Server and power supply system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a server and a power supply system. A power supply device provided for each of the parking slots is configured to be storable below the ground and configured to supply power to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking slot when the power supply device extends from the ground. A server that manages each of the power supply devices and the parking slots is configured to receive a reservation request specifying a reservation start time of a designated parking slot. The server is configured to: when the server receives the reservation request, among the parking slots, preferentially reserve a parking slot that is not reserved at the reservation start time and in which the adjacent parking slots on at least one side of the reservation start time are not reserved over a parking slot that is reserved and adjacent to the adjacent parking slots on both sides of the reservation start time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a power supply system, and more particularly, to a technique for managing power supply equipment (hereinafter also referred to as "underground power supply equipment") that can be stored below the ground. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5475407 (JP 5475407 B) discloses underground power supply equipment. The underground power supply equipment disclosed in JP 5475407 B includes a base pole (fixed part) and a charging pole (movable part). A user can pull out the charging pole above the ground by pulling up the charging pole while holding a handle provided on the top surface (top surface part) of the charging pole stored below the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is still room for improvement in the convenience of underground power supply equipment. For example, when a user uses a station including a plurality of parking slots and underground power supply equipment provided for each parking slot, the following problems may occur. The underground power supply equipment included in the station is, for example, the underground power supply equipment disclosed in JP 5475407 B.

[0004] When a user attempts to park a vehicle in one of the parking slots included in the above station and the charging pole provided for the parking slot adjacent to the one parking slot extends above the ground, the charging pole may interfere with parking, making it more difficult for the user to park the vehicle than in the case where the charging pole is stored below the ground. As described above, the convenience of the user may decrease depending on the state of the underground power supply equipment.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to make the underground power supply equipment easy for users to use.

[0006] A server according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is configured to manage a plurality of parking slots and power supply equipment provided for each of the parking slots. The power supply equipment provided for each of the parking slots is configured to be storable below the ground and to supply power to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking slot in a case where the power supply equipment extends above the ground. The server is configured to receive a reservation request specifying a reservation start time of a parking slot. The server is configured to: when the server receives the reservation request, preferentially reserve a parking slot that is not reserved at the reservation start time among the parking slots and that has an adjacent parking slot that is not reserved on at least one side of the reservation start time over a parking slot that is reserved and that has adjacent parking slots that are reserved on both sides of the reservation start time.

[0007] The power supply device is an underground power supply device that can be stored below the ground. In the server, a parking slot with adjacent parking slots not reserved on at least one side at the reservation start time is reserved more preferentially than a parking slot with adjacent parking slots reserved on both sides at the reservation start time. It is very likely that a vehicle can be easily parked in a parking slot with adjacent parking slots not reserved on at least one side at the reservation start time. The server helps to reserve a parking slot where the user can easily park the vehicle. This makes it easier for the user to use the underground power supply device.

[0008] The server can be configured to: when the server receives a reservation request, reserve an unreserved vacant slot on the adjacent slot on one side at the reservation start time more preferentially than the reserved adjacent slots on both sides at the reservation start time from the vacant slots, and reserve the unreserved vacant slots on both sides with adjacent slots not reserved on both sides more preferentially than the vacant slot on one side.

[0009] It is considered easier to park a vehicle in a vacant slot on one side than in a reserved slot on both sides, and it is considered easier to park a vehicle in a vacant slot on both sides than in a vacant slot on one side. When the server with the above configuration receives a reservation request from a user, the server reserves the vacant slots in order from the vacant slots where it is easier to park the vehicle. This helps to reserve a parking slot where the user can more easily park the vehicle.

[0010] The server can be configured to: when the server receives a reservation request, obtain a reservation end time corresponding to the reservation start time based on the reservation request. The vacant slot can be a parking slot that is not reserved during the reservation period from the reservation start time to the reservation end time among the parking slots. The server can be configured to keep the power supply device corresponding to the unreserved parking slot stored below the ground. The server can be configured to only allow the user who makes the reservation request to use the power supply device corresponding to the reserved parking slot during the reservation period when reserving the parking slot based on the reservation request.

[0011] Using the server with the above configuration, the power supply device corresponding to the unreserved parking slot is kept stored below the ground. That is, when the reserved parking slot is a vacant slot on both sides, the power supply devices corresponding to the slots on both sides are stored below the ground. Therefore, it is easier to park the vehicle more reliably in the vacant slot on both sides. Using the server, by reserving the parking slot, the user can exclusively use the power supply device corresponding to the reserved parking slot during the reservation period. This makes it easier for the user to use the underground power supply device.

[0012] The server can determine the time after a predetermined time has elapsed after the reservation start time specified by the reservation request as the reservation end time. Alternatively, the reservation end time determined by the user can be included in the reservation request.

[0013] The server can be configured to: when there is an empty slot for a reservation period upon receiving a reservation request, reserve an empty slot for the reservation period, and when there is no empty slot for the reservation period upon receiving a reservation request, notify the user making the reservation request that there is no empty slot for the reservation period.

[0014] With the server having the above configuration, the user can know whether there is an empty slot for the reservation period related to the reservation request (i.e., the reservation period corresponding to the reservation start time specified by the user). This makes it easier for the user to use the underground power supply equipment.

[0015] The server can be configured to, when the server reserves a parking slot in response to a reservation request, notify the user making the reservation request of the identification information of the reserved parking slot and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved parking slot.

[0016] With the server having the above configuration, the user can receive the identification information of the reserved parking slot. The identification information indicates which parking slot has been reserved. Based on the identification information, the user can identify the reserved parking slot from the parking slots. In addition, the user can know the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved parking slot. Since the user knows the surrounding situation in advance, the user can easily park the vehicle in the parking slot.

[0017] The server can be configured to cancel the reservation of a parking slot in response to a reservation cancellation request. The server can be configured to, when canceling the reservation of a first parking slot which is one of the parking slots, notify the user who has reserved a second parking slot adjacent to the first parking slot that the reservation of the first parking slot has been canceled.

[0018] With the server having the above configuration, the user who has reserved the second parking slot can more easily and accurately know the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the second parking slot. Since the user knows the surrounding situation in advance, the user can easily park the vehicle in the second parking slot in an appropriate manner.

[0019] The server can provide any of the above notifications to the user terminal. The user terminal can be pre-associated with the user of the vehicle and registered in the server. The user terminal can be the vehicle the user is riding in, or can be a mobile terminal carried by the user.

[0020] The server can be configured to keep the power supply equipment corresponding to the parking slot where the vehicle is not parked stored underground.

[0021] Using the server with the above configuration, when a user parks a vehicle in a parking slot (more specifically, a parking slot without a parked vehicle), the power supply device corresponding to the parking slot is kept stored below the ground. Since the power supply device stored below the ground does not pose an obstacle, it is easy for the user to properly park the vehicle in the parking slot. In addition, the user can determine whether the surrounding power supply devices can extend from the ground based on the status of the surrounding parking slots (whether there is a parked vehicle). Since the user knows the surrounding situation in advance, the user can easily park the vehicle in the parking slot.

[0022] The power supply system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of parking slots, a power supply device provided for each of the parking slots, and any of the above servers. The parking slots are arranged in rows. The power supply device provided for each of the parking slots includes: a movable part including a power supply port of the power supply device; an actuator for moving the movable part; a power supply circuit for supplying power to the power supply port; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the power supply circuit. The movable part is configured to move within a movable range including a first position and a second position. The first position is a position where the power supply port is stored below the ground and the top surface of the power supply device forms a road surface together with the ground. The second position is a position where the top surface of the power supply device extends from the ground and the power supply port is exposed on the ground. The control device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the server and control the actuator according to an instruction from the server.

[0023] In the first position (the storage position), the top surface of the power supply device forms a road surface together with the ground. Therefore, the vehicle can travel on the power supply device, and it becomes easier to park the vehicle in the parking slots around the power supply device. In addition, the power supply device includes an actuator for moving the movable part. Therefore, the power supply port of the power supply device can be exposed on the ground by the actuator without the user pulling up the movable part. In addition, the control device operates according to a signal sent from the server through wireless communication with the server. Therefore, the server can remotely operate the control device of the power supply device, for example, based on the reservation status of each parking slot.

