making it possible to charge the battery.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charger 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the charger 10 is made up of a charger main body 12 and a remote controller 11. The charger main body 12 includes a charging circuit 11C, a connection detection circuit 11D, and a connector 11T. The charging circuit 11C charges the battery of the EV 95 connected via the connector 11T with power supplied from a commercial power system 96. The connection detection circuit 11D detects whether the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95.
The remote controller 11 includes a notification unit 11A that notifies the user of information related to the charging of the EV 95. The remote controller 11 further includes a charging control unit 11P. The charging control unit 11P accepts instructions and settings related to charging, and executes control related to the charging of the EV 95 based on the accepted instructions and settings. The controls executed include detection of the connection state of the connector, control related to timer charging, and control related to notifications. Note that, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2, the charging control unit 11P may be located in the charger main unit 12 instead of the remote controller 11. Because the charger main unit 12 and the remote controller 11 are connected for communication, the same functions can be realized regardless of whether the charging control unit 11P is located in either one.

Figure 3 shows a different embodiment in which the charging device of the present invention is installed in an ordinary home. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which an EV charger/discharger is connected to a commercial power grid and installed as one component of a home power control system that includes a solar cell module and a storage battery. Charger/discharger 10 corresponds to the charging device of the present invention. Note that while Figures 1 and 3 are both examples in which the charging device of the present invention is installed in an ordinary home, the present invention is not limited to this, and also includes embodiments in which the device is installed in a business establishment, factory, etc.

The power control system 90 shown in Fig. 3 includes a solar cell module 91, a storage battery 94, and a charger/discharger 10. As in Fig. 1, the power control system 90 is connected to a commercial power system 96 via a power receiving point R, and is connected to a power consumption device 92 via a distribution board 81.
The power control system 90 also includes a power conditioner 93 and a HEMS controller 21. The HEMS controller 21 communicates with a HEMS server 18 located outside the home via a router 20 and a network 19.

The power conditioner 93 includes a DC/DC converter 31, a bidirectional inverter 32, a bidirectional DC/DC converter 33, and a bidirectional DC/DC converter 34. The power conditioner 93 is connected to a commercial power system 96 via the bidirectional inverter 32, and is connected to the solar cell module 91 via the DC/DC converter 31. The power conditioner 93 is further connected to a storage battery 94 via the bidirectional DC/DC converter 34, and is connected to the charger/discharger 10 via the bidirectional DC/DC converter 33.
The power conditioner 93 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power system 96 into DC power, provides the DC power to the storage battery 94, and controls the power storage of the storage battery 94. The power conditioner 93 also converts the voltage of DC power supplied from the solar cell module 91, provides the DC power to the storage battery 94, and controls the power storage of the storage battery 94. It is also possible to supply power from the solar cell module 91 to power consuming devices 92.

Furthermore, the power conditioner 93 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power system 96 into DC power, provides the power to the EV 95 via the charger/discharger 10, and controls the storage of electricity in the battery of the EV 95. The power conditioner 93 also converts the voltage of DC power supplied from the solar cell module 91, provides the power to the EV 95 via the charger/discharger 10, and controls the charging of the battery of the EV 95.
Conversely, the power conditioner 93 can convert DC power supplied from the storage battery 94 into AC power and provide it to the power consumption device 92. Supply (sale of power) to the commercial power grid 96 is also possible. Furthermore, when the charger/discharger 10 operates in a V2H (Vehicle to Home) mode, the power conditioner 93 converts DC power supplied from the battery of the EV 95 into AC power and provides it to the power consumption device 92. Supply (sale of power) to the commercial power grid 96 is also possible.

The solar cell module 91 is a power generating device including a plurality of solar cells, which receives sunlight to generate power and outputs DC power.
The storage battery 94 is an electricity storage device including a secondary battery capable of repeatedly storing and discharging electricity. The storage battery 94 stores (charges) electricity with DC power supplied from the power conditioner 93, and discharges the stored electricity to supply it to the power consumption device 92. Furthermore, the storage battery 94 can also sell electricity to the commercial power grid 96.
Similarly, the battery of an EV 95 connected to the charger/discharger 10 is charged (stored) with DC power supplied from a power conditioner 93. The stored power can be discharged to supply power to a power consumption device 92. Furthermore, the power can be sold to a commercial power grid 96.

