Charging device and control method of charging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging facility and a method for controlling the charging facility. A control device of the charging facility executes a process comprising the following steps: determining whether a vehicle is approaching; determining whether the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle that is not a target for use by the charging facility when the vehicle approaches; raising a movable portion if the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle; and lowering the movable portion if the approaching vehicle has passed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control of a mobile charging device that charges an on-vehicle power storage device. Background Art

[0002] Charging equipment used to charge power storage devices mounted on vehicles, etc., is often installed in parking lots or sidewalks outside the vehicles. However, this space can sometimes hinder pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Therefore, a technique is known to make the charging equipment movable, such as by storing it underground.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-109807 discloses a charging station that is configured to be raised and lowered so as to be able to stand upright from the ground and to be retracted below the ground. The charging station includes a socket to which a user connects a plug at the end of a charging cable when charging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Furthermore, the connection method between a vehicle and a charging device that can be stored underground is not limited to the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-109807. Other connection methods between a vehicle and a charging device include, for example, a method in which, when the vehicle is parked directly above the charging device, the connector of the charging device rises and connects to a charging port located below the vehicle. This type of connection allows the charging device to be used while the vehicle is parked in a designated parking position.

[0005] However, if, for example, a vehicle that is not a target user of the charging facility and has reserved access to the charging facility moves to a designated parking position before a vehicle that is not a target user of the charging facility parks at the designated parking position, the target vehicle cannot move to the parking position, and the power storage device mounted on the target vehicle may not be charged. This may impair user convenience.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging device and a method for controlling the charging device that suppress deterioration of user convenience.

[0007] A charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a movable charging device that is installed in a recessed portion formed under the ground and is capable of charging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. A charging port for charging the power storage device is provided at the bottom of the vehicle. The charging device comprises: a movable portion having a connector configured to be connected to a charging port of a vehicle parked at a predetermined position; a lifting device that raises and lowers the movable portion within a movable range including a first position and a second position, the first position being a position where the connector is stored under the ground and the second position being a position where the connector is connected to the charging port on the ground; and a control device that controls the movement of the lifting device. The control device raises the movable portion from the first position when a non-target vehicle that is not the target of use of the charging device approaches the charging device.

[0008] In this way, when a non-target vehicle that is not the intended user of the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the movable portion rises from the first position, thereby preventing the non-target vehicle from parking at the specified location. This prevents the intended user of the charging facility from being unable to park, thereby minimizing the deterioration of user convenience.

[0009] In one embodiment, when a target vehicle that is a target of utilizing the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the control device raises the movable portion from the first position to the second position when the target vehicle is parked at a predetermined position.

[0010] In this way, when a target vehicle that is a target of the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the movable portion rises from the first position to the second position when the target vehicle is parked at a predetermined position, thereby connecting to the charging port via the connector to charge the power storage device mounted on the target vehicle.

[0011] In still another embodiment, the control device lowers the movable portion to the first position when the non-target vehicle passes the charging facility.

[0012] In this manner, when a non-target vehicle passes the charging facility, the movable portion is lowered to the first position, and thus the target vehicle can be parked at a predetermined position thereafter.

[0013] In still another embodiment, when a non-target vehicle approaches the charging facility, the control device raises the movable portion to a height that prevents the vehicle from parking at a predetermined position.

[0014] With this configuration, when a non-target vehicle that is not a target of the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the movable portion rises from the first position to a height that prevents the non-target vehicle from parking at the predetermined position, thereby preventing the non-target vehicle from parking at the predetermined position.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a charging device that is installed in a recessed portion formed under the ground and that is capable of charging a vehicle-mounted power storage device. A charging port for charging the power storage device is provided at the bottom of the vehicle. The charging device comprises: a movable portion having a connector configured to be connected to a charging port of a vehicle parked at a predetermined position; and a lifting device that raises and lowers the movable portion within a movable range including a first position and a second position, the first position being a position where the connector is stored under the ground and the second position being a position where the connector is connected to the charging port on the ground. The control method includes: a step of determining whether a non-target vehicle that is not intended for use of the charging device is approaching the charging device; and a step of raising the movable portion from the first position when the non-target vehicle approaches the charging device.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging device and a method for controlling the charging device that suppress deterioration of user convenience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging facility according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a figure which shows the state after the movable part rises.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining communication performed in a charging device.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device of the charging facility.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the control device of the charging facility.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the control device of the charging facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0025] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the charging device 300 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the charging equipment 300 is a movable charging equipment configured to be storable under the ground surface F1. Figure 1 The state of the charging equipment 300 shown is a state in which the charging equipment 300 is stored under the floor surface F1 (hereinafter also referred to as “stored state”).

