Vehicle and power transmission system

A vehicle includes: a power receiving device configured to receive electric power from a power transmitting unit of a power transmitting device disposed outside the vehicle; a power storage device that stores the electric power received by the power receiving device; an operation device that receives a user's operation, the user's operation including a starting operation performed by a user to start a vehicle system, and a stopping operation performed fey the user to stop the vehicle system; and an electronic control unit configured to i) perform control of executing timer charging of the power storage device based on a time schedule, and ii) perform a process of performing, charging of the power storage device regardless of the timer charging having been set when the timer charging is set and the operation device has received the user's operation before a charging start time based on the time schedule arrives.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-031871 filed on Feb. 23, 2017, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a power transmission system, and more particularly, to a vehicle in which a power receiving device that receives electric power from a power transmitting device outside the vehicle is mounted and a power transmission system that transmits electric power from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device of a vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

A power transmission system that transmits electric power from a power transmitting device outside a vehicle to a power receiving device mounted in the vehicle in a wireless manner is known (For example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-154815 (JP 2013-154815 A), Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-146154 (JP 2013-146154 A), Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-146148 (JP 2013-346148 A), Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-110822 (JP 2013-110822), and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-126327 (JP 2013-126327 A)). For example, JP 2013-154815 A discloses a wireless charging system in which a power receiving unit is provided on a bottom surface of a vehicle body and electric power is transmitted from a power transmitting unit installed on the ground to the power receiving unit in a wireless manner to charge an on-board battery (see JP 2013-154815 A).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-59248 (JP 2016-59248 A) discloses a wired charging system in which a plug of a charging cable is connected to an inlet of a vehicle and a power storage device is charged via the charging cable using a power source outside the vehicle and in which so-called timer charging of starting charging when a predetermined time elapses after the plug is connected to the inlet can be executed.

In timer charging, a vehicle is in a chafing waiting state until a charging start time based on a time schedule of the timer charging arrives. For example, when a malfunction occurs in an input device which is used for a user to set, release and change the timer charging during waiting for charging in the timer charging, the timer charging cannot be released and a situation occurs in which charging cannot be started until the charging start time based on the time schedule of the timer charging arrives even if the user wants to immediately start charging.

Therefore, JP 2016-59248 A discloses that the timer charging is released when an operation of pulling out the plug is repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time in a state in which the plug is connected to the inlet and the timer charging is set (see JP 2016-59248 A).

SUMMARY

In a wireless charging system, similarly to a wired charging system, execution of timer charging has been studied. However, in a wireless charging system, a plug (a connector) of a charging cable does not need to be connected to an inlet of a vehicle. Accordingly, in the above-mentioned situation in which charging cannot be started until the charging start time arrives because the timer charging cannot be released by an input device, the wireless charging system cannot employ the above-mentioned technique of releasing the timer charging by the plug being pulled out within a predetermined period of time.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle that can receive electric power from a power transmitting device outside a vehicle in a wireless manner and charge a power storage device and a power transmission system, in which charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device can be started according to a user's desire even if a malfunction occurs in an input device which is used to release timer charging.

An example aspect of disclosure is a vehicle. The vehicle includes a power receiving device configured to receive electric power from a power transmitting unit of a power transmitting device disposed outside the vehicle; a power storage device that stores the electric power received by the power receiving device; an operation device that receives a user's operation, the user's operation including a starting operation performed by a user to start a vehicle system, and a stopping operation performed by the user to stop the vehicle system; and an electronic control unit configured to i) perform control of executing timer charging of the power storage device based on a time schedule, and ii) perform a process of performing charging of the power storage device regardless of the timer charging having been set when the timer charging is set and the operation device has received the user's operation before a charging start time based on the time schedule arrives.

An example aspect of disclosure is a power transmission system for a vehicle. The power transmission system for the vehicle includes a power receiving device configured to receive electric power from a power transmitting unit of a power transmitting device disposed outside the vehicle; a power storage device that stores the electric power received by the power receiving device; an operation device that receives a user's operation, the user's operation including a starting operation performed by a user to start a vehicle system, and a stopping operation performed by the user to stop the vehicle system; and an electronic control unit configured to i) perform control of executing timer charging of performing charging of the power storage device based on a time schedule; and ii) perform a process of performing charging of the power storage device regardless of the timer charging having been set when the timer charging is set and the operation device has received the user's operation before a charging start time based on the time schedule arrives.

The power storage device may be configured to receive the electric power from the power transmitting unit in wireless manner.

