JP2019151195A - External charger and vehicle management system and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience and charge efficiency of external charging and inhibit deterioration of an on-vehicle battery in an external charger, a vehicle management system, and a vehicle.SOLUTION: An external charger 40 is provided with: two openings 47 which are provided penetrating through a charging space; an introduction nozzle 49 which protrudes upward from the one opening 47 to be connected with a first communication port 25k of a case 25a of a battery 25; a discharge nozzle 50 which protrudes upward from the other opening 47 to be connected with a second communication port 25m of the case 25a; a fan 52 which flows air to the case 25a through the nozzles 49, 50; a movable device 51 which switches the respective nozzles 49, 50 between a storage state where the nozzles 49, 50 are located blow the openings 47 and a connection state where the nozzles 49, 50 are connected to the communication ports 25k, 25m; and a control device which drives the movable device 51 according to a parking position of a vehicle 20 and drives the fan 52 when the nozzles 49, 50 are in the connection state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an external charging device and a vehicle management system for automating external charging of an in-vehicle battery, and a vehicle charged by the external charging device.

  Conventionally, a technique for efficiently performing external charging of a vehicle-mounted battery by applying automatic driving control to a vehicle equipped with a non-contact external charging device (wireless charging device) has been studied. In other words, the vehicle position is automatically controlled so that the power receiving coil attached to the lower surface of the vehicle and the power feeding coil embedded in the road surface are close to each other, and then power is received from the power feeding coil side using electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. This technology transmits power to the coil side. By fully automating the movement of the vehicle at the time of external charging, the positioning accuracy of the receiving coil on the vehicle side with respect to the power feeding coil on the road surface side can be improved, and the charging efficiency can be improved (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2014-141161

  However, the current non-contact type external charging device has a smaller transmission output than a wired connection type (contact type) external charging device, and it is difficult to charge a large number of vehicles in a short time. Even if the transmission output of the non-contact external charging device increases in the future, if the on-board battery is charged at a high output, the amount of heat generated by the battery will increase. Another issue arises, such as restrictions. Such a problem can occur regardless of the charging method. In other words, how to improve the battery cooling performance during external charging is a very important factor in how many vehicles can be externally charged efficiently in a short time.

  The external charging device, the vehicle management system, and the vehicle of the present invention have been developed in view of such problems, and one of the purposes is to improve the charging efficiency by improving the cooling performance of the battery in the external charging of the vehicle. To do. The present invention is not limited to this purpose, and is a function and effect derived from each configuration shown in the embodiment for carrying out the invention described later, and has another function and effect that cannot be obtained by conventional techniques. is there.

  (1) An external charging device disclosed herein is an external charging device that charges an in-vehicle battery with electric power supplied from the outside of the vehicle, and has two openings penetrating in a charging space where the vehicle is parked. And an inlet nozzle that projects from one of the openings to the vehicle side and is connected to a first series opening of the battery case and feeds air into the case, and from the other opening to the vehicle side Projecting into the case and connected to the second communication port of the case, and a discharge nozzle for discharging air from within the case; air from the introduction nozzle into the case; and air in the case from the discharge nozzle The fan that generates the flow of air to be discharged, the introduction nozzle, and the discharge nozzle are in a retracted state that is positioned below each of the openings, and the first series of openings. And a movable device that switches to a connection state connected to each of the second communication ports, and when the movable device is driven according to the parking position of the vehicle, and the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are in the connection state And a control device for driving the fan.

(2) The external charging device includes two lids that close the opening so as to be freely opened and closed, and the control device determines that the two vehicles are automatically parked at a predetermined position of the charging space. It is preferable to open the lid.
(3) The external charging device includes a water level sensor that detects a water level in the charging space, and the control device may cause water to enter from the opening based on a detection result of the water level sensor. When it is determined, it is preferable to prohibit the opening of the lid regardless of the parking position of the vehicle.

(4) It is preferable that the said movable apparatus has a bellows part formed in each of the said introduction nozzle and the said discharge nozzle, and a motor which expands / contracts the said bellows part.
(5) When the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are in the connected state, the control device communicates with the vehicle-mounted control device on the vehicle side to stop the battery cooling system provided in the vehicle. preferable.

(6) It is preferable that the external charging device includes a heater that heats air sent into the case, and the control device operates the heater when the temperature of the battery falls below an appropriate temperature range.
(7) It is preferable that each front-end | tip part of the connection side of the said introduction nozzle and the said discharge nozzle is a shape diameter-reduced toward the front-end | tip.

  (8) A vehicle management system disclosed herein is a vehicle management system for a parking area that externally charges a battery of a vehicle having an automatic driving function, and is provided in each of a plurality of charging spaces in the parking area. The external charging device according to any one of (1) to (7) communicates with each of the vehicle and the external charging device, and the vehicle that has entered the parking area is automatically set at a predetermined position in the charging space. A management device for parking and managing the operation of the external charging device.

  (9) The vehicle disclosed herein is a vehicle having an automatic driving function in which a driving battery is mounted, and the battery is an external charge according to any one of (1) to (7) above. The battery is charged by the apparatus, and has a case in which a first series of ports to which the introduction nozzle is connected and a second port to which the discharge nozzle is connected are formed.

  (10) The case is located at the front end portion thereof and forms a front box portion that forms an introduction space into which air is introduced from the outside, and a rear side portion that is located at the rear end portion and forms an aggregated space in which the internal air is collected. A box part, and a lid for closing and opening each of the first communication port and the second communication port, the first communication port penetrating the bottom surface of the front box unit, It is preferable that the second communication port is formed through the bottom surface of the rear box portion.