[0026] Charging device 300 is installed in a recess R1 extending downward from floor F1. When stored, the entire charging device 300 is housed within recess R1. Charging device 300 has a cylindrical housing. The housing is fixed to the bottom surface of recess R1. The housing can be made of either metal or plastic. The surface of the housing can also be treated to be waterproof.

[0027] The charging device 300 includes a power supply circuit 310, an actuator 320, and a control device 330 within a housing. Furthermore, the charging device 300 includes a movable portion 301 that is displaceable in the vertical direction (up and down direction). The movable portion 301 is a rod-shaped component having a connector 301a at its front end. The actuator 320 acts as a lifting device that raises and lowers the movable portion 301. In the retracted state, the entire movable portion 301 is housed within the housing of the charging device 300, and the top surface of the charging device 300 is flush with the ground F1. A sealing member may also be provided in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the housing of the charging device 300 and the inner wall of the recess R1.

[0028] The connector 301a of the movable part 301 is connected to the power circuit 310 via an electric wire not shown in the figure. In addition to the power line connected to the power circuit 310, the movable part 301 may also include a communication line connected to the control device 330. The power circuit 310 is configured to receive power from the AC power supply 350 and supply power to the movable part 301 (more specifically, the connector 301a). The power circuit 310 includes a power conversion circuit, which acts as a charger on the charging device side. The AC power supply 350 supplies AC power to the power circuit 310. The AC power supply 350 can also be a commercial power supply (for example, a power system provided by a power company). The power circuit 310 is controlled by the control device 330.

[0029] The actuator 320 is configured to directly or indirectly apply power to the movable part 301 to move the movable part 301 in the vertical direction. The actuator 320 may also be an electric actuator that uses the electricity supplied from the power supply circuit 310 to generate power. The displacement mechanism of the movable part 301 may also be a rack and pinion type. For example, it may be configured so that a rack is fixed to the movable part 301, and the actuator 320 drives a pinion meshing with the rack to rotate. Alternatively, it may be configured so that a rod connected to the piston is fixed to the movable part 301, and the actuator 320 uses hydraulic pressure to move the piston. Alternatively, the actuator 320 may also use electricity to generate magnetic force and use the magnetic force to directly apply power to the movable part 301. The actuator 320 is controlled by a control device 330.

[0030] The control device 330 can be a computer. The control device 330 is configured to include a processor 331, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 332 and a storage device 333. As the processor 331, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. The storage device 333 is configured to be able to store information. In addition to the program, the storage device 333 also stores information used in the program (such as mapping, mathematical formulas and various parameters). In this embodiment, the various controls in the charging device 300 are executed by the processor 331 executing the program stored in the storage device 333. However, the various controls in the charging device 300 are not limited to software-based execution, and can also be executed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). It should be noted that the number of processors provided by the control device 330 is arbitrary, and a processor can be prepared for each specified control.

[0031] The charging device 300 is connected to the vehicle in such a way that, when the vehicle 200 is parked directly above the movable unit 301 stored below the ground surface F1, the connector 301a of the movable unit 301 rises from under the floor of the vehicle 200 toward the vehicle 200 and connects to the charging port 211 provided below the vehicle 200. The connector 301a of the movable unit 301 is configured to be connectable to the charging port 211 provided below the vehicle 200 when the vehicle 200 is parked in a predetermined parking position. In this embodiment, the position at which the charging device 300 supplies power to the vehicle 200 is such that, when viewed from above, the connector 301a and the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200 are aligned (i.e., the X and Y coordinates of the connector 301a and the charging port 211 are aligned). Movable portion 301 is configured to displace within a movable range including a first position where connector 301a is stored under ground surface F1 and a second position where connector 301a is connected to charging port 211 of vehicle 200 on ground surface F1.

[0032] Figure 2 3 is a diagram showing a state where the movable portion 301 is raised. Figure 2 The movable portion 301 is displaced (raised and lowered) in the vertical direction so as to change the position Zx of the connector 301 a. Figure 2 The illustrated state of charging equipment 300 is a state in which connector 301a is raised to a position (second position) connected to charging port 211 of vehicle 200 (hereinafter also referred to as the "raised state"). For ease of description, position Zx of connector 301a of movable unit 301 is considered the position of movable unit 301.

