Reservation device for electric vehicle charger

Abstract

The invention provides a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger. In this reservation device for an electric vehicle charger, in an extraction process, a processor extracts, as candidate points, charging points provided on a travel path to a destination of an electric vehicle. In the temporary reservation setting process, the processor temporarily reserves a charging point selected from among the candidate points. In the time estimation process, the processor obtains an estimated arrival time at which the charging point which has been temporarily reserved has been reached. When the expected arrival time is equal to or less than a predetermined reference time, the processor executes a main reservation setting process. In the main reservation setting process, the processor performs a main reservation on the charger in an idle state among the chargers provided at the charging point at which the temporary reservation has been performed. In the main reservation setting process, an arrival designation time at which the electric vehicle arrives at the charger which has been subjected to the main reservation is set for the electric vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a reservation device for a charger for an electric vehicle (electrified vehicle). Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-41440 discloses a vehicle charging system. A charging reservation is set for a charging station. When the congestion of the reserved charging station is above a reference value, reward information is sent to the electric vehicle. The reward information includes information related to the reward given to the driver of the electric vehicle. Rewards can be obtained by implementing efficient driving such that the energy consumption efficiency is above a reference value. By implementing efficient driving with less power consumption, the charging time in the charging station can be shortened. As a result, congestion at the charging station is alleviated.

[0003] In addition, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-32041 discloses a charger reservation device. The reservation device temporarily selects a charger that the electric vehicle can reach from the destination. Thereafter, before the electric vehicle travels from the destination toward the charger, the reservation device selects the charger again. The charger selected again is selected from chargers closer to the destination. In other words, a charger that is more likely to be reached by the electric vehicle is selected. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the charging reservation, the charger can be occupied for a fixed time. On the other hand, in order to prevent the operation rate of the charger from decreasing, an arrival time is set. If the electric vehicle does not arrive at the reserved charger before the arrival time, the charging reservation will be cancelled.

[0005] In order to reliably execute the charging reservation, the user of the electric vehicle has the highest priority to arrive at the charger before the arrival time. Therefore, the so-called "detour" is restricted. For example, it is not possible to stop by a store located on the way to the charger to do shopping. In other words, by reserving the charger, the movement of the user of the electric vehicle is restricted.

[0006] Therefore, this specification discloses a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger that can alleviate restrictions on the behavior of users of electric vehicles and suppress a decrease in the operation rate of the charger.

[0007] The electric vehicle charger reservation device disclosed in this specification includes a processor.

[0008] The processor executes extraction processing, temporary reservation setting processing, time estimation processing, and formal reservation setting processing.

[0009] In the extraction process, the processor extracts a charging point provided on a travel route to a destination of the electric vehicle as a candidate point. At least one charger is provided at the charging point.

[0010] In the temporary reservation setting process, the processor makes a temporary reservation for a charging point selected from among the candidate points.

[0011] In the time estimation process, the processor obtains an estimated arrival time. The estimated arrival time is the time required for the electric vehicle to arrive at the provisionally reserved charging point.

[0012] The processor executes a formal reservation setting process when the estimated arrival time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference time. In the formal reservation setting process, the processor makes a formal reservation for a charger in an idle state among the chargers installed in the provisionally reserved charging point.

[0013] In the formal reservation setting process, a designated arrival time for the electric vehicle to arrive at the charger for which the formal reservation has been made is set.

[0014] According to the above structure, the designated arrival time is set when switching from a temporary reservation to a formal reservation. Therefore, in the stage of temporary reservation, the time restriction related to the charger is relaxed. In addition, since only the charging point is selected during the temporary reservation, the occupation of the charger is avoided, so the reduction of the operation rate of the charger can be suppressed.

[0015] In the above configuration, the electric vehicle charger reservation device may include a display. The display is disposed on the electric vehicle.

[0016] In the formal reservation setting process, when there is no available charger at the provisionally reserved charging point, the processor causes the display to display a message indicating that formal reservation is not possible. Further, the processor cancels the provisional reservation.

[0017] According to the above configuration, in a case where a formal reservation cannot be set, a temporary reservation can be made at another charging point.

[0018] Furthermore, after the formal reservation setting process, when the electric vehicle passes through the charger for which the formal reservation has been made, the processor cancels the formal reservation.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is unnecessary to perform a manual operation to cancel the formal reservation.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above configuration, during the temporary reservation setting process, the processor obtains an estimated arrival time of the electric vehicle at the charging point for which the temporary reservation has been made.