  (11) The case includes a duct portion attached to communicate with each of the first communication port and the second communication port, and each of the duct portions is an end portion on a connection side. Has a folded portion formed by folding inward in the radial direction, and the inclination angle of each tip portion on the connection side of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle is the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion and the folded portion. It is preferably smaller than the angle formed by

  According to the disclosed external charging device, vehicle management system, and vehicle, air can be actively flowed into the battery case during external charging of the vehicle, so that the cooling performance of the battery can be enhanced. Thereby, since it can respond even if the emitted-heat amount of a battery becomes large, the output by the side of charging equipment can be increased, and improvement of charge efficiency and shortening of charge time can be realized.

It is a top view which shows the parking area in the vehicle management system of embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the connection range of a charging gun. It is a block block diagram of a vehicle management system. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the charging robot of the external charging device which concerns on embodiment. It is the typical perspective view which looked at the battery mounted in the vehicle which concerns on embodiment from the downward direction. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the battery cooling state by the external air conditioner of the external charging device which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure in the connection part of a nozzle and a duct, (a) shows a storage state, (b) shows a connection state. It is a sequence diagram for operation | movement description of a vehicle management system. It is a flowchart regarding the connection of a charging gun.

  Hereinafter, an external charging device as an embodiment, a vehicle management system to which the external charging device is applied, and a vehicle that is charged by the external charging device will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and there is no intention of excluding various modifications and technical applications that are not explicitly described in the following embodiment. Each configuration of the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. Further, they can be selected as necessary, or can be appropriately combined.

[1. Facility configuration]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a parking area 10 in the vehicle management system of the present embodiment. The parking area 10 is provided in a parking lot such as a parking area (PA), a service area (SA), a road station, a shopping mall, a commercial facility, or a city hall on an expressway. The parking area 10 is divided into a waiting area 11, a charging area 12, and a completion area 13 by a white line drawn on the road surface. In each of the areas 11 to 13, a sufficient space is provided for parking a plurality of vehicles 20, and a plurality of parking frames (lots) are provided.

  The standby area 11 is a section where the vehicle 20 before charging is standby. In the standby area 11, an entrance of the parking area 10 is provided. Therefore, the area where the vehicle 20 that has entered from the outside to the inside of the parking area 10 first traverses is the standby area 11. The charging area 12 is a section where a plurality of external charging devices 40 are installed, and the completion area 13 is a section where the vehicle 20 after charging stays. In the completion area 13, an exit of the parking area 10 is provided.

  The external charging device 40 of the present embodiment is provided with a charging robot 40A and an external air conditioner 40B. As shown in FIG. 4, the charging robot 40 </ b> A is an industrial type in which a charging gun 44 is automatically connected to the charging port 27 </ b> A of the vehicle 20 in order to perform external charging of the driving battery 25 mounted on the vehicle 20. This is a robot-type power feeding device. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the external air conditioner 40 </ b> B is a case in which a nozzle for feeding air is used to cool or warm the battery 25 when the battery 25 of the vehicle 20 is externally charged. It is a device that automatically connects to 25a. In the present embodiment, a charging robot 40A is provided on the ground side of each charging space (within the parking / stopping frame) of the charging area 12, and an external air conditioner 40B is provided on the underground side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation of the external charging device 40 and the automatic driving operation of the vehicle 20 are managed by the management device 1. The management device 1 performs automatic driving control using wireless communication with the vehicle 20 and a smartphone 30 (communication terminal device) possessed by a passenger (user) of the vehicle 20, and wirelessly communicates with the external charging device 40. External charging control including connection operation of the charging gun 44 and external air conditioning is performed using communication. The smartphone 30 is assumed to be linked in advance to the vehicle 20 of the occupant carrying the smartphone 30 through a predetermined authentication procedure (account authentication) and a connection procedure (pairing).

  Here, the movement of the vehicle 20 in the parking area 10 and the flow of control will be described. First, an occupant of the vehicle 20 stops the vehicle 20 at an arbitrary parking stop frame in the standby area 11 and uses the smartphone 30 to apply to the management device 1 to perform external charging. The management device 1 confirms the current charge amount of the vehicle 20 to be charged, and sets a charge schedule (charge start time and target charge amount) in consideration of the charge amount (target charge amount) desired by the occupant. At this time, the position information of at least the charging port 27A of the vehicle 20 is acquired. Thereafter, the passenger may get off and move to a commercial facility, toilet, entertainment facility, etc., or may take a break in the vehicle. Thereafter, the position and control state of the vehicle 20 are automatically managed by the management device 1.

  When the charging start time comes, the management device 1 moves the vehicle 20 from the standby area 11 to the charging area 12 by automatic driving. In addition, the charging robot 40A is driven to automatically connect the charging gun 44 to the charging port 27A to perform external charging. After that, when the amount of charged electric power reaches a preset target charging amount, the management device 1 moves the vehicle 20 from the charging area 12 to the completion area 13 and transmits that the charging is completed to the occupant's smartphone 30. To do. In response, the passenger gets on the vehicle 20 parked in the completion area 13 and leaves the parking area 10.

  The charging robot 40A is provided so that the charging gun 44 can move at least within a hatched area (hatched portion) in FIG. That is, the movable range of the charging gun 44 is set to a range that occupies more than half the area of the parking / stopping frame provided in the charging area 12. The hatched portion shown in FIG. 2 occupies a range having the same width as the parking / stopping frame and a depth dimension of (L / 2), where L is the depth size (charging space length) of the parking / stopping frame.

  By setting the movable range as described above, the charging gun 44 can be connected to the charging port 27A regardless of the position of the charging port 27A. For example, when the charging port 27A is provided in front of the vehicle 20 (front fender surface, hood upper surface, side of the hood, etc.), forward parking (forward parking) may be performed. On the other hand, when the charging port 27A is provided behind the vehicle 20 (such as in the vicinity of the rear fender surface, the rear quarter surface, and the rear bumper), the rearward parking (reverse parking) may be performed.

