Charging system

Abstract

A processor of a control device of the charging system executes processing including the following contents: receiving sign-in, wherein the sign-in is a procedure of starting to charge a vehicle at a charging pile; before the sign-in, the reservation of charging of the vehicle at the charging pile is accepted; when the reservation is carried out, vehicle determination information is acquired from the reserved vehicle, and the vehicle determination information is information for determining the vehicle; when the vehicle is signed in, obtaining the vehicle determination information from the vehicle which is signed in; checking the vehicle determination information obtained during reservation and the vehicle determination information obtained during sign-in, and judging whether the vehicle determination information and the vehicle determination information are consistent or not; and when it is determined through the check that the vehicle determination information during the reservation is consistent with the vehicle determination information during the sign-in, allowing the sign-in, so that the vehicle can be charged at the charging pile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system for performing charging. Background Art

[0002] For example, a technique for predicting the possibility of a vehicle being charged at a charging station is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the possibility of charging is predicted to be higher as the battery level of the vehicle is lower, and the possibility of charging is predicted to be lower as the battery level is higher.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-13893 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Vehicles such as electric vehicles that have an electric motor as a driving source sometimes try to charge the onboard battery at a charging station. However, when the vehicle arrives at the charging station, the charging station may be in use and charging is not possible. When the vehicle arrives at the charging station, it is hoped that charging can proceed smoothly.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a charging system capable of smooth charging.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0011] A charging station capable of charging the vehicle; and

[0012] Control device,

[0013] Wherein, the control device comprises:

[0014] one or more processors; and

[0015] one or more memories connected to the processor,

[0016] The processor performs processing including:

[0017] Accepting a check-in, which is a procedure for the vehicle to start charging at the charging station;

[0018] Before the check-in, accepting a reservation for the vehicle to charge at the charging station;

[0019] When making the reservation, obtaining vehicle identification information from the vehicle making the reservation, wherein the vehicle identification information is information for identifying the vehicle;

[0020] At the time of the sign-in, acquiring the vehicle identification information from the vehicle performing the sign-in;

[0021] Comparing the vehicle identification information obtained during the reservation with the vehicle identification information obtained during the sign-in to determine whether the two are consistent; and

[0022] When it is determined through the checking that the vehicle identification information at the time of the reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information at the time of the sign-in, the sign-in is permitted so that the vehicle can be charged at the charging station.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, charging can be performed smoothly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the charging system according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle, a charging station, and a server device constituting a charging system.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a charging error database.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the process flow of the vehicle and the server device when charging is scheduled.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the process flow of the vehicle and the server device when charging is scheduled.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of the navigation device during reservation.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing another display example of the navigation device during prediction.

[0032] Figure 8 is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow of the charging station and the vehicle when signing in.

[0033] Fig. 9 It is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the vehicle and the server device at the time of sign-in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for easy understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, for elements having substantially the same function and structure, repeated descriptions are omitted by marking the same symbols, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of a charging system 1 according to the present embodiment. The charging system 1 includes a vehicle 10, a charging station 12, a server device 14, and a base station 16. The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle having an onboard battery for supplying power to a driving source. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0036] The charging station 12 is configured to charge the onboard battery of the vehicle 10 . Details will be described later. Hereinafter, the charging of the onboard battery is sometimes referred to as simply charging. Therefore, the expression charging of the vehicle 10 means charging of the onboard battery of the vehicle 10 .

[0037] The charging pile 12 is installed, for example, at a predetermined position on the travel road 20. Figure 1 In the example, the charging station 12 is installed in the service area 22 on the expressway as the travel road 20. Here, the expressway is cited as the travel road 20, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and can be applied to various roads where the vehicle 10 can travel.

[0038] In addition, here, an example of installing two charging posts 12 in the service area 22 is given, but the number of charging posts 12 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be more than three. In addition, here, the area where the charging posts 12 are installed and the vehicles 10 for charging are allowed to enter is referred to as the charging area 24.

[0039] The server device 14 is, for example, a cloud server, and is capable of managing a plurality of charging posts 12 .

[0040] The base station 16 communicates with the vehicle 10 through a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G. The base station 16 only needs to be connected to the vehicle 10 through wireless communication. Therefore, as a wireless communication method, for example, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System), VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) (registered trademark) and other communication methods can be used.

