Charging equipment and charging equipment management device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a charging device and a management device for the charging device. The charging device includes a movable part, a lifting device, a communicator, and a control device. The movable part includes a connecting machine. The lifting device lifts and lowers the movable part between a first state in which the movable part is stored under the ground and a second state in which the movable part is exposed on the ground and can be connected to a power storage device mounted on a vehicle and the connecting machine. The control device obtains the position of the target vehicle and the remaining capacity of the power storage device, and controls the lifting device in a manner that causes the movable part to rise when the remaining capacity is less than a threshold value and the position is within a first distance from the charging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device and a management device for the charging device. Background Art

[0002] Charging equipment for charging power storage devices mounted on vehicles is installed in parking lots or sidewalks outside vehicles, but it occupies installation space and sometimes becomes an obstacle to walking or driving. Therefore, a technology is known to make the charging equipment movable, such as being stored under the ground.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-109807 discloses a charging pole that is provided so as to be able to be raised and lowered so as to be able to be placed in a state of standing upright from the ground and a state of being stored under the ground. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, when the movable charging device that can be raised and lowered as described above is stored under the ground, the user who wants to use the charging device while driving the vehicle may not be able to confirm the exact location of the charging device to be used. Therefore, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery installed in the vehicle is low and the user wants to charge quickly, it takes time to find the charging device to be used and to make the charging device stand upright from the ground. Since it takes time to use the charging device, there is a possibility that the convenience of the charging device is impaired.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a charging facility and a charging facility management device that can easily find a charging facility to be used and quickly use it.

[0006] The charging device of the first scheme of the present disclosure is a charging device configured to be arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground, and to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. The charging device includes a movable part, a lifting device, and a control device. The movable part includes a connection machine configured to be connected to the power storage device. The lifting device is configured to lift and lower the movable part between a first state in which the movable part is stored under the ground and a second state in which the movable part is exposed on the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection machine. The control device includes a communicator configured to communicate with a machine external to the charging device. The control device is configured to: control the lifting device using information received via the communicator, obtain the position of the target vehicle as the charging object and the remaining capacity of the power storage device using the communicator; and control the lifting device in a manner that causes the movable part to rise when the remaining capacity is less than a threshold value and the obtained position is within a first distance from the charging device.

[0007] Therefore, when the remaining capacity is less than the threshold and the position of the target vehicle is within the first distance from the charging device, the movable part rises, so the user can easily find the charging device of the target vehicle and start charging earlier than when the movable part rises after the vehicle reaches the charging device of the target vehicle.

[0008] In the above-mentioned first aspect, the first distance may be a distance at which the charging facility can be visually recognized from the target vehicle and at which the movable unit can be in the second state before the target vehicle reaches the charging facility.

[0009] This makes it easier for the user to find the charging facility to be used, and charging can be started earlier than when the movable unit is raised after the vehicle reaches the charging facility to be used.

[0010] In the above-mentioned first scheme, the control device can also be configured to: when the remaining capacity is greater than a threshold, when the acquired position is within a second distance from the charging device, control the lifting device in such a way that the movable part rises, and the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0011] This prevents the period during which the movable unit is in the second state from being unnecessarily prolonged, makes it easier for the user to find the charging facility to be used, and allows charging to be started earlier than when the movable unit is raised after the vehicle reaches the charging facility to be used.

[0012] The management device of the charging device of the second scheme of the present disclosure is a management device for managing the operation of a plurality of charging devices, which are configured to be arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground and to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. The charging device includes a movable part, a lifting device, and a control device. The movable part includes a connection device configured to be connected to the power storage device. The lifting device is configured to lift and lower the movable part between a first state in which the movable part is stored under the ground and a second state in which the movable part is exposed on the ground and can connect the power storage device and the connection device. The control device includes a communicator configured to communicate with the management device. The control device is configured to control the lifting device using information received via the communicator. The management device includes a processor configured as follows: obtaining the position of a target vehicle that is a charging target of any charging device among the plurality of charging devices and the remaining capacity of the power storage device mounted on the target vehicle; when the remaining capacity of the target vehicle is less than a threshold value and the position of the target vehicle is within a first distance from the target charging device, requesting the rise of the movable part to the target charging device.

[0013] Therefore, when the remaining capacity is less than the threshold and the position of the target vehicle is within the first distance from the target charging device, the movable part rises, so the user can easily find the target charging device, and charging can be started earlier than when the movable part is raised after the vehicle reaches the target charging device.

[0014] In the second aspect, the first distance may be a distance at which the target charging facility can be visually recognized from the target vehicle and the movable unit can be in the second state before the target vehicle reaches the target charging facility.