The remote controller 11 of the charger/discharger 10 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the power conditioner 93. In this embodiment, the remote controller 11 monitors the charge and discharge amount of the battery of the EV 95 connected to the charger/discharger 10. In addition to the charge and discharge of the charger/discharger 10, the remote controller 11 may display information related to the power control of the power control system 90 executed by the power conditioner 93 and accept settings. For example, it is a monitor of the power value transmitted between the commercial power system 96 and detected by a wattmeter, a voltmeter, and an ammeter (not shown). It is also a monitor of the power and the amount of power purchased by the power control system 90 from the commercial power system 96 and sold to the commercial power system 96. Furthermore, it may monitor the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 91, the amount of energy stored in the storage battery 94, the amount of charge, and the amount of discharge. It may also control the power conditioner 93.

The HEMS controller 21 communicates with the power conditioner 93 via the remote controller 11, and controls the storage battery 94 and the bidirectional DC/DC converter 34. It may also communicate wirelessly or wired with the mobile information device 23 of a set user to provide information related to power and accept user settings related to power control. However, as described above, the remote controller 11 may provide information related to power and accept user settings related to power control to control the power conditioner 93. In that case, the HEMS controller 21 functions as an intermediary between the HEMS server 18 and the remote controller 11. Alternatively, it functions as an intermediary between the HEMS server 18 and the power conditioner 93.

Conversely, there may be a configuration in which the HEMS controller 21 also has the function of the remote controller 11 described above.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charger/discharger shown in Fig. 3 and corresponds to Fig. 2. In terms of basic configuration, the charger/discharger main body 12 and the remote controller 11 are integrated together, which corresponds to the charging device of the present invention. However, as described above, at least one of the charge/discharge control unit 11P and the notification unit 11A may be included in the HEMS controller 21 (see the block shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4).

Furthermore, there may be an embodiment in which the HEMS controller 21 includes the functions of the remote controller 11 and the remote controller 11 does not exist separately (an embodiment in which the remote controller 11 is not present as shown in FIG. 4 and the charger/discharger main body and the HEMS controller 21 are communicatively connected as shown by the dashed line). In this case, the power control system 90 corresponds to the charging system of this invention, and the HEMS controller 21 corresponds to the operation unit of the charging system of this invention. Furthermore, the charger/discharger main body 12 corresponds to the charging device and the connection detection circuit. The charge/discharge control unit may be in the HEMS controller 21 or in the charger/discharger main body 12. There may also be an embodiment in which the charge/discharge control unit is in the HEMS server 18 that communicates with the HEMS controller 21.

<Connector disconnection warning for timer charging function>
Next, a timer charging function executed by the charging control unit 11P shown in FIG. 2 and the charging/discharging control unit 11P shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter, both of them are collectively referred to as the charging control units 11P), particularly, control related to a disconnection warning of the connector 11T will be described.
5 is a flow chart showing the control process performed when the charging control unit 11P detects that the connector is not connected in this embodiment.
When the user sets the timer charging function (Yes in step S11), the charging control unit 11P waits for the arrival of a time that is a predetermined period of time (one hour in one example) before the scheduled start time of charging (step S13).

The timer charging function is a function that starts charging the battery of the EV 95 connected to the connector 11T at a time set by the user. For example, this function is used to charge the battery using cheaper nighttime electricity.
When the time comes a predetermined period before the start of charging (Yes in step S13), the charging control unit 11P checks the state detected by the connection detection circuit 11D (step S15). That is, it checks whether the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95. If the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95 (Yes in step S17), the charging control unit 11P waits for the time to start charging to arrive.

On the other hand, if the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug (No in step S17), the charging control unit 11P causes the notification unit 11A to notify the user.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification that the charging control unit 11P causes the notification unit 11A to make when the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug in this embodiment. The charging control unit 11P displays a message "The charging connector is not connected to the electric vehicle" on the display device of the remote controller 11 to notify the user that the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug of the EV 95. Then, the charging control unit 11P prompts the user to take action.

