Vehicle allocation device and vehicle allocation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle allocation device and a vehicle allocation method. A processor (211) obtains power receiving information including information related to the power receiving mode of each power receiving device (108) of a plurality of vehicles (1). The processor (211) obtains power transmission information including information related to the power transmission mode of each power transmitting device (8) that can be used in the driving routes that each of the plurality of vehicles (1) can travel. Based on the power receiving information and the power transmission information, the processor (211) selects a vehicle (1) that can receive power from the power transmitting device (8) in the driving routes (R1 to R4) from the plurality of vehicles (1) as an allocation vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle allocation device and a vehicle allocation method for selecting a vehicle to be allocated from a plurality of waiting vehicles. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2019 / 225046 discloses a vehicle allocation device that, when a candidate vehicle for allocation to a user includes an electric vehicle, determines whether to select the electric vehicle as a candidate vehicle based on the remaining battery level of the electric vehicle and the power consumption required to travel from the electric vehicle's current location to the user's boarding location via the user's boarding location. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the vehicle allocation device of International Publication No. 2019 / 225046, when a power transmission device exists in a travel route that a vehicle serving as a vehicle allocation candidate is scheduled to travel, the vehicle can be charged using the power transmission device.

[0004] However, if the power received by the power receiving device (e.g., 3 kW) is smaller than the power delivered by the power transmitting device (e.g., 30 kW), charging efficiency will decrease. Furthermore, if the power transmission method of the power transmitting device differs from the power receiving device's, such as if a contactless power transmitting device is located along the vehicle's travel path while a contact-based power receiving device is installed on the vehicle, charging of the vehicle along the travel path will not be possible.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle allocating device and a vehicle allocating method for allocating (dispatching) a vehicle that can appropriately receive electric power from a power transmission device on a travel route.

[0006] A vehicle allocation device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a device for selecting an allocation vehicle from a plurality of vehicles on standby. The vehicle allocation device includes a processor and a memory storing a program executable by the processor. Each of the plurality of vehicles includes a power receiving device configured to receive power from a power transmitting device and a battery for driving that is charged using the power received by the power receiving device. The power transmitting device includes a contact power transmitting device configured to transmit power via a charging cable and a non-contact power transmitting device configured to transmit power in a non-contact manner. The power receiving device includes at least one of a contact power receiving device that receives power from the contact power transmitting device and a non-contact power receiving device that receives power from the non-contact power transmitting device. The processor obtains power receiving information including information regarding the power receiving mode of the power receiving device of each of the plurality of vehicles. The processor also obtains power transmission information including information regarding the power transmission mode of the power transmitting device that can be used along the travel routes of each of the plurality of vehicles. Based on the power receiving information and the power transmission information, the processor selects a vehicle from the plurality of vehicles that can receive power from the power transmitting device along the travel routes as the allocation vehicle.

[0007] In the above configuration, a vehicle capable of receiving power from the power transmitting device within the travel route is selected as a matching vehicle based on power receiving information including information regarding the power receiving mode of the power receiving device and power transmission information including information regarding the power transmission mode of the power transmitting device. Thus, according to the above configuration, a vehicle capable of appropriately receiving power from the power transmitting device within the travel route can be matched.

[0008] The power receiving information may include information indicating the amount of power received by the power receiving device per unit time. The power transmitting information may include information indicating the amount of power delivered by the power transmitting device per unit time. With this configuration, the power transmitting device can efficiently charge the power receiving device by taking into account the relationship between the amount of power received by the power receiving device per unit time and the amount of power delivered by the power transmitting device per unit time.

[0009] The processor may be configured to select a vehicle from a plurality of vehicles whose power transmitted per unit time by the power transmitting device matches the power received per unit time by the power receiving device.

[0010] The processor may be configured to select a vehicle to be allocated when a user requests allocation. The travel route may be configured to be a route to a location where the user is boarding the vehicle. With this configuration, a vehicle that can appropriately receive power from a power transmission device along the route to the user's location can be allocated.

[0011] The processor may be configured to exclude from the candidate vehicles for allocation a vehicle that is expected to arrive at the user's boarding location beyond the time specified by the user. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably allocate a vehicle that arrives before the time specified by the user.