[0021] Furthermore, when the formal reservation setting process is not executed even after the estimated arrival time has passed, the processor maintains the provisional reservation.

[0022] According to the above configuration, even if the electric vehicle has not arrived at the provisionally reserved charging point by the scheduled arrival time, the provisional reservation is maintained.

[0023] According to the reservation device for an electric vehicle charger disclosed in this specification, it is possible to alleviate the restrictions on the movement of users of electric vehicles while suppressing a decrease in the operation rate of the charger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols represent like elements, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger.

[0027] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of a navigation screen.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting a temporary reservation for a charger.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary reservation point selection screen.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when deciding a temporary reservation point.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the formal reservation switching process.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a reservation is officially completed.

[0033] Fig. 9 This figure illustrates an example of a screen when a formal reservation cannot be made.

[0034] Fig.10 This is a flowchart illustrating the formal reservation cancellation process.

[0035] Fig.11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a reservation is officially canceled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Overall structure

[0037] The following describes the structure of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger using the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 , the overall structure of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger is illustrated. The reservation system includes an electric vehicle 10, a center server 50, and a charging point 70. The electric vehicle 10, the center server 50, and the charging point 70 use a communication means such as the Internet 100 to communicate with each other.

[0038] The electric vehicle 10 includes an AV (Autonomous Vehicle)-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20, a positioner 24, and a display 26. The reservation device for the electric vehicle charger involved in this embodiment includes the AV-ECU 20, the positioner 24, and the display 26. As described later, the AV-ECU 20 is an electronic control unit. The vehicle-mounted audio-visual equipment represented by the display 26 is controlled by the AV-ECU 20.

[0039] Through the display 26, the image is displayed Figure 3 When the charging temporary reservation button 33 displayed on the navigation screen 30 is turned on, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The temporary reservation setting process shown in the example is executed. Figure 5 As shown in the example, the temporarily reserved charging point image 35B (temporarily reserved point) is selected from the charging point images 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D on the driving route 34 (see Figure 6 ).

[0040] At the charging point 70 (refer to Figure 1 ), any of the chargers 72 set at that point can be used by others. That is, in the temporary reservation, the charger 72 will not be occupied. In addition, in the temporary reservation, the arrival time is not set. That is, even if the arrival time exceeds the designated time, the temporary reservation will be maintained.

[0041] Then, when the electric vehicle 10 comes near the temporarily reserved charging point 70 (temporary reservation point), the temporary reservation is switched to a formal reservation. In the formal reservation, any one of the chargers 72 set at the temporary reservation point is occupied by the electric vehicle 10 within a predetermined time. In addition, the electric vehicle 10 is set to arrive at a designated time. If the electric vehicle 10 does not arrive at the formally reserved charger 72 before the designated time, the formal reservation is canceled.

[0042] Charging Points

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The charging point 70 is a facility where at least one charger 72 is installed. The charging point 70 is installed in a service area or parking area of ​​a highway, for example. In addition, the charging point 70 is also installed in accommodation facilities such as a car dealership or a hotel. Furthermore, the charging point 70 is also installed in commercial facilities such as a large shopping mall.

[0044] The charger 72 can perform, for example, rapid charging. For example, in rapid charging, one charge is specified to be 30 minutes. In addition, as equipment associated with the reservation system of the charger 72, the charger 72 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 72A, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 72B, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 72C, a storage 72D, an input / output controller 72E, and a clock 72F.

[0045] CPU 72A is a central processing unit, also called a processor. RAM 72C is a volatile storage device that temporarily stores data in operation. ROM 72B is a storage device that can read data. Storage 72D is a storage device that can export and read data. Storage 72D is composed of, for example, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

[0046] The CPU 72A (processor) executes the program stored in the ROM 72B or the memory 72D, thereby forming the following functions in the charger 72: Figure 2 That is, the charger 72 includes a transmission and reception unit 72G, a charging control unit 72H, and a display control unit 72I. In addition, the charger 72 includes a reservation data storage unit 72J.

[0047] The transceiver 72G performs data transmission and reception with the center server 50 or the electric vehicle 10 to be charged. The charging control unit 72H performs power supply control during, for example, fast charging. In addition, within the reserved time period, the charging control unit 72H requests authentication from the reserved user. The charging control unit 72H stops power supply until the authentication process is completed.