[2. Hardware configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle management system. This system includes a management device 1, an on-site camera 8, a vehicle 20, a smartphone 30, and an external charging device 40. The management device 1 wirelessly communicates with each of the vehicle 20 and the external charging device 40 existing in the parking area 10 to automatically park the vehicle 20 that has entered the parking area 10 at a predetermined position in the charging space and This is an electronic computer (computer) having a function for managing operations. The on-site camera 8 is a video camera for monitoring the position and parking state of the vehicle 20 existing in the parking area 10.

  The management device 1 includes a processor (central processing unit), a memory (main memory), a storage device (storage), an interface device, and the like, and is connected to each other via an internal bus. The management device 1 also has a function of communicating with the in-field camera 8, the vehicle 20, the smartphone 30, the external charging device 40, and the like via the network 7. The network 7 is a general term for a wired or wireless communication network formed using, for example, a wireless communication network (carrier network) of a communication carrier or the Internet.

  The vehicle 20 is an electric vehicle (an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, etc.) on which a driving motor using a battery 25 as a power source is mounted, and has an automatic driving function. The battery 25 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, and can be charged (externally charged) by the charging robot 40A. The battery 25 is provided with a temperature sensor 26 that detects its temperature. Further, an openable and closable charging lid 27B is provided at an arbitrary position on the surface of the vehicle 20 that is easily accessible from the outside, and an external charging port 27A is provided inside thereof. The charging port 27A is provided with a light source (not shown) for position adjustment, for example. The state of external charging is controlled by an external charging control device 21 (electronic control device, computer).

  An example of the battery 25 mounted on the vehicle 20 is shown in FIGS. The battery 25 includes a plurality of modules 25b built in the case 25a, a control board (not shown), and the like, and is disposed at the lower part of the vehicle body. A plurality of battery frames 25 c are fixed to the lower surface of the case 25 a, and the battery 25 is fixed to the vehicle 20 by fixing these battery frames 25 c to a skeleton member (not shown) of the vehicle 20. The case 25a includes, for example, a tray on which the module 25b is placed and a lid that closes an opening on the upper side of the tray.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the battery 25 of this embodiment is air-cooled and has a battery cooling system. The battery 25 according to the present embodiment includes, as a battery cooling system, an inlet 25d for taking in air from the inside of the vehicle, and an outlet and a fan 25e for discharging the air that has flowed through the case 25a. Furthermore, the inlet 25d of the case 25a is connected to an introduction path 25f for introducing cold air or hot air generated by the air conditioner 29 of the vehicle 20. Each of the inlet 25d and the outlet is provided with a shutter that blocks the air flow. In addition, a distribution duct (not shown) for distributing air taken in from the inlet 25d into the case 25a is disposed inside the case 25a. That is, the air flow in the case 25a is in one direction (the direction from the front to the rear).

  The case 25a of the present embodiment has box portions 25h and 25j provided at the front and rear end portions, respectively. Each box part 25h and 25j is a part of case 25a, and is a part which forms the space which permits the flow of air inside. The front box portion 25h forms an introduction space into which air is introduced from the outside between the front end wall of the case 25a and the module 25b located at the foremost portion. Moreover, the rear side box part 25j forms the aggregation space which collects internal air between the module 25b located in the rearmost part, and the rear-end wall of the case 25a.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, communication ports 25k and 25m are formed on the bottom surface of each box portion 25h and 25j. Hereinafter, the communication port 25k of the front box portion 25h is referred to as "first communication port 25k", and the communication port 25m of the rear box portion 25j is referred to as "second communication port 25m". The first communication port 25k functions as an inlet for introducing air into the case 25a, and the second communication port 25m functions as an outlet for discharging the air in the case 25a.

  Each communication port 25k, 25m is provided with a duct lid 28 that is attached so as to communicate with the duct portion 25n disposed inside the case 25a, and that closes the communication ports 25k, 25m in an openable and closable manner. Each duct portion 25n has a folded portion 25p formed by folding the connection side end portion (lower end portion) radially inward as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. Further, the front duct portion 25n communicating with the first series opening 25k is connected to the distribution duct in the case 25a.

  The folded portion 25p may be planar as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 7A, or may be a curved surface that is convex toward the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion 25n. The symbol α in the figure is an angle formed by the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion 25n and the folded portion 25p. The duct lid 28 slides in the vehicle width direction, for example, by an actuator (not shown). Moreover, a sealing material is stuck around the communication ports 25k and 25m, and the sealing performance when the communication ports 25k and 25m are closed by the duct lid 28 is ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 3, devices to be controlled during automatic driving of the vehicle 20 are a drive source 71, a brake device 72, a steering device 73, and the like, and the automatic driving state is the automatic driving control device 22 (electronic control). Device, computer). The vehicle 20 is provided with a positioning device 23 and a communication device 24. The positioning device 23 is an electronic control device for measuring the position of the vehicle 20 based on detection information such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a yaw rate sensor.

  The communication device 24 is an electronic control device for communicating with the management device 1 and the smartphone 30 via the network 7. Each of the external charging control device 21, the automatic operation control device 22, the positioning device 23, and the communication device 24 may be provided as an independent electronic control device, or may be provided as an integrated electronic control device. The electronic control device referred to here includes, for example, a processor (central processing unit), a memory (main memory), a storage device (storage), an interface device, and the like, and is connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The smartphone 30 is a portable communication device possessed by an occupant of the vehicle 20, and also has a function as an electronic computer (computer). As is well known, the smartphone 30 includes a processor (central processing unit), a memory (main memory), a storage device (storage), an interface device, and the like, and is connected to each other via an internal bus. The smartphone 30 includes an input / output control device 31, a communication device 32, a display 33, and a touch panel 34. Information displayed on the display 33 and operation input information to the touch panel 34 are controlled by the input / output control device 31. The communication device 32 is an electronic control device for communicating with the management device 1 and the vehicle 20 via the network 7.