When the user touches the "OK" key displayed together with the message, the charging control unit 11P erases the message displayed on the remote controller 11 by the notification unit 11A. When the user connects the connector 11T to the power plug of the EV 95, the connection detection circuit 11D detects the connection state. In response to this detection, the charging control unit 11P erases the message displayed on the remote controller 11 by the notification unit 11A. The charging control unit 11P may also erase the message when a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed since the notification unit 11A displayed the message, even if the "OK" key is not touched.

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the connection state of the connector is checked only once before the reserved charging start time. However, this pre-check may be performed multiple times. In this embodiment, the processes of steps S13 to S19 shown by the rounded rectangles in dashed lines in FIG. 5 are repeated multiple times. For example, the pre-check may be performed 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 5 minutes before the reserved charging start time. Alternatively, the user may be allowed to set whether or not the pre-check is required and the time for the pre-check. At each pre-check, if the connector is not connected, a notification is issued, and if the connector is connected, no notification is issued.
Conversely, there may be an embodiment in which the processes of steps S13 to S19 are omitted and the connection state of the connector is checked only when the scheduled time for starting charging arrives.

Thereafter, when the reserved charging start time arrives (Yes in step S21), the charging control unit 11P checks the state detected by the connection detection circuit 11D before starting charging (step S23). If the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95 at this point (Yes in step S25), the charging control unit 11P starts charging the EV 95 (step S29). When the battery of the EV 95 is fully charged or a preset time (for example, the end of the nighttime power rate period) arrives, charging is stopped and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug of the EV 95, the charging control unit 11P cancels the reserved charging (step S27). In this case, the charging control unit 11P may cause the notification unit A to notify the user that the reserved timer charging has been canceled, and then end the process.

Alternatively, the charging control unit 11P may prompt the user to take action by having the notification unit A notify the user that timer charging will be canceled unless connection of the connector 11T is detected within a predetermined period (e.g., 15 minutes). Then, the start of timer charging is suspended for the above-mentioned period. If the connection detection circuit 11D detects connection of the connector 11T during the suspension period, the charging control unit 11P starts charging, but if the suspension period ends with the connector 11T still in an unconnected state, the reserved timer charging is canceled. Then, the notification unit 11A may be notified to that effect, and the process may be terminated.
The above is the process related to the connector unconnection warning executed by the charging control unit 11P.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, when timer charging is scheduled, if an unconnected state of the connector 11T is detected at least at any one of a predetermined period of time before the charging start time or at the charging start time, a notification is given to the user.
In this embodiment, the connection of the connector 11T is checked at the time when a reservation for timer charging is accepted, and if it is not connected, a notification is given to the user.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control in this embodiment in the case where charging control unit 11P detects that connector 11T is not connected when accepting a reservation for timer charging.
7, when the charging control unit 11P receives a user's operation to set the timer charging function (Yes in step S31), it checks the state detected by the connection detection circuit 11D at that time (step S33). That is, it checks whether the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95. If the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95 (Yes in step S35), the charging control unit 11P accepts the setting of the timer charging (step S39).

On the other hand, if the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug (No in step S35), the charging control unit 11P causes the notification unit 11A to notify the user and prompt the user to connect the connector 11T to the charging plug of the EV 95 (step S37), and then accepts the setting for timer charging (step S39).
After accepting the timer charging setting, the user connects the connector 11T to the charging plug of the EV 95 in response to the notification, and when the connection detection circuit 11D detects this, the charging control unit 11P waits for the scheduled charging start time to arrive and starts charging.
On the other hand, if the connector 11T remains in an unconnected state, a prior check may be performed as in the first embodiment and a further notification may be given, or a notification may be given at the time charging begins.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, if the connector 11T is not connected, a notification is issued. However, if it is known that the EV 95 is not near the charger main body 12, it is obvious that the connector 11T cannot be connected to the charging plug.
In this embodiment, the position of the EV 95 is confirmed before checking the connection of the connector 11T. It is assumed that the EV 95 is compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and that the charging control unit 11P can acquire the position of the EV 95. For example, in FIG. 3, a user pre-sets the HEMS server 18 associated with the power control system 90 to permit the provision of position information of the EV 95. The HEMS server 18 communicates with the EV 95 and acquires the current position of the EV 95 using a GPS function provided in the EV 95.
8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the control performed by the charging control unit 11P to perform notification and the like in accordance with the current location of the EV 95 and the connection state of the connector 11T in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the timer charging function is set by the user (Yes in step S41), the charging control unit 11P waits for the arrival of a time that is a predetermined period (one hour in one example) earlier than the scheduled start time of charging (step S43).