In the vehicle and the power transmission system, for example, even if a malfunction occurs in an input device that is used to release the timer charging during waiting for charging in the timer charging, charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device is performed regardless of the timer charging having been set (even when the timer charging has been set) when the operation device has received the user's operation, in a state in which alignment of the power receiving device with the power transmitting device is completed. Accordingly, with the vehicle and the power transmission system, it is possible to start charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device according to a user's desire even if a malfunction occurs in the input device or the like that is used to release the timer charging.

In the vehicle and the power transmission system, the timer charging is not released but is maintained even the operation device has received the users operation, in a situation in which alignment of the power receiving device with the power transmitting device is not completed and charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device cannot be performed (for example, a situation in which the vehicle is parked in a parking lot not having a power transmitting device). Accordingly, with the vehicle and the power transmission system, it is possible to prevent unnecessary releasing of the timer charging in a situation in which charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device cannot be performed.

The time schedule includes at least one of a charging start time and a charging end time. When the charging end time is set, the charging start time is determined in consideration of a time required for charging of the power storage device, an electrical charge for charging, a waiting time until departure in a fully charged state, and the like and charging of the power storage device is started when the charging start time arrives.

The state in which alignment of the power receiving device with the power transmitting device is completed refers to, for example, a state in which an amount of misalignment of the power receiving device with the power transmitting device is within a predetermined range or a state in which power transmission efficiency between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device is equal to or higher than a predetermined level.

The electronic control unit may be configured to perform the process regardless of the timer charging having been set when the timer charging is set and the operation device has received the user's operation before the charging start time arrives, in a state in which a pairing process of associating the vehicle with the power transmitting device is completed.

Accordingly, the time at which a predetermined operation for performing charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device is received regardless of the timer charging having been set can be restricted to after the pairing process which is performed before the charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device is completed and it is thus possible to prevent unnecessary releasing of the timer charging.

The electronic control unit may be configured to determine that the operation device has received the users operation when the operation device has been operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the timer charging from being released by an erroneous operation of the operation device.

The electronic control unit may be configured to stop performing the process and to perform the timer charging when the operation device has additionally received the user's operation after the operation device has once received the user's operation.

According to this configuration, even when the timer charging is released by an erroneous operation of the operation device, it is possible to perform the timer charging again.

The vehicle may further include an inlet configured to connect to a connector of a charging cable that is connected to a power source outside the vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to charge the power storage device with the power source via the charging cable and the inlet. The electronic control unit may be configured to i) perform control of performing the timer charging when the connector is connected to the inlet, and ii) perform control of performing a process of charging the power storage device with the power source regardless of the tinier charging having been set when the timer charging is set and a predetermined operation is performed on the connector before the charging start time arrives, in a state in which the connector is connected to the inlet.

According to this configuration, when wired charging of charging the power storage device with the external power source via the charging cable and the inlet is performed, the timer charging can be released by a technique (the connector operation) suitable for wired charging.

According to the present disclosure, in a vehicle and a power transmission system in which electric power can be received from the power transmitting device outside the vehicle in a wireless manner and the power storage device can be charged with the received electric power, it is possible to start charging of the power storage device with the power transmitting device according to a user's desire even if a malfunction occurs in an input device or the like which is used to release the timer charging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements will be referenced by the same reference signs and description thereof will not be repeated.

[First embodiment]FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a whole power transmission system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, the power transmission system includes a vehicle1and a power transmitting device10. The vehicle1includes a power receiving device20. The power receiving device20is disposed on the bottom surface (a road surface side) of the vehicle1.

The power transmitting device10is supplied with electric power from an AG power source12(for example, a commercial system power supply). The power transmitting device10is provided on the ground surface and is configured to transmit electric power to the power receiving device20via a magnetic field in a wireless manner in a state in which the vehicle1is aligned such that the power receiving device20of the vehicle1faces the power transmitting device10.

The power transmitting device10includes a camera14. The camera14includes a fish-eye lens and is disposed substantially at the center of the top surface of the power transmitting device10. Since the camera14includes the fish-eye lens, the camera14is configured to image a wide space including the power receiving device20when the vehicle1moves to the power transmitting device10. It is possible to detect a positional relationship of the power receiving device20relative to the power transmitting device10using an image captured by the camera14and to align the power receiving device29with the power transmitting device10.

Specifically, when the vehicle1moves to the power transmitting device10, the surroundings of the camera14are imaged by the camera14and image data is transmitted to the vehicle1. Marks for detecting the position of the power receiving device20using the camera14are provided on the bottom surface of the power receiving device20(the surface facing the power transmitting device10).

