Charging equipment and management device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a charging device and a management device. The charging device is arranged in an area where the entry of the vehicle is restricted, and includes: a movable part (300a) including a connection machine that can be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device (306) configured to lift the movable part (300a) between a first state and a second state; a communication device; and a control device (308). The first state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is stored under the ground, and the second state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is exposed to the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection machine. The control device (308) is configured to control the lifting device (306) using information received via the communication device, and is configured to allow the movable part (300a) to rise when it is in the first state and when a request information requesting the emergency use of the charging device is received.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The charging equipment for charging the power storage device mounted on the vehicle is installed in the parking lot or sidewalk outside the vehicle, but it sometimes becomes an obstacle to walking or driving because it occupies the installation space. Therefore, it is known to make the charging equipment movable, for example, to be 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 in a state of being stored under the ground. Summary of the invention

[0004] In addition to being installed in parking lots, such mobile charging equipment is sometimes installed in areas where vehicle access is restricted, such as parks, for use in emergencies such as disasters. However, if the charging equipment is easily accessible in such areas, there is a possibility that vehicles will enter the area in order to use the charging equipment. On the other hand, if the charging equipment installed in the area cannot be used all the time, there is a possibility that the convenience of the charging equipment in an emergency will be impaired.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a charging facility and a charging facility management device that can be used without sacrificing convenience in an emergency.

[0006] The charging device involved in the first mode of the present disclosure is a charging device configured to be set on the bottom surface of a recessed portion set on the ground, and to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. The charging device is set in an area where vehicle access is restricted. The charging device includes: a movable part, including a connection machine that can be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device configured to lift the movable part between a first state and a second state; a communication device configured to communicate with a machine outside the charging device; and a control device. The first state is a state in which the movable part is stored under the ground, and the second state is a state in which the movable part is exposed to the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection machine. The control device is configured to control the lifting device using information received via the communication device, and is configured to allow the movable part to rise when the movable part is in the first state and a request information requesting emergency use of the charging device is received via the communication device.

[0007] According to the charging device involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when receiving request information for emergency use such as disaster situations and event situations, the movable part of the charging device is allowed to rise, so that the charging device can be used in emergencies such as when the number of users increases.

[0008] In the charging facility according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the emergency use of the charging facility may include at least one of use of the charging facility when a disaster occurs in a region including the area and use of the charging facility when an event is held in the region.

[0009] According to the charging facility according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the charging facility can be used in an emergency such as when a disaster occurs or an event is held and the number of users increases.

[0010] Furthermore, in the charging equipment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control device may prohibit the movable portion from ascending when the movable portion is in the first state and the request information has not been received.

[0011] According to the charging equipment involved in the first aspect of the present disclosure, if the request information requesting emergency use is not received, the movable part of the charging equipment is prohibited from rising, so it is possible to suppress the use of the charging equipment set in the area where vehicle access is restricted in non-emergency situations.

[0012] The management device of the charging equipment involved in the second mode of the present disclosure is a management device configured to manage the operation of multiple charging equipment, wherein the multiple charging equipment is arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion arranged on the ground and is configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. The charging equipment includes: a movable part including a connection device that can be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device; a communication device configured to communicate with the management device; and a control device. The lifting device is configured to lift the movable part between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movable part is stored under the ground, and the second state is a 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 information received via the communication device. Multiple charging equipment is arranged in each of the first area where vehicle entry is restricted and the second area where vehicle entry is not restricted. The management device includes a processor. The processor is configured to allow the rise of the movable part of each of the multiple charging equipment when receiving request information requesting emergency use of the charging equipment. The processor is configured to prohibit the movable portion of the charging device in the first area from ascending, and to permit the movable portion of the charging device in the second area to ascend, when the request information is not received.

[0013] According to the management device involved in the second aspect of the present disclosure, when receiving request information for emergency use such as a disaster or an event, the movable part of the charging equipment in the first area is allowed to rise, so that the charging equipment can be used in an emergency such as an increase in the number of users. Furthermore, when no request information for emergency use is received, the movable part of the charging equipment in the first area is prohibited from rising, so that the use of the charging equipment set in the first area in non-emergency situations can be suppressed.

[0014] In the management device involved in the second aspect of the present disclosure, the emergency use of the charging equipment may include at least one of use of the charging equipment when a disaster occurs in a region including the first area and the second area and use of the charging equipment when an event is held in the region.

[0015] According to the management device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the charging facility can be used in an emergency such as when a disaster occurs or an event is held and the number of users increases.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging facility and a charging facility management device that can be used without losing convenience in an emergency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a charging station in which an electric vehicle and a movable part are stored under the ground.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a charging station in which an electric vehicle and a movable part are exposed on the ground.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the layout of charging piles and parking spaces.