[0041] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 10, the charging station 12, and the server device 14 constituting the charging system 1. The vehicle 10, the charging station 12, and the server device 14 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 26, for example.

[0042] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle communication device 40, a vehicle battery 42, a charging connection device 44, a navigation device 46, and a vehicle control device 50. The vehicle communication device 40 can establish communication with the charging station 12 and the server device 14 via the communication network 26.

[0043] The vehicle battery 42 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The charging connection device 44 has a charging port exposed to the outside, and a charging connector 62 of the charging pile 12 described later can be connected. The charging connection device 44 functions as a connection portion that electrically connects the charging pile 12 and the vehicle battery 42.

[0044] The navigation device 46 can use GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine the position of the vehicle 10. The navigation device 46 has a display device that can display various information such as map information, a driving route, and the position of the vehicle 10. The map information may include information about the driving road 20 and the installation position information of the charging station 12.

[0045] In addition, the navigation device 46 also functions as a notification unit that notifies the occupant of information related to the vehicle 10, and an operation unit that receives the occupant's operation. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned various information, the navigation device 46 may be replaced by displaying information related to the charging of the vehicle 10 on the display device. In addition, the navigation device 46 can receive the occupant's operation input for the option related to the charging of the vehicle 10 through, for example, a touch panel provided on the navigation device 46.

[0046] The vehicle control device 50 includes one or more processors 52a and one or more memories 52b connected to the processors 52a. The memory 52b includes a ROM storing programs and the like, and a RAM as a work area. The processor 52a cooperates with the program contained in the memory 52b to control the entire vehicle 10. In addition, the processor 52a also functions as a vehicle control unit 54 by executing the program. The vehicle control unit 54 performs various processes related to charging of the vehicle 10.

[0047] The charging pile 12 includes a pile communication device 60 , a charging connector 62 , a power conversion device 64 , and a pile control device 70 . The pile communication device 60 can establish communication with the server device 14 and the vehicle 10 via the communication network 26 .

[0048] The charging connector 62 is connectable to the charging connection device 44 of the vehicle 10. The power conversion device 64 converts power from, for example, a commercial power source and supplies power to the vehicle 10 through the charging connector 62 and the charging connection device 44. In this way, the vehicle-mounted battery 42 can be charged.

[0049] The pile control device 70 has one or more processors 72a and one or more memories 72b connected to the processors 72a. The memory 72b includes a ROM for storing programs and the like, and a RAM as a work area. The processor 72a cooperates with the program contained in the memory 72b to control the entire charging pile 12. In addition, the processor 72a also functions as a pile control unit 74 by executing the program. The pile control unit 74 performs various processes related to the charging of the vehicle 10.

[0050] The server device 14 includes a server communication device 80 , a storage device 82 , and a server control device 90 . The server communication device 80 can establish communication with the charging station 12 and the vehicle 10 via the communication network 26 .

[0051] The storage device 82 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element. In addition, the nonvolatile storage element may include a nonvolatile storage element that can be electrically read and written, such as a flash memory.

[0052] The server control device 90 has one or more processors 92a and one or more memories 92b connected to the processors 92a. The memory 92b includes a ROM for storing programs and the like, and a RAM as a work area. The processor 92a cooperates with the program contained in the memory 92b to control the entire server device 14. In addition, the processor 92a also functions as a server control unit 94 by executing the program. The server control unit 94 performs various processes related to charging of the vehicle 10.

[0053] Such an arbitrary vehicle 10 having an electric motor as a driving source will attempt to charge the onboard battery 42 at the charging station 12 as the SOC (State Of Charge) in the onboard battery 42 decreases. For example, if the arbitrary vehicle 10 is traveling on the driving road 20, it is possible to drive to the service area 22, and the charging station 12 in the service area 22 will charge the onboard battery 42.

[0054] Here, when the vehicle 10 is charged at the charging post 12, the charging system 1 performs a check-in, which is a procedure for the vehicle 10 to start charging at the charging post 12. In the charging system 1, after the check-in is allowed, the vehicle 10 can be charged at the charging post 12. The check-in is performed near the charging post 12. More specifically, it is performed when the vehicle 10 enters the charging area 24 where the charging post 12 is provided.