  In the present embodiment, the smartphone 30 is used for an occupant of the vehicle 20 to apply for external charging or to check the state of charge of the vehicle 20. The communication target of the smartphone 30 only needs to include at least the vehicle 20. That is, the information exchange between the smartphone 30 and the management device 1 may be realized via the vehicle 20 or may be directly connected via the network 7. Instead of the smartphone 30, electronic devices (gadgets) such as a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, a music player, and a portable game machine can be used.

  The external charging device 40 includes a power supply control device 41, a communication device 42, a power source 43, a charging gun 44, a driving device 45, a camera 46, a ground side lid 48 (lid), a first nozzle 49, a second nozzle 50, and a movable device. 51, a fan 52, a heater 53, and a water level sensor 54 are provided.

  The power supply control device 41 has a function of driving the charging robot 40A and a function of performing charging (power supply) while the charging gun 44 is connected to the charging port 27A of the vehicle 20 and operating the external air conditioner 40B. It is an electronic computer (computer). The power supply control device 41 includes, for example, a processor (central processing unit), a memory (main memory), a storage device (storage), an interface device, and the like, and is connected to each other via an internal bus. Each operation state of the power source 43, the charging gun 44, the driving device 45, the camera 46, the ground side lid 48, the movable device 51, the fan 52, and the heater 53 is controlled by the power supply control device 41.

  The communication device 42 is an electronic control device for communicating with the management device 1 via the network 7. The external charging device 40 only needs to exchange information with at least the management device 1. Therefore, it is good also as an apparatus structure connected to the management apparatus 1 by wire (cable) instead of wireless communication. The power source 43 is a secondary battery that stores electric power supplied to the battery 25 of the vehicle 20 or a power supply device that outputs a voltage and current having a magnitude suitable for charging the battery 25.

  The charging gun 44 is a connector connected to the charging port 27 </ b> A when the vehicle 20 is externally charged. The driving device 45 is an assembly device (assembly) including an actuator (motor, cylinder, etc.) for driving the charging gun 44. The driving device 45 has a function of controlling the position and orientation of the charging gun 44. The camera 46 is a video camera for confirming the position and orientation of the charging port 27A when the charging gun 44 is connected to the charging port 27A. The camera 46 is provided on the front end surface of the charging gun 44, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a charging gun 44 is attached to the tip of the driving device 45. On the other hand, the base end of the drive unit 45 is supported so as to be slidable along a rail installed above the parking / stopping frame. Further, the drive device 45 of the present embodiment is formed in a multi-joint shape formed by connecting a plurality of arm portions and joint portions. Adjacent ones of the plurality of arm portions are connected to be relatively rotatable. In addition, the direction of the rotation axis of the joint part (central axis of relative rotation) includes a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the adjacent arm part and a direction parallel to the extending direction of the arm part. This makes it possible to appropriately control the position and orientation of the charging gun 44 regardless of the orientation of the charging port 27A and the distance from the charging robot 40A to the charging port 27A.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the ground-side lid 48 is a lid member that closes each of the two openings 47 penetrating the charging space so as to be opened and closed. The opening 47 is provided, for example, on the center line in the vehicle width direction of the charging space, and is arranged at an interval in the front-rear direction so that the positions of the two communication ports 25k, 25m of the battery 25 substantially coincide with each other. . The two ground side lids 48 are opened and closed simultaneously.

  The first nozzle 49 protrudes from one of the two openings 47 toward the vehicle 20 (ie, upward), and is connected to one of the two communication ports 25k and 25m provided in the case 25a of the battery 25. The second nozzle 50 protrudes from the other of the two openings 47 toward the vehicle 20 (that is, upward), and is connected to the other of the two communication ports 25k and 25m provided in the case 25a of the battery 25.

  A distribution duct is provided in the case 25a of the battery 25, and the flow direction of air in the case 25a is one direction. On the other hand, the direction in which the vehicle 20 is parked in the charging space is determined by the position of the charging port 27A as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first nozzle 49 is connected to the first series opening 25k of the front box portion 25h, and the second nozzle 50 is connected to the second communication port 25m of the rear box portion 25j. The vehicle 20 parked in the direction to be shown is illustrated.

  That is, in this embodiment, the 1st nozzle 49 has a function as a channel | path (introduction nozzle) which sends the wind produced | generated in the external air conditioner 40B in the case 25a of the battery 25. FIG. A housing containing a fan 52 is connected to one end (lower end, upstream end) of the first nozzle 49. This housing functions as an introduction part. As described above, the other end (upper end, downstream end) of the first nozzle 49 protrudes upward from one opening 47 and is connected to the first series opening 25k.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the 2nd nozzle 50 has a function as a channel | path (discharge nozzle) which discharges the air sent from the external air conditioner 40B from the inside of the case 25a of the battery 25. FIG. A housing containing a fan 52 is connected to one end (lower end, downstream end) of the second nozzle 50. This housing functions as a discharge part. In addition, the other end (upper end, upstream end) of the second nozzle 50 protrudes upward from the other opening 47 and is connected to the second communication port 25m as described above.

  When the vehicle 20 is parked in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 6, the functions of the two nozzles 49 and 50 are opposite. That is, the second nozzle 50 connected to the first series opening 25k of the front box portion 25h functions as a passage (introduction nozzle) for sending the wind generated by the external air conditioner 40B into the case 25a. Conversely, the first nozzle 49 connected to the second communication port 25m of the rear box portion 25j functions as a passage (discharge nozzle) for discharging the air sent from the external air conditioner 40B from the case 25a.

  Both the first nozzle 49 and the second nozzle 50 are provided by the movable device 51 so as to be extendable and contractible in the air flow direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, in the present embodiment, the vertical direction). The nozzles 49 and 50 are located below the opening 47 (underground) in the contracted state, and in a stretched state, the tip portion protrudes from the opening 47 toward the vehicle 20 and is connected to the communication ports 25k and 25m. Is done. Hereinafter, a state where the nozzles 49 and 50 are located below the opening 47 is referred to as a “storage state”, and a state where the nozzles 49 and 50 are connected to the corresponding communication ports 25k and 25m is referred to as a “connection state”. Call.