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of marks which are provided in the power receiving device20. Referring toFIG. 2, the power receiving device20includes a resin case21, a metal case22, and protective members26and27. The resin case21accommodates a power receiving coil (not illustrated) that receives electric power from the power transmitting device10in a wireless manner. The metal case22accommodates electrical units (not illustrated) such as a filter circuit and a rectifier unit. The protective members26and27are disposed on the front side and the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of the resin case21and the metal case22and serve to protect the power receiving device20from interference with a road surface.

In this example, marks23and24are provided at four corners and the substantial center of the resin ease21. When the vehicle1(the power receiving device20) is aligned with the power transmitting device10, imaging with the camera14is performed, the marks are detected from the image data, and the relative positional relationship (a horizontal direction and a gap) between the power transmitting device10and the power receiving device20is calculated based on the sizes and positions of the detected marks23and24.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the vehicle1further includes a charging inlet30. The charging inlet30is configured to be connected to a connector40of a charging, cable44that is connected to a power source46(which may be the AC power source12) outside the vehicle. That is, the vehicle1can receive electric power from the power transmitting device10using the power receiving device20in a wireless manner to charge an on-board power storage device (not illustrated) and can also receive electric power from the power source46outside the vehicle via the charging cable44and the charging inlet30to charge the power storage device. In the following description, the former is referred to as “wireless charging” and the latter is referred to as “wired charging.” The wireless charging and the wired charging are both for charging the power storage device300with a power source outside the vehicle. Accordingly, wireless charging and wired charging may be referred to as “external charging.”

A mechanical locking mechanism (not illustrated) is provided in the charging inlet30and the connector40such that the connector40is not easily pulled out from the charging inlet30at the time of connecting the connector40to the charging inlet30. A switch42for releasing the mechanical locked state of the charging inlet30and the connector40is provided in the connector40, and a user can detach the connector40from the charging inlet30by operating the switch42.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power transmission system illustrated inFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 3, the vehicle1includes a power receiving unit100, a filter circuit150, a rectifier circuit200, a power storage device300, a power generating device400, and relays220and310. The vehicle1further includes a charging inlet30, a charger250, and a relay230. The vehicle1further includes a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU)500, a start switch510, a multi information display (MID)520, and a communication device530.

The power receiving unit100receives electric power (AC power) output from a power transmitting unit70(which will be described later) of the power transmitting device10via a magnetic field in a wireless manner without passing through a contact. The power receiving unit109includes, for example, a resonance circuit (not illustrated) that receives electric power from the power transmitting unit70in a wireless manner. The resonance circuit can include a coil and a capacitor, but the capacitor may not be provided when a desired resonant state is formed using only the coil.

The filter circuit150is disposed between the power receiving unit100and the rectifier circuit200, and reduces harmonic noise which is generated at the time of reception of electric power by the power receiving unit100. The filter circuit150is constituted, for example, by an LC circuit including an inductor and a capacitor. The rectifier circuit200rectifies AC power received by the power receiving unit100and outputs the rectified AC power to the power storage device300. The rectifier circuit200includes a smoothing capacitor in addition to a rectifier.

The power storage device300is a DC power source which is rechargeable and includes a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-hydride secondary battery. The power storage device300stores electric power output from the rectifier circuit200during execution of wireless charging and can also store electric power output from the charger250(which will be described later) during execution of wired charging and electric power generated by the power generating device400during traveling and the like. The power storage device300supplies the stored electric power to the power generating device400. An electric double-layer capacitor or the like can be employed as the power storage device300.

The power generating device400generates a traveling driving force of the vehicle1using the electric power stored in the power storage device300. Although not particularly illustrated, the power generating device400includes, for example, an inverter that receives electric power from the power storage device300, a motor that is driven by the inverter, and driving wheels that are driven by the motor. The power generating device400may include a power generator that generates electric power for charging the power storage device300and an engine that can drive the power generator.

A relay220is disposed between the rectifier circuit200and the power storage device300. The relay220is turned on (a connected state) at the time of wireless charging. An SMR310is disposed between the power storage device330and the power generating device400. The SMR310is turned on when starting of the power generating device400is requested.

The charging inlet30is configured to be connected to the connector40of the charging cable44. At the time of execution of wired charging, the charging inlet30receives electric power supplied from the power source46outside the vehicle via the connector40and outputs: the received electric power to the charger250. The charging inlet30outputs a connector connection signal PISW indicating a connection state to the connector40to the vehicle ECU500. The connector connection signal PISW is, for example, a signal of which a potential varies depending on the connection state between the charging inlet30and the connector40, and the potential thereof varies depending on a connected state, a disconnected state, and a state in which a switch42of the connector40is operated in the connected state.