[0015] This makes it easier for the user to find the target charging facility, and charging can be started earlier than when the movable unit is raised after the vehicle reaches the target charging facility.

[0016] In the above-mentioned second aspect, the processor may be configured to: when the remaining capacity is greater than a threshold value, request the movable part to rise to the target charging device when the acquired position is within a second distance from the target charging device, and the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0017] This prevents the period during which the movable unit is in the second state from being unnecessarily prolonged, makes it easier for the user to find the target charging facility, and allows charging to start earlier than when the movable unit is raised after the vehicle reaches the target charging facility.

[0018] According to each aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging facility and a charging facility management device that can easily find a charging facility to be used and quickly use the charging facility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station in which an electric vehicle and a movable unit are stored under the ground.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station in which an electric vehicle and a movable part are exposed on the ground.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the layout of charging stations and parking spaces.

[0023] Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of charging stations and parking spaces.

[0024] Figure 5This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device of the charging station.

[0025] Figure 6 The diagram shows the positional relationship between a traveling electric vehicle and a charging station to be used.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device of the charging station in the modification.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the management server in the modification.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing another example of the process executed by the management server in the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0030] Hereinafter, a configuration of a charging station 300 as a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as an example. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station 300 in a state where an electric vehicle 200 and a movable unit 300a (described later) are stored under the ground. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging station 300 in a state where an electric vehicle 200 and a movable unit 300a are exposed on the ground.

[0031] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the charging station 300 is configured to be able to be in the first state (see Figure 1 ) and the second state (refer to Figure 2 ) are raised and lowered. In the first state, the position of the upper end of the charging station 300 becomes approximately the same as the ground and the movable part 300a is stored under the ground. In the second state, the upper end of the charging station 300 rises to a predetermined position on the ground and the movable part 300a is exposed.

[0032] The charging station 300 has, for example, a cylindrical frame, and is disposed on the bottom surface of a recess formed in the ground. The recess formed in the ground is formed to have a predetermined gap with the outer peripheral surface of the frame of the charging station 300, and is formed to have a depth equal to the vertical length of the charging station 300 in the first state.

[0033] The charging station 300 includes a movable portion 300a and a fixed portion 300b. A storage space capable of storing a connector 302 is formed on the upper portion of the movable portion 300a. One end of a cable 304 is connected to the connector 302, and the other end of the cable 304 is connected to a power source 350. The power source 350 is, for example, an AC power source constituted by a commercial power source or the like. The cable 304 is, for example, constituted to have a telescopic portion in a shape having a curved portion or a telescopic portion in a structure having a winding structure, and when the connector 302 is taken out, it can be extended to the charging socket 220 of the electric vehicle 200 parked in the parking space.

[0034] The fixing part 300b is fixed to the bottom surface of the recessed part formed in the floor. In addition, the fixing part 300b may be fixed to any place in the recessed part formed in the floor, and is not particularly limited to being fixed to the bottom surface of the recessed part.

[0035] The fixed portion 300 b includes a lifting device 306 that lifts the movable portion 300 a up and down, and a control device 308 that controls the operation of the lifting device 306 .

[0036] The lifting device 306 includes an actuator that lifts the movable part 300a. The lifting device 306 may have a rack-and-pinion type mechanism that lifts the movable part 300a by rotating a pinion that meshes with a rack fixed to the movable part 300a using an electric actuator, or a mechanism that uses a hydraulic cylinder to lift the movable part 300a by fixing a rod connected to a piston to the movable part 300a and increasing or decreasing the hydraulic pressure supplied to a cylinder body fixed to the fixed part 300b, or a mechanism that lifts the movable part 300a by generating a repulsive force based on magnetic force between the movable part 300a and the fixed part 300b.

[0037] The lifting device 306 is configured to prevent the movable portion 300 a from descending beyond the position corresponding to the first state by a stopper mechanism or the like, and is configured to prevent the movable portion 300 a from ascending beyond the position corresponding to the second state.

[0038] The control device 308 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 308a, a memory 308b composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a communicator 308c that can communicate with an external device. The control device 308 controls the electric equipment (for example, the lifting device 306) installed in the charging station 300 based on the information stored in the memory 308b, the information received via the communicator 308c, and the information obtained from other sensors not shown. In addition, regarding these controls, it is not limited to a structure in which the CPU 300a executes processing based on software, and it can also be a structure composed of dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0039] The communicator 308c is configured to be able to communicate various information and the like with devices outside the charging station 300. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , as an example, it is shown that the communication device 204, the communicator 308c, and the management server 600 can communicate.

[0040] The communicator 308c may be configured to be able to communicate with the management server 600 by wired communication, for example. In addition, the communicator 308c may be configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 204 and the management server 600 by wireless communication, for example.