When the time reaches a predetermined period before the start of charging (Yes in step S43), the charging control unit 11P requests the HEMS server 18 for the current location of the vehicle, EV 95, for which timer charging is to be performed, and in response to the request, the HEMS server 18 acquires the current location of the EV 95 (step S45). Either the HEMS server 18 or the charging control unit 11P determines whether the current location of the EV 95 is near the location where the charger/discharger 10 is installed (step S47). That is, it determines whether the location is one where the charger 10 can charge the EV 95.
If the EV 95 is located near where the charger/discharger 10 is installed (Yes in step S47), the charge control unit 11P then checks the state detected by the connection detection circuit 11D (step S49). That is, it checks whether the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95. If the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95 (Yes in step S51), the charge control unit 11P waits for the time to start charging to arrive.

On the other hand, if the connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug (No in step S51), the charging control unit 11P causes the notification unit 11A to notify the user (step S53). This notification notifies the user that the charging connector is not connected to the electric vehicle and prompts the user to take action. An example of this notification is shown in FIG. 6.
If it is determined in step S47 that the current location of EV 95 is not near the location where charger/discharger 10 is installed (No in step S47), charging control unit 11P skips checking the connection of connector 11T at this stage, and proceeds to the determination in step S55 shown in Fig. 9. However, the advance checking process in steps S43 to S53 may be repeated at multiple times before the charging start time arrives, as described in the first embodiment.

After that, when the scheduled charging start time arrives (Yes in step S55 in FIG. 9), the charging control unit 11P again requests the current location of the EV 95 from the HEMS server 18, and in response to the request, the HEMS server 18 acquires the current location of the EV 95 (step S57). Either the HEMS server 18 or the charging control unit 11P determines whether the current location of the EV 95 is near the location where the charger/discharger 10 is installed, i.e., whether the charger 10 is able to charge the EV 95 (step S59).

If the EV 95 is located near the charger/discharger 10 (Yes in step S59), the charge control unit 11P then checks the state detected by the connection detection circuit 11D (step S61). If the connector 11T is connected to the charging plug of the EV 95 at this point (Yes in step S63), the charge control unit 11P starts charging the EV 95 (step S67).
On the other hand, if connector 11T is not connected to the charging plug of EV 95, charging control unit 11P cancels the reserved charging (step S65). Alternatively, the start of timer charging may be suspended for a predetermined period, and if connection detection circuit 11D detects connection of connector 11T during the suspension period, charging control unit 11P may start charging, but if the suspension period ends with connector 11T still in an unconnected state, the reserved timer charging may be canceled.

If it is determined in step S59 described above that the current location of EV 95 is not near the location where charger/discharger 10 is installed (No in step S59), charging control unit 11P advances the process to step S65 and cancels the reserved charging.
The above is the process executed by the charging control unit 11P in this embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
The first to third embodiments are based on the premise that a user makes a reservation for timer charging. In these embodiments, the charger or charger/discharger 10 or the power control system 90 further includes a history management unit, which learns the history of timer charging performed by the user and makes a reservation for timer charging based on the learning. Note that the history management unit does not exclude charging reserved by the user, but rather gives priority to charging reserved by the user.
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to this embodiment, and corresponds to the basic configuration shown by the solid line in Fig. 4. The difference from Fig. 4 is that the HEMS server 18 includes a history management unit 13. Note that Fig. 10 is based on the configuration in which the HEMS server 18 includes the history management unit 13, but the location of the history management unit 13 is not limited to the HEMS server 18, and may be, for example, in the HEMS controller 21 or the remote controller 11. This is shown as a block indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 10.