[0055] For example, a gate is provided at the entrance and exit of the charging area 24 where the charging pile 12 is provided. The gates at the entrance and exit of the charging area 24 are used for check-in. When check-in is allowed, the gate is opened, and the vehicle 10 can enter the charging area 24. On the other hand, when check-in is not allowed, the gate remains closed, so that the vehicle 10 cannot enter the charging area 24.

[0056] In addition, in the charging system 1, when charging is completed and the vehicle 10 leaves the charging station 12, a check-out can be performed as a procedure for the vehicle 10 to finish charging at the charging station 12. The check-out is performed at the gate at the entrance and exit of the charging station 12 or the charging area 24. For example, when the settlement equivalent to the charging of the vehicle 10 is completed, the check-out is automatically completed.

[0057] In addition, in the charging system 1, a structure can be adopted to reserve the vehicle 10 for charging at the charging post 12 before signing in. Any vehicle 10, for example, when it is traveling on the driving road 20 and has not reached the service area 22, estimates the arrival time at the charging post 12 and reserves the desired charging time according to the arrival time. It should be noted that the scheduled start time of charging is sometimes referred to as the scheduled start time, and the scheduled end time of charging is referred to as the scheduled end time. In this way, when any vehicle 10 arrives at the charging post 12, it does not need to wait for charging, and can charge the vehicle battery 42 from the scheduled start time.

[0058] The server device 14 may perform a process of accepting a check-in of the vehicle 10 at the charging station 12 . In addition, the server device 14 may perform a process of accepting a reservation for the vehicle 10 to charge at the charging station 12 .

[0059] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the vehicle 10 for making a reservation is sometimes referred to as a first vehicle. In addition, any vehicle 10 different from the first vehicle is sometimes referred to as a second vehicle.

[0060] The storage device 82 of the server device 14 may store a check-in permission table, a reservation permission table, and a charging error database.

[0061] The sign-in permission table is a table that manages the vehicles 10 that are allowed to sign in at the current moment in association with the charging posts 12. When the vehicle 10 is allowed to sign in, the server control unit 94 adds the allowed vehicle 10 to the sign-in permission table. When the vehicle 10 signs out, the server control unit 94 deletes the signed-out vehicle 10 from the sign-in permission table. In this way, the sign-in permission table is updated.

[0062] The reservation permission table is a table that manages the vehicles 10 that are allowed to be reserved at the current moment in association with the charging posts 12. When the vehicle 10 is allowed to reserve charging, the server control unit 94 adds the allowed vehicle 10 to the reservation permission table. When check-in is allowed for the vehicle 10 that has been reserved, the server control unit 94 deletes the vehicle 10 that is allowed to check-in from the reservation permission table. In this way, the reservation permission table is updated. It should be noted that the reservation permission table is also updated when the reservation is canceled or when there is no check-in after the end time of the reserved charging time.

[0063] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a charging error database. The charging error database stores error history records when the vehicle 10 is charged at the charging station 12. In the charging error database, the charging area 24, the charging station 12, the model of the vehicle 10, and the details of the error are associated with each other.

[0064] When an error occurs in the charging pile 12, the charging pile control unit 74 sends the charging pile 12 where the error occurs, the model of the vehicle 10, and the content of the error to the server device 14. When the server device 14 receives the information such as the content of the error, it stores the received information such as the content of the error in the storage device 82 and updates the charging error database. In this way, the error history of the vehicle 10 when charging at the charging pile 12 is stored in the charging error database.

[0065] It should be noted that Figure 3 As an example of the error content registered in the charging error database, a connector connection error, a credit card reading error and an overvoltage error are shown. A connector connection error indicates that the charging connection device 44 of the vehicle 10 and the charging connector 62 of the charging pile 12 are not mechanically connected. A credit card reading error indicates that the charging pile 12 fails to read the credit card of the occupant of the vehicle 10. An overvoltage error indicates that the voltage applied from the charging pile 12 to the vehicle 10 is too large relative to the receiving voltage of the vehicle 10. However, the content of the errors registered in the charging error database is not limited to the listed types of errors, and the content of various errors that may occur during charging may also be registered in the charging error database.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing performed by the vehicle 10 and the server device 14 when charging is scheduled. Figure 4 The "A" and Figure 5 For example, the occupant of the vehicle 10 may input a request for a scheduled charging through the navigation device 46 .