[0033] The movable part 301 is configured to move within a movable range R2. The lower limit position Z1 of the movable range R2 is at the same height as the ground F1. When the movable part 301 is at the lower limit position Z1, the entire movable part 301 (including the connector 301a) is stored below the ground F1 (refer to Figure 1 ). If the position of the movable part 301 is higher than the lower limit position Z1, the connector 301a is exposed on the ground F1. The upper limit position Z2 of the movable range R2 is set to a position that is sufficiently high relative to the height of the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200. The movable range R2 includes a first position (for example, the lower limit position Z1) where the connector 301a is stored under the ground and a second position (for example, the lower limit position Z1) where the connector 301a is connected to the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200 on the ground. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the lower limit position Z1 is the same position as the ground F1, but the lower limit position Z1 may be set to a position lower than the ground F1.

[0034] Figure 3 3 is a diagram for explaining the communication performed in the charging device 300. Figure 3 As shown, charging equipment 300 further includes a parking sensor 302 and a communication device 303 .

[0035] The parking sensor 302 is a sensor that obtains positional offset information indicating the relative positional relationship between the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200 and the connector 301a (e.g., the direction and distance of the positional offset). The parking sensor 302 may also obtain the above-mentioned positional offset information, for example, by recognizing a marker M provided near the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200. The parking sensor 302 may include at least one of a laser and a camera. The detection results of the parking sensor 302 are output to the control device 330. The control device 330 can use the detection results of the parking sensor 302 to determine whether the vehicle 200 is parked in a predetermined parking position. For example, if the stationary state of the vehicle 200 continues for a predetermined time after the parking sensor 302 detects that the vehicle 200 has stopped in the predetermined parking position, the control device 330 may determine that the vehicle 200 is parked in the predetermined parking position.

[0036] Communication device 303 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with server 600 and portable terminal 100. Communication device 303 transmits information received from outside charging facility 300 to control device 330. Control device 330 sequentially transmits the status of charging facility 300 to server 600 via communication device 303.

[0037] The portable terminal 100 corresponds to a portable terminal carried by a user of the vehicle 200. The portable terminal 100 has a built-in computer. In this embodiment, a smartphone with a touch panel display is used as the portable terminal 100. However, this is not limiting. Any portable terminal can be used as the portable terminal 100, including a tablet terminal, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch), or an electronic key.

[0038] The portable terminal 100 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the charging device 300 and the server 600. Predetermined application software (hereinafter referred to as "application") is installed in the portable terminal 100. The portable terminal 100 is carried by the user of the vehicle 200 and is capable of transmitting and receiving information with the charging device 300 and the server 600, respectively, using the application. The user can operate the application, for example, using the touch panel display of the portable terminal 100. Furthermore, the touch panel display of the portable terminal 100 is configured to notify the user of the vehicle 200 of information.

[0039] In this embodiment, when a user launches the aforementioned application on mobile terminal 100 and successfully authenticates the user with server 600, the user can use the application to schedule the use of charging equipment 300 near the destination. In this embodiment, mobile terminal 100 is configured to transmit information regarding a desired time slot and destination to server 600 in response to a user request. The user can input information regarding the desired time slot and destination into mobile terminal 100 via the touch-panel display.

[0040] When the user performs an operation to reserve the use of a charging facility 300 near a destination within a user's desired time period, the server 600 sets any one of the plurality of charging facilities near the destination as a charging facility to be reserved.

[0041] Figures 1 to 3Vehicle 200 shown is an electric vehicle that includes a battery 210, equipment for traveling using the power stored in battery 210 (e.g., a motor generator 221 and an inverter 222, described later), and equipment for charging battery 210 using a charging facility 300 (e.g., a charging port 211 and a charger 212, described later). Vehicle 200 in this embodiment is an electric vehicle (EV) that does not include an engine (internal combustion engine).

[0042] Vehicle 200 also includes an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 230 and a communication device 240. ECU 230 may be a computer. ECU 230 includes a processor, RAM, and a storage device (none of which are shown). The processor executes programs stored in the storage device to perform various vehicle control functions. However, vehicle control functions are not limited to software-based functions and can also be performed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0043] The ECU 230 is configured to communicate with the outside of the vehicle 200 via the communication device 240. The communication device 240 is configured to include various communication I / Fs (interfaces). The communication device 240 may include a communication interface for communicating with the server 600 ( Figure 3 ) for wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication device 240 mounted on the vehicle 200 and the portable terminal 100 are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The ECU 230 can control the portable terminal 100 through wireless communication and cause the portable terminal 100 to notify the user. Communication between the communication device 240 and the portable terminal 100 can also be short-range communication (e.g., direct communication within the vehicle and its surroundings).

[0044] The battery 210 is configured to include a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The secondary battery may be a battery pack or an all-solid-state battery. It should be noted that other power storage devices such as an electric double-layer capacitor may be used in place of the secondary battery.