[0012] The processor may be configured to select, when multiple vehicles are available for allocation, the vehicle with the shortest travel distance to the user's boarding location. This configuration reduces the deterioration of the battery mounted on the vehicle by shortening the travel distance.

[0013] The second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle allocation method for selecting a vehicle to be allocated from a plurality of vehicles on standby. The vehicle allocation method includes: obtaining power receiving information including information regarding the power receiving type of the power receiving device of each of the plurality of vehicles; obtaining power transmission information including information regarding the power transmission type of the power transmitting device that can be used in the travel routes of each of the plurality of vehicles; and selecting, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle that can receive power from the power transmitting device in the travel route as the allocation vehicle based on the power receiving information and the power transmission information. The above-described vehicle allocation method makes it possible to allocate a vehicle that can appropriately receive power from the power transmitting device in the travel route.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a vehicle distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle and a vehicle distribution device in detail.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a combination of a power transmitting device and a power receiving device.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle including a contactless power receiving device and a contactless power transmitting device.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle including a contact power receiving device and a contact power transmitting device.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a candidate vehicle travel route in the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7This is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the vehicle allocation process in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle allocation candidate group selected in the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a group of chargeable vehicles selected in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle including a non-contact power receiving device and a contact power receiving device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0026] [Implementation Method]

[0027] <System Configuration>

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a vehicle allocation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle allocation system 100 includes a plurality of vehicles 1 (including vehicles 1 a to 1 g described later), a vehicle allocation device 2 , and a plurality of user terminals 3 .

[0029] Each of the plurality of vehicles 1 is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery for traveling, such as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Each of the plurality of vehicles 1 can be powered by a power transmission device 8 ( Figures 3 to 5 Charging by contact or non-contact.

[0030] The vehicle allocation device 2 is a server device. The vehicle allocation device 2 is a device that selects a vehicle to be allocated from a plurality of vehicles 1 on standby. In addition, the vehicle allocation device 2 maintains the latest road information and the latest information related to the power transmission device 8. The detailed structure of the vehicle allocation device 2 is described in Figure 2 is described in .

[0031] Multiple user terminals 3 are each operated by a user, such as a smartphone. By operating a user terminal 3, a user can request a vehicle to be allocated (or request a vehicle to be allocated) to the vehicle allocation device 2. Based on the vehicle allocation request, the vehicle allocation device 2 selects a vehicle to be allocated to the user. Vehicle 1, vehicle allocation device 2, and user terminals 3 are configured to enable bidirectional communication via a network such as the Internet.

[0032] Figure 2This figure shows in detail the configuration of a vehicle 1 and a vehicle distribution device 2. Vehicle 1 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 11, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 131, and a communication module 14. The ECU 11, GPS receiver 131, and communication module 14 are capable of communicating with one another via an on-vehicle network 15, such as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0033] The ECU 11 includes a processor 111 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory 112 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 111 is configured to execute predetermined calculations described in a program. The memory 112 stores the program executed by the processor 111. In addition, the memory 112 temporarily stores data generated by the execution of the program in the processor 111 and data input via the communication module 14. Based on the detection values of various sensors (not shown) and the programs stored in the memory 112, the ECU 11 controls each device in the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 is in a desired state. In addition, the ECU 11 generates various information that is exchanged between the vehicle distribution device 2.

[0034] The GPS receiver 131 determines the position of the vehicle 1 based on radio waves from an artificial satellite (not shown). The vehicle 1 transmits the position information (GPS information) of the vehicle 1 determined by the GPS receiver 131 to the vehicle distribution device 2 .

[0035] The communication module 14 is a vehicle-mounted DCM (Data Communication Module) and is configured to enable bidirectional communication between the ECU 11 and the vehicle-mounted device 2 .

[0036] The vehicle distribution device 2 includes an application server 21 and a database (DB) server 22. The database server 22 includes a vehicle information database 221, a road information database 222, and a charging information database 223.

[0037] The application server 21 includes a processor 211 and a memory 212. The memory 212 stores programs executable by the processor 211.