[0067] like Figure 4As shown, if there is no charging reservation request ("No" in S10), the vehicle control unit 54 waits until a reservation request appears. When a charging reservation request is detected ("Yes" in S10), the vehicle control unit 54 derives the remaining drivable distance at the current moment (S11). The remaining drivable distance indicates how far the vehicle can travel at the current SOC. For example, the vehicle control unit 54 derives the remaining charge of the on-board battery 42 at the current moment based on the current SOC. The vehicle control unit 54 multiplies the drivable distance per unit charge by the remaining charge at the current moment to derive the remaining drivable distance.

[0068] Next, the vehicle control unit generates occupant identification information (S12) that identifies at least one occupant of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 is provided with a camera that can photograph the occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle control unit 54 generates facial image information of the occupants in the vehicle captured by the camera as occupant identification information. It should be noted that the occupant identified by the occupant identification information is not limited to the driver, but may also be a passenger who does not drive the vehicle.

[0069] In addition, the occupant identification information is not limited to the form generated by the image of the occupant captured by the camera. For example, the image of the driver's license of the occupant of the vehicle 10 can be pre-registered in the vehicle 10, and the image information of the registered driver's license can be used as the occupant identification information. In addition, the occupant identification information is not limited to image information, for example, it can also be text information such as the occupant's address.

[0070] Next, the vehicle control unit 54 transmits reservation request information for requesting reservation to the server device 14 via the vehicle communication device 40 (S13). The reservation request information includes vehicle identification information as information for identifying the vehicle 10, passenger identification information, settlement information for determining that a settlement equivalent to charging of the vehicle 10 can be made, remaining drivable distance, current position of the vehicle 10, target location, and route information.

[0071] As the settlement information, for example, a credit card number may be used. For example, the credit card number of the occupant of the vehicle 10 may be pre-registered in the vehicle 10, and the registered credit card number may be used as the settlement information. As the current position, the current position of the vehicle 10 detected by the navigation device 46 may be used.

[0072] It should be noted that if the destination point and route information are not set in the navigation device 46, the destination point and route information may be omitted in the reservation request information.

[0073] The server control unit 94 receives the reservation request information from the vehicle 10 through the server communication device 80 (S20). Thus, the server control unit 94 can obtain the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, the settlement information, etc. of the vehicle 10 for which the reservation is requested. As described later, the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information thus obtained at the time of reservation are checked at the time of check-in after the reservation, and are used for the permission determination of the check-in.

[0074] Next, the server control unit 94 extracts the charging piles 12 that exist within the remaining drivable distance from the current position as candidate charging piles 12 for reservation based on the acquired remaining drivable distance and the current position of the vehicle 10 (S21). The server control unit 94 can extract the charging piles 12 that exist within the remaining drivable distance from the current position and that exist halfway along the route from the current position to the target location as candidate charging piles 12 for reservation based on the acquired target location and route information.

[0075] For all charging posts 12 extracted as reservation candidates, the server control unit 94 generates other vehicle sign-in information (S22) based on the sign-in permission table stored in the storage device 82. The other vehicle sign-in information indicates whether a second vehicle has signed in as another vehicle from the first vehicle in the charging posts 12 as reservation objects. The other vehicle sign-in information includes not only whether the second vehicle has signed in, but also the number of second vehicles that have signed in.

[0076] For all charging posts 12 extracted as reservation candidates, the server control unit 94 generates other vehicle reservation information (S23) based on the reservation permission table stored in the storage device 82. The other vehicle reservation information indicates whether there is already a reservation for the second vehicle as the other vehicle in the charging posts 12 as the reservation object from the first vehicle. The other vehicle reservation information includes not only whether the second vehicle is reserved, but also the number of second vehicles that have been reserved.

[0077] For all charging stations 12 extracted as reservation candidates, the server control unit 94 generates error information (S24) based on the error database stored in the storage device 82. The error information indicates the contents of errors that have occurred in the past for the combination of the reserved vehicle 10 and the charging station 12 as the reservation candidate.

[0078] The server control unit 94 transmits charging pile information about the charging pile 12 as a candidate for reservation to the vehicle 10 as the source of the reservation request information through the server communication device 80 (S25). The transmitted charging pile information includes charging pile identification information for identifying the charging pile 12 as a candidate for reservation, other vehicle check-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information.