[0045] Vehicle 200 also includes a monitoring module 210a that monitors the status of battery 210. Monitoring module 210a includes various sensors that detect the status of battery 210 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature) and outputs the detection results to ECU 230. Monitoring module 210a may also be a BMS (Battery Management System) that, in addition to the aforementioned sensor functions, also has SOC (State of Charge) estimation functions, SOH (State of Health) estimation functions, cell voltage equalization functions, diagnostic functions, and communication functions. ECU 230 can obtain the status of battery 210 (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and internal resistance) based on the output of monitoring module 210a.

[0046] The vehicle 200 is provided with an electric generator (hereinafter referred to as "MG") 221 and an inverter (hereinafter referred to as "INV") 222 for electric travel. MG221 is, for example, a three-phase AC electric generator. MG221 is configured to be driven by INV222 to rotate the drive wheels W of the vehicle 200. INV222 is controlled by ECU230. INV222 uses the power supplied from the battery 210 to drive MG221. In addition, MG221 performs regenerative power generation and supplies the generated power to the battery 210 via INV222. It should be noted that the driving method of the vehicle 200 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 Front-wheel drive shown; rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive also available.

[0047] Vehicle 200 is configured to be capable of autonomous driving. Vehicle 200 further includes an autonomous driving sensor 250. Autonomous driving sensor 250 is a sensor used for autonomous driving. However, autonomous driving sensor 250 can also be used for predetermined control when autonomous driving is not being executed.

[0048] The autonomous driving sensor 250 includes sensors for acquiring information for identifying the external environment of the vehicle 200 and sensors for acquiring information related to the position and posture of the vehicle 200. The autonomous driving sensor 250 may include, for example, at least one of a camera, a millimeter-wave radar, and a lidar. The autonomous driving sensor 250 may also include, for example, at least one of an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The ECU 230 is configured to use the various information acquired by the autonomous driving sensor 250 to control the accelerator, brake, and steering device (none of which are shown) of the vehicle 200, thereby executing autonomous driving of the vehicle 200.

[0049] Vehicle 200 includes a charging port 211 for contact charging and a charger 212. Charging port 211 is located at the bottom of vehicle 200 (e.g., near the floor panel). Position detection mark M is located near charging port 211. Although not shown, vehicle 200 also includes circuitry for detecting the connection status of charging port 211 (e.g., circuitry for detecting whether connector 301a is connected to charging port 211).

[0050] Charging port 211 is configured to connect to connector 301a of charging device 300. Both charging port 211 and connector 301a have built-in contacts. When connector 301a and charging port 211 are connected, the contacts come into contact, electrically connecting charging port 211 and connector 301a. Hereinafter, the state in which connector 301a is connected to charging port 211 (i.e., the state in which charging device 300 and vehicle 200 are electrically connected) is referred to as the "plugged-in state." Furthermore, the state in which connector 301a is not connected to charging port 211 (i.e., the state in which charging device 300 and vehicle 200 are not electrically connected) is referred to as the "unplugged state."

[0051] Charger 212 includes a power conversion circuit (not shown). The power conversion circuit converts power supplied from outside the vehicle to charging port 211 into power suitable for charging battery 210. For example, when AC power is supplied from charging port 211, charger 212 converts the supplied AC power into DC power and supplies it to battery 210. Charger 212 is controlled by ECU 230.

[0052] Figure 1 The server 600 shown is configured to include a control device, a storage device and a communication device (none of which are shown in the figure). The server 600 can be a computer. The control device is configured to include a processor and perform prescribed information processing. The storage device is configured to be able to store various information. The communication device includes various communication I / Fs. In the server 600, the control device is configured to communicate with the outside through the communication device. The server 600 is configured to be able to communicate with the portable terminal 100 and the charging device 300 respectively. In addition, the server 600 can also be configured to communicate with the vehicle 200 via the charging device 300 during the charging of the battery 210.

[0053] Server 600 has registered a plurality of vehicles (including vehicle 200), a plurality of users (including the user of vehicle 200), and a plurality of charging devices (including charging device 300). Furthermore, user terminals (including portable terminal 100) are also registered with server 600 along with the users. Server 600 is configured to manage information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), information on each registered vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), and information on each registered charging device (hereinafter also referred to as "charging device information"). Information related to user terminals is included in at least one of the user information and vehicle information. User information, vehicle information, and charging device information are stored in the storage device of server 600.