[0021] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of charging piles and parking spaces.

[0022] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device of the charging station.

[0023] Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing another example of the process executed by the control device of the charging pile.

[0024] Figure 7This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a plurality of charging piles and a management server.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the management server in the modification.

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing another example of the process executed by the management server in the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0028] Hereinafter, the structure of the charging pile 300 as the charging device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as an example. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging stand 300 and the electric vehicle 200 in a state where a movable portion 300 a (described later) is stored under the ground.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging stand 300 and the electric vehicle 200 in a state where the movable portion 300 a is exposed on the ground.

[0030] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the charging pile 300 is configured to be in a first state where the upper end position is substantially the same as the ground and the movable part 300a is stored under the ground (see Figure 1 ) and the second state in which the upper end rises to a predetermined position on the ground and the movable part 300a is exposed (refer to Figure 2 ) between rise and fall.

[0031] The charging pile 300 has, for example, a cylindrical frame, which is provided at the bottom of a recess formed on the ground. The recess formed on the ground is formed so that its inner circumference and the outer circumference of the frame of the charging pile 300 have a predetermined gap, and is formed so that the depth is the same as the vertical length of the charging pile 300 in the first state.

[0032] The charging pile 300 includes a movable part 300a and a fixed part 300b. A storage space capable of accommodating a connector 302 is formed at the upper part of the movable part 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 as a telescopic part having a shape with a curling part or a structural telescopic part having a winding structure, and when the connector 302 is taken out, it can be extended to the insertion port (inlet) 220 of the electric vehicle 200 parked in the parking space.

[0033] The fixing part 300b is fixed to the bottom surface of the recessed part formed in the ground. In addition, the fixing part 300b can be fixed to a certain place in the recessed part formed in the ground, and is not particularly limited to being fixed to the bottom surface of the recessed part.

[0034] 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 .

[0035] 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 gear meshing with a rack gear fixed to the movable part 300a using an electric actuator, or a mechanism that lifts 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 between the movable part 300a and the fixed part 300b by a magnetic force.

[0036] The lifting device 306 is configured to lower the movable portion 300 a without exceeding the position corresponding to the first state, and to raise the movable portion 300 a without exceeding the position corresponding to the second state, for example, by means of a stopper or the like.

[0037] The control device 308 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 308a, a memory 308b composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and a communication unit 308c that can communicate with an external device. The control device 308 controls the electrical equipment (such as the lifting device 306) provided in the charging pile 300 based on the information stored in the memory 308b, the information received via the communication unit 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 308a performs software-based processing, and it can also be set to a structure constructed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0038] The communication unit 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 In FIG. 1 , it is shown as an example that the communication unit 308 c and the portable terminal 700 can communicate, and further the communication unit 308 c and the management server 600 can communicate.

[0039] The communication unit 308c may be configured to be able to communicate with the management server 600 by wired communication, for example. In addition, the communication unit 308c may be configured to be able to communicate with the portable terminal 700 or the management server 600 by wireless communication, for example.

[0040] 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 in such a way that the charging pile 300 is switched from the first state to the second state. The execution condition of the ascending control includes, for example, the condition that the charging pile 300 is in the first state and the condition that there is a request for executing the ascending control in the charging pile 300 (hereinafter referred to as the ascending request). The control device 308 may receive information indicating the ascending request from the portable terminal 700, or may determine whether there is an ascending request based on information from an external device.

[0041] Alternatively, the control device 308, for example, performs the descent control in the lifting device 306 in such a manner that the charging pile 300 switches from the second state to the first state when the execution condition of the descent control is satisfied. The execution condition of the descent control includes, for example, the condition that the charging pile 300 is in the second state and the condition that there is a request for execution of the descent control in the charging pile 300 (hereinafter referred to as the descent request). The control device 308 may, for example, receive information indicating the descent request from the portable terminal 700, or determine whether there is a descent request based on information from an external device.

[0042] 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 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 be able to communicate with the charging pile 300, the portable terminal 700 or other machines via a communication network or directly. Furthermore, the communication device of the management server 600 is configured to be able to communicate with the terminal and server (none of which is not shown in the figure) of the group that manages the area where the charging pile 300 is set, the autonomous group of the region including the area, the organizer of the event described later, etc. In the storage device of the management server 600, predetermined information is stored. The control device of the management server 600 receives predetermined information from the portable terminal 700 and the charging pile 300 via the communication device, or stores part or all of the received information in the storage device.