[0048] The display control unit 72I controls the display unit 75 of the charger 72. For example, the display control unit 72I refers to the data of the reserved time period from the reserved data storage unit 72J. Then, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display a message "Reserved" during the reserved time period. This message is displayed in red, for example.

[0049] In addition, in a normal time period other than the reserved time period, the display control unit 72I refers to the power supply state (usage state) controlled by the charging control unit 72H. For example, when the charger 72 is in use, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display a message "Occupied". This message is displayed in red, for example.

[0050] When the charger 72 is in the idle state, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display a message "Available". This message is displayed in green, for example. The "idle state" means that the charger 72 is not in use and is not in the reserved time.

[0051] The reservation data storage unit 72J stores reservation data for the charger 72. The reservation instruction is sent from the center server 50 to the charger 72. The reservation instruction includes the reservation time period and the identification code (ID) of the person making the reservation. The reservation data storage unit 72J stores the data included in the reservation instruction.

[0052] Central Server

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , the central server 50 is capable of communicating with multiple chargers 72 and multiple electric vehicles 10. The central server 50, for example, centrally manages data related to charging services. The central server 50 is a computer and is connected to the display unit 52. The central server 50 has a CPU 50A, a ROM 50B, a RAM 50C, a storage 50D, an input-output controller 50E, and a clock 50F. The functions of each device are the same as the CPU 72A, ROM 72B, RAM 72C, storage 72D, input-output controller 72E, and clock 72F of the charger 72. Therefore, the description will be omitted below.

[0054] The CPU 50A (processor) executes the program stored in the ROM 50B or the storage 50D, thereby forming a system in the center server 50 as follows: Figure 2 That is, the center server 50 includes an operation status acquisition unit 50G, a reservation management unit 50H, and a transmission and reception unit 50J. In addition, the center server 50 includes a reservation data storage unit 50I.

[0055] The center server 50 manages a plurality of charging points 70. The operation status acquisition unit 50G acquires the operation status of the plurality of chargers 72 under management. For example, operation status data such as in use, reserved time zone, and idle state are transmitted from the plurality of chargers 72 to the operation status acquisition unit 50G.

[0056] The reservation management unit 50H arranges the formal reservation of the charger 72. The details of the arrangement of the formal reservation will be described later. The reservation data storage unit 50I stores the reservation data set for each charger 72. In addition, the reservation data storage unit 50I can also store temporary reservation data set for each charging point 70. In other words, the temporary reservation status for each charging point 70 is collected in the central server 50. The temporary reservation reflects the charging demand, and the temporary reservation data can be used as a judgment material when selecting the charging point 70 to add a charger 72.

[0057] Electric Vehicles

[0058] Reference Figure 1 The electric vehicle 10 is a vehicle that uses a rotating electric machine (not shown) as a driving source. A battery (not shown) as a power source of the rotating electric machine is mounted on the electric vehicle 10. For example, the electric vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV, pure electric vehicle) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).

[0059] The electric vehicle 10 includes a power supply port (not shown) for external power supply. Figure 2 ) is inserted into the power supply port to charge the battery.

[0060] The electric vehicle 10 includes AV-ECU 20, positioner 24, and display 26 as devices related to the reservation system of the charger 72. The AV-ECU 20, positioner 24, and display 26 constitute a reservation device for the electric vehicle charger according to the present embodiment.

[0061] The locator 24 acquires the position of the electric vehicle 10. The locator 24 is, for example, a receiver of the Global Navigation Satellite System. The locator 24 acquires, for example, the latitude and longitude data of the electric vehicle 10 as position information. The position information of the electric vehicle 10 acquired by the locator 24 is transmitted to the AV-ECU 20.

[0062] The display 26 is, for example, a touch panel display. That is, the display 26 is a display (display unit) on which a transparent electrode layer (input unit) is stacked. For example, the display 26 is arranged on a dashboard (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10 .

[0063] AV-ECU 20 controls the audio-visual equipment mounted on the electric vehicle 10. AV-ECU 20 is composed of a computer. As a hardware structure, AV-ECU 20 has CPU 20A, ROM 20B, RAM 20C, storage 20D, input-output controller 20E and clock 20F. The functions of each device are the same as those of CPU 72A, ROM 72B, RAM 72C, storage 72D, input-output controller 72E and clock 72F of charger 72. Therefore, the description will be omitted below.