[0054] Identification information (user ID) for identifying each user is assigned to each user, and server 600 uses the user ID to distinguish and manage user information. The user ID also serves as information identifying the user's terminal (terminal ID). User information includes, for example, the communication address and location information of the user's portable terminal, and information identifying the vehicle belonging to the user (vehicle ID). Furthermore, identification information (vehicle ID) for identifying each vehicle is assigned to each vehicle, and server 600 uses the vehicle ID to distinguish and manage vehicle information. Vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle specifications (such as those related to charging) and information received by server 600 from the user terminal (such as the vehicle's travel plan). Furthermore, identification information (EVSE-ID) for identifying each charging device is assigned to each charging device, and server 600 uses the EVSE-ID to distinguish and manage charging device information. Charging device information includes the location of the charging device, the charging device's connection status (plugged in / unplugged), the combination of the plugged charging device and vehicle (vehicle ID and EVSE-ID), and the EVSE's power supply status (powering on / off).

[0055] When the charging device 300 having the above structure is not in use, it is in the storage state (for example, Figure 1 ), so even if the charging device 300 is set on the street, it is possible to avoid damaging the scenery.

[0056] Such use of the charging facility 300 can be performed by, for example, making a reservation in advance using the aforementioned mobile terminal 100 or the like and moving the vehicle 200 to a predetermined parking position of the charging facility 300 reserved by the user.

[0057] For example, when a user makes a reservation on the app for use of a charging facility 300 near a destination during a desired time period, as described above, server 600 sets a charging facility 300 among multiple charging facilities near the destination that is available for reservations during the user's desired time period (and has no other reservations) as the designated charging facility. Server 600 transmits reservation information regarding the desired time period, the user ID, and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as the target vehicle) that is to be used by the charging facility 300 to the designated charging facility 300. Server 600 then stores the reservation information in a storage device, associating it with the user ID, vehicle ID, and EVSE ID.

[0058] The user moves the target vehicle to the designated parking position of the charging facility 300 for which the reservation is made. In this case, the user can move the target vehicle to the designated parking position either through automatic driving (autoparking) or through manual driving (the user's own driving). The target vehicle's ECU 230 transmits the target vehicle's position information, acquired by the automatic driving sensor 250 during movement, to the charging facility 300 designated for the reservation, via server 600, for example, at predetermined intervals.

[0059] When the target vehicle is parked in the designated parking position within the user's desired time period, control device 330 of charging facility 300, designated as the target vehicle for reservation, activates actuator 320 to raise movable unit 301 to the second position. At this point, control device 330 obtains a vehicle ID from the target vehicle, for example, and raises movable unit 301 if the obtained vehicle ID matches the vehicle ID received from server 600.

[0060] When the movable unit 301 is raised to the second position by the control device 330, the connector 301a is connected to the charging port 211 of the target vehicle, becoming plugged in. The control device 330 activates the power supply circuit 310 to supply AC power to the target vehicle. In the target vehicle, the supplied AC power is used to charge the onboard battery 210.

[0061] However, if, for example, a vehicle other than the one used by the charging facility 300 set as the reservation target (hereinafter referred to as a non-target vehicle) parks at the designated parking position before the target vehicle moves to the designated parking position, the target vehicle cannot move to the parking position, and the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle may not be charged. This may impair user convenience.

[0062] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 330 of the charging facility 300 raises the movable portion 301 from the first position when a non-target vehicle approaches the charging facility 300 .

[0063] In this way, it is possible to prevent non-target vehicles from parking at the prescribed parking position. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the target vehicle cannot park at the prescribed parking position, thereby preventing deterioration of user convenience.

[0064] Below, use Figure 4 An example of processing executed by control device 330 of charging facility 300 will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control device 330 of charging facility 300 .

[0065] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, the control device 330 determines whether the vehicle is approaching the charging device 300. The control device 330 can use, for example, an image captured by a camera that captures the surroundings of the charging device 300 to determine whether the vehicle is approaching the charging device 300. The control device 330 can, for example, determine that the vehicle is approaching the charging device 300 when the captured image is analyzed and the image contains an image of a moving vehicle. Regarding the extraction of the image of the vehicle based on image analysis, well-known techniques can be used and their detailed description is not given. The camera can be provided outside the charging device 300, or it can be provided at the upper end of the charging device 300. When it is determined that the vehicle is approaching (yes in S100), the process moves to S102.

[0066] In S102, control device 330 determines whether the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle. For example, control device 330 may determine that the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle if it cannot obtain a vehicle ID from the approaching vehicle. Alternatively, control device 330 may determine that the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle if the vehicle ID obtained from the approaching vehicle differs from the vehicle ID received from server 600 as a vehicle that has made a reservation to use charging facility 300. Alternatively, control device 330 may determine that the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle if the positions of the target vehicle and the approaching vehicle do not match. Control device 330 may determine that the positions of the target vehicle and the approaching vehicle do not match if the distance between the position of the target vehicle received via server 600 and the position of the approaching vehicle is greater than a threshold. Alternatively, control device 330 may determine that the positions of the target vehicle and the approaching vehicle do not match if the difference between a first distance between the position of the target vehicle and charging facility 300, received via server 600, and a second distance between the approaching vehicle and charging facility 300 is greater than a threshold. If it is determined that the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle (YES in S102 ), the process proceeds to S104 .