  The movable device 51 switches each of the first nozzle 49 and the second nozzle 50 between a storage state and a connection state. The movable device 51 of the present embodiment includes a bellows part 51a formed in the middle of each nozzle 49, 50, and a motor 51b that expands and contracts each bellows part 51a. The bellows portion 51a has a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction, and the length of each nozzle 49, 50 is changed by the operation of the motor 51b.

  In this embodiment, the 1st nozzle 49 and the 2nd nozzle 50 are comprised similarly, and the movable apparatus 51 provided in each nozzle 49,50 is also comprised similarly, and act | operates simultaneously. 7A and 7B illustrate the second nozzle 50 and the rear box 25j in an enlarged manner. Each tip portion on the connection side of the first nozzle 49 and the second nozzle 50 of the present embodiment is formed in a shape that is reduced in diameter toward the tip.

  The symbol β in FIG. 7A indicates the inclination angle of the tip of the second nozzle 50 (the diameter of the cylindrical portion whose diameter is constant in the cross section obtained by cutting the second nozzle 50 along the longitudinal direction). The inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the portion). Although not shown, the tip of the first nozzle 49 is also reduced in diameter by the inclination angle β. The inclination angle β of the tip portions of the nozzles 49 and 50 is smaller than the angle α formed by the inner peripheral surface of the duct portion 25n provided inside the case 25a and the folded portion 25p (α> β).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fans 52 are devices that are arranged on the upstream side of the first nozzle 49 and the downstream side of the second nozzle 50, respectively, and generate air flow. The fan 52 is disposed in a housing at one end of each nozzle 49, 50 so that air can flow even if the vehicle 20 is parked in the opposite direction as shown in FIG.

  In each housing, a heater 53 for heating the air sent into the case 25a is disposed. Only one of the heaters 53 located upstream of the air flow is used when the battery 25 needs to be heated. For example, if it is necessary to heat the battery 25 when the vehicle 20 is parked in the direction shown in FIG. 6, the heater 53 located on the upstream side of the first nozzle 49 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the water level sensor 54 detects the water level in the charging space, and transmits the detection result to the power supply control device 41. It is determined by the water level sensor 54 whether there is no problem even if the opening 27 is opened. When the charging space is indoors (for example, in an underground parking lot), the water level sensor 54 may be omitted.

[3. Software configuration]
Software (program) for performing automatic driving control and external charging control of the vehicle 20 is installed in the storage device of the management device 1. In the present embodiment, external air conditioning (temperature control for cooling or heating the battery 25) mainly performed during external charging will be described in detail, and description of external charging control and automatic operation control will be omitted as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the management device 1 performs external air conditioning control, and the external air conditioning device 40B operates by issuing a control signal (command) to the power supply control device 41 of each external charging device 40. Each power supply control device 41 may perform external air conditioning control.

  The management device 1 includes an acquisition unit 2, a control unit 3, and a facility management unit 4. These are mainly functions related to external air-conditioning control that are classified for convenience, and each element may be described as an independent program, or may be described as a composite program that combines these functions. Good. These programs are stored in a memory or storage and executed by a processor. Alternatively, these programs are recorded on a recording medium (removable medium) such as an optical disk or a semiconductor memory, and are read into the memory via a recording medium drive and executed.

  The acquisition unit 2 acquires various information related to the vehicle 20 in the parking area 10. Here, information on the number and position of each vehicle 20 located in each of the areas 11 to 13 in the parking area 10 is detected based on an image taken by the in-place camera 8. Radar devices may be installed at various locations in the parking area 10, and the position information of the vehicles 20 may be detected using the radar devices. Alternatively, the position information detected by each vehicle 20 by itself (for example, GNSS positioning information detected by the positioning device 23 of the vehicle 20) may be presented to each vehicle 20.

  Further, the acquisition unit 2 communicates with the smartphone 30 possessed by the passenger of the vehicle 20 who has entered the standby area 11, along with the application for external charging, the positional information on the charging port 27 </ b> A of the vehicle 20, the temperature of the battery 25, Get information such as amount, target charge, and desired charge. The position information of the charging port 27A is used to connect the charging gun 44, and information such as the current charging amount, the target charging amount, and the desired charging amount is used for external charging scheduling. The temperature information of the battery 25 is used to keep the temperature of the battery 25 within an appropriate temperature range (for example, 0 to 30 ° C.).

  The control unit 3 issues a control signal for driving the external air conditioner 40B according to the parking position of the vehicle 20 and the temperature information of the battery 25. When it is determined that the vehicle 20 is automatically parked at a predetermined position in the charging space, the control unit 3 issues a control signal to the vehicle 20 side to open the duct lid 28 and opens the ground side lid 48. Whether or not the vehicle 20 is parked at a predetermined position may be determined, for example, by the fact that the charging gun 44 is connected to the charging port 27A, or may be determined using the on-site camera 8. Good.

  Note that if the control unit 3 determines that water may enter the external charging device 40 from the opening 47 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 54, the control unit 3 is on the ground side regardless of the parking position of the vehicle 20. Opening of the lid 48 and the duct lid 28 is prohibited. That is, in this case, the external air conditioning control by the external air conditioner 40B is not performed. In this case, the battery 25 may be cooled using the air conditioner 29 of the vehicle 20 as in the conventional case.