[0024] The power supply port of the power supply device is the part that outputs power. The movable part may include a power supply cable. The power supply port of the power supply device may be the first end of the power supply cable (for example, a connector that can be connected to the vehicle power inlet socket). The second end of the power supply cable may be connected to the power supply circuit. The power supply port of the power supply device may also be an outlet socket.

[0025] The server may be configured to move the movable part of the power supply device corresponding to the parking slot where the vehicle is parked from the first position to the second position when a predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "raising condition") is satisfied when the vehicle is parked in one of the parking slots.

[0026] As described above, the server moves the movable part of the power supply device from the first position (storage position) to the second position (power supply position), which enables the user to use the power supply device without operating the movable part of the power supply device when using the power supply device. This improves the convenience for the user.

[0027] When the vehicle is parked in any parking slot, the server may request authentication from the user who reserved the parking slot. When the server successfully authenticates the user, the raising condition can be satisfied.

[0028] The power supply system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of stations. Each of the stations includes a plurality of parking slots and a power supply device provided for each of the parking slots. The power supply device provided for each of the parking slots is configured to be storable below the ground and includes a plug, and the power supply device is configured to supply power to a plug that is connected to a power inlet socket of a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking slot when the power supply device extends from the ground. The power supply system further includes a server that receives a reservation request specifying a reservation start time for a parking slot. The server is configured to, when the server receives a reservation request from a user, use the position of the vehicle belonging to the user making the reservation request and the position of the power inlet socket included in the vehicle to select one station from the stations included in the power supply system, and among the parking slots included in the selected one station, give priority to reserving a parking slot that is not reserved at the reservation start time and has an adjacent parking slot that is not reserved on at least one side of the reservation start time over a parking slot that is reserved at the reservation start time and has adjacent parking slots on both sides of the reservation start time.

[0029] Depending on the positional relationship between the parking slot and the power supply device, the vehicles that can use the power supply device may be restricted. Whether a power supply device can be used can be determined according to the position of the power inlet socket included in the vehicle. Not all stations of the power supply system include power supply devices that can be used by users (and the vehicles belonging to the users). In the power supply system, the server selects one station from the stations included in the power supply system using the position of the vehicle belonging to the user and the position of the power inlet socket included in the vehicle. With this configuration, it is easier for the user of the vehicle to reserve a power supply device that is close to the vehicle position and can be used by the vehicle. In addition, the power supply system also makes it easier for the user to reserve a parking slot where the user can more easily park the vehicle. This makes it easier for the user to use the underground power supply device.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the user can easily use the underground power supply device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 a state in which a movable part of the power supply device shown is raised;

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the configuration of the server shown;

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a first state of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a second state of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a third state of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of a server reserving a parking slot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by a user terminal that has received a first notification from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by a user terminal that has received a second notification from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by a requesting user terminal that has received a third notification from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by an adjacent user terminal that has received an adjacent reservation notification signal from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by a requesting user terminal that has received a fourth notification from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the notification process performed by each of the first and second adjacent user terminals that have received an adjacent reservation notification signal from a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process of a server canceling a parking slot reservation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a process related to starting to use a power supply device managed by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a first modification of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a second modification of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a third modification of a station included in a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0050] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a process of a modified server reserving a parking slot. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and will be described only once.

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to this embodiment. Refer to Figure 1 , the power supply system 1 includes a charging stand 300 and a parking slot 400 (parking space) corresponding to the charging stand 300. The charging stand 300 according to this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "power supply device" according to the present disclosure. The charging stand 300 is an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The charging stand 300 is configured to be stored under the ground F1. The charging stand 300 corresponds to an underground power supply device (a power supply device that can be stored below the ground). Figure 1 The state of the charging stand 300 shown is a state where the charging stand 300 is stored below the ground F1 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "stored state").

[0053] The charging stand 300 includes a movable part 301 and a fixed part 302. Each of the movable part 301 and the fixed part 302 has a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) outer shell. The outer shell (tube) of the fixed part 302 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The outer shell of the fixed part 302 may be airtight. The outer shell (tube) of the movable part 301 has a top surface 301a on the upper side and is open on the lower side. In addition, a cable storage portion is provided in the outer shell of the movable part 301, which will be described later. The outer shell of the movable part 301 has a larger diameter than the outer shell of the fixed part 302 and is arranged outside the outer shell of the fixed part 302 such that the central axes of the outer shells coincide with each other. The movable part 301 is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction (up and down direction) along the outer peripheral surface of the fixed part 302. The material of each outer shell may be metal or plastic. The surface of each outer shell may be waterproof.

[0054] The charging stand 300 is installed in a groove R1 extending downward from the ground F1. In the storage state, the entire charging stand 300 is stored in the groove R1. The fixed part 302 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove R1. The fixed part 302 includes a power supply circuit 310, an actuator 320, and a control device 330 in the outer shell. The movable part 301 is driven by the actuator 320 and is displaced relative to the fixed part 302. A sealing member may be provided in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell of the movable part 301 and the inner wall of the groove R1.

[0055] The movable part 301 has a space (hereinafter referred to as "cable storage portion") for storing the connector 311 and the power supply cable 312. The cable storage portion is, for example, a groove provided in the side surface of the movable part 301 by processing a part of the tubular outer shell of the movable part 301. The connector 311 is provided at the first end of the power supply cable 312. The connector 311 corresponds to a plug that can be connected to the power input socket 211 of the vehicle 200. The second end (the end opposite to the first end) of the power supply cable 312 is connected to the power supply circuit 310 via a wire (not shown). In the storage state, the movable part 301 includes the connector 311 and the power supply cable 312 in the cable storage portion. In this embodiment, the connector 311 corresponds to an example of the "power supply port" according to the present disclosure. The power supply cable 312 (including the connector 311) may be configured to be detachable from the movable part 301. In the movable part 301 from which the power supply cable 312 is detached, the connector of the power supply cable 312 (for example, the power output socket to which the power output socket plug of the power supply cable 312 is attached) corresponds to the power supply port of the charging stand 300.

[0056] The power supply circuit 310 is configured to be supplied with power from an alternating current (AC) power source 350 and supply power to the movable part 301 (more specifically, the power supply cable 312). The power supply circuit 310 includes a power conversion circuit and serves as a charger on the EVSE side. The AC power source 350 supplies AC power to the power supply circuit 310. The AC power source 350 may be a commercial power source (e.g., a power system provided by an electric power company). The power supply circuit 310 is controlled by the control device 330.

[0057] The power supply cable 312 has elasticity and flexibility. A cable storage section may be provided with a cable reel configured such that the power supply cable 312 can be wound around the cable reel. The cable reel may be a mechanical automatic winding device (e.g., a spring cable reel). In addition, a lid for opening and closing the cable storage section may be provided. Further, a sensor for detecting whether the connector 311 and the power supply cable 312 are accommodated in the cable storage section may be provided in the cable storage section.

[0058] In the stored state, the top surface 301a of the movable part 301 is flush with the ground F1, and the top surface 301a and the ground F1 together constitute a road surface. The top surface 301a according to this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "top surface of the power supply device" according to the present disclosure. 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 (see Figure 2 described later). The actuator 320 may be an electric actuator that generates power by using the power supplied from the power supply circuit 310. The displacement mechanism of the movable part 301 may be a rack and pinion mechanism. For example, a rack may be fixed to the movable part 301, and the actuator 320 may rotatably drive a pinion meshing with the rack. Alternatively, a rod connected to a piston may be fixed to the movable part 301, and the actuator 320 may hydraulically move the piston. Alternatively, the actuator 320 may generate a magnetic force using electricity and directly apply the magnetic force to the movable part 301. The actuator 320 is controlled by the control device 330.

[0059] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the movable part 301 is raised. Referring to Figure 2 , the movable part 301 is displaced (raised and lowered) in the vertical direction so as to change the position of the top surface 301a. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the position of the top surface 301a is regarded as the position of the movable part 301.

[0060] The movable part 301 is configured to be displaced within a movable range R2. The lower limit position P1 of the movable range R2 is at the same height as the ground F1. When the position of the movable part 301 is the lower limit position P1, the entire movable part 301 (including the cable storage section) is stored below the ground F1 (see Figure 1 ). The state where the position of the movable part 301 is the lower limit position P1 corresponds to the storage state. In the storage state, the charging stand 300 does not supply power. In the storage state, the connector 311 cannot be connected to the power input socket 211 of the vehicle 200. In the storage state, the vehicle 200 can travel on the top surface 301a.