[0079] The vehicle control unit 54 receives the charging station information sent by the server device 14 through the vehicle communication device 40 (S30). As a result, the vehicle 10 can identify the charging station 12 as a reservation candidate. Then, the vehicle 10 can obtain other vehicle check-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information for each charging station 12 as a reservation candidate.

[0080] Enter Figure 5 The vehicle control unit 54 displays the candidate charging station 12 for reservation on the display device of the navigation device 46, and prompts the occupant of the vehicle 10 (S31). At this time, the vehicle control unit 54 displays other vehicle check-in information, other vehicle reservation information and error information on the display device of the navigation device 46, and prompts the occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0081] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the navigation device 46 during reservation. Figure 6 As shown, the navigation device 46 displays the current location, destination, and travel route of the vehicle 10 .

[0082] The navigation device 46 displays the first charging area 110 and the second charging area 112 as the charging areas 24 where the reservation candidate charging posts 12 are provided. The first charging area 110 and the second charging area 112 are located substantially along the driving route. The first charging area 110 is located closer to the current position of the vehicle 10 than the second charging area 112.

[0083] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another display example of the navigation device 46 during prediction. The occupant of the vehicle 10 can, for example, touch the screen of the navigation device 46 to select Figure 6 The display switches to Figure 7 display screen.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, for each of the first charging area 110 and the second charging area 112, the navigation device 46 displays the charging posts 12 belonging to the charging area 24. In addition, the navigation device 46 displays other vehicle check-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information corresponding to the charging posts 12.

[0085] The occupant of the vehicle 10 can select a charging station 12 for which to make a reservation from the reservation candidate charging stations 12 presented by the navigation device 46 .

[0086] Since other vehicle check-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information are displayed on the navigation device 46 , the occupant of the vehicle 10 can carefully select the charging station 12 that he wants to reserve.

[0087] Here, an example of generating and prompting other vehicle sign-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information is described. However, the vehicle control unit 54 only needs to prompt the candidate charging station 12 for reservation, and the generation and prompting of one or more of the other vehicle sign-in information, other vehicle reservation information, and error information can be omitted.

[0088] Back to Figure 5 The vehicle control unit 54 receives, through the navigation device 46, the selection of the charging station 12 for which reservation is desired (S32).

[0089] The vehicle control unit 54 transmits selection information indicating the charging station 12 selected as the charging station 12 to be reserved to the server device 14 via the vehicle communication device 40 ( S33 ).

[0090] The server control unit 94 receives the selection information transmitted from the vehicle 10 via the server communication device 80 ( S40 ).

[0091] The server control unit 94 determines the charging station 12 indicated by the received selection information as the reservation target charging station to be reserved ( S41 ).

[0092] The server control unit 94 derives the travel distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the reserved charging station based on the map information and the route information. Then, the server control unit 94 determines whether the derived travel distance is within a predetermined distance (S42).

[0093] When it is determined that the driving distance is within the prescribed distance ("Yes" in S42), the server control unit 94 derives the driving time required to travel from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the reserved charging station. For example, the server control unit 94 can derive the driving time based on the traffic congestion information and speed limit on the route from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the reserved charging station. Then, the server control unit 94 determines whether the derived driving time is within the prescribed time (S43). That is, in step S43, it is determined whether the vehicle 10 can reach the reserved charging station within the prescribed time from the current time.

[0094] When it is determined that the distance determination of step S42 is satisfied ("Yes" in S42) and the time determination of step S43 is satisfied ("Yes" in S43), the server control unit 94 allows the reservation of charging for the reserved charging station (S44). With the reservation being allowed, the server control unit 94 confirms the reservation by storing the contents of the allowed reservation in the storage device 82. It should be noted that in Figure 4 In step S20 , the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 10 has been acquired.

[0095] On the other hand, when it is determined that the distance determination in step S42 is not satisfied (No in S42) or when it is determined that the time determination in step S43 is not satisfied (No in S43), the server control unit 94 does not permit the reservation (S45).

[0096] This can suppress reservations for reservation target charging stations located too far from the current position of the vehicle 10. As a result, for example, the probability of reservation cancellation can be suppressed.