[0038] The application server 21 collects information such as the location information (GPS information) and SOC (State of Charge) information of each of the multiple vehicles 1. This information is periodically transmitted from each vehicle 1 to the vehicle distribution device 2. The application server 21 stores the collected information in a vehicle information database 221. The vehicle information database 221 also stores information related to each vehicle 1, including the vehicle type, year, model, specifications, and status (e.g., battery degradation and full charge capacity), as well as power reception information (described later) from the power receiving device 108.

[0039] The application server 21 can obtain the driving history of each vehicle 1, more specifically, the data related to power consumption measured when each vehicle 1 is driving, according to various driving conditions (driving route, date, day of the week, weather, temperature, etc.) and store them in the vehicle information database 221.

[0040] The road information database 222 stores road information. The charging information database 223 stores power transmission information related to the power transmission device 8, including its specifications and installation location (described later). New roads may be constructed or their configurations may be changed. Furthermore, new power transmission devices 8 may be installed or existing ones may be decommissioned. Therefore, the information stored in the road information database 222 and the charging information database 223 is regularly updated by the administrator of the vehicle distribution device 2.

[0041] <Combination of Power Transmitting Device 8 and Power Receiving Device 108>

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a combination of the power transmitting device 8 and the power receiving device 108 .

[0043] In this embodiment, the power transmission device 8 includes contact power transmission devices 8a to 8c and non-contact power transmission devices 8d to 8f. The contact power transmission devices 8a to 8c are configured to transmit power via charging cables, while the non-contact power transmission devices 8d to 8f are configured to transmit power in a non-contact manner.

[0044] The power receiving device 108 includes contact power receiving devices 108a-108c and non-contact power receiving devices 108d-108f. Vehicle 1 may be equipped with only contact power receiving devices, only non-contact power receiving devices, or both. The contact power receiving devices receive power from the contact power transmitting devices. The non-contact power receiving devices receive power from the non-contact power transmitting devices.

[0045] Each of the plurality of vehicles 1 is configured to be capable of charging by at least either contact charging via charging cables extending from contact power transmission devices 8a to 8c or non-contact charging from non-contact power transmission devices 8d to 8f.

[0046] Vehicle 1a includes a contact power receiving device 108a. The power received by the contact power receiving device 108a per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as "receiving power") is 3 kW (hereinafter, the contact power receiving device 108a is also referred to as "contact power receiving device (3 kW)"). In this embodiment, the contact power transmitting device 8a is used to transmit power (transmit power) to the contact power receiving device 108a. The power transmitted by the contact power transmitting device 8a per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as "transmitting power") is 3 kW (hereinafter, the contact power transmitting device 8a is also referred to as "contact power transmitting device (3 kW)").

[0047] Vehicle 1b includes a contact power receiving device 108b. The power received by contact power receiving device 108b is 10 kW (hereinafter, contact power receiving device 108b is also referred to as "contact power receiving device (10 kW)"). In this embodiment, power is transmitted to contact power receiving device 108b using contact power transmitting device 8b. The power transmitted by contact power transmitting device 8b is 10 kW (hereinafter, contact power transmitting device 8b is also referred to as "contact power transmitting device (10 kW)").

[0048] Vehicle 1c includes a contact power receiving device 108c. The power received by contact power receiving device 108c is 30 kW (hereinafter, contact power receiving device 108c is also referred to as "contact power receiving device (30 kW)"). In this embodiment, power is transmitted to contact power receiving device 108c using contact power transmitting device 8c. The power transmitted by contact power transmitting device 8c is 30 kW (hereinafter, contact power transmitting device 8c is also referred to as "contact power transmitting device (30 kW)").

[0049] Vehicle 1d includes a non-contact power receiving device 108d. The power received by the non-contact power receiving device 108d is 3 kW (hereinafter, the non-contact power receiving device 108d is also referred to as the "non-contact power receiving device (3 kW)"). In this embodiment, power is transmitted to the non-contact power receiving device 108d using a non-contact power transmitting device 8d. The power transmitted by the non-contact power transmitting device 8d is 3 kW (hereinafter, the non-contact power transmitting device 8d is also referred to as the "non-contact power transmitting device (3 kW)").