[0061] On the other hand, the upper limit position P2 of the movable range R2 is set to a position sufficiently higher than the height of the power input socket of a normal vehicle. When the position of the movable part 301 is the upper limit position P2, the top surface 301a extends from the ground, and the cable storage section (connector 311 and power supply cable 312) of the movable part 301 is exposed on the ground F1. In addition, even when the position of the movable part 301 is lower than the upper limit position P2 (for example, Figure 2 the position Px shown), the cable storage section may be exposed on the ground F1. When the movable part 301 is lifted to the position Px, the top surface 301a no longer forms a road surface, and the vehicle 200 cannot travel on the top surface 301a. The charging stand 300 is configured to supply power to the vehicle 200 when the movable part 301 is lifted to the position Px. When the movable part 301 is lifted to the position Px, the connector 311 can be connected to the power input socket 211 of the vehicle 200 parked in a predetermined parking space (parking slot 400 corresponding to the charging stand 300), and this parking space is set near the charging stand 300.

[0062] A parking sensor 410 is provided in the parking slot 400. The parking sensor 410 is configured to detect whether a vehicle is parked in the parking slot 400. The parking sensor 410 may include at least one of a laser and a camera. The detection result of the parking sensor 410 is output to the server 600 ( Figure 1 ). The server 600 can use the detection result of the parking sensor 410 to determine whether a vehicle has been parked in the parking slot 400.

[0063] The movable range R2 includes a first position (e.g., the lower limit position P1) and a second position (e.g., the upper limit position P2 and the position Px). At the first position, the power supply port of the charging base 300 is stored below the ground F1, and the top surface 301a and the ground F1 together form a road surface. At the second position, the top surface 301a protrudes from the ground F1, and the power supply port of the charging base 300 is exposed on the ground F1. In this embodiment, the lower limit position P1 is the same position as the ground F1, but the lower limit position P1 can be set to a position slightly lower or slightly higher than the ground F1.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , the movable part 301 further includes a communication device 341, an environmental sensor 342, and a touch panel display 313.

[0065] The communication device 341 is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with the server 600. The communication device 341 can be configured to be able to communicate with communication devices other than the server 600. The communication device 341 transmits the information received from outside the charging base 300 to the control device 330. The control device 330 sequentially transmits the state of the charging base 300 to the server 600 through the communication device 341. The control device 330 is also configured to communicate wirelessly with the server 600 and control the power supply circuit 310 and the actuator 320 according to instructions from the server 600.

[0066] The environmental sensor 342 is provided on the top surface 301a of the movable part 301. The environmental sensor 342 is a sensor that acquires environmental information of the charging base 300. According to this embodiment, the environmental sensor 342 acquires information indicating whether at least one of an object (including a vehicle) and a living body (including a person) exists above and around the top surface 301a. The environmental sensor 342 may include at least one of a laser and a camera. The detection result of the environmental sensor 342 is output to the control device 330.

[0067] The touch panel display 313 receives inputs from the user and displays various types of information. The touch panel display 313 is configured to receive instructions related to power supply (e.g., instructions for starting and stopping power supply). The touch panel display 313 is also configured to display the power supply state of the charging base 300 (power supply is being executed or power supply is stopped). The touch panel display 313 is controlled by the control device 330.

[0068] The control device 330 may be a computer. The control device 330 includes a processor 331, a random access memory (RAM) 332, a storage device 333, and a timer 334. As the processor 331, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) may be employed. The storage device 333 is configured to be able to store the stored information. In addition to programs, the storage device 333 stores information used in the programs (e.g., maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). In this embodiment, when the processor 331 executes the program stored in the storage device 333, various controls in the charging stand 300 are executed. However, various controls in the charging stand 300 are not limited to being executed by software, and it is possible to be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). The number of processors included in the control device 330 may be appropriately set, and a processor may be prepared for each predetermined control.

[0069] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated vehicle 200 is an electrified vehicle including a battery 210, a device that travels using the electric power stored in the battery 210 (e.g., an electric generator 221 and an inverter 222 described later), and a device that charges the battery 210 using the charging stand 300 (e.g., a power input socket 211 and a charger 212 described later). The vehicle 200 according to this embodiment is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) without an engine (internal combustion engine). The vehicle 200 basically travels by being driven by a user.

[0070] Figure 1 The illustrated mobile terminal 100 corresponds to a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle 200. The mobile terminal 100 includes a computer. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is used as the mobile terminal 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any mobile terminal may be employed as the mobile terminal 100, and a tablet terminal, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch), an electronic key, etc. may also be employed.

[0071] The mobile terminal 100 is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with each of the charging stand 300 and the server 600. A predetermined application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "application") is installed in the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 is carried by the user of the vehicle 200, and information can be transmitted to and received from each of the charging stand 300 and the server 600 through the above application. The user can operate the above application through, for example, the touch panel display of the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the touch panel display of the mobile terminal 100 is configured to be able to notify information to the user of the vehicle 200.

[0072] Vehicle 200 also includes an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 230 and a communication device 240. ECU 230 can be a computer. ECU 230 includes a processor, RAM, and a storage device (none of which are shown). When the processor executes a program stored in the storage device, various vehicle controls are performed. However, vehicle control is not limited to being executed by software, and it is possible to be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0073] ECU 230 is configured to communicate with the outside of vehicle 200 through communication device 240. Communication device 240 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). Communication device 240 may include a communication I / F for wireless communication with a server 600 ( Figure 1 ) to be described later. In addition, communication device 240 mounted on vehicle 200 and mobile terminal 100 are configured to communicate with each other wirelessly. ECU 230 can control mobile terminal 100 through wireless communication so that mobile terminal 100 notifies the user. The communication between communication device 240 and mobile terminal 100 can be short-range communication (e.g., direct communication in and around the vehicle).

[0074] Battery 210 includes a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The secondary battery can be a battery pack or a all-solid-state battery. Instead of the secondary battery, another power storage device such as an electric double layer capacitor can be adopted.

[0075] Vehicle 200 also includes a monitoring module 210a for monitoring the state of battery 210. Monitoring module 210a includes various sensors for detecting the state of battery 210 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature), and outputs the detection results to ECU 230. In addition to the above sensor functions, monitoring module 210a can be a battery management system (BMS) having a state of charge (SOC) estimation function, a state of health (SOH) estimation function, a cell voltage equalization function, a diagnosis function, and a communication function. ECU 230 can obtain the state of battery 210 (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and internal resistance) based on the output of monitoring module 210a.

[0076] Vehicle 200 includes an electric generator (hereinafter referred to as "MG") 221 for electric driving and an inverter (hereinafter referred to as "INV") 222. MG 221 is, for example, a three-phase AC electric generator. MG 221 is driven by INV 222 and is configured to rotate the drive wheels W of vehicle 200. INV 222 is controlled by ECU 230. INV 222 drives MG 221 using the power supplied from battery 210. In addition, MG 221 generates regenerative power and supplies the generated power to battery 210 via INV 222. The drive system of vehicle 200 is not limited to Figure 1and Figure 2 as shown in front-wheel drive, and may be rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

[0077] Vehicle 200 includes a power inlet socket 211 for contact charging and a charger 212. The power inlet socket 211 is located at the rear of the vehicle body of the vehicle 200 (more specifically, the left surface of the rear of the vehicle body). The power inlet socket 211 is configured to be connectable to a connector 311 of a power supply cable 312 of the charging stand 300. Contact members are included in both the power inlet socket 211 and the connector 311. When the connector 311 is attached to the power inlet socket 211, the contact members come into contact with each other, and the power inlet socket 211 and the connector 311 are electrically connected.

[0078] Hereinafter, the state in which the connector 311 is connected to the power inlet socket 211 (that is, the state in which the charging stand 300 and the vehicle 200 are electrically connected via the power supply cable 312) is referred to as the "inserted state". In addition, the state in which the connector 311 is not connected to the power inlet socket 211 (that is, the state in which the charging stand 300 and the vehicle 200 are not electrically connected) is referred to as the "pulled-out state". Each of the vehicle 200 and the charging stand 300 includes a circuit (not shown) for detecting the connection state (inserted state or pulled-out state).