[0097] It should be noted that the server control unit 94 is not limited to the method of performing both the distance determination of step S42 and the time determination of step S43. For example, the server control unit 94 may perform only one of the distance determination and the time determination, and omit the other. In the method of omitting the time determination and performing the distance determination, the server control unit 94 may obtain the vehicle identification information, and allow the reservation if the distance determination is satisfied. In the method of omitting the distance determination and performing the time determination, the server control unit 94 may obtain the vehicle identification information, and allow the reservation if the time determination is satisfied.

[0098] The server control unit 94 transmits reservation result information indicating whether reservation is permitted or not to the vehicle 10 that has transmitted the selection information via the server communication device 80 (S46). It should be noted that when reservation is permitted, the server control unit 94 may update the reservation permission table.

[0099] The vehicle control unit 54 receives the reservation result information transmitted by the server device 14 via the vehicle communication device 40 (S50). The vehicle control unit 54 causes the navigation device 46 to display the reservation result information on the display device. Thus, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can recognize whether the reservation of the selected charging station 12 is permitted.

[0100] It should be noted that, when the vehicle control unit 54 obtains reservation result information indicating that reservation is not permitted, the vehicle control unit 54 may cause the navigation device 46 to display the reservation candidate charging posts 12 again and urge the user to select another charging post 12 .

[0101] Furthermore, when the reservation is permitted, the server control unit 94 may confirm whether the reservation is confirmed to the vehicle 10. In this case, after receiving an instruction to confirm the reservation from the vehicle 10, the server control unit 94 may store the contents of the reservation in the storage device 82 to confirm the reservation.

[0102] Figure 8 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow of the charging station 12 and the vehicle 10 at the time of signing in. When the vehicle 10 arrives at the gate of the charging area 24, the charging station 12 detects whether a sign-in request of the vehicle 10 arriving at the gate has occurred.

[0103] If there is no sign-in request (No in S60), the stand control unit 74 waits until a sign-in request occurs. When a sign-in request is detected (Yes in S60), the stand control unit 74 sends a message requesting the vehicle 10 arriving at the gate to send authentication information for sign-in (S61).

[0104] The vehicle control unit 54 receives the information requesting the transmission of the authentication information through the vehicle communication device 40 ( S70 ).

[0105] The vehicle control unit 54 generates passenger identification information at the time of check-in (S71). The passenger identification information is generated in the same manner as at the time of reservation.

[0106] The vehicle control unit 54 transmits the authentication information at the time of signing in to the charging station 12 (S72). The authentication information includes vehicle identification information, passenger identification information, and settlement information.

[0107] The stand control unit 74 receives the authentication information from the vehicle 10 (S80). The stand control unit 74 transmits the received authentication information to the server device 14 (S81).

[0108] Fig. 9 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing performed by the vehicle 10 and the server device 14 at the time of check-in.

[0109] The server control unit 94 receives the authentication information of the vehicle 10 transferred from the charging station 12 (S90). Thus, the server control unit 94 acquires the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information when the vehicle 10 is checked in.

[0110] For the vehicle 10 that is the source of the authentication information, the server control unit 94 checks whether the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information at the time of reservation are consistent with the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information at the time of check-in (S91).

[0111] When it is determined through the check that all the information in the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information is consistent at the time of reservation and at the time of settlement ("Yes" in S92), the server control unit 94 allows the check-in (S93). It should be noted that when the passenger identification information includes information of multiple passengers, if there is at least one passenger who is the same at the time of reservation and at the time of settlement, it can be determined that the passenger identification information is consistent at the time of reservation and at the time of settlement.

[0112] On the other hand, when it is determined through verification that there is inconsistent information between the time of reservation and the time of settlement for even one of the vehicle identification information, passenger identification information and settlement information ("No" in S92), the server control unit 94 does not allow check-in (S94).

[0113] It should be noted that the server control unit 94 verifies whether the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information are qualified information during the verification. If it is determined that they are not qualified information, the check-in may not be allowed. For example, when the validity period of the credit card number included in the settlement information has expired, the server control unit 94 may not allow the check-in. In this way, the safety of the charging area 24 can be improved.

[0114] The server control unit 94 sends the sign-in result information indicating whether the sign-in is allowed or not to the charging station 12 through the server communication device 80 (S95). It should be noted that when the sign-in is allowed, the server control unit 94 may update the sign-in permission table.