[0043] The portable terminal 700 is a user-portable terminal, and includes, for example, a display device, an input device, and a communication device (all not shown). The communication device of the portable terminal 700 is configured to communicate with the management server 600 via a communication network (not shown). In addition, the communication device of the portable terminal 700 is configured to communicate with the charging pile 300 via a communication network or directly.

[0044] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , 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 can receive power supply from the charging pile 300, and can 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 charger 212 , a battery 214 , an inverter 216 , a motor generator 218 , and an inlet 220 .

[0046] ECU 202 includes a CPU and a memory including a ROM, a RAM, etc. ECU 202 controls electric devices (eg, charger 212 or inverter 216 ) provided in electric vehicle 200 based on information stored in the memory and information acquired from sensors (not shown).

[0047] The communication device 204 is configured to communicate various information with devices outside the electric vehicle 200. For example, the communication device 204 is configured to communicate with the management server 600 and is configured to communicate with the charging station 300. In addition, the communication device 204 can also be configured to communicate with a portable terminal 700 held by a user who charges with the charging station 300.

[0048] When AC power is supplied from inlet 220 , charger 212 converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power to battery 214 . As charger 212 operates, battery 214 is charged. For example, charger 212 is controlled by a control signal from ECU 202 .

[0049] The storage battery 214 is, for example, a rechargeable power storage element, and typically, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a liquid or solid electrolyte is used. Alternatively, the storage battery 214 may be a storage device capable of storing power, and, for example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the storage battery 214.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Motor generator 218 receives electric power from inverter 216 and supplies rotational force to drive wheel 222. Drive wheel 222 is rotated by the rotational force supplied from motor generator 218, so that electric vehicle 200 travels.

[0052] The insertion port 220 is provided together with a cover such as a lid (not shown) on the exterior of the electric vehicle 200. The insertion port 220 is a power receiving part that receives the supply of charging power from an external charging device (such as a charging pile 300). The insertion port 220 has a shape that can be installed with the connector 302 of the charging pile 300. Contacts are built into both the insertion port 220 and the connector 302. When the connector 302 is installed on the insertion port 220, the contacts contact each other, and the insertion port 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 pile 300.

[0053] Charging stand 300 may be installed on a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces in a parking lot, or on a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces provided on a road. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the charging pile 300 and the parking space 400. Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , when a plurality of parking spaces 400 are arranged in a horizontal arrangement by dividing lines 402 in a parking lot, a charging pile 300 is provided at a position adjacent to each parking space 400. Figure 3 As an example, one end ( Figure 3 In this case, the charging pile 300 is arranged along the sidewalk 500. When the electric vehicle 200 is parked in one of the plurality of parking spaces 400 and the charging pile 300 is in the second state, the user takes the connector 302 out of the charging pile 300 and connects it to the insertion port 220 of the electric vehicle 200.

[0054] Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of the charging pile 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 dividing line 412, the charging pile 300 is installed at a position adjacent to each parking space 410. Figure 4 , as an example, a structure in which a parking space 410 is set along a sidewalk 510 is shown. In this case, the charging pile 300 is set along the sidewalk 510. When the electric vehicle 200 is parked in one of the plurality of parking spaces 410 and the charging pile 300 is in the second state, the user takes out the connector 302 from the nearest charging pile 300 and connects it to the insertion port 220 of the electric vehicle 200.

[0055] As mentioned above, the movable charging pile 300 that can be raised and lowered is sometimes set up in parking lots as described above, and sometimes is set up in areas where vehicle access is restricted, such as parks, for use in emergencies such as disasters. However, when set up in such an area, if the charging pile 300 is easily accessible, there is a possibility that a vehicle enters the area in order to use the charging pile 300. On the other hand, if the charging pile 300 set up in the area cannot be used all the time, there is a possibility that the convenience of the charging pile 300 in an emergency is impaired.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the charging pile 300 is set in an area where vehicle access is restricted, when the control device 308 of the charging pile 300 is in the first state and a request information requesting the emergency use of the charging pile 300 is received via the communication unit 308c, the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 is permitted to rise. In addition, in this embodiment, the emergency use of the charging pile 300 includes at least one of the use of the charging pile 300 when a disaster occurs in the area including the area and the use of the charging pile 300 when an event is held in the area. In addition, the request information includes at least one of the disaster information and the event information described later.

[0057] Thus, in a situation where the number of users increases, such as when a disaster occurs or when an event is held, charging posts 300 installed in the area can be used.

[0058] Below, refer to Figure 5 , describing an example of control processing performed by the control device 308. Figure 5 308 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 308 of the charging station 300. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed every predetermined control cycle. In addition, it is assumed that the charging station 300 is installed in the area where the entry of the above-mentioned vehicle is restricted.