[0041] For example, when the execution condition of the ascending control is satisfied, the control device 308 executes the ascending control in the lifting device 306 so that the charging station 300 switches from the first state to the second state. The execution condition of the ascending control includes, for example, a condition that the charging station 300 is in the first state and a condition that there is an execution request (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ascending request") to execute the ascending control in the charging station 300. The control device 308 may receive information indicating the ascending request from a portable terminal (not shown) owned by a user who is charging at the charging station 300, or may determine whether there is an ascending request based on information from an external device.

[0042] Alternatively, for example, when the execution condition of the descent control is satisfied, the control device 308 executes the descent control in the lifting device 306 so that the charging station 300 switches from the second state to the first state. The execution condition of the descent control includes, for example, a condition that the charging station 300 is in the second state and a condition that there is an execution request (hereinafter referred to as "descent request") to execute the descent control in the charging station 300. The control device 308 may receive information indicating the descent request from a portable terminal, or may determine whether there is a descent request based on information from an external device.

[0043] The management server 600 includes a control device, a communication device, and a storage device (none of which is shown in the figure). The control device (processor) of the management server 600 is composed of a CPU and a memory, etc. The communication device of the management server 600 is configured to communicate with other devices such as the charging station 300 or a portable terminal via a communication network or directly. Predetermined information is stored in the storage device of the management server 600. The control device of the management server 600 receives predetermined information from the electric vehicle 200 and the charging station 300 via the communication device, or stores part or all of the received information in the storage device.

[0044] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , an example of the structure of an electric vehicle 200 parked in a parking space that can be charged by a charging station 300 is also shown. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the electric vehicle 200 includes, for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device. In addition, the structure of the electric vehicle 200 is not particularly limited to the vehicles listed above, as long as it has a structure capable of receiving power supply from the charging station 300, and may also be a vehicle equipped with a power storage device for external power supply.

[0045] The electric vehicle 200 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 202 , a communication device 204 , a position detection device 206 , a charger 212 , a battery 214 , an inverter 216 , a motor generator 218 , and a charging socket 220 .

[0046] ECU 202 includes a CPU and a memory composed of ROM, RAM, etc. ECU 202 controls electrical equipment (e.g., communication device 204, charger 212, or inverter 216) provided in electric vehicle 200 based on information stored in the memory and information obtained from sensors (e.g., position detection device 206, voltage sensor 224, current sensor 226, or temperature sensor 228 described later).

[0047] Communication device 204 is configured to communicate various information and the like with devices outside electric vehicle 200. Communication device 204 is configured to communicate with management server 600 and charging station 300, for example. Communication device 204 may also be configured to communicate with a portable terminal.

[0048] The position detection device 206 obtains the current location of the electric vehicle 200 based on a signal (radio wave) from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, for example, and outputs a signal indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 200 to the ECU 202. In addition, as a method for obtaining the current location of the electric vehicle 200, it may be a method of obtaining the current location by using a satellite capable of detecting a location other than a GPS satellite, or a method of obtaining the current location by exchanging predetermined information with a portable base station or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point.

[0049] When AC power is supplied from charging socket 220 , charger 212 converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power to battery 214 . Battery 214 is charged by the operation of charger 212 . Charger 212 is controlled by a control signal from ECU 202 , for example.

[0050] The battery 214 is, for example, a rechargeable power storage element, and a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a liquid or solid electrolyte is typically used. Alternatively, the battery 214 may be a power storage device that can store power, and for example, a large-capacity storage device may be used instead of the battery 214.

[0051] Inverter 216 converts DC power of battery 214 into AC power and supplies it to motor generator 218. Inverter 216 converts AC power (regenerative power) from motor generator 218 into DC power and supplies it to battery 214 to charge battery 214.

[0052] The motor generator 218 receives the electric power supply from the inverter 216, and provides a rotational force to the drive wheel 222. The drive wheel 222 is rotated by the rotational force provided by the motor generator 218, so that the electric vehicle 200 travels.

[0053] The charging socket 220 is provided together with a cover such as a lid (not shown) on the exterior of the electric vehicle 200. The charging socket 220 is a power receiving unit that receives charging power from an external charging device (e.g., a charging station 300). The charging socket 220 has a shape that allows the connector 302 of the charging station 300 to be installed. Contacts are built into both the charging socket 220 and the connector 302. When the connector 302 is installed in the charging socket 220, the contacts come into contact with each other, and the charging socket 220 and the connector 302 are electrically connected. At this time, the battery 214 of the electric vehicle 200 becomes capable of being charged using the power supplied from the charging station 300.

[0054] A voltage sensor 224 , a current sensor 226 , and a temperature sensor 228 are connected to the ECU 202 .