[0115] If the received sign-in result information indicates that the sign-in is permitted, the pole control unit 74 opens the door of the charging area 24 . Thus, the vehicle 10 that has reached the door can enter the charging area 24 and be charged at the charging pole 12 .

[0116] If the received sign-in result information indicates that sign-in is not allowed, the charging station control unit 74 keeps the door of the charging area 24 closed. As a result, the vehicle 10 that has arrived at the door is considered to be a non-registered regular vehicle and cannot enter the charging area 24, and thus cannot be charged at the charging station 12.

[0117] Furthermore, the server control unit transmits sign-in result information indicating whether sign-in is permitted or not to the vehicle 10 that is the transmission source of the authentication information ( S96 ).

[0118] The vehicle control unit 54 receives the sign-in result information from the server device 14 (S100). The vehicle control unit 54 then causes the display device of the navigation device 46 to display the sign-in result information. Thus, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can recognize whether the sign-in is permitted.

[0119] An example of checking all vehicle identification information, passenger identification information, and settlement information is described here. However, the server control unit 94 may obtain at least the vehicle identification information at the time of reservation, while omitting the acquisition of passenger identification information and settlement information. In this case, the server control unit 94 may obtain at least the vehicle identification information at the time of sign-in, while omitting the acquisition of passenger identification information and settlement information. The server control unit 94 may check the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of reservation with the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of sign-in to determine whether the two are consistent. When it is determined through verification that the vehicle identification information at the time of reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information at the time of sign-in, the server control unit 94 allows sign-in so that the vehicle 10 can be charged at the charging pile 12.

[0120] In addition, when making a reservation, the server control unit 94 can obtain any one or two of the passenger identification information and the settlement information from the vehicle 10 making the reservation in addition to the vehicle identification information. In this case, when signing in, the server control unit 94 can obtain the same type of information as that obtained at the time of reservation in the passenger identification information and the settlement information from the vehicle 10 making the sign-in in addition to the vehicle identification information. The server control unit 94 can determine whether the information obtained in the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information at the time of the reservation is consistent with the information obtained in the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information at the time of the sign-in. When it is determined through verification that the types of information obtained in the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information are consistent at the time of the reservation and at the time of the sign-in, the server control unit 94 can allow the sign-in so that the vehicle 10 can be charged at the charging pile 12.

[0121] In addition, the server control unit 94 may obtain at least the vehicle identification information at the time of reservation, while omitting the acquisition of the passenger identification information and the settlement information. In this case, in addition to obtaining the vehicle identification information, the server control unit 94 may also obtain any one or both of the passenger identification information and the settlement information from the vehicle 10 that is checking in when signing in. The server control unit 94 may check the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of reservation with the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of sign-in to determine whether the two are consistent. The server control unit 94 may authenticate whether the type of information obtained at the time of sign-in among the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information, and the settlement information is qualified. When both the verification and authentication are satisfied, the server control unit 94 may allow the check-in. In this way, the safety of the charging area 24 can be improved.

[0122] As described above, the server control unit 94 of the charging system 1 of the present embodiment obtains vehicle identification information from the vehicle 10 making a reservation at the time of reservation, and obtains vehicle identification information from the vehicle 10 signing in at the time of sign-in. The server control unit 94 checks the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of reservation and the vehicle identification information obtained at the time of sign-in to determine whether the two are consistent. When it is determined through the check that the vehicle identification information at the time of reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information at the time of sign-in, the server control unit 94 allows the sign-in so that the vehicle 10 can be charged at the charging station 12.

[0123] Thus, in the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, since it is possible to reserve charging at the charging station 12 before arriving at the charging station 12 , charging can be smoothly performed after arriving at the charging station 12 .

[0124] Furthermore, in the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, since the vehicle identification information at the time of reservation and the vehicle identification information at the time of check-in are collated, only the vehicle 10 that has been properly reserved can be charged. This improves the charging management of the charging station 12 .