[0050] Vehicle 1e includes a contactless power receiving device 108e. The power received by contactless power receiving device 108e is 10 kW (hereinafter, contactless power receiving device 108e is also referred to as "contactless power receiving device (10 kW)"). In this embodiment, power is transmitted to contactless power receiving device 108e using contactless power transmitting device 8e. The power transmitted by contactless power transmitting device 8e is 10 kW (hereinafter, contactless power transmitting device 8e is also referred to as "contactless power transmitting device (10 kW)").

[0051] Vehicle 1f includes a non-contact power receiving device 108f. The power received by the non-contact power receiving device 108f is 30 kW (hereinafter, the non-contact power receiving device 108f is also referred to as the "non-contact power receiving device (30 kW)"). In this embodiment, power is transmitted to the non-contact power transmitting device 8f using a non-contact power transmitting device 8f. The power transmitted by the non-contact power transmitting device 8f is 30 kW (hereinafter, the non-contact power transmitting device 8f is also referred to as the "non-contact power transmitting device (30 kW)").

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, a contact power receiving device is combined with a contact power transmission device, or a non-contact power receiving device is combined with a non-contact power transmission device. Moreover, the combination is performed in such a way that the power on the power transmission side and the power receiving side is consistent (combining 3kW, 10kW, and 30kW). The reason for this is that, for example, when a non-contact power transmission device (30kW) is combined with a non-contact power receiving device (3kW), 27kW (=30-3) of power will be wasted during charging, resulting in poor charging efficiency. The following describes a specific example of the combination of the power receiving device 108 and the power transmission device 8.

[0053] <Contactless Charging>

[0054] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1d including a non-contact power receiving device 108d (non-contact power receiving device (3kW)) and a non-contact power transmitting device 8d (non-contact power transmitting device (3kW)). Figure 2 In addition to the illustrated configuration, the vehicle further includes a non-contact power receiving device 108d, a power conversion device 167, a battery 163 for traveling, an inverter 164, and a motor generator 165.

[0055] The contactless power receiving device 108d is located on the lower surface of the floor panel forming the bottom surface of the vehicle 1d. The contactless power receiving device 108d houses a power receiving coil. The power receiving coil receives power transmitted from the contactless power transmitting device 8d in a contactless manner.

[0056] The non-contact power transmission device 8d includes a plurality of power transmission units 91 to 96 and a controller 90. Figure 4Although an example in which the number of power transmission units is six is shown, the number of power transmission units is not particularly limited and may be larger.

[0057] Multiple power transmission units 91-96 are arranged in a row along the path of vehicle 1d (either on the road surface or on a sidewall). Each power transmission unit 91-96 includes a power transmission coil 911-961. Each power transmission coil 911-961 is electrically connected to an AC power source (not shown). Although not shown, each power transmission unit 91-96 is equipped with a sensor (optical sensor, weight sensor, etc.) for detecting the passage of vehicle 1d.

[0058] The controller 90 determines the travel position of the vehicle 1d based on the detection signals from the sensors and supplies AC power from the AC power supply to the power transmission coil within the power transmission unit above which the vehicle 1d is located, among the power transmission units 91 to 96.

[0059] More specifically, for example, when a vehicle 1d is detected above the power transmission unit 91, the controller 90 supplies AC power to the power transmission coil 911. This causes an AC current to flow through the power transmission coil 911, creating an electromagnetic field around the power transmission coil 911. The power receiving coil within the contactless power receiving device 108d receives power in a contactless manner through this electromagnetic field. Then, when the vehicle 1d is no longer detected above the power transmission unit 91, the controller 90 stops supplying AC power to the power transmission coil 911. By performing this series of controls for each of the power transmission units 91 to 96, power can be transmitted contactlessly to the moving vehicle 1d (contactless charging).

[0060] The contactless power receiving device 108d supplies power from the contactless power transmitting device 8d to the battery 163 via the power conversion device 167. The battery 163 is a battery pack including a plurality of cells. Each cell is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 163 supplies the power used to generate the driving force of the vehicle 1 to the motor generator 165. The battery 163 also stores the power generated by the motor generator 165. The battery 163 is provided with a voltage sensor and a current sensor (not shown) for the ECU 11 to calculate the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 163.