[0055] Voltage sensor 224 detects voltage VB of battery 214 and sends a signal indicating the detected voltage VB to ECU 202. Current sensor 226 detects current IB of battery 214 and sends a signal indicating the detected current IB to ECU 202. Temperature sensor 228 detects temperature TB of battery 214 and sends a signal indicating the detected temperature TB to ECU 202.

[0056] For example, during driving of the electric vehicle 200, the ECU 202 calculates the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 214 using the results detected by the voltage sensor 224, the current sensor 226, and the temperature sensor 228. The SOC is a parameter that indicates the ratio of the current storage capacity of the battery 214 to the storage capacity in a fully charged state as a percentage. In addition, various known methods such as a method based on current value accumulation (coulomb counting) or a method based on an estimation of an open circuit voltage (OCV) can be used as a calculation method of the SOC.

[0057] Charging station 300 may be installed on a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces in a parking lot, a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces set on a road, or the like. Figure 3 4 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the charging station 300 and the parking space 400. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a plurality of parking spaces 400 are horizontally defined by lines 402 in a parking lot, a charging station 300 is provided at a position adjacent to each parking space 400. Figure 3 As an example, the parking space 400 is shown at one end in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 3 In this case, the charging station 300 is provided along the sidewalk 500. When the electric vehicle 200 is parked in any parking space among the plurality of parking spaces 400 and the charging station 300 is in the second state, the user takes out the connector 302 from the charging station 300 and connects it to the charging socket 220 of the electric vehicle 200.

[0058] Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of the charging station 300 and the parking space 410. Figure 4 As shown, even when a plurality of parking spaces 410 are set in the longitudinal direction along the road by the line 412, the charging station 300 is installed at a position adjacent to each parking space 410. Figure 4, as an example, a configuration is shown in which parking spaces 410 are set along sidewalks 510. In this case, charging stations 300 are set along sidewalks 510. When electric vehicle 200 is parked in any parking space among a plurality of parking spaces 410 and charging station 300 is in the second state, the user takes out connector 302 from the nearest charging station 300 and connects it to charging socket 220 of electric vehicle 200.

[0059] When the movable charging station 300 that can be raised and lowered as described above is in the first state stored under the ground, the user who is driving the electric vehicle 200 and wants to use the charging station 300 may not be able to confirm the exact location of the charging station 300 to be used. Therefore, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery 214 mounted on the electric vehicle 200 is low and the user wants to charge quickly, it takes time to find the charging station 300 to be used and to put the charging station 300 into the second state. Since it takes time to use the charging station 300, there is a possibility that the convenience of the charging station 300 is impaired.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 308 of the charging station 300 controls the lifting device 306 in a manner that raises the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 when the SOC of the battery 214 of the target vehicle to be charged is less than a threshold value and the position of the target vehicle is within a first distance from the charging station 300.

[0061] This makes it easier for the user to find the charging station 300 to be used, and charging can be started earlier than when the electric vehicle 200 reaches the charging station 300 to be used and raises the movable unit 300 a .

[0062] Below, refer to Figure 5 , describing an example of control processing performed by the control device 308. Figure 5 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control device 308 of charging station 300. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in accordance with a predetermined control cycle.

[0063] In step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 100, the control device 308 determines whether a charging request is received. The control device 308 determines whether a charging request is received, for example, based on a flag that is set to an ON state when a charging request is received. The control device 308 determines that a charging request is received when the flag is set to an ON state, for example. The charging request indicates a charging request from the electric vehicle 200 or the management server 600.

[0064] For example, when a destination is set by a user, ECU 202 of electric vehicle 200 determines available charging stations 300 around the destination. Alternatively, ECU 202 determines available charging stations 300 around electric vehicle 200 when a predetermined operation for searching for charging stations 300 available to the user is performed.

[0065] The operation of determining the available charging station 300 implemented by ECU 202 is performed, for example, by querying the management server 600, etc., to retrieve the available charging station 300 within a predetermined range with the destination or the electric vehicle 200 as the center. Based on the search results, ECU 202 determines the available charging station 300 closest to the center. After establishing communication with the determined charging station 300, ECU 202 sends a charging request to the determined charging station 300.

[0066] Alternatively, when the user sets a destination, ECU 202 transmits location information of the set destination to management server 600. Alternatively, when performing an operation for searching for charging stations 300 available to the user, ECU 202 transmits location information of electric vehicle 200 to management server 600.

[0067] The management server 600 searches for available charging stations 300 within a predetermined range around the destination or the electric vehicle 200, for example. The management server 600 determines the available charging station 300 closest to the center based on the search result. After establishing communication with the determined charging station 300, the management server 600 sends a charging request to the determined charging station 300.