The charger250is controlled by the vehicle ECU500, converts electric power received by the charging inlet30into electric power with a charging voltage of the power storage device300, and outputs the converted electric power to the power storage device300. The charger250includes, for example, a converter, an inverter, an insulating transformer, and a rectifier circuit. A relay230is disposed between the charger250and the power storage device300. The relay230is turned on (a connected state) at the time of wired charging.

The start switch510is a switch that is used to receive a system starting operation and a system stopping operation (a user's operation) of the vehicle1from a user. For example, the vehicle system is started when the start switch510is turned on, and the vehicle system is stopped when the start switch510is turned off. Whenever the start switch510is pushed, the state of the vehicle1may be sequentially switched to system stop, accessory mode, system start, and system stop. Instead of the start switch510, an ignition switch or a power switch having the same function as the start switch510may be employed.

The MID520is a display device that displays a variety of information in the vehicle1and to which a user can input an operation and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display to which a touch can be input. In the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, timer charging in which external charging (wireless charging or wired charging) is performed in accordance with a time schedule can be executed, and the MID520is configured such that a user can set the timer charging. Specifically, the MID520is configured such that a user can input a scheduled departure time of the vehicle1and the timer charging is executed in accordance with the time schedule which is calculated based on the input scheduled departure time. The MID520is configured such that a user can release the set timer charging.

The communication device530is configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device90of the power transmitting device10. The communication device530transmits and receives information such as start/stop of power transmission or a power receiving state (such as a received voltage) of the vehicle1to and from the communication device90at the time of alignment between the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100or at the time of execution of wireless charging.

The vehicle ECU500includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM)), and input/output ports for inputting/outputting various signals (all of which are not illustrated), and performs a predetermined arithmetic operation based on information stored in the memory or information from, various sensors. The vehicle ECU500controls the devices of the vehicle1based on the arithmetic operation result.

For example, when wireless charging is executed, the vehicle ECU500performs a process of aligning the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70of the power transmitting device10before executing the wireless charging, “Alignment” refers to alignment in a vehicle body horizontal direction of the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70. For example, the vehicle ECU500receives an image captured by the camera14of the power transmitting device10via the communication devices90and530, and controls the power generating device400and a steering wheel which is not illustrated such that the vehicle1stops at a position at which the power receiving unit100faces the power transmitting unit70.

The vehicle ECU500performs a pairing process of associating the vehicle1with the power transmitting device30after the alignment process is completed. “Pairing” refers to association of the vehicle1with the power transmitting device10. When, a plurality of parking spaces including a power transmitting device are arranged adjacent to each other, the pairing process is performed to associate a vehicle parked in a certain parking space with a power transmitting device of the corresponding parking space. When the alignment process and the pairing process are completed, the vehicle1can execute wireless charging.

In the pairing process, for example, weak electric power (electric power which is lower than transmission power at the time of charging the power storage device300of the vehicle1) including information specific to each power transmitting device is output from the power transmitting unit of the power transmitting device, and the corresponding power transmitting device is recognized by the vehicle1based on the above information included in the weak electric power received by the vehicle1.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of weak electric power which is output from each power transmitting device in the pairing process. Here, it is assumed that power transmitting devices10A and10B are provided in two neighboring parking spaces, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 4, when the pairing process is started at time t1, the power transmitting device10A outputs weak electric power LP for a time TA specific to the power transmitting device10A. On the other hand, the power transmitting device10B outputs weak electric power LP for a time TB (≠TA) specific to the power transmitting device10B. The vehicle1is associated with the power transmitting device10A when a time for receiving the weak electric power LP in the vehicle1is the time TA, and the vehicle1is associated with the power transmitting device10B when a time for receiving the weak electric power LP is the time TB.

The method of delivering information specific to each power transmitting device using weak electric power is not limited to the above-mentioned method, but, for example, weak electric power of a pulse shape having a pulse width or a period specific to a power transmitting device may be output from each power transmitting device.

Referring back toFIG. 3, when the alignment process and the pairing process are completed, the vehicle ECU500turns on the relay220and transmits a power transmission start command to the power transmitting device10via the communication device530.

When wired charging is executed and connection of the connector40of the charging cable44to the charging inlet30is detected based on the connector connection signal PISW, the vehicle ECU500turns on the relay230and drives the charger250.

In the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, the vehicle ECU500performs control for the timer charging and control for an operation of releasing the timer charging as principal control which is performed by the vehicle ECU500. Such control will be described later in detail.

On the other hand, the power transmitting device10includes a power supply unit50, a filter circuit60, a power transmitting unit70, a camera14, a power supply ECU80, and a communication device90. The power supply unit50receives electric power from, the AC power source12and generates AC power of a predetermined transmission frequency. For example, the power supply unit50includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit and an inverter that converts DC power received from the PFC circuit into AC power of a predetermined transmission frequency (for example, several tens of kHz).