[0061] Inverter 164 converts the DC power stored in battery 163 into AC power and supplies the AC power to motor generator 165. In addition, inverter 164 converts the AC power (regenerative power) from motor generator 165 into DC power and uses the DC power to charge battery 163. In addition, inverter 164 converts the AC power received by contactless power receiving device 108d into DC power and uses the DC power to charge battery 163.

[0062] The motor generator 165 receives electric power from the inverter 164 to apply rotational force to the drive wheels, thereby causing the vehicle 1 d to travel.

[0063] The above shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1d including a non-contact power receiving device 108d and a non-contact power transmitting device 8d. However, the configuration of a vehicle 1e including a non-contact power receiving device 108e and a non-contact power transmitting device 8e, and the configuration of a vehicle 1f including a non-contact power receiving device 108f and a non-contact power transmitting device 8f, differ only in the power transmitting device and the power receiving device, and the other configurations are the same.

[0064] <Contact Charging>

[0065] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1a including a contact power receiving device 108a (contact power receiving device (3 kW)) and a contact power transmitting device 8a (contact power transmitting device (3 kW)).

[0066] The contact power receiving device (also called an "inlet") 108a is located inside a charging cover (not shown) mounted on the exterior of the vehicle 1a. The contact power receiving device 108a is configured to accept a charging connector located at the tip of a charging cable extending from the contact power transmitting device 8a. Inserting the charging connector into the contact power receiving device 108a electrically connects the contact power transmitting device 8a to the contact power receiving device 108a, enabling power transmission (contact charging) from the contact power transmitting device 8a to the vehicle 1a.

[0067] When AC power is supplied from the contact power transmission device 8a, the power conversion device 162 converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to the battery 163. The battery 163 supplies the power used to generate the driving force of the vehicle 1a to the motor generator 165. The inverter 164 converts the DC power stored in the battery 163 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the motor generator 165. The motor generator 165 receives power from the inverter 164 and applies rotational force to the drive wheels, thereby driving the vehicle 1a.

[0068] The above shows an example of the structure of a vehicle 1a including a contact power receiving device 108a and a contact power transmitting device 8a, but the structure of a vehicle 1b including a contact power receiving device 108b and a contact power transmitting device 8b, and the structure of a vehicle 1c including a contact power receiving device 108c and a contact power transmitting device 8c are the same except for the power transmitting device and the power receiving device.

[0069] <Candidate Driving Route>

[0070] Figure 61 is a diagram showing an example of candidate travel routes of the vehicle 1 in the present embodiment. In this example, candidate travel routes (travel routes R1 to R4) from the current location of the vehicle 1 to the destination are shown.

[0071] Here, in this embodiment, the current location of the vehicle 1 is also referred to as the “vehicle current location.” The current location of the user is also referred to as the “user current location” or the “vehicle allocation destination.” The user's destination is also referred to as the “user destination.”

[0072] A user at their current location (the assigned vehicle destination) uses a user terminal 3 to request a vehicle from the assigned vehicle device 2. The assigned vehicle device 2 selects a travel route (in this example, any of routes R1 to R4) and an assigned vehicle from a plurality of vehicles 1. The assigned vehicle travels from the vehicle's current location to the assigned vehicle destination, where the user is picked up. The assigned vehicle then travels to the user's destination and the user is dropped off. When requesting a vehicle, the user specifies that the assigned vehicle arrive at the assigned vehicle destination by a specified time (in this example, 3:00 PM).

[0073] Here, the "travel route" mentioned above refers to the route from the current location of vehicle 1 to the destination. However, in this case, the destination is the "assignment destination." In other words, the travel route refers to the route to the location where the user will board the vehicle (assignment destination). However, without limitation, the "travel route" can also refer to the route from the current location of vehicle 1 to the user's destination. In this case, the assigned vehicle can be specified so that it arrives at the user's destination before the specified time.