[0079] The charger 212 includes a power conversion circuit (not shown). The power conversion circuit converts the power supplied from outside the vehicle to the power inlet socket 211 into power suitable for charging the battery 210. For example, when AC power is supplied to the power inlet socket 211, the charger 212 converts the supplied AC power into direct current (DC) power and supplies it to the battery 210. The charger 212 is controlled by the ECU 230.

[0080] Figure 3 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the configuration of the server 600 shown. Except for Figure 1 and Figure 2 other than, refer to Figure 3, the server 600 includes a control device 610, a storage device 620, a communication device 630, an input device 640, and a display device 650. The control device 610 includes a processor, RAM, and a timer, and is configured to perform predetermined information processing. The control device 610 may be a computer. The storage device 620 is configured to be able to store the stored information. The storage device 620 stores, for example, programs executed by the processor and information used in the programs (such as maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication device 630 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). The control device 610 is configured to communicate with the outside of the server 600 through the communication device 630. The server 600 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the mobile terminal 100 and the charging stand 300. The server 600 may also be configured to communicate with the vehicle 200 via the charging stand 300 while the battery 210 is being charged. The user can input information (including commands for the control device 610) to the server 600 through the input device 640. The input device 640 may be a keyboard or a touch panel, or may be a smart speaker that receives voice input. The display device 650 displays information to the user according to instructions from the control device 610.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the control device 610 (processor) executes the program stored in the storage device 620, various types of processing in the server 600 are performed. However, the various types of processing in the server 600 are not limited to being executed by software, and it is possible to be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0082] The power supply system 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of parking slots arranged in a row. The server 600 is configured to receive a reservation request specifying a reservation start time and a reservation end time of a parking slot. When there is an empty slot for the reservation period (i.e., the period from the reservation start time to the reservation end time) specified by the reservation request at the time of receiving the reservation request, the server 600 reserves an empty slot for the reservation period. An empty slot according to this embodiment is a parking slot that has not been reserved for the reservation period.

[0083] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the first state of the station St1 included in the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4 vehicle 200a, 200c, and 200g each have the same configuration as the Figure 1 vehicle 200 shown. In addition, charging stands 300a to 300g each have the same configuration as the Figure 1 charging stand 300 shown. Parking slots 400a to 400g each correspond to the Figure 1 parking slot 400 shown.

[0084] Refer to Figure 4, the station St1 corresponds to a charging station for an electrified vehicle. The St1 station is adjacent to the road 500. The station St1 includes parking slots 400a to 400g and charging seats 300a to 300g. The charging seats 300a to 300g are provided respectively for the parking slots 400a to 400g. Parking sensors 410a to 410g are provided respectively for the parking slots 400a to 400g. The parking slots 400a to 400g are separated by a plurality of dividing lines L1, so as to be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The parking slots 400a to 400g are arranged along the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of each parking slot. A charging seat is provided for each parking slot. The charging seat corresponding to the parking slot is installed at a position adjacent to the parking slot in the longitudinal direction. A dividing line L2 is drawn between the parking slots 400a to 400g and the charging seats 300a to 300g. The dividing lines L1 and L2 are set to be visible to the user. Each of the dividing lines L1 and L2 can be a line drawn on the ground (for example, a white line). Parking slot identification information (A to G) is also displayed to be visible to the user.

[0085] The station St1 includes an entrance 510 for entering the station St1 from the road 500 on the side of the charging seats 300a to 300g, and an exit 520 for leaving the station St1 to reach the road 500 on the side of the parking slots 400a to 400g. In each of the parking slots 400a to 400g, the vehicle is parked such that the rear surface of the vehicle faces the charging seat side. Each of the charging seats 300a to 300g is an EVSE for a vehicle that includes a power inlet socket located at the rear of the vehicle body.

[0086] In Figure 4 the state shown, the vehicles 200a, 200c, and 200g are respectively parked in the parking slots 400a, 400c, and 400g, and no vehicle is parked in the parking slots 400b, 400d, 400e, and 400f. For example, when the parking slots 400a, 400c, and 400g among the multiple parking slots included in the station St1 are reserved during a certain period, the station St1 is considered to be in the Figure 4 state shown. In this case, each of the unreserved parking slots 400b, 400d, 400e, and 400f corresponds to a vacant parking slot. The server 600 is configured to hold the charging seats corresponding to the vacant slots (unreserved parking slots) in a stored state (the state where the charging seats are stored below the ground). Therefore, the charging seats corresponding to the vacant slots (for example, the charging seats 300b, 300d, 300e, and 300f) are in the stored state.

[0087] The server 600 is also configured to keep the charging seats corresponding to the parking slots without parked vehicles in the stored state. For example, when the parking slots 400a, 400c, 400e, and 400g in the parking slots included in the station St1 are reserved and the parking in each of the parking slots 400a, 400c, and 400g is completed, but the parking in the parking slot 400e is not completed, the station St1 is in Figure 4 the state shown. In this case, each of the parking slots 400b, 400d, and 400f corresponds to a vacant slot. In addition to the charging seats 300b, 300d, and 300f corresponding to the vacant slots, the server 600 also keeps the charging seat 300e corresponding to the parking slot 400e without a parked vehicle in the stored state. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 5 describe the process until the vehicle is parked in the parking slot 400e.

[0088] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the second state of the station St1 included in the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5 , the vehicle 200e has the same configuration as the Figure 1 shown vehicle 200. Referring to Figure 5 , the charging seats 300a, 300c, and 300g corresponding to the parking slots with parked vehicles are each in a state of protruding from the ground (for example, Figure 2 the state where the movable part 301 shown is raised). On the other hand, the charging seat 300e is in the stored state (see Figure 1 ) until the vehicle is parked in the parking slot 400e. The vehicle 200e travels on the road 500, approaches the station St1, enters the station St1 from the entrance 510, passes above the stored charging seat 300e, and is parked in the parking slot 400e. Since the charging seats 300d and 300f on both sides are in the stored state, the user can easily park the vehicle 200e in the parking slot 400e. After the vehicle 200e is parked in the parking slot 400e, the movable part 301 of the charging seat 300e is raised, and the battery 210 of the vehicle 200e is charged with the charging seat 300e protruding from the ground (see Figure 2 ). Charging is performed in the inserted state. When the charging is completed, the vehicle 200e and the charging seat 300e are put into the unplugged state. Thereafter, the vehicle 200e leaves the station St1 from the exit 520 and returns to the road 500. On the other hand, the server 600 returns the charging seat 300e to the stored state. Since the vehicle 200e can move from the parking slot 400e to the exit 520 without passing above the charging seat 300e, it is not necessary to wait for the charging seat 300e to descend after the charging is completed.

[0089] Refer to Figure 3, the server 600 is configured as the management station St1. The server 600 has information for managing the parking slots 400a to 400g and the charging stations 300a to 300g in the storage device 620. Multiple vehicles, multiple users (more specifically, vehicle users), and multiple parking slots (e.g., Figure 4 the parking slots 400a to 400g shown) are registered in the server 600. In addition, user terminals (e.g., Figure 1 the mobile terminal 100 shown) are also registered in the server 600 together with the users. The server 600 is configured to manage information about each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), information about each registered vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), and information about each registered parking slot (hereinafter also referred to as "parking slot information"). Information about the user terminal is included in at least one of the user information and the vehicle information. The user information, vehicle information, and parking slot information are stored in the storage device 620.

[0090] Identification information (user ID) for identifying a user is assigned to each user, and the server 600 manages the user information by differentiating the user information according to the user ID. The user ID also serves as information for identifying the user terminal (terminal ID). The user information includes, for example, the communication address and location information of the mobile terminal carried by the user, and information for identifying the vehicle belonging to the user (vehicle ID). In addition, identification information (vehicle ID) for identifying a vehicle is assigned to each vehicle, and the server 600 manages the vehicle information by differentiating the vehicle information according to the vehicle ID. The vehicle information includes, for example, the vehicle type, vehicle specifications (e.g., the position of the power inlet socket), and information received by the server 600 from the user terminal (e.g., the vehicle travel plan).