  When the ground side lid 48 is opened, the control unit 3 drives the movable device 51 to extend the first nozzle 49 and the second nozzle 50 and connect them to each duct unit 25n. The control unit 3 drives the fan 52 when the nozzles 49 and 50 are in a connected state, and feeds air into the case 25a. In addition, the control part 3 communicates with the vehicle-mounted control apparatus (for example, external charge control apparatus 21) by the side of the vehicle 20 when each nozzle 49,50 is a connection state, and the battery cooling system provided in the vehicle 20 Stop. In the present embodiment, the shutters provided at the inlet 25d and the outlet of the air conditioner 29 are closed and the operation of the air conditioner 29 is stopped.

  Further, when the temperature of the battery 25 falls below the appropriate temperature range, the control unit 3 is located upstream of the introduction nozzle (the first nozzle 49 in the example shown in FIG. 6) connected to the first series opening 25k. The heater 53 is actuated to send the heated air into the case 25a. Then, when the current charge amount of the battery 25 reaches the target charge amount, the control unit 3 stops external charging and removes the charge gun 44 from the charge port 27A to close the charging lid 27B. Further, the fan 52 and the heater 53 in operation are stopped, and the nozzles 49 and 50 are contracted into the retracted state, and both the duct lid 28 and the ground side lid 48 are closed.

  The facility management unit 4 manages the external charging state and the automatic driving state of each vehicle 20 that has entered the parking area 10. When the facility management unit 4 receives an application for external charging from an occupant of the vehicle 20 that has entered the standby area 11, the facility management unit 4 sets a charging schedule (charging start time and target charging amount), and the vehicle 20 is automatically charged to the charging area 12. To move. At this time, the automatic driving control device 22 of the vehicle 20 is controlled based on a control signal transmitted from the facility management unit 4 via the network 7.

  When the vehicle 20 arrives at the charging area 12, the facility management unit 4 causes the vehicle 20 to open the charging lid 27B. On the other hand, the charging robot 40 </ b> A and the external air conditioner 40 </ b> B and the duct lid 28 of the vehicle 20 are controlled by the power supply control device 41 based on a control signal from the control unit 3. As a result, the charging gun 44 is automatically connected to the charging port 27A to start external charging, and external air conditioning (external air conditioning control) is performed. When the charging amount of the battery 25 reaches the target charging amount and the external charging is completed, the control unit 3 outputs a control signal to the power supply control device 41 of the charging robot 40A, and the charging gun 44 is automatically removed from the charging port 27A. . In addition, the facility management unit 4 causes the vehicle 20 to close the charging lid 27B. Thereafter, the facility management unit 4 moves the vehicle 20 to the completion area 13 by automatic driving.

  When the power supply control device 41 performs external air conditioning control, the power supply control device 41 only needs to have a part of each functional element of the acquisition unit 2, the control unit 3, and the facility management unit 4. That is, the power supply control device 41 acquires the parking position of the vehicle 20 and the temperature information of the battery 25, opens the charging lid 27B prior to the start of external charging, and automatically connects the charging gun 44 to the charging port 27A. Next, simultaneously with the start of external charging or before and after the start, both the duct lid 28 and the ground side lid 48 are opened to drive the movable device 51, and the nozzles 49 and 50 are connected. Then, the fan 52 and the heater 53 may be operated as necessary, and the operation of the fan 52 and the heater 53 may be controlled so that the temperature of the battery 25 is within an appropriate temperature range during external charging. In addition, the management apparatus 1 should just be provided with acquisition of the information of the number and position of each vehicle 20 located in each area 11-13, the setting of a charging schedule, etc. as above-mentioned.

[4. Sequence Diagram]
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of control from when the vehicle 20 enters the parking area 10 until it leaves. When the vehicle 20 enters the parking area 10, the movement of the vehicle 20 is captured by the on-site camera 8 installed in the parking area 10 and recognized by the management device 1. The occupant of the vehicle 20 parks the vehicle 20 in a favorite parking / stopping frame in the standby area 11 and applies to the management device 1 using the smartphone 30 for external charging. At the time of this application, for example, information on the place where the vehicle 20 is parked (parking / parking frame number) and information such as a license plate are transmitted to the management device 1.

  The management device 1 that has received the application confirms the presence of the vehicle 20 associated with the smartphone 30 from the parking / parking frame number transmitted from the occupant, the video of the on-site camera 8, and the like. When the vehicle 20 to be charged is recognized, the management device 1 requests the vehicle 20 to present various information, and the position information of the charging port 27A, the temperature of the battery 25, the battery capacity, the power consumption, the current charge amount, Get information such as target charge. At this time, the application for external charging is formally accepted by the management apparatus 1, and information on the charging schedule (charging start time, charging completion time) and the target charging amount is transmitted to the smartphone 30. Thereafter, the occupant may leave the vehicle 20 and spend at a commercial facility, an amusement facility or the like adjacent to the parking area 10.

  When the charging start time is reached, the management device 1 requests the vehicle 20 for information regarding the locked state of the door lock switch, the operation position of the select lever, and the like on the condition that there is an empty parking frame in the charging area 12. When the vehicle 20 transmits these pieces of information to the management device 1, the management device 1 confirms that an automatic driving execution condition is satisfied, and then starts automatic driving control of the vehicle 20. As a result, the vehicle 20 moves from the standby area 11 to a parking / parking frame in which the charging area 12 is vacant. Moreover, the management apparatus 1 notifies the smart phone 30 that automatic driving | operation control was started.

  When the vehicle 20 arrives at the parking frame of the charging area 12, the management device 1 is notified that the vehicle 20 has completed the movement. Receiving this, the management apparatus 1 starts control (automatic connection control) which connects the charging gun 44 automatically, and said external air-conditioning control. That is, the charging lid 27B of the vehicle 20 is opened, the charging gun 44 is automatically connected to the charging port 27A, and the charging robot 40A performs external charging.