[0074] A contact power transmission device 8b (10kW) is installed midway along route R1. A contact power transmission device 8c (30kW) is installed midway along route R2. A non-contact power transmission device 8e (10kW) is installed along route R3. A non-contact power transmission device 8d (3kW) is installed along route R4.

[0075] <Processing Flow>

[0076] Hereinafter, the processing steps of the vehicle allocation process will be described using a flowchart. Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the vehicle allocation process in this embodiment. This flowchart is called from a main routine (not shown) and executed when a predetermined condition is met, for example.

[0077] In the figure, the processing executed by user terminal 3 is shown on the left, and the processing executed by vehicle allocation device 2 (application server 21) is shown on the right. Each step is implemented by software processing in vehicle allocation device 2 or user terminal 3, but can also be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) configured in vehicle allocation device 2 or user terminal 3. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as S.

[0078] In S11, the user terminal 3 determines whether there is a request for car allocation (also called "car allocation request"). Figure 6 In the example of , the user makes a vehicle allocation request from the user's current location (vehicle allocation destination) using the user terminal 3. At this time, the user specifies that the vehicle allocation destination must be reached before 15:00.

[0079] If there is a vehicle allocation request (YES in S11), in S12, the user terminal 3 transmits the vehicle allocation request to the vehicle allocation device 2. If there is no vehicle allocation request (NO in S11), the user terminal 3 returns the process to the main routine.

[0080] The vehicle allocation device 2 (processor 211) selects a vehicle 1 that can receive power from the power transmission device 8 on the travel route as an allocation vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles 1 based on the power reception information and the power transmission information.

[0081] In S21, the vehicle allocation device 2 (processor 211) determines whether a vehicle allocation request has been received. If a vehicle allocation request has been received ("YES" in S21), in S22, the vehicle allocation device 2 obtains power reception and transmission information and selects a candidate vehicle group and a candidate travel route to the user's destination. If a vehicle allocation request has not been received ("NO" in S21), the vehicle allocation device 2 returns to the main routine.

[0082] The power receiving information includes information regarding the power receiving type of the power receiving devices 108 in each of the multiple vehicles 1. The power receiving type information allows identification of whether the power receiving device 108 is a contact power receiving device or a non-contact power receiving device. The power receiving information includes information indicating the power received by the power receiving device 108 (either 3 kW, 10 kW, or 30 kW). In other words, the power receiving information allows identification of whether the power receiving device 108 is a contact power receiving device 108a-108c or a non-contact power receiving device 108d-108f.

[0083] The power transmission information includes information regarding the power transmission type of the power transmission device 8 that can be used along the travel routes of each of the multiple vehicles 1. The power transmission type information allows identification of whether the power transmission device 8 is a contact power transmission device or a contactless power transmission device. The power transmission information includes information indicating the power transmitted from the power transmission device 8 (either 3 kW, 10 kW, or 30 kW). In other words, the power transmission information allows identification of whether the power transmission device 8 is a contact power transmission device 8a-8c or a contactless power transmission device 8d-8f.

[0084] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the travel routes R1 to R4 are selected as travel route candidates. A plurality of travel route candidates may be selected based on the installation status of the power transmission device 8, the road congestion status, the travel distance, and the like.

[0085] For example, if you select Figure 8 A vehicle such as that shown in the example. Figure 8 : is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle allocation candidate group selected in this embodiment. Figure 6 The vehicle A to E are currently at the vehicle's location, and any of them can proceed to the vehicle allocation destination. In this case, the vehicle allocation device 2 selects vehicles A to E as a group of candidate vehicles for allocation. The candidate vehicle group is selected from vehicles that can reach the allocation destination by at least charging during their travel route.

[0086] Vehicle A is vehicle 1a equipped with a contact power receiving device (3 kW). Vehicle B is vehicle 1b equipped with a contact power receiving device (10 kW). Vehicle C is vehicle 1d equipped with a non-contact power receiving device (3 kW). Vehicle D is vehicle 1e equipped with a non-contact power receiving device (10 kW). Vehicle E is vehicle 1f equipped with a non-contact power receiving device (30 kW).