[0091] In addition, identification information (parking slot ID) for identifying a parking slot is assigned to each parking slot, and the server 600 manages the parking slot information by differentiating the parking slot information according to the parking slot ID. The parking slot ID also serves as information for identifying the charging station (EVSE) provided for the parking slot. The parking slot information includes the position of the parking slot, the status of the parking slot (e.g., whether a vehicle is parked), reservation information related to the reservation of the parking slot, and EVSE information related to the charging station provided for the parking slot. As Figure 3 shown, the reservation information includes, for example, information indicating whether the parking slot is reserved, and for a reserved parking slot, includes the reservation start time, reservation end time, and identification information (user ID) of the user who reserved the parking slot. The EVSE information includes the connection status of the charging station (inserted state or unplugged state), the combination of the charging station and the vehicle in the inserted state (vehicle ID and parking slot ID), and the power supply status of the charging station (power supply is being executed or power supply stopped).

[0092] The server 600 is configured to monitor Figure 4 the station St1 shown. The server 600 updates the parking slot information based on the information sequentially obtained from each of the charging stands 300a to 300g and the information sequentially obtained from each of the parking sensors 410a to 410g. In addition, the server 600 updates the reservation information in each of the cases where a parking slot is reserved and the reservation of the parking slot is canceled.

[0093] The server 600 is configured to, when receiving a reservation request, preferentially reserve the vacant slots on both sides from the vacant slots within the reservation period specified by the reservation request. In this embodiment, the server 600 is configured to reserve a vacant slot on one side with a higher priority than the reserved slots on both sides when receiving a reservation request, and reserve the vacant slots on both sides with a higher priority than the vacant slot on one side. The reserved slots on both sides refer to the vacant slots whose adjacent slots on both sides are reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request. The vacant slot on one side refers to the vacant slot whose adjacent slot on one side is not reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request. The vacant slots on both sides refer to the vacant slots whose adjacent slots on both sides are not reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request. For example, in Figure 4 the station St1 shown, when the parking slots 400a, 400c, and 400g are reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request and the other parking slots are not reserved, the parking slot 400b corresponds to the reserved slots on both sides, the parking slots 400d and 400f each correspond to the vacant slot on one side, and the parking slot 400e corresponds to the vacant slots on both sides.

[0094] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the third state of the station St1 included in the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 6 , when the station St1 is expected to be in the Figure 6 state shown during the reservation period specified by the reservation request, that is, when the parking slots 400a, 400c, 400d, and 400g are reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request and the other parking slots are not reserved, the parking slot 400b corresponds to the reserved slots on both sides, and the parking slots 400e and 400f each correspond to the vacant slot on one side. For example, when the reservation start times of the parking slots 400a to 400g are the same and the reservation end time of each of the parking slots 400b, 400e, and 400f is earlier than the reservation end times of the other parking slots, the above-described reservation state may occur.

[0095] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of the server 600 reserving a parking slot. When receiving a reservation request, the server 600 executes the Figure 7 series of processes shown. For example, Figure 1A user of the vehicle 200 shown can operate the mobile terminal 100 (user terminal) to transmit a reservation request to the server 600. The user can include a reservation start time and a reservation end time in the reservation request. The user can set any time in predetermined time increments through an application of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the above application can be programmed such that the user can set each of the reservation start time and the reservation end time in increments of 30 minutes, such as 0:00, 0:30, and 1:00. Hereinafter, each step in the flowchart is simply denoted by "S".

[0096] Referring to Figure 7 Together with Figures 1 to 4 , in S11, the server 600 obtains a reservation period based on the reservation request. In this embodiment, since the reservation request specifies a reservation start time and a reservation end time, the server 600 determines the period from the reservation start time to the reservation end time as the reservation period. However, it is not important that the reservation request includes a reservation end time. In a mode where the reservation request does not include a reservation end time, the server 600 can determine the time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reservation start time specified by the reservation request as the reservation end time.

[0097] In S12, the server 600 determines whether there is an empty slot in the station St1 ( Figure 4 ) for the reservation period. In this embodiment, a parking slot that is not reserved for the reservation period (i.e., a parking slot that is not reserved from the reservation start time to the reservation end time) is regarded as an empty slot. However, in a mode where the reservation request does not include a reservation end time, the server 600 can determine whether the parking slot corresponds to an empty slot based on whether the slot is reserved at the reservation start time.

[0098] When none of the parking slots 400a to 400g included in the station St1 corresponds to an empty slot, it is determined as No in S12, and the process proceeds to S31. In S31, the server 600 notifies the user who made the reservation request that there is no empty slot for the reservation period. Specifically, the server 600 transmits a signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a "first notification signal") indicating the reservation status (including the fact that there is no empty slot for the reservation period) to the terminal (e.g., the mobile terminal 100) of the user who made the reservation request. After executing the process of S31, the server 600 ends Figure 7 the series of processes shown without reserving a parking slot.

[0099] When receiving the first notification signal, the mobile terminal 100 executes a predetermined notification process. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the notification process executed by the mobile terminal 100 (user terminal) that has received the first notification signal. When receiving the first notification signal, the mobile terminal 100 displays, for exampleFigure 8 The screen shown. This screen includes a message notifying the user that there are no vacant slots during the reserved time period. When the user operates the mobile terminal 100 to transmit a reservation request specifying another reserved time period to the server 600, the server 600 starts again Figure 7 The series of processes shown.

[0100] Refer to Figure 7 Together with Figures 1 to 4 , when any one of the parking slots 400a to 400g included in the station St1 corresponds to a vacant slot, it is determined to be yes in S12, and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the server 600 determines whether the vacant slot includes a double-sided vacant slot (i.e., a vacant slot where the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved start time specified by the reservation request are not reserved). When the vacant slot includes a double-sided vacant slot, it is determined to be yes in S13, and the process proceeds to S21. In S21, the server 600 reserves the double-sided vacant slot for the reserved time period. For example, when the parking slots 400a, 400c, and 400g are reserved at the reserved start time specified by the reservation request and the other parking slots are not reserved (see Figure 4 ), the server 600 reserves the parking slot 400e.

[0101] When all of the parking slots 400a to 400g correspond to vacant slots, each of the parking slots 400a to 400g corresponds to a double-sided vacant slot. When the vacant slot includes a plurality of double-sided vacant slots, in S21, the server 600 selects and reserves one of the double-sided vacant slots. The server 600 may randomly select one of the double-sided vacant slots, or may select one of the double-sided vacant slots according to a predetermined rule. For example, the server 600 may select one of the double-sided vacant slots based on the length of the reserved time period. When the reserved time period is longer than the reference time, the server 600 may select the double-sided vacant slot located farthest from the entrance (on the 400g side of the parking slots) among the double-sided vacant slots, and when the reserved time period is shorter than the reference time, the server 600 may select the double-sided vacant slot located closest to the entrance (on the 400a side of the parking slots) among the double-sided vacant slots. When a vehicle parks for a long time in a parking slot closer to the entrance, it is often difficult for other vehicles to enter and exit the station St1. Therefore, as described above, by allocating the parking slot farther from the entrance to the user requesting a long-time reservation, other vehicles can easily enter and exit the station St1.

[0102] As described above, the server 600 reserves a parking slot in response to a reservation request from a user (S21). Then, the server 600 updates the parking slot information (more specifically, the reservation information) stored in the storage device 620. Thereafter, in S32, the server 600 notifies the user who made the reservation request of the identification information of the reserved parking slot and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides thereof. Specifically, the server 600 transmits a signal (hereinafter, also referred to as the "second notification signal") to the terminal (e.g., the mobile terminal 100) of the user who made the reservation request, the signal indicating the identification information (parking slot ID) of the reserved parking slot and indicating that the reserved parking slot is a slot with vacant adjacent slots on both sides (i.e., the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved slot are not reserved).

[0103] When receiving the second notification signal, the mobile terminal 100 performs a predetermined notification process. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the notification process performed by the mobile terminal 100 (user terminal) that has received the second notification signal. When receiving the second notification signal, the mobile terminal 100 displays, for example Figure 9 the screen as shown. This screen displays a message notifying the user of the fact that the parking slot reservation is completed, the reservation period, the identification information (e.g., E) of the parking slot reserved for the reservation period (e.g., parking slot 400e), and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved parking slot (more specifically, the presence or absence of a reservation). Even after the display is completed, the user can cause the mobile terminal 100 to perform the notification process at any time.