  At this time, when the information detected by the water level sensor 54 is transmitted to the management device 1 and it is confirmed that there is no risk of water entering from the opening 47, at the same time as or after the external charging, The duct lid 28 is opened and the air conditioner 29 is stopped. Further, the ground side lid 48 is opened to connect the nozzles 49 and 50 to the duct portions 25n. And the fan 52 and the heater 53 as needed are operated, and external air conditioning is implemented. This external air conditioning is finished upon completion of external charging.

  When the charged power amount reaches a preset target charge amount, the management device 1 moves the vehicle 20 from the charging area 12 to the completion area 13 and transmits the completion of charging to the occupant's smartphone 30. In response, the passenger gets on the vehicle 20 parked in the completion area 13 and leaves the parking area 10. The fact that the vehicle 20 has left the parking area 10 is recognized by the management device 1 based on the image of the in-place camera 8. Thereby, the management work of the management apparatus 1 for the vehicle 20 is completed.

[5. flowchart]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of automatic connection control and external air conditioning control. The contents of this flow correspond to the control contents from when the occupant applies for external charging to when external charging is performed. First, an occupant of the vehicle 20 stops the vehicle 20 in the standby area 11 and applies for external charging with the smartphone 30. When the management device 1 receives the application (step S1), the management device 1 informs the vehicle 20 of various information (position information of the charging port 27A, temperature of the battery 25, battery capacity, power consumption, current charge amount, target charge amount, etc.). Is requested and the information is acquired (step S2).

  The management device 1 sets the posture (parking direction) of the vehicle 20 during charging according to the position of the charging port 27A. For example, if the position of the charging port 27A is the front side of the vehicle body, the forward parking posture is set, and if it is the rear side of the vehicle body, the backward parking posture is set. Further, a charging schedule is set based on the current charging amount and the target charging amount, and presented to the occupant (step S3). In addition, when there is no space in the parking / stopping frame of the charging area 12, the charging start time according to the charging condition of each vehicle 20 currently charged is set.

  In starting the automatic operation, the management device 1 confirms that the door lock of the vehicle 20 is locked (step S4) and confirms that there is an empty parking frame in the charging area 12 (step S5). . Thereafter, the vehicle 20 is transferred to the charging area 12 by automatic driving (step S6). When the vehicle arrives at the charging area 12, the charging lid 27B of the vehicle 20 is opened (step S7), and the charging gun 44 is automatically connected to the charging port 27A (step S8).

  If there is no risk of water intrusion from the opening 47 (Yes in step S9), the duct lid 28 and the ground side lid 48 are opened (step S10), and the nozzles 49 and 50 are automatically connected (step S11). Thereafter, after confirming that the interlock switch for detecting that the charging gun 44 is correctly fitted into the charging port 27A is turned on, external charging is performed (step S12). In addition, after confirming that the nozzles 49 and 50 are in the connected state, the fan 52 and the like are operated to perform external air conditioning (step S13). When it is determined in step S9 that water may enter, the ground side lid 48 is not opened and external air conditioning is not performed. In this case, external charging is performed (step S22). Note that the air conditioner 29 of the vehicle 20 may be operated.

[6. Action, effect]
(1) In the above-described external charging device 40 and the vehicle management system using the same, air can be actively flowed into the case 25a of the battery 25 during the external charging of the vehicle 20, so that the cooling performance of the battery 25 Can be increased. Thereby, since it can respond, even if the emitted-heat amount of the battery 25 becomes large, the output by the side of charging equipment can be increased, improvement of charging efficiency and shortening of charging time can be implement | achieved. That is, with such a configuration, external charging can be efficiently performed, and convenience can be improved. Furthermore, deterioration of the battery 25 can also be suppressed.

(2) In the above-described external charging device 40, the opening 47 is closed by the ground side lid 48 until the vehicle 20 is parked at a predetermined position where external charging is possible, so that safety can be improved.
(3) If the water level sensor 54 determines that water may enter through the opening 47, the ground side lid 48 is not opened and external air conditioning is not performed. Thereby, infiltration of water from the opening 47 can be prevented, and safety can be improved.

(4) In the above-described external charging device 40, since the nozzles 49 and 50 are expanded and contracted by the movable device 51 having the bellows portion 51a and the motor 51b, external air conditioning can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.
(5) Moreover, since the battery cooling system mounted in the vehicle 20 is stopped during external air conditioning, the power consumption of the battery 25 can be suppressed and the power consumption can be improved.

(6) Since the above-described external charging device 40 is provided with the heater 53 that heats the air sent into the case 25a, the battery 25 can be heated when the temperature of the battery 25 is extremely low, and the charging efficiency is increased. be able to.
(7) Further, each nozzle 49, 50 is formed in a shape in which the distal end portion on the connection side is reduced in diameter toward the distal end, so that it is easy to be connected to each communication port 25k, 25m of the case 25a. In addition, the working efficiency during external air conditioning can be increased.

(8) In the vehicle 20 described above, the front box portion 25h and the rear box portion 25j are provided in the case 25a of the battery 25, and the communication ports 25k and 25m are connected to the nozzles 49 and 50 in the respective box portions 25h and 25j. Since air is penetrated, the air flow can be made smooth and the cooling performance can be improved.
(9) Further, the duct portion 25n in the case 25a is provided with a folded portion 25p, and the inclination angle β of the tip portion of each nozzle 49, 50 is smaller than the angle α of the folded portion 25p. Since the error when the nozzles 49 and 50 are connected to the duct portion 25n can be absorbed, the working efficiency during external air conditioning can be increased.

[7. Others]
The configuration of the external air conditioner 40B described above is an example, and is not limited to the above. For example, the heater 53 may be omitted, and the external air conditioner may have only a cooling function. On the contrary, the operating state (on / off state and strength) of the fan 52 and the operating state (on / off state and temperature state) of the heater 53 may be finely controlled according to the temperature of the battery 25 detected by the temperature sensor 26. Further, the cooling efficiency may be further increased by using a battery cooling system provided in the vehicle 20 during the external air conditioning.