The power transmitting unit70receives AC power of a transmission frequency from the power supply unit50and transmits the received electric power to the power receiving unit100of the vehicle1via a magnetic field generated around the power transmitting unit70in a wireless manner. The power transmitting unit70includes, for example, a resonance circuit that transmit electric power to the power receiving unit100in a wireless manner. The resonance circuit includes a coil and a capacitor, but when a desired resonant state is formed using only the coil, the capacitor may not be provided.

The filter circuit60is disposed between the power supply unit50and the power transmitting unit70and suppresses harmonic noise which is generated from the power supply unit50. The filter circuit60is constituted by, for example, an LC circuit including an inductor and capacitor.

The power supply ECU80includes CPU, a memory (a ROM and a RAM), and input/output ports for inputting/outputting various signals (all of which are not illustrated), and performs a predetermined arithmetic operation based on information stored in the memory or information from various sensors. The power supply ECU80controls the devices of the power transmitting device10based on the arithmetic operation result. For example, the power supply ECU80performs switching control of the power supply unit50such that the power supply unit50generates AC power of a predetermined transmission frequency.

The communication device90is configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication device530of the vehicle1. The communication device90transmits and receives information such as start/stop of power transmission or a power receiving state (such as a received voltage) of the vehicle1to and from the communication device530at the time of performing alignment or at the time of execution of wireless charging.

In the power transmitting device10of the power transmission system, AC power of a predetermined transmission frequency is supplied from the power supply unit50to the power transmitting unit70via the filter circuit60. Each of the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100of the vehicle1includes a coil and a capacitor and is designed to resonate at the transmission frequency.

When AC power is supplied from the power supply Unit50to the power transmitting unit70via the filter circuit60, energy (electric power) is transmitted from the power transmitting unit70to the power receiving unit100via a magnetic field which is formed between the coil of the power transmitting unit70and the coil of the power receiving unit100. The energy (electric power) transmitted to the power receiving unit100is supplied to the power storage device300via the filter circuit150and the rectifier circuit200.

FIG. 3is s diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100illustrated inFIG. 3. Referring toFIG. 5, the power transmitting unit70includes a coil72and a capacitor74. The capacitor74is connected in series to the coil72to form a resonance circuit along with the coil12. The capacitor74is provided to tune a resonance frequency of the power transmitting unit70. A Q value indicating resonance strength of the resonance circuit which is formed by the coil72and the capacitor74is equal to or greater than 100 in some embodiments.

The power receiving unit100includes a coil102and a capacitor104. The capacitor104is connected in series to the coil102to form a resonance circuit along with the coil102. The capacitor104is provided to tune a resonance frequency of the power receiving unit100. The Q Value of the resonance circuit which is formed by the coil102and the capacitor104is also equal to or greater than 100 in some embodiments.

In each of the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100, the capacitor may be connected in parallel to the coil. When a desired resonance frequency can be achieved without providing the capacitor, the capacitor may not be provided.

Although not particularly illustrated, the structure of the coils72and102is not particularly limited. For example, when the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100oppose each other, a coil having a spiral shape or a helical shape wound on a shaft parallel to a direction in which the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100are arranged can be employed as each of the power transmitting coil72and the power receiving coil102. Alternatively, when the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100oppose each other, a coil formed by winding an electric wire on a ferrite slab of which a normal direction is parallel to the direction in which the power transmitting unit70and the power receiving unit100are arranged may be employed as each of the power transmitting coil72and the power receiving coil102.

Referring back toFIG. 3, in the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, the vehicle ECU500performs control for the timer charging and control for an operation of releasing the timer charging as described above. Each control will be described below.

In the first embodiment, when wireless charging is possible and timer charging is set while the wireless charging is being performed, the wireless charging based on a time schedule of the tuner charging is executed after the process of aligning the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70and the pairing process of associating the vehicle1with the power transmitting device10have been completed. When wired charging is performed and die timer charging is set, the wired charging based on the time schedule of the timer charging is executed after the connector40of the charging cable44is connected to the charging inlet30. In the first embodiment, the vehicle ECU500calculates the time schedule of the timer charging based on a scheduled departure time which is input and set via the MID520by a user.

For example, the vehicle ECU500determines a charging end time with a predetermined margin with respect to the scheduled departure time based on the scheduled departure time of the vehicle1. Subsequently, the vehicle ECU500determines a start time of external charging in consideration of a time required for the external charging, an electric charge for the external charging, a waiting time up to departure in a fully charged state, and the like.