[0064] The CPU 20A (processor) executes the program stored in the ROM 20B or the memory 20D, thereby forming the following functions in the AV-ECU 20: Figure 2 The AV-ECU 20 includes a processing unit and a storage unit as illustrated. That is, the AV-ECU 20 includes a time calculation unit 20G, a route setting unit 20H, and a charging point extraction unit 20I. Furthermore, the AV-ECU 20 includes a SOC (State Of Charge) prediction unit 20K, a display control unit 20L, a sending and receiving unit 20M, a temporary reservation setting unit 20N, and a formal reservation setting unit 20P. In addition, the AV-ECU 20 includes a map data storage unit 20J and a reservation data storage unit 20Q. The specific processing contents of these processing units and storage units will be described later.

[0065] Navigation screen

[0066] The display control unit 20L causes the display 26 to display the following Figure 3 The navigation screen 30 is shown as an example. A map screen is displayed on the navigation screen 30. The map screen includes a vehicle mark 32, a destination mark 36, and a travel route 34.

[0067] When generating the navigation screen 30, the path setting unit 20H obtains the position of the vehicle from the locator 24. In addition, the destination is input from the display 26 which is a touch panel display. The path setting unit 20H obtains map data including the position of the vehicle and the destination from the map data storage unit 20J. Furthermore, the path setting unit 20H obtains traffic information from an external server such as a traffic center not shown in the figure. The traffic information includes information such as congestion information or traffic regulations. The path setting unit 20H creates a driving path 34 from the position of the vehicle to the destination based on the traffic information. The display control unit 20L causes the display 26 to display a map image including the position of the vehicle and the destination. Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes the vehicle mark 32, the driving path 34, and the destination mark 36 to be superimposed and displayed on the map image.

[0068] Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes the images of the charge formal reservation button 31 and the charge temporary reservation button 33 to be superimposed and displayed on the navigation screen 30 .

[0069] Temporary appointment processing

[0070] When the charge temporary reservation button 33 is turned on by the user (driver, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10, Figure 4 The temporary reservation setting process illustrated in the example is executed. This process is executed by the CPU 20A (processor) of the AV-ECU 20.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 The charging point extraction unit 20I performs the extraction process of the charging point 70 (S10, S11, S12). The charging point extraction unit 20I refers to the map data stored in the map data storage unit 20J. Then, the charging point extraction unit 20I extracts the charging point 70 set on the driving route 34 (reference Figure 3 ) on the charging point 70 (S10).

[0072] Next, the charging point extraction unit 20I extracts the charging point 70 having the reservation function from among the extracted charging points 70 (S11). For example, the reservation management unit 50H of the center server 50 communicates with the charging point extraction unit 20I. Then, the charging point extraction unit 20I extracts the charging point 70 registered in the center server 50.

[0073] Furthermore, the charging point extraction unit 20I extracts charging points 70 having a reservation function and having a charger 72 that is currently idle (extraction processing time point) from the charging points 70 having the reservation function (S12). The charging points 70 extracted in S12 are also appropriately described as candidate points below.

[0074] For example, charging point extraction unit 20I extracts candidate points via operation status acquisition unit 50G of center server 50. As described above, charger 72 in an idle state means that charger 72 is not in use and is outside the reserved time.

[0075] In addition, even if there is no idle charger 72 in the charging point 70 at the time of the provisional reservation, there is a case where the charger 72 changes from the used state to the idle state in the subsequent switching stage of the formal reservation. Assuming such a case, the extraction process of S12 can also be omitted. In other words, all the charging points 70 extracted in S11 can also become candidate points.

[0076] Next, the time calculation unit 20G calculates the scheduled arrival time (S13). The estimated time when the electric vehicle 10 arrives at each candidate point is the scheduled arrival time. When calculating the scheduled arrival time, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 travels in a manner that does not deviate from the driving path 34. In addition, the scheduled arrival time is calculated by taking into account the congestion information or speed limit of the driving path 34.

[0077] Next, the SOC prediction unit 20K estimates the remaining SOC when the electric vehicle 10 reaches each candidate point (S14). For example, the SOC prediction unit 20K calculates the SOC of the battery (not shown) at the current time point. Furthermore, the SOC prediction unit 20K considers the power consumption of the air conditioner and the power consumption of the rotating electric machine, thereby estimating the amount of power consumed before reaching each candidate point. The remaining SOC is calculated based on the estimated power consumption.