[0068] When control device 308 determines that a charging request has been received (YES in S100 ), the process proceeds to S102 .

[0069] In S102, control device 308 requests location information and SOC of electric vehicle 200 to be charged. Control device 308 transmits request information for requesting location information and SOC of electric vehicle 200 to the source of the charging request (electric vehicle 200 or management server 600), for example.

[0070] For example, when the control device 308 receives a charging request from the electric vehicle 200, it sends request information to the source electric vehicle 200. Alternatively, when the control device 308 receives a charging request from the management server 600, it sends request information of the location information and SOC of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged to the management server 600 of the transmission source. When the management server 600 receives the request information from the charging station 300, it sends the request information of the location information and SOC to the electric vehicle 200 to be charged.

[0071] When receiving the request information, the ECU 202 of the electric vehicle 200 uses the position detection device 206 to obtain the position information of the electric vehicle 200, and obtains the SOC using the current IB, voltage VB and temperature TB of the battery 214. The ECU 202 sends the obtained position information and SOC to the charging station 300. At this time, the position information and SOC may also be sent to the charging station 300 via the management server 600.

[0072] In S104, the control device 308 determines whether the position information and SOC of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged are received. The control device 308 may receive the position information and SOC from the electric vehicle 200 to be charged, or may receive them via the management server 600. When the control device 308 determines that the position information and SOC of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged are received ("Yes" in S104), the process transfers to S106.

[0073] In S106, the control device 308 determines whether the SOC of the battery 214 mounted on the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is less than the threshold value A. The threshold value A is, for example, a predetermined value, and is a value used to determine whether the battery 214 needs to be charged (i.e., whether the storage capacity of the battery 214 is exhausted). When the control device 308 determines that the SOC is less than the threshold value A ("Yes" in S106), the process is transferred to S108.

[0074] In S108, the control device 308 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the first distance from the charging station 300. The first distance is set, for example, so that the charging station 300 can be visually recognized from the electric vehicle 200 to be charged, and the movable part 300a can be in the second state before the electric vehicle 200 to be charged arrives at the charging station 300. As the first distance, for example, a predetermined value may be set, or the control device 308 may estimate the arrival time at the charging station 300 based on the driving state of the electric vehicle 200, estimate the start time of the rising control for making the movable part 300a in the second state at the estimated arrival time, and set the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 200 during the period from the estimated start time to the arrival time as the first distance. When the control device 308 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the first distance from the charging station 300 ("Yes" in S108), the process is transferred to S110.

[0075] In S110, the control device 308 performs the ascending control. The control device 308 controls the lifting device 306 so that the movable part 300a ascends to the position corresponding to the second state. At this time, the control device 308 sets the above-mentioned flag to the OFF state.

[0076] In addition, when the control device 308 determines that the charging request has not been received ("No" in S100), when the control device 308 determines that the SOC of the battery 214 of the electric vehicle 200 mounted on the charging target is greater than the threshold value A ("No" in S106), or when the control device 308 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is not within the first distance from the charging station 300 ("No" in S108), the process ends. Furthermore, when the control device 308 determines that the position information and SOC have not been received ("No" in S104), the process returns to S102.

[0077] Reference Figure 6 An example of the operation of the control device 308 of the charging station 300 as the charging device of the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a traveling electric vehicle 200 and a charging station 300 to be used. Figure 6 The circle area with oblique lines represents the charging station 300 to be utilized.

[0078] For example, assume that a destination is set before electric vehicle 200 starts traveling and available charging station 300 is determined near the destination. After determining available charging station 300, ECU 202 of electric vehicle 200 establishes communication with the determined charging station 300 and transmits a charging request.

[0079] When the control device 308 receives a charging request from the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target ("Yes" in S100), the control device 308 requests the electric vehicle 200 as the transmission source for position information and SOC (S102). The ECU 202 of the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target obtains information related to the position of the electric vehicle 200 from the position detection device 206 based on the request for position information and SOC, obtains SOC using the current IB, voltage VB and temperature TB of the battery 214, and transmits the obtained position information and SOC to the charging station 300 as the utilization target.

[0080] When the control device 308 receives the position information and SOC from the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target ("Yes" in S104), it determines whether the received SOC is less than the threshold value A (S106). Then, when the SOC is less than the threshold value A ("Yes" in S106), the control device 308 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 is within the first distance from the charging station 300 to be used (S108).

[0081] When the position of electric vehicle 200 is farther than the first distance from charging station 300 to be used (No in S108 ), charging station 300 to be used maintains the first state.

[0082] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown, when the electric vehicle 200 approaches the charging station 300 and the position of the electric vehicle 200 becomes within the first distance from the charging station 300 to be used ("Yes" in S108), the ascending control is performed (S110). Therefore, the lifting device 306 is controlled so that the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 to be used is in the second state.