[0087] return Figure 7 In S23, the vehicle allocation device 2 determines whether a chargeable vehicle 1 exists on the candidate travel route to the allocation destination. If a chargeable vehicle 1 exists ("YES" in S23), the vehicle allocation device 2 selects a chargeable vehicle group in S24. If no chargeable vehicle 1 exists ("NO" in S23), the vehicle allocation device 2 returns the process to the main routine.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, a contact power transmission device (10 kW) is provided on the travel path R1, a contact power transmission device (30 kW) is provided on the travel path R2, and a non-contact power transmission device (3 kW) is provided on the travel path R4. Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing an example of a group of chargeable vehicles selected in this embodiment. The user's designated time is 15:00.

[0089] Vehicle D is equipped with a 10kW non-contact power receiving device and can therefore be charged along route R3, which is also equipped with a 10kW non-contact power transmitting device. Route R3 is distance D1, and the estimated arrival time calculated by the vehicle dispatching device 2 is 14:45 (in time with the designated time).

[0090] Vehicle C is equipped with a 3kW non-contact power receiving device and can therefore be charged along route R4, where a 3kW non-contact power transmitting device is installed. Route R4 is distance D2, and the estimated arrival time calculated by the vehicle dispatching device 2 is 14:52 (in time with the designated time).

[0091] Vehicle B is equipped with a 10kW contact power receiving device and can therefore be charged along route R1, which is also equipped with a 10kW contact power transmitting device. The distance along route R1 is distance D3, and the estimated arrival time calculated by vehicle dispatching device 2 is 3:03 PM (beyond the designated time). Here, the relationship D1 < D2 < D3 holds true.

[0092] By establishing a correspondence between power receiving device 108 and power transmitting device 8 as described above, a vehicle 1 whose transmitted power (3 kW, 10 kW, 30 kW) from power transmitting device 8 matches the received power (3 kW, 10 kW, 30 kW) of power receiving device 108 can be selected from multiple vehicles 1 as the assigned vehicle. This allows power transmitting device 8 to efficiently charge power receiving device 108.

[0093] return Figure 7 In S25, the vehicle allocation device 2 excludes vehicles 1 from the list of vehicles to be allocated that are expected to arrive after the user's designated time. In the above example, vehicle B, which is expected to arrive after the designated time, is excluded. This ensures that vehicles 1 that arrive before the user's designated time can be allocated reliably.

[0094] In S26, if there are multiple vehicles 1 available for selection as the assigned vehicle, the vehicle allocation device 2 selects the vehicle 1 with the shortest travel distance to the user's boarding location (the assigned destination) as the assigned vehicle. In the above example, vehicle D, which has the shortest distance to the assigned destination, is selected as the assigned vehicle. By shortening the travel distance, degradation of the vehicle's battery can be suppressed.

[0095] In S27, the vehicle allocation device 2 issues a vehicle allocation instruction and returns the process to the main routine. Specifically, the vehicle D is instructed to travel along the travel route R3 to the vehicle allocation destination.

[0096] As described above, based on the power receiving information including information regarding the power receiving method of the power receiving device 108 and the power transmission information including information regarding the power transmission method of the power transmitting device 8, a vehicle 1 capable of receiving power from the power transmitting device 8 within the travel route is selected as the assigned vehicle. This allows the assignment of a vehicle 1 that can appropriately receive power from the power transmitting device 8 within the travel route.

[0097] <Contact Charging and Contactless Charging>

[0098] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , an example of a vehicle structure including only a non-contact power receiving device is shown. Figure 5 In FIG, a configuration example of a vehicle including only a contact power receiving device is shown. The following configuration example of a vehicle including both contact charging and non-contact charging is shown. Figure 10 108 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1g including a non-contact power receiving device 108d and a contact power receiving device 108a.

[0099] The vehicle 1 g includes a non-contact power receiving device 108 d , a power conversion device 167 , a battery 163 for traveling, an inverter 164 , a motor generator 165 , the contact power receiving device 108 a , and a power conversion device 162 .

[0100] Contactless charging Figure 4 The non-contact power receiving device 108 d supplies the power from the non-contact power transmitting device 8 d to the battery 163 via the power conversion device 167 .