[0067] In S104, control device 330 raises movable unit 301 from the first position. For example, control device 330 raises movable unit 301 from the first position to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is, for example, a position corresponding to a height that prevents the charging equipment 300 from being parked at the predetermined parking position.

[0068] In S106, control device 330 determines whether the approaching vehicle has passed charging facility 300. Control device 330 determines whether the approaching vehicle has passed, for example, using images captured by a camera capturing images of the surroundings of charging facility 300. Control device 330 may determine that the approaching vehicle has passed if the captured images do not contain an image corresponding to the approaching vehicle. If it is determined that the approaching vehicle has passed charging facility 300 (YES in S106), processing proceeds to S108.

[0069] In S108, the control device 330 lowers the movable part 301 to the first position. That is, the control device 330 controls the actuator 320 in such a manner that the movable part 301 is displaced to the first position. More specifically, the control device 330 lowers the movable part 301 to the lower limit position Z1 of the movable range R2. It should be noted that, if it is determined that the vehicle is not approaching (No in S100), the process ends. Furthermore, if it is determined that the approaching vehicle is not a non-target vehicle (No in S102), the process moves to S110. Furthermore, if it is determined that the approaching vehicle has not passed (No in S106), the process returns to S106.

[0070] In S110, the control device 330 determines whether the target vehicle has moved to the specified parking position. The control device 330 uses the detection result of the parking sensor 302 as described above to determine whether the target vehicle has been parked in the specified parking position. Alternatively, the control device 330 may determine that the target vehicle has moved to the specified parking position when the distance between the position of the target vehicle and the specified parking position is less than a threshold value. The control device 330 may obtain the position information of the target vehicle via the server 600, or may obtain the position information directly from the target vehicle. When it is determined that the target vehicle has moved to the specified parking position (yes in S110), the processing moves to S112. It should be noted that when it is determined that the target vehicle has not moved to the specified parking position (no in S110), the processing returns to S110.

[0071] In S112, the control device 330 controls the actuator 320 so that the movable part 301 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the connector 301a of the movable part 301 rises from under the floor of the target vehicle toward the charging port 211 of the target vehicle and connects to the charging port 211 provided at the lower part of the target vehicle. Through this process, the charging device 300 is in the raised state (for example, Figure 2 ). Then, the target vehicle and charging facility 300 are in the plugged-in state. In the plugged-in state, electric power can be transferred between the target vehicle and charging facility 300.

[0072] In S114, control device 330 executes charging. Specifically, control device 330 controls power supply circuit 310 to supply power (power feeding) from charging facility 300 to the target vehicle. This process starts power feeding to the target vehicle and charging of onboard battery 210.

[0073] More specifically, the power supply circuit 310 of the charging device 300 converts (e.g., transforms) the AC power supplied from the AC power source 350 into AC power suitable for powering the target vehicle and supplies the converted power to the connector 301a. In the plugged-in state, the power supplied from the power supply circuit 310 to the connector 301a is input into the charging port 211 of the target vehicle. The power input to the charging port 211 is supplied to the battery 210 via the charger 212. During charging of the battery 210, the control device 330 controls the power supply circuit 310 to adjust the power supplied to the target vehicle, and the ECU 230 controls the charger 212 to adjust the charging power. In this manner, the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle is charged.

[0074] In S116, the control device 330 determines whether the charging of the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle has been completed. The control device 330 determines that the charging of the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle has been completed, for example, when information indicating a request to stop the power supply is received from the target vehicle. Alternatively, the control device 330 may determine that the charging of the battery 210 has been completed, for example, when information indicating a request to stop the power supply is received from the portable terminal 100. When it is determined that the charging of the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle has been completed (Yes in S116), the processing moves to S118. It should be noted that when it is determined that the charging of the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle has not been completed (No in S116), the processing returns to S116.

[0075] In S118, control device 330 stops charging. Specifically, control device 330 controls power supply circuit 310 so that the supply of electric power to the target vehicle is stopped. Control device 330 then shifts the process to S108.

[0076] Regarding the operation of the control device 330 of the charging equipment 300 based on the above structure and flowchart, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Provide explanation. Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the control device 330 of the charging facility 300 . Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the control device 330 of the charging facility 300 .

[0077] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In this example, multiple parking spaces 801, 802, and 803 are arranged vertically (columns) in a parking lot by a dividing line L. Charging equipment 300 is installed only in parking space 802. Sidewalk 900 is adjacent to parking spaces 801, 802, and 803. Sidewalk 900 is provided along the length of each parking space.