[0078] Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes the display 26 to display the image of the charging point extracted in S10 (S15). That is, the positions of all the charging points 70 set on the driving route 34 are displayed on the navigation screen 30. For example, through the processing of S10, all the charging points 70 on the driving route 34 are extracted. Figure 5 On the navigation screen 30 , all the charging points 70 extracted in S10 are displayed as charging point images 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D.

[0079] Next, the display control unit 20L displays the guide image 37 for the candidate point (S16). Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the charging point images 35A, 35B, and 35D correspond to the candidate points. In the vicinity of the charging point images 35A, 35B, and 35D, guide images 37A, 37B, and 37D are displayed.

[0080] The guide images 37A, 37B, and 37D display the name of each charging point 70, the scheduled arrival time, the remaining SOC upon arrival, and the availability of the charger 72. In particular, the remaining SOC at the candidate point is displayed when a provisional reservation is made. When the user of the electric vehicle 10 selects the provisionally reserved charging point 70, the remaining SOC is used as a judgment material.

[0081] The images of the temporary reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D are also superimposed and displayed on the guide images 37A, 37B, 37D. First, the temporary reservation setting unit 20N determines whether any of the temporary reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D has been turned on (S17). If no button has been turned on, the temporary reservation setting unit 20N refers to the clock 20F.

[0082] Then, the temporary reservation setting unit 20N sets the charge temporary reservation button 33 (see Figure 3 ) is opened (S19). The predetermined time is set to 5 minutes, for example. If the predetermined time has passed, the display control unit 20L removes the guide images 37A, 37B, 37D and the images of the temporary reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D from the navigation screen 30 (S20). Then, the navigation screen 30 displays Figure 3 On the other hand, in S19, after selecting the charge temporary reservation button 33 (refer to Figure 3 ) if the predetermined time has not been reached after the opening operation is performed, the process returns to S17.

[0083] In S17, any one of the temporary reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D is turned on by the user of the electric vehicle 10. The temporary reservation setting unit 20N sets the charging point 70 corresponding to the temporary reservation execution button 39A, 39B, 39D that has been turned on, that is, selected, as the temporary reservation point (S18). This setting process is also called temporary reservation setting process. The display control unit 20L causes the navigation screen 30 to display Figure 6 The provisional reservation completion message 40 is shown as an example.

[0084] For example, in this embodiment, the charging point 70 is the object of temporary reservation. That is, the charger 72 is not the object of temporary reservation. Therefore, in temporary reservation, the occupation of the charger 72 is not implemented as in reserved charging. That is, any charger 72 set up in the temporarily reserved charging point 70 is not subject to the restrictions caused by the temporary reservation. In other words, any charger 72 set up in the temporarily reserved charging point 70 can be used by others.

[0085] In this way, the temporary reservation does not affect the use status of the charging point 70. From this point of view, the so-called temporary reservation refers to a timer function used by the AV-ECU 20 to perform the setting process of the formal reservation. Therefore, only the temporary reservation data of the charging point 70 can be stored in the reservation data storage unit 20Q of the electric vehicle 10.

[0086] Alternatively, the temporary reservation data may be transmitted to the center server 50. The temporary reservation reflects the charging demand of each charging point 70. Thus, the temporary reservation data is accumulated in the center server 50 as a judgment material for selecting the charging point 70 where the charger 72 is to be added.

[0087] In addition, Figure 4In the temporary reservation setting process, in S13, the estimated arrival time is calculated. If the electric vehicle 10 has not arrived at the temporarily reserved charging point 70 even when the estimated arrival time comes, the temporary reservation setting unit 20N maintains the temporary reservation. In other words, there is a case where the formal reservation setting process is not executed even when the estimated arrival time has passed ( Figure 7 Even in such a case, the provisional reservation is maintained.

[0088] As described above, the temporary reservation does not directly affect the operation of the charger 72. In addition, as described later, when the electric vehicle 10 approaches the temporarily reserved charging point 70, the switch from the temporary reservation to the formal reservation is executed. Based on such a process, the estimated arrival time is only a reference. Therefore, even if the estimated arrival time is exceeded, the temporary reservation will be maintained.