[0083] Therefore, when the electric vehicle 200 arrives at the charging station 300 , the movable portion 300 a is in the second state.

[0084] As described above, according to the charging station 300 as the charging device of the present embodiment, when the SOC is less than the threshold value A and the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the first distance from the charging station 300, the lifting device 306 is controlled in such a manner that the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 is raised. The first distance is set so that the possible charging station 300 can be visually recognized from the electric vehicle 200 to be charged, and the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 can be in the second state before the electric vehicle 200 to be charged arrives at the charging station 300. Therefore, it is easy for the user to find the charging station 300 to be used, and charging can be started earlier than when the movable part 300a is raised after the electric vehicle 200 arrives at the charging station 300 to be used. Therefore, it is possible to provide a charging device that can easily find the charging device to be used and can be used quickly.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the power source 350 is described as an AC power source, but the power source 350 may be a DC power source. In this case, the electric vehicle 200 may be configured such that the charger 212 is omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the housing of the charging station 300 has a cylindrical shape is described as an example, but any shape that can be raised and lowered is not particularly limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the housing of the charging station 300 may also have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in the control device 308 of the charging station 300, it is described that when the SOC is less than the threshold value A and the position of the vehicle is within the first distance, the ascending control is performed, but a lighting device may be provided at the upper end of the movable part 300a or the periphery of the movable part 300a, and the ascending control is performed and the lighting device is turned on, or a speaker or the like may be provided, and the ascending control is performed and a predetermined sound, voice, etc. is generated from the speaker.

[0088] This makes it easier for the user to find charging station 300 to be used.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the position information of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged and the SOC of the battery 214 are received from the electric vehicle 200 and the management server 600, but for example, the control device 308 of the charging station 300 may also receive the position information of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged and the SOC of the battery 214 from a portable terminal owned by a user. The portable terminal may also send the position information and SOC obtained from the electric vehicle 200 to the charging station 300 and the management server 600.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that the first distance is set to enable the charging station 300 to be visually identified from the target vehicle, and the movable part 300a can be in the second state before the target vehicle arrives at the charging equipment, but for example, the first distance can also be set to a predetermined value, and the rising speed of the movable part 300a can be changed according to the driving state of the target vehicle (for example, according to the driving speed of the target vehicle) so that the movable part 300a is in the second state at the time when the target vehicle arrives at the charging equipment.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that in the control device 308 of the charging station 300, the ascending control is performed when the SOC is less than the threshold value A and the position of the vehicle is within the first distance from the charging station 300, but for example, the ascending control may also be performed when the SOC is above the threshold value A and the position of the vehicle is within the second distance from the charging station 300, and the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0092] Below, refer to Figure 7 In the modified example, an example of control processing executed by control device 308 of charging station 300 is described. Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control device 308 of charging station 300 in a modified example. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in accordance with a predetermined control cycle.

[0093] also, Figure 7 The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108 and S110 of the flowchart is compared with Figure 5 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, and S110 in the flowchart are the same processes except for the cases described below. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0094] In S106 , when control device 308 determines that the SOC of battery 214 is equal to or greater than threshold value A (NO in S106 ), the process proceeds to S150 .

[0095] In S150, the control device 308 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the second distance from the charging station 300. The second distance is a distance shorter than the first distance. The second distance can be a distance shorter than the first distance, for example, it can be a predetermined distance, or it can be a distance obtained by subtracting a predetermined distance from the first distance. In the case where the control device 308 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the second distance from the charging station 300 ("Yes" in S150), the processing is transferred to S110. In addition, in the case where the control device 308 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is not within the second distance from the charging station 300 ("No" in S150), the processing ends.

[0096] Thus, when the SOC is greater than or equal to the threshold value A (No in S106) and the position of the vehicle is within the second distance from the charging station 300 (Yes in S150), the ascending control is executed (S110). As a result, the lifting device 306 is controlled so that the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 to be used is in the second state.

[0097] Therefore, the period during which movable unit 300a is in the second state is prevented from being unnecessarily prolonged, and the user can easily find charging station 300 to be used, and charging can be started earlier than when electric vehicle 200 reaches charging station 300 to be used and movable unit 300a is raised.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is described that the control device 308 of the charging station 300 determines whether the SOC is less than the threshold A and whether the position of the vehicle is within the first distance from the charging station 300 to be used, but the determination can also be made in the management server 600 instead of the control device 308.

[0099] Below, refer to Figure 8 , an example of control processing executed by the management server 600 is described in a modified example. Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by management server 600 in a modified example. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in a predetermined control cycle.