[0078] For example, consider a situation where a non-target vehicle approaches. Figure 5 The solid-line frame shows a state where the non-target vehicle 200A approaches the charging facility 300. Figure 5 The dotted-line frame shows a state where non-target vehicle 200A passes charging facility 300 .

[0079] like Figure 5As shown in the solid-line frame, if a vehicle approaches (YES in S100) and the approaching vehicle is non-target vehicle 200A (YES in S102), movable unit 301 is raised to a height that prevents parking (S104). This prevents non-target vehicles from parking in parking space 802 where charging equipment 300 is installed.

[0080] And, as Figure 5 As shown in the dashed box, if non-target vehicle 200A passes charging facility 300 (YES in S106), actuator 320 is controlled so that movable unit 301 moves to the first position. As a result, movable unit 301 is lowered to position Z1, the lower limit of movable range R2 (S108). Consequently, the target vehicle, which is the target of charging facility 300, can then be parked in parking space 802.

[0081] Next, imagine a situation where the target vehicle approaches. Figure 6 The solid-line frame shows a state where the target vehicle 200B is approaching the charging facility 300. Figure 6 The dotted-line frame shows a state in which the target vehicle 200B is parked at a predetermined parking position in the parking space 802 .

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown in the solid line frame, when a vehicle approaches (Yes in S100) and the approaching vehicle is the target vehicle 200B (not the non-target vehicle) (No in S102), the upward movement of the movable part 301 is suspended until the target vehicle 200B moves to the specified parking position (No in S110). Figure 6 As shown in the dashed box, when the target vehicle 200B moves to the specified parking position (YES in S110), the movable unit 301 is raised to the second position (S112). When the movable unit 301 is raised to the second position and the connector 301a is connected to the charging port on the lower portion of the target vehicle 200B, charging is performed (S114). When the battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle 200B is fully charged, or when information indicating a power supply stop request is received from the target vehicle 200B, charging is determined to be complete (YES in S116), and the power supply circuit 310 is controlled to stop power supply, thereby stopping charging (S118).

[0083] Then, the actuator 320 is controlled in such a manner that the movable part 301 is displaced from the second position to the first position. As a result, the movable part 301 is lowered to the lower limit position Z1 of the movable range R2 (S108). Therefore, the connector 301a of the movable part 301 is separated from the charging port of the target vehicle 200B, and the target vehicle 200B and the charging device 300 are unplugged. Moreover, when the position of the movable part 301 becomes the lower limit position Z1, the ground F1 and the connector 301a of the movable part 301 are on the same plane. In this way, the charging device 300 becomes the stored state again (for example Figure 1 status shown).

[0084] As described above, according to charging equipment 300 of this embodiment, when a non-target vehicle that is not permitted to use charging equipment 300 (i.e., has not made a reservation for use) approaches charging equipment 300, movable portion 301 rises from the first position to a height that prevents the vehicle from moving to the designated parking position. This prevents the non-target vehicle from parking in the designated parking position. This prevents the target vehicle from being unable to park in the designated parking position, thereby minimizing the deterioration of user convenience. Consequently, a charging equipment and a method for controlling the charging equipment can be provided that minimize the deterioration of user convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, when a non-target vehicle passes charging facility 300, movable unit 301 is lowered to the first position, allowing a target vehicle that can subsequently use charging facility 300 (i.e., has made a reservation for use) to park at a predetermined location. Furthermore, when a target vehicle approaches charging facility 300 and parks at a predetermined location, movable unit 301 is raised from the first position to the second position, connecting connector 301a to charging port 211, thereby enabling charging of battery 210 mounted on the target vehicle.

[0086] Modifications will be described below.

[0087] In the above embodiment, AC power is supplied from the charging facility 300 to the vehicle 200. However, DC power may be supplied from the charging facility 300 to the vehicle 200. In this case, the vehicle 200 may be configured such that the charger 212 is omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the housing of the charging device 300 has a cylindrical shape is described as an example. However, any shape that can be raised and lowered is not particularly limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the housing of the charging device 300 may also have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the charging device 300 is Figures 1 to 3The structure shown is described as an example, but the shape and size of the housing of the charging device 300 can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the shape and size of the movable part can also be changed as appropriate.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle 200 is Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated configuration is provided as an example. However, vehicle 200 is not limited to an EV and may also be a PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle). Furthermore, vehicle 200 is not limited to a sedan and may also be a bus or truck. Vehicle 200 may also have flight capabilities. Vehicle 200 may also be a vehicle capable of unmanned operation (e.g., an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or agricultural machinery).