[0104] Referring to Figure 7 Together with Figures 1 to 4 , when the vacant slots do not include slots with vacant adjacent slots on both sides, it is determined as No in S13, and the process proceeds to S14. In S14, the server 600 determines whether the vacant slots include a slot with a vacant adjacent slot on one side (i.e., a vacant slot whose adjacent slot on one side is not reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request). When the vacant slots include a slot with a vacant adjacent slot on one side, it is determined as Yes in S14, and the process proceeds to S22. In S22, the server 600 reserves a slot with a vacant adjacent slot on one side for the reservation period. When the vacant slots include multiple slots with vacant adjacent slots on one side, in S22, the server 600 selects and reserves one of the slots with a vacant adjacent slot on one side. The server 600 can randomly select one of the slots with a vacant adjacent slot on one side, or can select one of the slots with a vacant adjacent slot on one side according to a predetermined rule. For example, the server 600 can select one of the slots with a vacant adjacent slot on one side so that there will be no situation where adjacent slots on both sides are reserved. For example, when selecting the parking slot 400e (a slot with a vacant adjacent slot on one side) in the case where the parking slots 400a, 400c, 400d, and 400g are reserved and other parking slots are not reserved at the reservation start time specified by the reservation request (see Figure 6) The parking slot 400d becomes two-sided reservation slots. In such a reservation state, the server 600 can select the parking slot 400f (one-sided vacant slot) so that the two-sided reservation slots do not occur.

[0105] As described above, in response to a reservation request from a user, the server 600 reserves a parking slot (S22). Then, the server 600 updates the parking slot information (more specifically, the reservation information) stored in the storage device 620. Thereafter, in S33, the server 600 notifies the user who made the reservation request of the identification information of the reserved parking slot and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both of its sides. Specifically, the server 600 transmits a signal (hereinafter also referred to as "third notification signal") to the user terminal that made the reservation request (hereinafter also referred to as "requesting user terminal"), which signal indicates the identification information (parking slot ID) of the reserved parking slot and indicates that the reserved parking slot is a one-sided vacant slot (i.e., the adjacent slot on one side of the reserved slot has been reserved). In addition, the server 600 transmits a signal indicating that the adjacent parking slot has been reserved (hereinafter also referred to as "adjacent reservation notification signal") to the user terminal that has reserved the parking slot adjacent to the parking slot reserved in response to the reservation request (hereinafter also referred to as "adjacent user terminal"). Each of the requesting user terminal and the adjacent user terminal is, for example, Figure 1 the mobile terminal 100 shown.

[0106] When receiving the third notification signal, the requesting user terminal performs a predetermined notification process. Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing the notification process performed by the requesting user terminal that has received the third notification signal. When receiving the third notification signal, the requesting user terminal displays, for example, Figure 10 the screen shown. This screen displays a message notifying the user of the fact that the reservation of the parking slot is completed, the reservation period, the identification information (e.g., F) of the parking slot reserved for the reservation period (e.g., parking slot 400f), and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved parking slot (more specifically, the presence or absence of a reservation). Even after the display is completed, the user can cause the requesting user terminal to perform the notification process at any time.

[0107] When receiving the adjacent reservation notification signal, the adjacent user terminal performs a predetermined notification process. Figure 11 FIG. is a diagram showing the notification process performed by the adjacent user terminal that has received the adjacent reservation notification signal. When receiving the adjacent reservation notification signal, the adjacent user terminal displays, for example, Figure 11The screen shown. This screen displays a message notifying the user of the fact that the parking slot next to the parking slot reserved for the user has been reserved, the user's reservation details (e.g., parking slot ID and reservation period), and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides of the parking slot reserved by the user (more specifically, the presence or absence of a reservation). Even after the display is completed, the user can cause the adjacent user terminal to perform the notification process at any time.

[0108] Refer to Figure 7 Together with Figures 1 to 4 , when the vacant slot does not include a one-side vacant slot, it is determined as No in S14, and the process proceeds to S23. In S23, the server 600 reserves a vacant slot for the reservation period. Determining as No in S14 means that all vacant slots are two-side reserved slots. Therefore, in S23, a two-side reserved slot is reserved. When there are multiple vacant slots (two-side reserved slots), the server 600 selects and reserves one of the vacant slots in S23. The server 600 can randomly select one of the vacant slots, or can select one of the vacant slots according to a predetermined rule. For example, the server 600 can select one of the vacant slots such that the reservation end times of the adjacent parking slots are staggered. The server 600 can confirm the reservation end time of the reserved parking slot (the parking slot reserved by other users). When there is a parking slot in the reserved parking slots whose reservation end time is different from the reservation end time specified by the reservation request, the server 600 can select the parking slot next to that parking slot. When the reservation end times of the adjacent parking slots are staggered, it is easier for the user to perform operations (e.g., unplugging operations) after charging.

[0109] As described above, the server 600 reserves one of the parking slots (S23) in response to a reservation request from the user. Then, the server 600 updates the parking slot information (more specifically, the reservation information) stored in the storage device 620. Thereafter, in S34, the server 600 notifies the user who made the reservation request of the identification information of the reserved parking slot and the reservation status of the adjacent slots on both sides thereof. Specifically, the server 600 transmits a signal (hereinafter, also referred to as the "fourth notification signal") to the requesting user terminal (the terminal of the user who made the reservation request), which signal indicates the identification information (parking slot ID) of the reserved parking slot and indicates that the reserved parking slot is a two-side reserved slot (i.e., the adjacent slots on both sides of the reserved slot are reserved). In addition, the server 600 transmits an adjacent reservation notification signal (a signal indicating that the adjacent parking slot has been reserved) to each of the first adjacent user terminal and the second adjacent user terminal. Each of the first adjacent user terminal and the second adjacent user terminal is the terminal of the user who reserved the parking slot next to the parking slot reserved in response to the reservation request. Each of the requesting user terminal, the first adjacent user terminal, and the second adjacent user terminal is, for example, Figure 1 the mobile terminal 100 shown.

[0110] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the notification process performed by the requesting user terminal that has received the fourth notification signal. When the fourth notification signal is received, the requesting user terminal displays, for example, Figure 12 the screen shown. Figure 12 The content displayed on the shown screen is similar to Figure 10 the content displayed on the shown screen. Even after the display is completed, the user can cause the requesting user terminal to perform the notification process at any time. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the notification process performed by the adjacent user terminals (the first adjacent user terminal and the second adjacent user terminal) that have received the adjacent reservation notification signal. For example, when each of the first adjacent user terminal and the second adjacent user terminal receives the adjacent reservation notification signal, Figure 13 the screen shown is displayed. Figure 13 The content displayed on the shown screen is similar to Figure 11 the content displayed on the shown screen. Even after the display is completed, the user can cause each adjacent user terminal to perform the notification process at any time.

[0111] The server 600 is configured to process the reserved parking slot through Figure 7 the process shown when a reservation request is received. In Figure 7 the process shown, the server 600 reserves the parking slots with vacant sides from the vacant slots. Therefore, it is easy for the user to reserve the parking slots with vacant sides (i.e., the parking slots where the vehicle can be parked easily).

[0112] The server 600 is configured to cancel the reservation of the parking slot in response to a reservation cancellation request. Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the process of the server 600 canceling the reservation of the parking slot. When a reservation cancellation request is received, the server 600 performs Figure 14 the series of processes shown. For example, Figure 1 the user of the vehicle 200 shown can operate the mobile terminal 100 (user terminal) to transmit a reservation cancellation request indicating the cancellation target (e.g., the reservation start time and the parking slot) to the server 600. Hereinafter, the parking slot to be canceled is referred to as the "first parking slot", and the parking slot adjacent to the parking slot to be canceled is referred to as the "second parking slot".

[0113] Referring to Figure 14 along with Figures 1 to 4 , in S51, the server 600 determines whether the second parking slot is reserved at the reservation start time to be canceled.

[0114] When it is determined to be Yes (there is a reservation) in S51, in S52, the server 600 notifies the user who has reserved the second parking slot that the reservation for the first parking slot has been cancelled. Hereinafter, this notification is referred to as the "cancellation notification". When the adjacent slots on both sides of the first parking slot are reserved, there are multiple second parking slots. Therefore, the server 600 provides the cancellation notification to each of the users who have reserved the second parking slot. The user terminal (e.g., the mobile terminal 100) that has received the cancellation notification performs a predetermined notification process. The user terminal displays a message notifying the user of the fact that the reservation for the parking slot next to the parking slot reserved by the user has been cancelled, and the reservation status (more specifically, the presence or absence of a reservation) of the adjacent slots on both sides of the parking slot reserved by the user.