The MID520may directly set an end time of the external charging and the start time of the external charging may be determined in consideration of all the above-mentioned conditions such as the time required for the external charging. Alternatively, the MID520may directly set the start time of the external charging and may start the external charging when the set charging start time arrives.

The vehicle ECU500has a timer built therein, and turns on the relay220(FIG. 3) (turns off the relays230and310) and instructs the power transmitting device10to start transmission of electric power via the communication, device530when the wireless charging is performed and the charging start time arrives. When charging of the power storage device300is completed, the vehicle ECU500instructs the power transmitting device10to stop the transmission of electric power via the communication device530and turns off the relay220. When wired charging is performed and the charging start time arrives, the vehicle ECU500turns on the relay230(FIG. 3) (turns off the relays220and310) and outputs a drive signal to the charger250.

In timer charging, the vehicle1is in a charging waiting state until the charging start time based on the time schedule of the timer charging arrives. When a user wants to immediately start external charging due to a change in the user's schedule on a next day or the like even in the charging waiting state based on the timer charging, external charging can be started with departure from the charging waiting state by releasing the timer chafing on the MID520.

When a malfunction that input from the MID520is disabled occurs in the charging waiting state based on the tuner charging, the timer charging may not be released using the MID520. Then, even when a user wants to immediately start the external charging, a situation in which the external charging may not be started until the charging start time based on the time schedule of the timer charging arrives occurs.

When the wired charging is performed, the timer charging can be released by pulling out the connecter40of the charging cable44from the charging inlet30within a predetermined time as described in JP 2016-59248 A. However, when the wireless charging is performed, the connector40does not need to be connected to the charging inlet30. Accordingly, as for the situation in which the timer charging cannot be released using the MID520, the above-mentioned method of releasing the timer charging by pulling out the connector40from the charging inlet30cannot be employed.

Therefore, in the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, when the timer charging is set and the start switch510receives a predetermined operation before the start time of the wireless charging based on the time schedule arrives in a state in which the alignment of the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70is completed and the pairing process of associating the vehicle1with the power transmitting device10is completed, the vehicle ECU500performs a process of executing wireless charging regardless of the timer charging having been set.

The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of turning on and off the start switch510within a predetermined time. In order to prevent the tinier charging from being, released by an erroneous operation of the start switch510, the predetermined operation has been performed when the operation of turning on/off the start switch510a plurality of times in a predetermined time in some embodiments.

The process for starting wireless charging includes processes of causing the vehicle ECU500to turn on the relay220(FIG. 1) (turn off the relays230and310) and to instruct the power transmitting device10to start the external charging via the communication device530.

Accordingly, in the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, even if a malfunction in which input from the MID520is disabled occurs in the charging waiting state based on the timer charging, wireless charging is executed regardless of the timer charging having been set (even when the timer charging has been set) by causing a user to perform a predetermined operation on the start switch510in a state in which the alignment process and the pairing process are completed. Accordingly, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to start the wireless charging according to a user's desire even when a malfunction in which the timer charging cannot be released using the MID520occurs.

In the vehicle1according to the first embodiment, in a situation in which the alignment process and the pairing process are not completed and the wireless charging cannot be performed (for example, a situation in which the vehicle is parked in a parking lot not having a power transmitting device10), the timer charging is not released but maintained even when a user performs a predetermined operation on the start switch510. Accordingly, according, to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent, the timer charging from being unnecessarily released in a situation in which the wireless charging cannot be performed.

In the above description, a period in which the start switch510receives a predetermined releasing operation is set to a state in which the alignment process and the pairing process are completed in order to prevent the timer charging from being unnecessarily released, the start switch510may receive a predetermined, releasing operation when the alignment process is completed except the completion of the pairing process.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a routine of a releasing operation when the timer charging cannot be released using the MID520. A series of processes illustrated in the flowchart is started when there is an external charging start trigger, that is, when alignment of the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70is completed and when the pairing process of associating the vehicle1with the power transmitting device10is completed (at the time of wireless charging) or when the connector40of the charging cable44is connected to the charging inlet30(at the time of wired charging).

Referring toFIG. 6, when there is an external charging start trigger (YES in Step S10), the vehicle ECU500determines whether timer charging has been set (Step S15). Specifically, it is determined whether a scheduled departure time on a next day is input to the MID520and whether a time schedule of the timer charging is set based on the scheduled departure time.

When it is determined in Step S15that the timer charging has been set (YES in Step S15), the vehicle ECU500determines whether an external charging start time based on the time schedule of the timer charging has arrived (Step S20).