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the charging device 300 is described as rising to a height that prevents the vehicle from moving to the designated parking position when a non-target vehicle approaches. However, the charging device 300 may be raised to a height at which the driver of the non-target vehicle can at least recognize that the connector 301a has risen. By allowing the driver of the non-target vehicle to recognize the rising connector 301a, the non-target vehicle can be prevented from moving to the designated parking position.

[0092] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the charging device 300 uses images captured by a camera that captures the surroundings of the charging device 300 to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300. However, for example, in a case where the parking space of the charging device 300 is set in a parking lot that can accommodate multiple vehicles, images captured at the entrance and exit of the parking lot can also be used to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300.

[0093] For example, control device 330 may analyze the captured image and determine that a vehicle is approaching charging facility 300 when the image includes an image of a vehicle entering a parking lot.

[0094] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the charging device 300 uses images captured by a camera that captures the surroundings of the charging device 300 to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300. However, the detection results of proximity sensors installed at specified positions in lanes around the parking space (road surface, on the road, on the side walls of the road, etc.) can also be used to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300.

[0095] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the charging device 300 uses images captured by a camera that captures the surroundings of the charging device 300 to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300. However, it is also possible to determine whether a vehicle is approaching the charging device 300 by receiving information about a vehicle approaching the charging device 300 from the server 600.

[0096] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device 330 has been described as determining that the target vehicle is a non-target vehicle when the position of the target vehicle and the position of the approaching vehicle are inconsistent. However, for example, the control device 330 may also analyze the image captured by the camera when it is able to obtain image information about the target vehicle from the server 600, and determine that the approaching vehicle is a non-target vehicle when the captured image does not contain an image of the target vehicle.

[0097] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a method of determining whether a vehicle is a target vehicle or a non-target vehicle based on whether a reservation has been made for utilization is described, but it is also possible to determine whether a vehicle is a target vehicle or a non-target vehicle based on whether it is registered as a usable vehicle in the server 600 (i.e., whether it is a vehicle ID stored in the server 600).

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connection between the charging device 300 and the vehicle 200 is described as follows: when the vehicle 200 is parked directly above the movable unit 301 stored below the ground, the connector 301a of the movable unit 301 rises from under the floor of the vehicle 200 toward the vehicle 200 and connects to the charging port 211 provided below the vehicle 200. However, this connection is not limited to this connection method, and the following connection methods are also possible. For example, the charging device 300 may be arranged so that, in the first position, the movable unit 301 is not directly below the vehicle 200. Furthermore, when the movable unit 301 moves (rises) from the first position to the second position, it may move diagonally upward toward the space directly below the vehicle 200. In this case, when the movable unit 301 moves to the second position, the connector 301a of the movable unit 301 connects to the charging port 211 of the vehicle 200.

[0099] It should be noted that all or part of the above-mentioned modifications may be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered as examples in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is not determined by the description of the embodiments described above, but by the scope of the claims for protection, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to those of the claims for protection.

Claims

1. A charging device, which is a movable charging device installed in a recess formed under the ground and capable of charging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, wherein: A charging port for charging the power storage device is provided at a lower portion of the vehicle. The charging device has: a movable portion having a connector configured to be connectable to the charging port of the vehicle parked at a predetermined position; a lifting device for lifting and lowering the movable portion within a movable range including a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position where the connector is stored below the ground, and the second position is a position where the connector is connected to the charging port on the ground; as well as A control device controls the movement of the lifting device, When a non-target vehicle that is not a target of use of the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the control device raises the movable portion from the first position to a height that prevents the vehicle from parking at the predetermined position. The control device places the charging device in a storage state when not in use.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: When a target vehicle that is a target of utilizing the charging facility approaches the charging facility, the control device raises the movable portion from the first position to the second position when the target vehicle is parked at the predetermined position.

3. The charging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device lowers the movable portion to the first position when the non-target vehicle passes the charging facility.

4. A method for controlling a charging device, which is a mobile charging device installed in a recess formed under the ground and capable of charging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle, wherein: A charging port for charging the power storage device is provided at a lower portion of the vehicle. The charging device has: a movable portion having a connector configured to be connectable to the charging port of the vehicle parked at a predetermined position; and A lifting device is provided for lifting the movable portion within a movable range including a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position where the connector is stored under the ground, and the second position is a position where the connector is connected to the charging port on the ground. The control method of the charging device includes: a step of determining whether a non-target vehicle that is not a target of utilization of the charging facility is approaching the charging facility; and When the non-target vehicle approaches the charging facility, the movable portion is raised from the first position to a height that prevents the vehicle from parking at the predetermined position. The charging device is in a storage state when not in use.

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