[0125] The embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is certainly not limited to such embodiments. As long as one skilled in the art, it should be clear that various changes or modifications can be thought of within the scope of the claims, and these also certainly belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0126] It should be noted that the series of processes performed by the various devices (e.g., vehicle 10, server device 14) of the present embodiment described above can also be implemented using any form of software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are, for example, pre-stored in a non-transitory storage medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Moreover, the program is read from a non-transitory storage medium (e.g., ROM) to a temporary storage medium (e.g., RAM) and executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0127] Programs for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned devices can be made and installed in the computers of the above-mentioned devices. The processor executes the program stored in the memory, thereby performing the processing of the above-mentioned functions. In this case, the execution of the program can be shared by multiple processors, or the program can be executed by one processor. In addition, cloud computing can be used to realize the functions of the above-mentioned devices by using multiple computers interconnected by a communication network. It should be noted that the program can also be released from an external device through a communication network, so as to be provided to the computers of each device and installed.

[0128] Explanation of symbols

[0129] 1Charging system

[0130] 10 Vehicles

[0131] 12 Charging stations

[0132] 82 Storage Devices

[0133] 90 Server Control Device

[0134] 92a processor

[0135] 92b memory.

Claims

1. A charging system, comprising: A charging station, which can charge the vehicle; as well as Control device, Wherein, the control device comprises: one or more processors; and one or more memories connected to the processor, The processor performs processing including: Accepting a sign-in, the sign-in being a procedure for the vehicle to start charging at the charging station; Before the check-in, accepting a reservation for the vehicle to charge at the charging station; When making the reservation, obtaining vehicle identification information from the vehicle making the reservation, wherein the vehicle identification information is information for identifying the vehicle; At the time of the sign-in, acquiring the vehicle identification information from the vehicle performing the sign-in; checking whether the vehicle identification information obtained when making the reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information obtained when signing in; and When it is determined through the checking that the vehicle identification information at the time of the reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information at the time of the sign-in, the sign-in is permitted so that the vehicle can be charged at the charging station.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs processing including: At the time of the sign-in, in addition to the vehicle identification information, either or both of the following two types of information are obtained from the vehicle performing the sign-in: occupant identification information identifying at least one occupant of the vehicle, and settlement information identifying that a settlement equivalent to charging of the vehicle can be made; as well as In addition to determining through the verification that the vehicle identification information at the time of the reservation is consistent with the vehicle identification information at the time of the check-in, the check-in is allowed when the information obtained at the time of the check-in among the vehicle identification information, the occupant identification information and the settlement information is qualified.

3. The charging system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor performs processing including: At the time of the reservation, in addition to the vehicle identification information, one or both of the passenger identification information and the settlement information are obtained from the vehicle for making the reservation; At the time of the check-in, in addition to the vehicle identification information, information of the same type as that obtained at the time of the reservation is obtained from the vehicle performing the check-in, among the passenger identification information and the settlement information; In the process of performing the checking, it is determined whether the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information and the information obtained from the settlement information at the time of the reservation are consistent with the vehicle identification information, the passenger identification information and the information obtained from the settlement information at the time of the check-in; as well as When it is determined through the checking that the acquired types of information among the vehicle identification information, the occupant identification information, and the settlement information are consistent at the time of the reservation and at the time of the sign-in, the sign-in is permitted so that the vehicle can be charged at the charging station.

4. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicles include a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle, The processing performed by the processor includes generating any one or both of the following information when the first vehicle is scheduled: other vehicle check-in information indicating whether the second vehicle has checked in at the charging pile that is the object of the schedule and other vehicle reservation information indicating whether the second vehicle has the schedule at the charging pile that is the object of the schedule, The first vehicle prompts the occupant with any one or both of the generated other vehicle check-in information and the other vehicle reservation information during the reservation.

5. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage device, wherein the storage device stores a charging error database, wherein the charging error database stores an error history record of the vehicle when charging at the charging pile in association with the charging pile, the vehicle, and the content of the error, The processor performs processing including: generating error information based on the charging error database at the time of the reservation, the error information indicating the content of the error that has occurred in the past for the combination of the vehicle making the reservation and the charging pile as a candidate for the reservation, The vehicle presents the generated error information to the occupant at the time of the reservation.

6. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs processing including: During the reservation, a distance determination is performed to determine whether the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the charging station as the object of the reservation is within a prescribed distance; as well as When the vehicle identification information is acquired and the distance determination is satisfied, the reservation is permitted.

7. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs processing including: During the reservation, a time determination is performed to determine whether the vehicle can reach the charging station as the object of the reservation within a specified time from the current time; as well as When the vehicle identification information is acquired and the time determination is satisfied, the reservation is permitted.

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