[0059] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, the control device 308 determines whether disaster information is received. The control device 308 determines, for example, whether disaster information is received from the management server 600. Disaster information includes information indicating that a disaster (such as an earthquake, typhoon, or heavy rain, etc.) has occurred in a region (such as a town or village) including an area where the charging pile 300 is set. For example, when the management server 600 receives disaster information indicating that a disaster has occurred in the region from a terminal, server, etc. of an autonomous group in the region, the disaster information is sent to the charging pile 300 set in the area where the entry of the electric vehicle 200 is restricted. When the control device 308 receives disaster information from the management server 600, it sets the flag indicating receipt to the ON state. When the flag is in the ON state, the control device 308 determines that the disaster information has been received. When the control device 308 determines that the disaster information has been received ("Yes" in S100), the processing is transferred to S102.

[0060] In S102 , the control device 308 permits the movable part 300 a of the charging stand 300 to rise.

[0061] Since the ascent of the movable part 300 a is permitted, when charging is requested using the user's portable terminal 700 , for example, the control device 308 controls the lifting device 306 so as to switch the charging stand 300 from the first state to the second state.

[0062] When a user uses the portable terminal 700 to request charging from the charging pile 300, for example, when the portable terminal 700 is within the range where it can communicate with the charging pile 300, the user starts a dedicated application and performs operations for establishing communication, etc., so that communication between the portable terminal 700 and the charging pile 300 is established, or communication between the portable terminal 700 and the charging pile 300 is automatically established.

[0063] When the user further performs a predetermined operation on the portable terminal 700 , the portable terminal 700 transmits the ascent request information for requesting the movable part 300 a to ascend to the charging station 300 , or automatically transmits the ascent request information to the charging station 300 when communication is established.

[0064] When the control device 308 receives the ascent request information from the portable terminal 700, it determines that there is an ascent request, and controls the lifting device 306 to be in the second state when the charging pile 300 is in the first state. In addition, the control device 308 may also perform ascent control after performing a predetermined authentication process between the portable terminal 700 and the charging pile 300, for example.

[0065] Alternatively, when the control device 308 receives the ascending request information from the management server 600, for example, it determines that there is an ascending request, and when the charging pile 300 is in the first state, controls the lifting device 306 to be in the second state. The management server 600 may send the ascending request information to the charging pile 300 in addition to the disaster information, and may send the ascending request information to the charging pile 300 after a predetermined time has passed since the disaster information was sent. The control device 308 then ends the processing.

[0066] If it is determined that disaster information has not been received (NO in S100 ), the process proceeds to S104 .

[0067] In S104, the control device 308 prohibits the rise of the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300. In this case, the control device 308 maintains the first state of the charging pile 300 even when receiving the rise request information from the management server 600 and the portable terminal 700. Alternatively, the control device 308 may not establish communication with the portable terminal 700 when the rise of the movable part 300a is prohibited. Furthermore, the control device 308 may control the lifting device 306 in a manner that becomes the first state, for example, when the charging pile 300 is in the second state. The control device 308 then ends the processing.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 6 , describing another example of the control processing performed by the control device 308. Figure 6 308 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing executed by the control device 308 of the charging station 300. The series of processing shown in the flowchart is repeatedly executed every predetermined control cycle. In addition, it is assumed that the charging station 300 is installed in the area where the entry of vehicles is restricted.

[0069] In S200, the control device 308 determines whether the event information is received. The control device 308 determines, for example, whether the event information is received from the management server 600. The event information includes information related to an event held in a region including an area where the charging post 300 is installed. Specifically, the event information includes information about a time period and a period during which the charging post 300 installed in the area where vehicle access is restricted is available in accordance with the time period of the event.

[0070] When the management server 600 receives the event information from a terminal or server of, for example, an organizer of the event, a group that manages the area, or an autonomous group in the area, the management server 600 sends the event information to the charging pile 300 set in the area where vehicle entry is restricted. When the control device 308 receives the event information from the management server 600, it sets the flag indicating receipt to the ON state. When the flag is in the ON state, the control device 308 determines that the event information has been received. When the control device 308 determines that the event information has been received ("Yes" in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0071] In S202, the control device 308 determines whether the current time is within the time period specified by the event information. The control device 308 may obtain the current time using a timer (not shown), or may obtain the current time from the management server 600. If it is determined that the current time is within the time period specified by the event information ("Yes" in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0072] In S204, the control device 308 permits the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 to rise. When the control device 308 receives the rise request information from the management server 600 or the mobile terminal 700, when the charging pile 300 is in the first state, the control device 308 controls the lifting device 306 to be in the second state. The control device 308 then ends the process.