[0101] Contact charging Figure 5 The contact power receiving device 108 a supplies the electric power from the contact power transmitting device 8 a to the battery 163 via the power conversion device 162 .

[0102] Battery 163 supplies electric power for generating driving force for vehicle 1g to motor generator 165. Inverter 164 converts the DC power stored in battery 163 into AC power and supplies the AC power to motor generator 165. Motor generator 165 receives the power from inverter 164 and applies rotational force to the drive wheels, thereby driving vehicle 1g.

[0103] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be encompassed.

Claims

1. A vehicle allocation system, comprising: Vehicle allocation device, multiple vehicles on standby, and destinations, The vehicle allocation device is a vehicle allocation device that selects a vehicle to be allocated from the plurality of vehicles. The vehicle distribution device comprises: processor; and a memory storing a program executable by the processor, Each of the plurality of vehicles comprises: a power receiving device configured to receive electric power from the power transmitting device; a battery for driving that is charged using the power received by the power receiving device, and a motor generator receiving electric power from the battery and applying rotational force to the driving wheels of the vehicle; The power transmission device includes a contact power transmission device configured to transmit power via a charging cable, and a non-contact power transmission device configured to transmit power in a non-contact manner. The power receiving device includes at least one of a contact power receiving device that receives power from the contact power transmitting device and a non-contact power receiving device that receives power from the non-contact power transmitting device. the processor, acquiring power receiving information including information on the power receiving form of the power receiving device of each of the plurality of vehicles; acquiring power transmission information including information on a power transmission mode of the power transmission device that can be used in each of a plurality of travel routes on which each of the plurality of vehicles can travel; When there is a vehicle allocation request from the user, a travel route is selected from the plurality of travel routes. selecting, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle that can receive electric power from the power transmission device in the selected travel route as a dispatching vehicle based on the power reception information and the power transmission information; controlling the supply of electric power to the motor generator to impart rotational force to the drive wheels of the vehicle, in, The travel route is a route to a location where the user gets on the vehicle.

2. The vehicle distribution device according to claim 1, The power receiving information includes information indicating the power received by the power receiving device per unit time. The power transmission information includes information indicating the power transmitted per unit time by the power transmission device.

3. The vehicle distribution device according to claim 2, The processor selects, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle in which the electric power transmitted by the power transmitting device per unit time matches the electric power received by the power receiving device per unit time as the assigned vehicle.

4. The vehicle distribution device according to claim 1, The processor excludes a vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that is expected to arrive at the location where the user is to board the vehicle beyond the time specified by the user, from the candidates for the allocated vehicle.

5. The vehicle distribution device according to claim 1 or claim 4, The processor selects, when there are a plurality of vehicles selectable as the allocated vehicle, a vehicle having the shortest travel distance to a location where the user is to board the vehicle as the allocated vehicle.

6. A vehicle allocation method is a method for selecting a vehicle to be allocated from a plurality of vehicles on standby. Each of the plurality of vehicles comprises: a power receiving device configured to receive electric power from the power transmitting device; a battery for driving that is charged with the power received by the power receiving device, and a motor generator receiving electric power from the battery and applying rotational force to the driving wheels of the vehicle; The power transmission device includes a contact power transmission device configured to transmit power via a charging cable, and a non-contact power transmission device configured to transmit power in a non-contact manner. The power receiving device includes at least one of a contact power receiving device that receives power from the contact power transmitting device and a non-contact power receiving device that receives power from the non-contact power transmitting device. The vehicle allocation method includes: a step of acquiring power receiving information including information on a power receiving format of the power receiving device of each of the plurality of vehicles; a step of acquiring power transmission information including information on a power transmission mode of the power transmission device that can be used in each of a plurality of travel routes on which each of the plurality of vehicles can travel; When there is a vehicle allocation request from a user, selecting a driving route from the plurality of driving routes; selecting, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle that can receive electric power from the power transmitting device in the selected travel route as a dispatching vehicle based on the power receiving information and the power transmitting information; and controlling the supply of electric power to the motor generator to impart rotational force to the drive wheels of the vehicle, in, The travel route is a route to a location where the user gets on the vehicle.

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