[0100] In S200, the management server 600 determines whether a charging request is received. The management server 600 determines whether a charging request is received, for example, based on a flag that is set to an ON state when a charging request is received. The management server 600 determines that a charging request is received when the flag is set to an ON state, for example. The charging request indicates a charging request from the electric vehicle 200.

[0101] When the user sets a destination, ECU 202 of electric vehicle 200 transmits a charging request together with the location information of the destination to management server 600. Alternatively, when the user performs a predetermined operation for requesting charging, ECU 202 transmits a charging request together with the location information of electric vehicle 200 to management server 600.

[0102] If it is determined that a charging request has been received (YES in S200 ), the process proceeds to S202 .

[0103] In S202, management server 600 determines available charging stations. Management server 600 searches for available charging stations 300 within a predetermined range around the destination or electric vehicle 200. Management server 600 determines available charging stations 300 closest to the center based on the search results.

[0104] In S204, the management server 600 transmits the position information of the determined charging station 300 to the electric vehicle 200. The ECU 202 of the electric vehicle 200 may also use the position information of the determined charging station 300 to set the destination in the navigation system to the determined charging station 300, for example. The position information of the determined charging station 300 may be pre-stored in the storage device of the management server 600, or may be obtained from the determined charging station 300.

[0105] In S206, management server 600 requests the position information and SOC of electric vehicle 200 to be charged. Management server 600 transmits request information requesting the position information and SOC to electric vehicle 200, which is the source of the charging request, for example.

[0106] When receiving the request information from management server 600, ECU 202 of electric vehicle 200 obtains the position information of electric vehicle 200 using position detection device 206 and obtains SOC using current IB, voltage VB and temperature TB of battery 214. ECU 202 transmits the obtained position information and SOC to management server 600.

[0107] In S208, management server 600 determines whether it has received the position information and SOC of electric vehicle 200 to be charged. If management server 600 determines that it has received the position information and SOC of electric vehicle 200 to be charged (YES in S208), the process proceeds to S210.

[0108] In S210, the management server 600 determines whether the SOC of the battery 214 of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is less than the threshold value A. The threshold value A is as described above, so the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. When the management server 600 determines that the SOC is less than the threshold value A ("Yes" in S210), the process transfers to S212.

[0109] In S212, the management server 600 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the first distance from the charging station 300. The first distance is as described above, so its detailed description is not repeated. When the management server 600 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the first distance from the charging station 300 ("Yes" in S212), the process is transferred to S214.

[0110] In S214, the management server 600 requests the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 to rise. The management server 600 transmits information indicating the rise request to the charging station 300. The charging station 300 performs the rise control according to the rise request from the management server 600. At this time, the control device 308 controls the lifting device 306 so that the movable part 300a rises to a position corresponding to the second state. At this time, the management server 600 sets the above flag to the OFF state.

[0111] In addition, when the management server 600 determines that the charging request has not been received ("No" in S200), when the management server 600 determines that the SOC of the battery 214 of the electric vehicle 200 mounted on the charging object is above the threshold value A ("No" in S210), or when the management server 600 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is not within the first distance from the charging station 300 ("No" in S212), the processing ends. Furthermore, when it is determined that the position information and SOC have not been received ("No" in S208), the processing returns to S206.

[0112] An example of the operation of management server 600 as the management device of charging station 300 in a modified example based on the above flowchart will be described.

[0113] For example, it is assumed that a destination is set before electric vehicle 200 starts traveling, and a charging request is transmitted to management server 600 together with location information of the destination.

[0114] When the management server 600 receives a charging request from the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target ("Yes" in S200), it determines the available charging station 300 around the destination (S202), sends the location information of the determined charging station to the electric vehicle 200 (S204), and requests the location information and SOC (S206).

[0115] ECU 202 of electric vehicle 200 to be charged obtains information on the position of electric vehicle 200 from position detection device 206 based on the request for position information and SOC, obtains SOC using current IB, voltage VB and temperature TB of battery 214, and sends the obtained position information and SOC to management server 600.

[0116] When the management server 600 receives the position information and SOC from the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target ("Yes" in S208), it determines whether the received SOC is less than the threshold value A (S210). Then, when the SOC is less than the threshold value A ("Yes" in S210), the management server 600 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 as the charging target is within the first distance from the charging station 300 (S212).

[0117] When the position of electric vehicle 200 to be charged is farther than the first distance from charging station 300 to be used (No in S212 ), charging station 300 to be used maintains the first state.

[0118] On the other hand, when the electric vehicle 200 approaches the charging station 300 and the position of the electric vehicle 200 becomes within the first distance from the charging station 300 to be used ("Yes" in S212), the management server 600 requests the charging station 300 to raise the movable part 300a (S214). Therefore, the lifting device 306 is controlled so that the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 is in the second state.