[0115] When the cancellation notification is provided in S52, the process proceeds to S53. In addition, when it is determined to be No (there is no reservation) in S51, the process proceeds to S53. In S53, the server 600 cancels the cancellation target (the reservation of the parking slot) specified by the reservation cancellation request. Then, the server 600 updates the parking slot information (more specifically, the reservation information) stored in the storage device 620.

[0116] When reserving a parking slot based on a reservation request, the server 600 only allows the user who made the reservation request to use the charging stand corresponding to the reserved parking slot during the reservation period. Specifically, the server 600 grants the user who made the reservation request the right to exclusively use the parking slot reserved in response to the reservation request during the reservation period (hereinafter, also referred to as the "usage authorization"). However, when the reservation is cancelled, the usage authorization is also cancelled.

[0117] The user terminal that receives each of the above first to fourth notification signals, the adjacent reservation notification signal, and the cancellation notification is not limited to the mobile terminal 100 and can be appropriately changed. The signal for providing each notification to the user can be transmitted to, for example, the vehicle belonging to the user. The notification device (e.g., the navigation system, the head-up display, or the instrument panel) installed on the vehicle can perform the notification process. When the vehicle enters the station St1 (or when the vehicle approaches the reserved parking slot), the user terminal can notify the user of the location of the reserved parking slot.

[0118] Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing the process related to starting to use the charging stand (EVSE) managed by the server 600. For the charging stands in the storage state among the charging stands (charging stands 300a to 300g) included in the station St1, the process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed. When there are multiple charging stands in the storage state, this process is performed for each charging stand. Hereinafter, the charging stand for which this process is performed is referred to as the "target charging stand".

[0119] Refer toFigure 15 Together with Figures 1 to 4 , in S61, the server 600 determines whether the vehicle is parked in the parking slot corresponding to the target charging station. For example, when Figure 1 the vehicle 200 shown is parked in the parking slot, it is determined to be yes in S61.

[0120] When it is determined to be yes in S61, in S62, the server 600 determines whether the environment of the target charging station is suitable for starting use. For example, an environment where the movable part 301 ( Figure 1 ) of the target charging station is blocked and cannot be raised is not suitable for starting to use the target charging station. In this embodiment, the server 600 obtains the detection result of the environment sensor 342 ( Figure 1 ) from the target charging station. Then, when there is neither an object nor a living body near the target charging station, the server 600 determines to be yes in S62. On the other hand, when there is at least one of an object and a living body near the target charging station, the server 600 determines to be no in S62.

[0121] When it is determined to be yes in S62, in S63, the server 600 performs user authentication on the target charging station and determines whether the user authentication has been successfully executed. Specifically, the server 600 searches for reservation information based on the current time and the identification information (parking slot ID) of the parking slot corresponding to the target charging station, and obtains the identification information (user ID) of the user with the use authorization of the target charging station. Subsequently, the server 600 issues an authentication code to the user with the use authorization of the target charging station and requests the user to return the authentication code. For example, the server 600 transmits the authentication code to the mobile terminal 100 ( Figure 1 ) corresponding to the user ID. The user can return the authentication code by operating the mobile terminal 100. When the server 600 receives a reply in response to the above request, the server 600 determines that the user authentication has been successfully executed (yes in S63). On the other hand, when there is no reply in response to the above request even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication code was issued, the server 600 determines that the user authentication has failed (no in S63).

[0122] When it is determined to be yes in all of S61 to S63, the process proceeds to S64. In S64, the server 600 raises the movable part 301 ( Figure 1 ) of the target charging station from the first position (storage position) to the second position (power supply position). Specifically, the control device 330 of the target charging station communicates wirelessly with the server 600 and controls the actuator 320 ( Figure 1 ) according to the instruction from the server 600. The server 600 raises the movable part 301 to a position allowing insertion (see Figure 2 ). This enables the user to use the target charging station.

[0123] In the following, an example of using a target charging stand will be described with reference to Figure 2 Reference Figure 2 , the user takes out the connector 311 from the cable storage part of the target charging stand (charging stand 300), and connects the connector 311 to the power input socket 211 of the vehicle 200 (the vehicle parked in the parking slot corresponding to the target charging stand). Thereby, the vehicle 200 and the target charging stand enter the inserted state.

[0124] When the target charging stand enters the inserted state, the server 600 ( Figure 3 ) causes the target charging stand to start supplying power. Specifically, the control device 330 of the target charging stand communicates wirelessly with the server 600, and controls the power supply circuit 310 according to an instruction from the server 600. The power supply circuit 310 converts (for example, transforms) the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 350 into AC power suitable for supplying power to the vehicle 200, and supplies the converted power to the connector 311 (the plug connected to the power input socket 211). Then, the power is input from the connector 311 to the power input socket 211. The power input to the power input socket 211 is supplied to the battery 210 via the charger 212. When the battery 210 is being charged, the control device 330 controls the power supply circuit 310 to adjust the supplied power, and the ECU 230 controls the charger 212 to adjust the charging power.

[0125] When the charging of the battery 210 is completed, the user operates the touch panel display 313 of the target charging stand to input a stop instruction indicating power supply stop to the target charging stand. However, when the battery 210 is fully charged, the ECU 230 automatically transmits a stop instruction to the control device 330. In addition, when the reservation end time of the parking slot corresponding to the target charging stand arrives, the server 600 ( Figure 3 ) transmits a stop instruction to the target charging stand. The target charging stand stops supplying power according to the stop instruction. Then, the user pulls out the connector 311 from the power input socket 211 of the vehicle 200, and stores the connector 311 and the power supply cable 312 in the cable storage part. Thereby, the vehicle 200 and the target charging stand enter the pulled-out state. When the user returns the power supply cable 312 to the cable storage part, the control device 330 lowers the movable part 301 to the lower limit position P1 of the movable range R2. Therefore, the target charging stand enters the stored state again. In the mode where the power supply port of the target charging stand is a power output socket, when the power supply cable is detached from the power output socket, the control device 330 of the target charging stand can lower the movable part 301.

[0126] When it is determined to be No in any of S61 to S63 in Figure 15 , the server 600 does not raise the movable part 301 of the target charging stand ( Figure 1)。Therefore, the target charging stand remains in the storage state. In the above embodiments, it is determined in S62 and S63 whether a predetermined raising condition is satisfied. When it is determined to be yes in both S62 and S63, the raising condition is satisfied. However, the raising condition is not limited to this and can be changed as needed. For example, the requirement of S62 can be omitted.

[0127] The configuration of the vehicle is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the configuration shown. The power inlet socket of the vehicle can be provided on the front surface of the vehicle body, the side surface of the vehicle body, or the rear surface of the vehicle body. In addition, the power inlet socket of the vehicle can be provided on the lower surface of the vehicle body (under the floor). The power supply system 1 can include underground power supply equipment that rises from the ground and includes a plug connected to the power inlet socket provided in the lower surface of the vehicle body.

[0128] The configuration of the stations included in the power supply system 1 is not limited to Figure 4 the configuration shown. The number and layout of the parking slots in the station can be changed as needed. The station can include two or more rows of parking slots. The station can also include parking slots on the road. The underground power supply equipment corresponding to the parking slots on the road can be configured to supply power to the vehicles parked on the road. In addition, the power supply method of the underground power supply equipment included in the station can be appropriately changed. Instead of or in addition to Figure 4 the station St1 shown in Figures 16 to 18 the power supply system 1 can include at least one of the stations St2 to St4 described below shown in

[0129] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a first modification of the stations included in the power supply system 1. Referring to Figure 16 , the station St2 is adjacent to the road 500A. In the station St2, Figure 4 the entrances 510 and exits 520 shown in

[0130] Figure 17 are respectively changed to entrances / exits 510A and entrances / exits 520A. In the station St2, not only the vehicles with power inlet sockets provided at the rear of the vehicle body but also the vehicles with power inlet sockets provided at the front of the vehicle body can use the charging stands 300e to 300g. Figure 17, Station St3 is adjacent to road 500B. A plurality of parking slots (parking slots 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d,...) in Station St3 are arranged in rows along road 500B. The parking slots in Station St3 are separated by a plurality of dividing lines L3 so as to be arranged side by side longitudinally. The parking slots in Station St3 are provided along the longitudinal direction of each parking slot. Each of the plurality of charging seats (charging seats 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d,...) in Station St3 is an EVSE for a vehicle having an inlet socket provided on the left side surface of the vehicle body.