[0073] If it is determined that the event information has not been received (No in S200 ) or if it is determined that the current time is not within the time period specified by the event information (No in S202 ), the process proceeds to S206 .

[0074] In S206, the control device 308 prohibits the rise of the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300. In this case, the control device 308 maintains the first state of the charging pile 300 even when receiving the rise request information from the management server 600 and the portable terminal 700. Alternatively, the control device 308 may not establish communication with the portable terminal 700 when the rise of the movable part 300a is prohibited. Furthermore, the control device 308 may control the lifting device 306 in a manner that becomes the first state when the charging pile 300 is in the second state. The control device 308 then ends the processing.

[0075] An example of the operation of the control device 308 of the charging stand 300 as the charging facility according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. It is assumed that the charging stand 300 is installed in an area where vehicle entry is restricted and is in a first state.

[0076] For example, suppose that when a disaster occurs in a region including an area where vehicle access is restricted, disaster information indicating the occurrence of the disaster is sent from a terminal or server of an autonomous group or the like in the region to the management server 600. Upon receiving the disaster information, the management server 600 sends the disaster information to the charging piles 300 provided in the area where vehicle access is restricted.

[0077] When it is determined that the charging pile 300 has received disaster information ("Yes" in S100), the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 is permitted to rise (S102). Therefore, when the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 sends a rise request information to the charging pile 300, the lifting device 306 is controlled in a manner such that the lifting device 306 changes from the first state to the second state in response to the receipt of the rise request information. Therefore, the charging pile 300 can be used by the user.

[0078] If it is determined that no disaster information has been received (No in S100 ), the movable portion 300a of the charging stand 300 is prohibited from ascending ( S104 ). Therefore, even if ascending request information is received from the management server 600 or the mobile terminal 700 , the charging stand 300 maintains the first state.

[0079] On the other hand, for example, suppose that when an event is held in a place including a park or a surrounding area where vehicle access is restricted, event information is sent from a terminal or server of the event organizer to the management server 600. When the management server 600 receives the event information, it sends the event information to the charging posts 300 set in the vehicle access restricted area in the event venue or the vehicle access restricted area around the event venue.

[0080] When it is determined that the charging pile 300 has received the activity information ("Yes" in S200), it is determined whether the current moment is within the time period specified by the activity information (S202). When it is determined that the current moment is within the specified time period ("Yes" in S202), the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 is permitted to rise (S204). Therefore, when the management server 600 and the portable terminal 700 send the rise request information to the charging pile 300, the lifting device 306 is controlled in a manner that changes from the first state to the second state according to the received rise request information. Therefore, the charging pile 300 can be used by the user.

[0081] If it is determined that no activity information has been received ("No" in S200), or if activity information has been received ("Yes" in S200) but the current time is before or after the specified time period ("No" in S202), the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 is prohibited from rising (S206). Therefore, even if the rising request information is received from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700, the charging pile 300 maintains the first state.

[0082] As described above, according to the charging pile 300 as the charging device involved in this embodiment, when receiving request information (disaster information or event information) for emergency use such as a disaster or an event, the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 is allowed to rise, so that the charging pile 300 can be used in an emergency such as when the number of users increases. Therefore, it is possible to provide a charging device that can be used without losing convenience in an emergency.

[0083] Furthermore, if the request information is not received, the movable portion 300a of the charging stand 300 is prohibited from rising, so that it is possible to suppress the use of the charging facility installed in the area where vehicle access is restricted in non-emergency situations.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the power supply 350 is described as an AC power supply, but the power supply 350 may be a DC power supply. In this case, the electric vehicle 200 may be configured such that the charger 212 is omitted.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example, a structure in which the connector 302 is stored in the storage space of the upper part of the movable part 300a is described, but for example, a socket may be provided on the upper side of the movable part 300a so as to be exposed. Thus, the user can charge the battery 214 mounted on the electric vehicle 200 by connecting the socket of the charging pile 300 and the insertion port 220 of the electric vehicle 200 using a charging cable prepared separately. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a structure in which a terminal portion that can be connected to the insertion port provided on the bottom surface of the electric vehicle 200 is provided on the upper part of the movable part 300a. Thus, by making the movable part 300a the second state, the insertion port of the electric vehicle 200 and the charging pile are electrically connected, so the user does not need to perform the operation of connecting the insertion port of the electric vehicle 200 and the charging pile, and can charge the battery 214 mounted on the electric vehicle 200.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the housing of the charging pile 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 pile 300 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, land other than parking lots in a park is described as an example of an area where vehicle entry is restricted, but it is not particularly limited to parks and may also include, for example, land other than parking lots in sports fields, schools, stadiums, or other public facilities.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that the ascent is always permitted when disaster information is received, but for example, when the disaster information includes information specifying the time period in which the charging pile 300 can be used, the ascent of the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 can be permitted limited to the specified time period, similar to when activity information is received.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that the ascending of the movable unit 300a is permitted when disaster information or event information is received, but ascending control may be performed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the lifting device 306 lifts the movable part 300a according to the lifting request and the lowering request is described as an example, but the lifting device 306 may also be a device that manually lifts the movable part 300a. In this case, the lifting device 306 can be configured to be able to control the state of a switching device that can switch between a locked state that prohibits the lifting of the movable part 300a and an unlocked state that releases the prohibition of the lifting by the control device 308. When the control device 308 permits the lifting of the movable part 300a, it changes the lifting device 306 from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the user can manually lift the movable part 300a.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the charging pile 300 receives a request for raising from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 is described as an example, but it can also be configured to be able to receive a request for raising from the electric vehicle 200. The electric vehicle 200 can request the movable part 300a to rise when establishing communication with the charging pile 300, or the user in the electric vehicle 200 can request the movable part 300a to rise by performing an operation to request the rise on the user interface of the electric vehicle 200 (such as a touch panel display, etc.).