When it is determined in Step S20that the external charging start time based on the time schedule of the timer charging has not arrived (NO in Step S20), the vehicle ECU500determines whether the external charging is wireless charging using electric power received by the power receiving device20or wired charging using electric power input from the charging inlet30(Step S25). This determination can be performed, for example, depending on whether the external charging start trigger is based on completion of the alignment of the power receiving unit100with the power transmitting unit70and completion of the pairing process of associating the vehicle1with the power transmitting device10(wireless charging) or is based on connection of the connector40of the charging cable44to the charging inlet30(wired charging).

When it is determined in Step S25that the external charging is the wireless charging (“WIRELESS” in Step S25), the vehicle ECU500determines whether an operation of turning on/off the start switch510has been performed within a predetermined time (Step S30). In order to prevent an erroneous operation, the operation of turning on/off the start switch510be performed a plurality of times in some embodiments.

When it is determined that the operation of turning on/off the start switch510has been performed within the predetermined time (YES in Step S30), the vehicle ECU500forcibly releases the timer charging (Step S40) and sets a timer charging forcible release flag indicating that the timer charging: is forcibly released to ON (Step S45).

On the other hand, when it is determined in Step S25that the external charging is wired charging (“WIRED” in Step S25), the vehicle ECU500determines, whether an operation of pulling out the connector40has been performed within a predetermined time (Step S35). In order to prevent an erroneous operation, the operation of pulling out the connector40be performed a plurality of times in some embodiments. An operation of turning on/off a switch42disposed in the connector40may be performed instead of the operation of pulling out the connector40.

When it is determined that the operation of pulling out the connector40has been performed within the predetermined time (YES in Step S35), the vehicle ECU500causes the routine to Step S40and forcibly releases the timer charging.

When it is determined in Step S30that the operation of turning on/off the start switch510has not been performed within the predetermined time (NO in Step S30), or when it is determined in Step S35that the operation of pulling out the connector40has not been performed within the predetermined time (NO in Step S35), the vehicle ECU500returns the routine to Step S20.

When the timer charging forcible release flag is set to ON in Step S45, or when it is determined in Step S15that the tinier charging has not been set (NO in Step S15), or when it is determined in Step S20that the charging start time based on the time schedule of the tuner charging has arrived (YES in Step S20), the vehicle ECU500performs a process for starting the external charging (Step S50). Specifically, when wireless charging is performed, the vehicle ECU500turns on the relay220(turns off the relays230and310) and instructs the power transmitting device10to start transmission of electric power via the communication device530. On the other hand, when wired charging is perforated, the vehicle ECU500turns on the relay230(turns off the relays220and310) and outputs a control signal for driving the charger250to the charger250.

During execution of the external charging, the vehicle ECU500determines whether charging of the power storage device300has been completed (Step S55). For example, when the power storage device300reaches a fully charged state or reaches a desired amount of charged electric power in a state in which an amount of electric power which can be charged by the external charging can be set, it is determined that charging has been completed. When it is determined in Step S55that charging has been completed (YES in Step S55), the external charging is stopped. When the timer charging forcible release flag is in the ON state, the flag is switched to OFF (Step S60). In this way, a series of processes ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if a malfunction m which input from the MID520is disabled occurs in the charging waiting state based on the timer charging, wireless charging is performed regardless of the timer charging having been set (even when the timer charging has been set) when a user performs a predetermined operation on the start switch510in a state in which the alignment process and the pairing process have been completed. Accordingly, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to start the wireless charging according to a user's desire even when a malfunction in which the timer charging cannot be released using the MID520.

In the first embodiment, in a situation in which the alignment process and the pairing process have not been completed and the wireless charging cannot be performed (for example, a situation in which the vehicle is parked in a parking lot not having a power transmitting device50), the tuner charging is not released but maintained even when a user performs a predetermined operation on the start switch510. Accordingly, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the timer charging from being unnecessarily released in a situation in which the wireless charging cannot be executed.

[Second embodiment] In a second embodiment, a configuration capable of resetting (re-executing) timer charging after the tuner charging has been forcibly released as described in the first embodiment (forcible release based on the operation of the start switch510) will be described.

The entire configuration of a power transmission system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the power transmission system according to the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a routine of a releasing operation and a resetting operation when releasing, and resetting of the timer charging cannot be performed using the MID520. A series of processes illustrated in the flowchart is started when there is an external charging start trigger, similarly to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 6.

The processes which are performed in Steps S110to S160are the same as the processes which are performed in Steps S10to S60inFIG. 6.