The history management unit 13 learns the charging time and the pattern of going out of the EV 95, and makes a charging reservation. The learning may be performed using, but is not limited to, AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology.
For example, the history management unit 13 learns the time periods when the EV departs from home on weekdays and weekends, or for each day of the week, and then predicts the usage pattern and charging pattern of the EV based on the learning, and schedules timer charging according to the predicted pattern.
The process of the charging control unit 11P after the history management unit 13 reserves the timer charging may be the same as that in either of the first and third embodiments. Moreover, the process when the history management unit 13 reserves the timer charging may be the same as that in the second embodiment.

As mentioned above,
(i) A charging device according to the present invention comprises a charging circuit for charging an electric vehicle, a connector for connecting to a charging plug provided on the electric vehicle, a connection detection circuit for detecting whether the connector is connected to the charging plug, a charging control unit for setting a time to start charging the electric vehicle and starting charging of the electric vehicle when the set time arrives, and an alarm unit for issuing an alarm to a user, wherein the charging control unit determines whether the connector is connected at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time, and, if it is not connected, causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm urging the user to connect the connector.

In this invention, the electric vehicle broadly refers to a vehicle in which the battery that supplies power to the motor as a power source can be charged from an external charger (charger/discharger). More specifically, it includes not only electric vehicles in the narrow sense, but also plug-in hybrid vehicles equipped with a motor and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may function as the power source of the vehicle, but may also function as a generator.
Further, the charging device includes, but is not limited to, a device installed at home, and also includes, for example, a device installed at a business establishment.
Furthermore, the connection detection circuit may have any configuration as long as it can detect on the charging device side whether or not the connector of the charging device is connected to the charging plug of the electric vehicle. For example, it may be the connection detector described in Patent Document 2, or it may have a configuration listed as a prior art in the same document, or it may have a different configuration.

The charging control unit controls charging of the electric vehicle, including a timer charging function. In a specific embodiment, the functions are realized by hardware mainly composed of a processor and a memory, and a control program to be executed by the processor.
The notification unit may be configured to notify the user by any method, such as displaying a message, sending a notification such as an e-mail, or leaving the device by voice, but is not limited thereto.

Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(ii) The charging control unit may cause the notification to be made a predetermined number of times when the connector is not connected, and may cancel the charging if the connector is not connected when a set time arrives.

(iii) If the connector is not connected to the charging plug when the set time arrives, the charging control unit may suspend the start of charging until a predetermined suspension period has elapsed, wait for the connector to be connected, and then start the charging, or may reset the set time to a time that is a predetermined period in the future.
In this way, if the connector is connected during the hold period, charging can begin.

(iv) If the connector is not connected to the charging plug when the charging control unit accepts the setting of the time to start charging, the charging control unit may cause the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to connect the connector.
In this way, when accepting the setting of the timer charging, the connection of the connector can be checked and if it is not connected, the user can be prompted to take action.

(v) The notification unit may provide notification by at least one of a display and a sound.

(vi) The external device may be caused to issue a notification.
In this way, a notification can be given by display or sound on a portable information device or the like carried by the user, urging the user to take action.

(vii) the electric vehicle provides location information, and further includes a location acquisition unit that acquires the provided location information;
The charging control unit may determine whether or not the electric vehicle is located in a section for charging, and may issue a notification only when the electric vehicle is located in the section.
In this way, unnecessary alerts can be reduced when the electric vehicle is not located within an area where it can be charged by the charging device, such as a garage, in other words, when the electric vehicle is not located when the connector can be connected to the charging plug.

(viii) The electric vehicle charging system may further include a history management unit that stores history related to charging, and the history management unit may estimate the time that should be set as the time to start charging of the electric vehicle next based on the stored history, and set the estimated time as the time to start charging of the electric vehicle.
In this way, the next timer charging can be scheduled based on the charging history.

(ix) One aspect of the present invention includes an electric vehicle charging system that includes a charging device including a charging circuit and a connector for charging an electric vehicle, a connection detection circuit for detecting whether the connector is connected to the charging plug, an operation unit for providing a user with information related to the charging and accepting user settings, and a charging control unit for controlling the charging, in which the charging control unit sets a time for starting charging of the electric vehicle, controls the charging device to start charging the electric vehicle when the set time arrives, determines whether the connector is connected at a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time, and, if the connection detection circuit detects that the connector is not connected, causes the operation unit to provide information prompting the user to connect the connector.