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that in the control device 308 of the charging pile 300 arranged in the area where the vehicle entry is restricted, when it is determined that the request information requesting emergency use is received, the ascent of the movable part 300a is permitted, and when the request information is not received, the ascent of the movable part 300a is prohibited. However, in the management server 600 which is a management device for managing the actions of multiple charging piles 300, multiple charging piles 300 can also be controlled according to whether the request information is received.

[0093] Figure 7 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a plurality of charging posts 300 and a management server 600. Figure 7 The illustrated example shows a case where a plurality of charging posts 300 are installed in each of a first area 310 which is set outside a parking lot such as a park and to which vehicle entry is restricted, and a second area 312 which is set as a parking lot.

[0094] The management server 600 permits or prohibits the ascending of the movable portion 300 a of each of the charging pile 300 installed in the first area 310 and the charging pile 300 installed in the second area 312 .

[0095] In this case, the management server 600 may, for example, permit the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the first area 310 to rise, and permit the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 to rise, when receiving the request information. Furthermore, the management server 600 may, for example, prohibit the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the first area 310 from rising, and permit the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 to rise, when not receiving the request information.

[0096] Below, refer to Figure 8 , describing an example of a control process performed by the management server 600 in the 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 every predetermined control cycle.

[0097] In S300, the management server 600 determines whether disaster information has been received. As described above, the detailed description of disaster information will not be repeated. When the management server 600 receives disaster information from a terminal, server, etc. of a municipality, etc., it sets a flag indicating reception to an ON state. When the flag is in an ON state, the management server 600 determines that disaster information has been received. When it is determined that disaster information has been received ("Yes" in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0098] In S302 , the management server 600 permits the movable part 300 a of the charging pile 300 installed in the first area 310 to rise, and permits the movable part 300 a of the charging pile 300 installed in the second area 312 to rise.

[0099] Specifically, the management server 600 transmits permission information indicating permission for the movable portion 300 a of the charging pile 300 to ascend to each of the charging piles 300 installed in the first area 310 and the charging piles 300 installed in the second area 312 .

[0100] When the permission information is received in each charging pile 300, when the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 sends the ascending request information to the charging pile 300, the lifting device 306 is controlled in the charging pile 300 that has received the ascending request information so as to change from the first state to the second state. Therefore, the charging pile 300 in the second state can be used by the user. The management server 600 then ends the processing.

[0101] If it is determined that disaster information has not been received (NO in S300 ), the process proceeds to S304 .

[0102] In S304 , the management server 600 prohibits the movable part 300 a of the charging pile 300 installed in the first area 310 from rising, and permits the movable part 300 a of the charging pile 300 installed in the second area 312 to rise.

[0103] Specifically, the management server 600 transmits prohibition information for prohibiting the movable portion 300 a of the charging pile 300 from ascending to each of the charging piles 300 installed in the first area 310 . Furthermore, the management server 600 transmits permission information to each of the charging piles 300 installed in the second area 312 .

[0104] When the charging pile 300 in the first area 310 receives prohibition information, the charging pile 300 in the first area 310 maintains the first state even if the ascending request information is received from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700. In addition, when the charging pile 300 in the first area 310 is in the second state, the lifting device 306 may be controlled so as to change from the second state to the first state when the prohibition information is received.

[0105] On the other hand, when the permission information is received in the charging pile 300 in the second area 312, when the ascending request information is received from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700, the lifting device 306 is controlled so as to change from the first state to the second state in the charging pile 300 that has received the ascending request information. The management server 600 then ends the processing.