[0131] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a third modification of the stations included in the power supply system 1. Refer to Figure 18 , Station St4 is adjacent to road 500C. A plurality of parking slots (parking slots 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d,...) in Station St4 are arranged in rows along road 500C. The parking slots in Station St4 are separated by a plurality of dividing lines L4 so as to be arranged side by side longitudinally. The parking slots in Station St4 are provided along the longitudinal direction of each parking slot. Each of the plurality of charging seats (charging seats 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d,...) in Station St4 is an EVSE for a vehicle having an inlet socket provided on the right side surface of the vehicle body.

[0132] When the server 600 manages each station, if the server 600 reserves a parking slot without considering the position of the inlet socket of the vehicle belonging to the user making the reservation request, the user may not be able to use the charging seat (EVSE) corresponding to the reserved parking slot. Therefore, in the mode where the power supply system 1 includes a plurality of stations (for example, stations St1 to St4), the server 600 can use the position of the vehicle belonging to the user and the position of the inlet socket included in the vehicle to select one station from the plurality of stations. Such a configuration makes it easier to reserve a charging seat that the user can use. For example, when the server 600 receives a reservation request, the server 600 can perform the processing described below Figure 19 shown, instead of Figure 7 shown processing.

[0133] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server 600 reserving a parking slot according to the modification. Hereinafter, the vehicle belonging to the user who has made a reservation request to the server 600 is referred to as the "target vehicle".

[0134] Refer to Figure 19 Together with Figures 1 to 3, in S71, the server 600 obtains the position of the target vehicle at a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be the current time, or can be near the reservation start time specified by the reservation request (for example, at a time a predetermined time before the reservation start time). In the form where the predetermined time is the current time, the server 600 can obtain information indicating the current position of the target vehicle (for example, GPS-based position information) from the target vehicle. In the mode where the predetermined time is near the reservation start time, the server 600 can use the driving plan of the target vehicle received from the user terminal to estimate the position of the target vehicle at the predetermined time.

[0135] Subsequently, in S72, the server 600 searches the information stored in the storage device 620 to obtain the position of the power inlet socket included in the target vehicle. Then, in S73, the server 600 uses the position of the target vehicle obtained in S71 and the position of the power inlet socket obtained in S72 to select a station from among the multiple stations included in the power supply system 1. Specifically, the server 600 selects a station that includes a charging dock that can be used by the target vehicle, where the parking slot corresponding to at least one charging dock is an empty slot, and the station is located within a predetermined range from the position of the target vehicle obtained in S71. In addition to the position of the power inlet socket, the server 600 can also consider the specifications of the power inlet socket (AC / DC, charging standard, etc.) to specify the charging dock that the target vehicle can use.

[0136] In S74, the server 600 reserves a parking slot from among the multiple parking slots included in the one station selected as described above. Specifically, the server 600 reserves the parking slot through the Figure 7 processing shown. However, in S74, only the parking slot corresponding to the charging dock that the target vehicle can use is the reservation target. With the Figure 19 processing shown, the user of the target vehicle can easily reserve a charging dock that is located near the position of the target vehicle at the predetermined time (for example, at the current time or near the reservation start time) and that the target vehicle can use. This makes it easier for the user to use the charging dock (underground power supply equipment).

[0137] The vehicle is not limited to a BEV and can be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The vehicle can be configured for DC charging. The power supply equipment can be DC underground power supply equipment. Figure 1 The power conversion circuit of the charger 212 shown can be installed on the power supply equipment instead of on the vehicle. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car and can be a bus or a truck. The vehicle can be configured to be capable of performing autonomous driving, or can be equipped with a flight function. The vehicle can be an unmanned vehicle (for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or agricultural machinery).

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of the claims, rather than by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A server for managing a plurality of parking slots and power supply devices provided for each of the parking slots, wherein: The power supply device provided for each of the parking slots is configured to be storable below the ground and to supply power to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking slot when the power supply device extends above the ground, wherein; The server is configured to receive a reservation request specifying a reservation start time of the parking slot; The server is configured to: when the server receives the reservation request, from among the parking slots, a vacant parking slot that is not reserved at the reservation start time, preferentially reserve a parking slot that is not reserved for the adjacent parking slot on at least one side of the reservation start time over a parking slot that is reserved for the adjacent parking slot on both sides of the reservation start time; The server is configured to cancel the reservation of the parking slot in response to a reservation cancellation request; And The server is configured to, when canceling the reservation of a first parking slot that is one of the parking slots, notify a user who has reserved a second parking slot adjacent to the first parking slot that the reservation of the first parking slot has been canceled.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein, The server is configured to: when the server receives the reservation request, preferentially reserve a vacant parking slot on the side where the adjacent parking slot on one side of the reservation start time is not reserved from among the vacant parking slots over a parking slot that is reserved for both sides of the adjacent parking slots on both sides of the reservation start time, and preferentially reserve vacant parking slots on both sides where the adjacent parking slots on both sides are not reserved over the vacant parking slot on one side.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein: When the server receives the reservation request, the server obtains a reservation end time corresponding to the reservation start time based on the reservation request; The vacant parking slot is a parking slot among the parking slots that is not reserved during the reservation period from the reservation start time to the reservation end time; The server is configured to keep the power supply device corresponding to the unreserved parking slot stored below the ground; and When reserving the parking slot based on the reservation request, the server only allows the user who made the reservation request to use the power supply device corresponding to the reserved parking slot during the reservation period.

4. The server according to claim 3, wherein the server is configured to: when there is a vacant parking slot for the reservation period when the reservation request is received, reserve a vacant parking slot for the reservation period, and when there is no vacant parking slot for the reservation period when the reservation request is received, notify the user who made the reservation request that there is no vacant parking slot for the reservation period.

5. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The server is configured to, when the server reserves a parking slot in response to the reservation request, notify the user who made the reservation request of the identification information of the reserved parking slot and the reservation status of the adjacent parking slots on both sides of the reserved parking slot.

6. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The server is configured to keep the power supply device corresponding to the parking slot of the unparked vehicle stored below the ground surface.

7. A power supply system, comprising a plurality of parking slots, a power supply device provided for each of the parking slots, and a server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The parking slots are arranged in rows; The power supply device provided for each of the parking slots comprises: A movable part including a power supply port of the power supply device, An actuator for moving the movable part, A power supply circuit for supplying power to the power supply port, and A control device for controlling the actuator and the power supply circuit; The movable part is configured to move within a movable range including a first position and a second position. The first position is the position where the power supply port is stored below the ground surface and the top surface of the power supply device forms a road surface together with the ground surface, and the second position is the position where the top surface of the power supply device protrudes from the ground surface and the power supply port is exposed on the ground surface; and The control device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the server and control the actuator according to an instruction from the server.

8. The power supply system according to claim 7, wherein The server is configured to move the movable part of the power supply device corresponding to the parking slot where the vehicle is parked from the first position to the second position when a predetermined condition is met when the vehicle is parked in one of the parking slots.

9. A power supply system including a plurality of stations, wherein: Each of the stations includes a plurality of parking slots and a power supply device provided for each of the parking slots; The power supply device provided for each of the parking slots is configured to be storable below the ground surface and includes a plug, and the power supply device is configured to: supply power to the plug connected to the power inlet socket of the vehicle parked in the corresponding parking slot when the power supply device protrudes from the ground surface; The power supply system further includes a server that receives a reservation request specifying a reservation start time of the parking slot; And The server is configured to, when the server receives the reservation request from the user, use the position of the vehicle belonging to the user making the reservation request and the position of the power inlet socket included in the vehicle to select one of the stations, and among the parking slots included in the selected station, among the vacant parking slots not reserved at the reservation start time, give priority to reserving the parking slots where the adjacent parking slots on at least one side of the reservation start time are not reserved over the parking slots where the adjacent parking slots on both sides of the reservation start time are reserved, The server is configured to cancel the reservation of the parking slot in response to a reservation cancellation request; And The server is configured to, when canceling the reservation of a first parking slot which is one of the parking slots, notify the user who has reserved a second parking slot adjacent to the first parking slot that the reservation of the first parking slot has been canceled.

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