  The configuration of the movable device 51 described above is an example, and is not limited to the configuration including the bellows portion 51a and the motor 51b. For example, both the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle may be telescopic, and the movable device may be configured by providing an actuator that switches between a retracted state and a connected state. Further, each end portion on the connection side of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle may not have a reduced diameter shape, and the relationship between the angle α of the folded portion 25p of the duct portion 25n and the angle β of the nozzle tip is an example.

  A camera for alignment may be provided in the vicinity of each end on the connection side of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle. In addition, the housing functioning as an introduction part and the discharge part provided in the external air conditioner 40B are movable, and the opening 47 is formed as a long hole in the front-rear direction so as to be at the position of the communication port of the battery 25. Accordingly, the nozzle position may be adjustable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle management system and the external charging device 40 (the charging robot 40A and the external air conditioning device 40B) of the parking area 10 provided in the parking area or service area of the expressway have been described in detail. The location is not particularly limited. Note that the external air conditioner 40B may be applied to the parking area 10 where charging is performed manually instead of the charging robot 40A. That is, the external charging device does not necessarily have to be an automatic charging type.

  In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the drive device 45 slidably supported along the rails installed above the parking / stopping frame is illustrated, but the drive device 45 is fixed to the floor surface. It may be provided, or may be provided so as to be movable on the floor surface. The ground installation type (floor type) charging robot 40A can reduce the installation cost as compared with the suspension type (suspending type). On the other hand, in consideration of accessibility to the charging port 27A, it is preferable to use a hanging type rather than a ground installation type. In addition, when the parking area 10 is indoors, you may fix a rail to a ceiling lower surface. In addition, when the parking area 10 is outdoors, a cage-like structure may be attached above the charging robot 40A in consideration of the influence of wind and rain.

  The charging method using the external charging device may be a non-contact type. That is, instead of the charging robot 40A, a power feeding coil is embedded in the road surface of the charging space, and power is transmitted from the power feeding coil side to the power receiving coil side attached to the lower surface of the vehicle using electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. Good. Even in such a charging system, by combining with the above-described external air conditioner, the cooling performance of the battery at the time of external charging can be enhanced to improve the charging efficiency.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management apparatus 10 Parking area 11 Standby area 12 Charging area 13 Completion area 20 Vehicle 25 Battery (secondary battery)
25a Case 25h Front side box part 25j Rear side box part 25k First serial port 25m Second communication port 25n Duct part 25p Folding part 28 Duct lid 40 External charging device 40A Charging robot 40B External air conditioner 41 Power supply control device (control device)
44 Charging gun 47 Opening 48 Ground side lid (lid)
49 1st nozzle (introduction nozzle, discharge nozzle)
50 Second nozzle (introduction nozzle, discharge nozzle)
51 Movable Device 51a Bellows 51b Motor 52 Fan 53 Heater 54 Water Level Sensor

Claims (11)

An external charging device that charges an in-vehicle battery with electric power supplied from outside the vehicle,
Two openings penetrating the charging space where the vehicle is parked;
An introduction nozzle that projects from one of the openings to the vehicle side and is connected to a first series opening of the case of the battery, and sends air into the case;
A discharge nozzle that protrudes from the other opening to the vehicle side and is connected to the second communication port of the case, and discharges air from within the case;
A fan that sends air into the case from the upstream side of the introduction nozzle and generates a flow of the air so as to discharge the air in the case from the discharge nozzle;
A movable device that switches each of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle between a storage state that is positioned below each of the openings and a connection state that is connected to each of the first communication port and the second communication port; ,
A control device that drives the movable device in accordance with the parking position of the vehicle and that drives the fan when the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are in the connected state. Charging device. Comprising two lids for freely opening and closing the opening,
The external charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control device opens the two lids when it is determined that the vehicle is automatically parked at a predetermined position of the charging space. A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the charging space;
When the control device determines that water may enter from the opening based on the detection result of the water level sensor, the control device prohibits the opening of the lid regardless of the parking position of the vehicle. The external charging device according to claim 2, wherein the external charging device is characterized. The said movable apparatus has a bellows part formed in each of the said introduction nozzle and the said discharge nozzle, and a motor which expands / contracts the said bellows part, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The external charging device as described. When the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are in the connected state, the control device communicates with the vehicle-mounted control device on the vehicle side to stop the battery cooling system provided in the vehicle. The external charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A heater for heating the air sent into the case;
The external charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control device operates the heater when the temperature of the battery falls below an appropriate temperature range. The external charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the leading end portions on the connection side of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle has a diameter reduced toward the leading end. A vehicle management system for a parking area that externally charges a battery of a vehicle having an automatic driving function,
The external charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, provided in each of a plurality of charging spaces in the parking area,
A management device that communicates with each of the vehicle and the external charging device and automatically parks the vehicle that has entered the parking area at a predetermined position of the charging space and manages the operation of the external charging device. A vehicle management system characterized by A vehicle having an automatic driving function equipped with a driving battery,
The battery is charged by the external charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a second series port through which the introduction nozzle is connected and a second port through which the discharge nozzle is connected. A vehicle having a case in which a communication port is formed. The case is
A front box portion that forms an introduction space in which air is introduced from the outside located at the front end portion; and
A rear box portion that forms an aggregation space where the air inside is located at the rear end portion; and
A lid that opens and closes each of the first communication port and the second communication port; and
The first series of through holes are provided through a bottom surface of the front box portion,
The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the second communication port is provided through a bottom surface portion of the rear box portion. The case has a duct portion attached so as to communicate with each of the first communication port and the second communication port therein.
Each of the duct portions has a folded portion formed by folding the end portion on the connection side toward the radially inner side,
8. The subordinate to claim 7, wherein an inclination angle of each tip portion on the connection side of the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle is smaller than an angle formed by an inner peripheral surface of the duct portion and the folded portion. The vehicle according to claim 9 or 10.

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