(x) One aspect of the present invention includes a method for scheduling charging of an electric vehicle, comprising the steps of: a control unit that controls scheduled charging of an electric vehicle receiving a setting of a time to start charging the electric vehicle; detecting whether or not the connector on the charger side is connected to a charging plug on the electric vehicle side at the set time or a time a predetermined period earlier than the set time; and, if the connector is not connected to the charging plug, issuing a notification to prompt the user to connect the connector.

The aspects of the present invention include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects.
In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings.

10: Charger, charger/discharger, 11: Remote controller, 11A: Notification unit, 11C: Charging circuit, charge/discharge circuit, 11D: Connection detection circuit, 11P: Charging control unit, charge/discharge control unit, 11T: Connector, 12: Charger body, charger/discharger body, 13: History management unit, 18: HEMS server, 19: Network, 20: Router, 21: HEMS controller, 23: Portable information device, 31: DC/DC converter, 32: Bidirectional inverter, 33, 34: Bidirectional DC/DC converter, 81: Distribution board, 90: Power control system, 91: Solar cell module, 92: Power consumption device, 93: Power conditioner, 94: Storage battery, 95: EV, 96: Commercial power system

Claims (10)

A charging circuit for charging the electric vehicle ;
a connector for connecting to a charging plug provided on the electric vehicle;
a connection detection circuit for detecting whether the connector is connected to the charging plug;
a charging control unit that receives a setting of a reservation time for starting charging of the electric vehicle and starts charging of the electric vehicle when the set reservation time arrives;
A notification unit that notifies a user,
When the charging control unit accepts the setting of the reservation time, it determines whether the connector is connected at a point after accepting the setting of the reservation time and a predetermined period earlier than the reservation time , and if the connector is not connected, it causes the notification unit to issue an alert urging the user to connect the connector. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging control unit causes the notification to be made when the connector is not connected until a predetermined number of times is reached, and cancels the charging if the connector is not connected when the scheduled time arrives. 2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the connector is not connected to the charging plug even when the reserved time arrives, the charging control unit suspends the start of the charging until a predetermined suspension period has elapsed, waits for the connector to be connected, and then starts the charging, or resets the reserved time to a time a predetermined period in the future. 4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein when the charging control unit accepts the setting of the reservation time, the charging control unit determines whether the connector is connected at a plurality of points after the acceptance of the setting of the reservation time and earlier than the reservation time, and if the connector is not connected to the charging plug, causes the notification unit to issue an alert urging the user to connect the connector. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit notifies the user by at least one of a display and a sound. Further comprising a communication circuit for communicating with an external device;
The charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the charging control unit causes the external device to perform a notification. The electric vehicle further includes a location acquisition unit that acquires location information provided by the electric vehicle,
7. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging control unit determines whether the electric vehicle is located in a section for charging, and issues an alert only when the electric vehicle is located in the section. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a history management unit that stores a history relating to charging, the history management unit predicting the time that should be set as the time to start charging the electric vehicle next based on the stored history, and setting the predicted time as the time to start charging the electric vehicle. a charging device including a charging circuit for charging an electric vehicle and a connector connectable to a charging plug provided on the electric vehicle ;
a connection detection circuit for detecting whether the connector is connected to the charging plug;
an operation unit that provides information related to the charging to a user and receives settings from the user;
A charge control unit that performs control related to the charging,
The charging control unit accepts setting of a reservation time for starting charging of the electric vehicle, and controls the charging device to start charging the electric vehicle when the reservation time arrives, determines whether the connector is connected after accepting the setting of the reservation time and at a predetermined time earlier than the reservation time , and, if it is not connected, causes the operation unit to provide information prompting a user to connect the connector. A control unit that controls scheduled charging of an electric vehicle,
A step of accepting a setting of a reservation time for starting charging of the electric vehicle;
detecting whether or not a connector on the charger side is connected to a charging plug on the electric vehicle side at a time point after accepting the setting of the reservation time and a predetermined period of time earlier than the reservation time ;
and if the connector is not connected to the charging plug, issuing a notification to prompt a user to connect the connector.