In the second embodiment, when if is determined in Step S155that charging of the power storage device300has not been completed during execution of the external charging (NO in Step S155), the vehicle ECU500performs a process for determining whether the timer charging should be re-executed (Step S156). This process will be described later in detail.

After the process of Step S156is performed, the vehicle ECU500determines whether the timer charging forcible release flag is in an OFF state (Step S157). As will be described later, when it is determined in Step S156that the timer charging should be re-executed, the timer charging forcible release flag is set to the OFF state. On the other hand, when it is determined in Step S156that the timer charging should not be re-executed, the timer charging forcible release flag is maintained in the ON state in the process of Step S156.

When it is determined in Step S157that the tinier charging forcible release flag is in the ON state (NO in Step S157), the vehicle ECU500returns the routine to Step S150and continues to execute the external charging.

On the other hand, when it is determined in Step S157that the timer charging forcible release flag is in the OFF state (YES in Step S157), the vehicle ECU500returns the routine to Step S120and re-executes the timer charging based on the time schedule which is set before the timer charging has been forcibly released.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating a routine which is performed in Step S156inFIG. 7. Referring toFIG. 8, the vehicle ECU500determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the timer charging forcible release flag was set to the ON state (Step S210). The predetermined time is for defining a period in which resetting of the timer charging is allowed after the timer charging is forcibly released. When it is determined in Step S210that the predetermined time has elapsed after the flag was set to the ON state (YES in Step S210), the routine ends without performing the subsequent processes. That is, in this case, the routine transitions to Step S157inFIG. 7with the timer charging forcible release flag maintained in the ON state.

When it is determined in Step S210that the predetermined time has not elapsed after the timer charging forcible release flag was set to the ON state (NO in Step S210), the vehicle ECU500determines whether wireless charging is currently performed or whether wired charging is currently performed (Step S215).

When wireless charging is being performed (“WIRELESS” in Step S215), the vehicle ECU500determines whether an operation of turning on/off the start switch510has been performed (Step S220). Here, in order to prevent an erroneous operation, the operation of toning on/off the start switch510be performed a plurality of times in some embodiments.

When it is determined that the operation of turning on/off the start switch510has been performed (YES in Step S220), the vehicle ECU500stops the external charging (the wireless charging in this case) (Step S230) and sets the timer charging forcible release flag to the OFF state (Step S235). That is, in this case, since it is determined in Step S157inFIG. 7that the flag is in the OFF state, the routine is returned to Step S120and the timer charging is re-executed.

On the other hand, when the wired charging is being performed (“WIRED” in Step S215), the vehicle ECU500determines whether an operation of pulling oat the connector40has been performed (Step S225). Here, in order to prevent an erroneous operation, the operation of pulling out the connector40be performed a plurality of times in some embodiments. An operation of turning on/off a switch42disposed in the connector40may be used instead of the operation of pulling out the connector40.

When it is determined that the operation of pulling out the connector40has been performed (YES in Step S225), the vehicle ECU500causes the routine to transition to Step S230. That is, the external charging (the wired charging in this case) is stopped and the timer charging forcible release flag is set to the OFF state. That is, in this case, since it is determined, in Step S157inFIG. 7that the flag is in the OFF state, the routine is returned to Step S120and the timer charging is re-executed.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the operation of turning on/off the start switch510is performed again until the predetermined time elapses after the timer charging is forcibly released, the forcible release of the timer charging is stopped and the timer charging is re-executed. Accordingly; according to the second embodiment, the timer charging can be re-executed even when the timer charging is released by an erroneous operation of the start switch510.

In the first and second embodiments, the timer charging is set based on a scheduled departure time or the like which is input via the MID520by a user (manual timer charging), but situations in which the vehicle1is used, situations in which the external charging is executed, and the like may be learned and the timer charging may be set based on the learning result without a user's setting the time or the like (automatic timer charging. (That is, the external charging can be executed regardless of the automatic timer charging having been set by performing a predetermined operation within a predetermined time as described above before the start time of the external charging based on the time schedule of the automatic timer charging arrives.

In the first and second embodiments, when the start switch510(at the time of wireless charging) or the connector40of the charging cable44(at the time of wired charging) receives a predetermined operation, the timer charging is released and the external charging is performed. However, in the first embodiment, the timer charging may not be released, but the external charging may be performed in a state in which the setting of the timer charging is ignored.

In the above description, the vehicle ECU500corresponds to an example of a “controller” in the claims, and the start switch510corresponds to an example of an “operation unit” in the claims.

It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed therein is exemplary in all points of view and is not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to description of the above-mentioned embodiment but is defined by the appended claims, and is intended to include ail modifications within meanings and scopes equivalent to the claims.