[0106] Next, 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 management server 600 in the modification. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed every predetermined control cycle.

[0107] In S400, the management server 600 determines whether the event information is received. As described above, the detailed description of the event information will not be repeated. When the management server 600 receives the event information from a terminal or server of an event organizer, a group that manages an area where vehicle entry is restricted, or an autonomous group that includes the area, the management server 600 sets a flag indicating reception to an ON state. When the flag is in an ON state, the management server 600 determines that the event information is received. When it is determined that the event information is received ("Yes" in S400), the process proceeds to S402.

[0108] In S402, the management server 600 determines whether the current time is within the time period specified by the activity information. The management server 600 may obtain the current time using a timer, or may obtain a synchronized time using the Internet, etc. as the current time. If it is determined that the current time is within the time period specified by the activity information ("Yes" in S402), the process proceeds to S404.

[0109] In S404, the management server 600 permits the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the first area 310 to rise, and permits the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 to rise. In addition, the processing content of S404 is the same as the processing content of S302 above, so the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The management server 600 then ends the processing.

[0110] If it is determined that the event information has not been received (No in S400 ) or if it is determined that the current time is not within the time period specified by the event information (No in 402 ), the process proceeds to S406 .

[0111] In S406, the management server 600 prohibits the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the first area 310 from rising, and permits the movable part 300a of the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 to rise. In addition, the content of the processing of S406 is the same as the content of the processing of S304 above, so the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The management server 600 then ends the processing.

[0112] An example of the operation of the management server 600 as the management device of the charging pile 300 in the modified example based on the above flowchart is described. It is assumed that the charging pile 300 installed in the first area 310 and the charging pile 300 installed in the second area 312 are in the first state.

[0113] For example, it is assumed that when a disaster occurs in a region including the first area 310 and the second area 312 , disaster information is transmitted from a terminal or a server of a self-governing body or the like in the region to the management server 600 .

[0114] When the management server 600 determines that disaster information has been received ("Yes" in S300), the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 installed in the first area 310 are allowed to rise, and the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 installed in the second area 312 are allowed to rise (S302). Therefore, when the rise request information from the management server 600 and the portable terminal 700 is sent to the charging pile 300, the charging pile 300 that has received the rise request information controls the lifting device 306 in a manner such that the charging pile 300 changes from the first state to the second state. Therefore, the charging pile 300 in the second state can be used by the user.

[0115] If it is determined that no disaster information has been received (No in S300), the rise of the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 disposed in the first area 310 is prohibited, and the rise of the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 disposed in the second area 312 is permitted (S304). Therefore, even if the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 sends a rise request message to the charging piles 300 disposed in the first area 310, the charging piles 300 that receive the rise request message maintain the first state.

[0116] When the ascending request information is transmitted from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 to the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 , the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 that receives the ascending request information controls the lifting device 306 so as to change from the first state to the second state.

[0117] On the other hand, for example, suppose that when an event is held at a place including the first area 310 and the second area 312 or in the vicinity thereof, event information is transmitted from a terminal or a server of an event organizer or the like.

[0118] When the management server 600 determines that the activity information is received ("Yes" in S400), it is determined whether the current moment is within the time period specified by the activity information (S402). When it is determined that the current moment is within the specified time period ("Yes" in S402), the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 disposed in the first area 310 are permitted to rise, and the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 disposed in the second area 312 are permitted to rise (S404). Therefore, when the rise request information from the management server 600 and the portable terminal 700 is subsequently sent to the charging pile 300, in the charging pile 300 that receives the rise request information, the lifting device 306 is controlled in such a way that the charging pile 300 changes from the first state to the second state.

[0119] If it is determined that the activity information is not received ("No" in S400), or if the activity information is received ("Yes" in S400) but the current time is before or after the specified time period ("No" in S402), the rise of the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 arranged in the first area 310 is prohibited, and the rise of the movable parts 300a of the charging piles 300 arranged in the second area 312 is permitted (S406). Therefore, even if the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 sends the rise request information to the charging piles 300 arranged in the first area 310, the charging piles 300 that receive the rise request information maintain the first state.

[0120] When the ascending request information is transmitted from the management server 600 or the portable terminal 700 to the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 , the charging pile 300 disposed in the second area 312 that receives the ascending request information controls the lifting device 306 so as to change from the first state to the second state.

[0121] Even so, when request information (disaster information or event information) for emergency use such as a disaster or an event is received, the movable portion 300a of the charging pile 300 provided in the first area 310 is permitted to rise, so that the charging pile 300 provided in the first area 310 can be used in an emergency such as when the number of users increases. Furthermore, if the request information is not received, the rise of the movable portion 300a of each charging pile 300 in the first area 310 is prohibited, so that the use of the charging pile 300 provided in the first area 310 in non-emergency situations can be suppressed. Therefore, a management device for charging equipment that can be used without losing convenience in an emergency can be provided.