[0119] Even in this case, the user can easily find the charging station 300 to be used, and can start charging earlier than when the electric vehicle 200 reaches the charging station 300 to be used and raises the movable part 300a. Therefore, a charging equipment management device that can easily find the charging equipment to be used and can be used quickly can be provided.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned variation, it is described that in the management server 600, when the SOC is less than the threshold value A and the position of the vehicle is within the first distance from the charging station 300, the charging station 300 is requested to raise the movable part 300a, but for example, when the SOC is above the threshold value A and the position of the vehicle is within the second distance shorter than the first distance from the charging station 300, the charging station 300 may be requested to raise the movable part 300a.

[0121] Below, refer to Fig. 9 , describing another example of the control processing performed by the management server 600 in the modified example. Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing another example of the process executed by the management server 600 in the modification. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed in accordance with a predetermined control cycle.

[0122] also, Fig. 9 The processing of S200, S202, S204, S206, S208, S210, S212 and S214 of the flowchart is compared with Figure 8 The processes of S200, S202, S204, S206, S208, S210, S212, and S214 of the flowchart are the same processes except for the cases described below. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0123] In S210 , when management server 600 determines that the SOC of battery 214 is equal to or greater than threshold value A (NO in S210 ), the process proceeds to S250 .

[0124] In S250, the management server 600 determines whether the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the second distance from the charging station 300. The second distance is as described above, so its detailed description will not be repeated. In the case where the management server 600 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is within the second distance from the charging station 300 ("Yes" in S250), the processing is transferred to S214. In addition, in the case where the management server 600 determines that the position of the electric vehicle 200 to be charged is not within the second distance from the charging station 300 ("No" in S250), the processing ends.

[0125] Thus, when the SOC is greater than or equal to the threshold value A (No in S210) and the position of the vehicle is within the second distance from the charging station 300 (Yes in S250), the management server 600 requests the charging station 300 to raise the movable part 300a (S214). As a result, the lifting device 306 is controlled so that the movable part 300a of the charging station 300 to be used is in the second state.

[0126] Therefore, the period during which movable unit 300a is in the second state is prevented from being unnecessarily prolonged, and the user can easily find charging station 300 to be used, and charging can be started earlier than when electric vehicle 200 reaches charging station 300 to be used and movable unit 300a is raised.

[0127] In addition, the above-mentioned modifications may be appropriately combined in whole or in part and implemented. The embodiments disclosed this time are only illustrative in all aspects and should not be considered as limited thereto. The scope of the present invention is not shown by the scope of the above-mentioned embodiments, but by the claims, including all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A charging device, arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground, for charging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, wherein: The charging device comprises: A movable part including a connection device configured to be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device configured to lift the movable portion between a first state in which the movable portion is stored under the ground and a second state in which the movable portion is exposed on the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device; and a control device including a communicator configured to communicate with a device external to the charging device, The control device is constructed as follows: controlling the lifting device using information received via the communicator; using the communicator, obtaining a position of a target vehicle to be charged and a remaining capacity of the power storage device; When the remaining capacity is less than a threshold value and the acquired position is within a first distance from the charging device, controlling the lifting device so as to raise the movable part; When the remaining capacity is greater than the threshold value, the lifting device is controlled to raise the movable part when the acquired position is within a second distance from the charging equipment, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: The first distance is a distance at which the charging facility can be visually recognized from the target vehicle and the movable portion can be in the second state before the target vehicle reaches the charging facility.

3. A charging equipment management device for managing the operation of a plurality of charging equipment, the plurality of charging equipment being configured to be arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground, and to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, wherein: Each of the plurality of charging devices includes a movable portion, a lifting device, and a control device including a communicator configured to communicate with the management device. The movable part includes a connection device configured to be connected to the power storage device. The lifting device is configured to lift the movable part between a first state in which the movable part is stored under the ground and a second state in which the movable part is exposed on the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device. The control device is configured to control the lifting device using the information received via the communicator. The management device includes a processor, which is configured as follows: obtaining a position of a target vehicle to be charged by any target charging facility among the plurality of charging facilities and a remaining capacity of the power storage device mounted on the target vehicle; requesting the target charging facility to raise the movable unit when the remaining capacity of the target vehicle is less than a threshold value and the position of the target vehicle is within a first distance from the target charging facility; When the remaining capacity is greater than the threshold, the movable unit is requested to rise with respect to the target charging device if the acquired position is within a second distance from the target charging device, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

4. The charging equipment management device according to claim 3, wherein: The first distance is a distance at which the target charging facility can be visually recognized from the target vehicle and the movable portion can be in the second state before the target vehicle reaches the target charging facility.

Images