[0122] In addition, the above-mentioned modified examples can also be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them. The embodiments disclosed this time are only illustrative in all aspects and should be considered non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not shown by the above description, but by the claims, and it is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A charging device, configured to be installed on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground, to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, the charging device being installed in an area where access to the vehicle is restricted, the charging device comprising: A movable part (300a) including a connection device that can be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device (306) configured to lift the movable part (300a) between a first state and a second state, the first state being a state in which the movable part (300a) is stored under the ground, and the second state being a state in which the movable part (300a) is exposed above the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device; a communication device configured to communicate with a device external to the charging device; and A control device (308), wherein the control device (308) is configured as follows: determining whether disaster information is received via the communication device, the disaster information being information indicating that a disaster has occurred in a region including the area, When it is determined that the disaster information has been received, the movable part (300a) is permitted to rise; When it is determined that the disaster information has not been received, the movable part (300a) is prohibited from ascending.

2. A charging device configured to be installed on the bottom surface of a recessed portion provided on the ground, and to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, wherein the charging device is installed in an area where entry of the vehicle is restricted, and the charging device is characterized in that it comprises: A movable part (300a) including a connection device that can be connected to the power storage device; a lifting device (306) configured to lift the movable part (300a) between a first state and a second state, the first state being a state in which the movable part (300a) is stored under the ground, and the second state being a state in which the movable part (300a) is exposed above the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device; a communication device configured to communicate with a device external to the charging device; as well as A control device (308), wherein the control device (308) is configured as follows: determining whether event information is received via the communication device, the event information including information related to an event held in a region including the area, When it is determined that the activity information is received, the movable part (300a) is permitted to rise within the time period specified by the activity information, and the movable part (300a) is prohibited to rise within the time period other than the time period specified by the activity information; When it is determined that the motion information has not been received, the movable part (300a) is prohibited from ascending.

3. A management device configured to manage the operation of a plurality of charging devices, the plurality of charging devices being arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion arranged on the ground and configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, the charging devices comprising: A movable part (300a) includes a connection device configured to be connectable to the power storage device; A lifting device (306); a communication device configured to communicate with the management device; and a control device (308), wherein the lifting device (306) is configured to lift the movable part (300a) between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is stored under the ground, and the second state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is exposed to the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device, wherein the control device (308) is configured to control the lifting device (306) using information received via the communication device, wherein the plurality of charging devices are arranged in each of a first area in which entry of the vehicle is restricted and a second area in which entry of the vehicle is not restricted, and wherein the management device is characterized in that the management device includes a processor (600), wherein the processor (600) is configured to: determining whether disaster information has been received, the disaster information being information indicating that a disaster has occurred in a region including the first area and the second area; When it is determined that the disaster information has been received, the movable portion (300a) of each of the plurality of charging devices in the first area and the second area is permitted to rise. When it is determined that the disaster information has not been received, the movable part (300a) of the charging equipment in the first area is prohibited from ascending, and the movable part (300a) of the charging equipment in the second area is permitted to ascend.

4. A management device configured to manage the operation of a plurality of charging devices, the plurality of charging devices being arranged on the bottom surface of a recessed portion arranged on the ground and configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, the charging devices comprising: A movable part (300a) includes a connection device configured to be connectable to the power storage device; A lifting device (306); a communication device configured to communicate with the management device; and a control device (308), wherein the lifting device (306) is configured to lift the movable part (300a) between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is stored under the ground, and the second state is a state in which the movable part (300a) is exposed to the ground and can be connected to the power storage device and the connection device, wherein the control device (308) is configured to control the lifting device (306) using information received via the communication device, wherein the plurality of charging devices are arranged in each of a first area in which entry of the vehicle is restricted and a second area in which entry of the vehicle is not restricted, and wherein the management device is characterized in that the management device includes a processor (600), wherein the processor (600) is configured to: determining whether event information is received, the event information including information related to an event held in a region including the first area and the second area; When it is determined that the activity information is received, the movable parts (300a) of the plurality of charging devices in the first area and the second area are permitted to rise within the time period specified by the activity information, and the movable parts (300a) of the charging devices in the first area are prohibited from rising within the time period other than the time period specified by the activity information, and the movable parts (300a) of the charging devices in the second area are permitted to rise; When it is determined that the activity information has not been received, the movable part (300a) of the charging device in the first area is prohibited from ascending, and the movable part (300a) of the charging device in the second area is permitted to ascend.

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