[0089] Switch to formal reservation process

[0090] exist Figure 7 , the switching process from temporary reservation to formal reservation is illustrated. When any charging point 70 is temporarily reserved, the time calculation unit 20G performs time estimation processing (S30). That is, the time calculation unit 20G calculates the time required for the electric vehicle 10 to arrive at the temporary reservation point (the estimated arrival time). In other words, the electric vehicle 10 calculates how long it will take to arrive at the temporary reservation point. For example, the time calculation unit 20G calculates the time required for the electric vehicle 10 to arrive at the temporary reservation point. Figure 4 The estimated arrival time is calculated in the same steps as the estimated arrival time of S13. Further, the time calculation unit 20G determines whether the estimated arrival time is less than a predetermined reference time (S31). For example, the reference time is set to 5 minutes.

[0091] When the estimated arrival time exceeds the reference time, the electric vehicle 10 is still far from the temporary reservation point. In this case, the temporary reservation state is maintained. Furthermore, after waiting for a predetermined time (S32), the time calculation unit 20G executes S30 again.

[0092] In S31, when the estimated arrival time is less than the reference time, the formal reservation setting unit 20P determines whether there is an idle charger 72 at the temporary reservation point (S33). For example, when making this determination, the formal reservation setting unit 20P obtains the operating status of each charger 72 from the operating status acquisition unit 50G of the center server 50.

[0093] If there is no idle charger 72 at the temporary reservation point, Fig. 9As illustrated, the display control unit 20L displays the formal reservation impossible message 42 on the navigation screen 30 (S36). Furthermore, the temporary reservation setting unit 20N cancels the temporary reservation (S37).

[0094] The user (e.g., driver) of the electric vehicle 10 is informed of the inability to make a formal reservation through the message 42. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 goes to the temporary reservation point without a reservation. Then, the electric vehicle 10 waits at the temporary reservation point until the charger 72 is free. Alternatively, the electric vehicle 10 temporarily reserves another charging point 70.

[0095] In S33, when there is a charger 72 in a vacant state at the temporary reservation point, the formal reservation setting unit 20P performs formal reservation setting for the charger 72 (S34). This setting process is also referred to as a formal reservation setting process.

[0096] For example, the formal reservation setting unit 20P transmits a formal reservation command to the center server 50. The formal reservation command includes the identification code of the charger 72 to be formally reserved, the identification code of the electric vehicle 10, and the data of the reservation time period.

[0097] In short, the so-called formal reservation means that the charger 72 is not allowed to be used by others until the electric vehicle 10 reaches the charger 72. For example, in S30, the reference time for comparison with the estimated arrival time is set to 5 minutes. The time obtained by adding a small margin to this is set as the reservation time period. For example, the reservation time period is set so that the time at the processing time point of S34 is the starting point and the end point is 10 minutes from this time.

[0098] The reservation management unit 50H of the center server 50 receives the formal reservation instruction. The reservation management unit 50H receives the instruction and sends the formal reservation instruction to the target charger 72. This prevents other people from using the charger 72 until the electric vehicle 10 reaches the formally reserved charger 72.

[0099] After the reservation is confirmed, the display control unit 20L displays the following on the navigation screen 30: Figure 8 The formal reservation completion message screen 41 as shown in the example (S35) The formal reservation completion message screen 41 displays that the designated time has arrived.

[0100] As described above, in the formal reservation, a designated arrival time is specified for the electric vehicle 10. If the electric vehicle 10 does not arrive at the formally reserved charger 72 before the designated arrival time, the formal reservation is canceled. The designated arrival time is, for example, the end time of the reservation time period.

[0101] Automatic cancellation of formal reservations

[0102] exist Fig.10 , the cancellation process of the formal reservation is illustrated. The cancellation process is executed before the electric vehicle 10 reaches the charger 72 for the formal reservation. The time calculation unit 20G refers to the clock 20F (refer to Figure 1 ), thereby determining whether the current time has passed the arrival designated time (S50). If the current time has passed the arrival designated time, the formal reservation setting unit 20P cancels the formal reservation (S53). Fig.11 As illustrated, the display control unit 20L superimposes the official reservation cancellation message screen 43 on the navigation screen 30 ( S54 ).

[0103] Returning to S50, when the current time has not reached the designated time, the formal reservation setting unit 20P determines whether the electric vehicle 10 has passed the formally reserved charger 72 (S51). For example, the formal reservation setting unit 20P compares the location information of the formally reserved charger 72 with the location information of the electric vehicle 10, and when the distance between the two gradually increases, it is determined that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the formally reserved charger 72. For example, at the time point when the distance between the two gradually increases and the distance reaches 3 km, the formal reservation setting unit 20P determines that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the formally reserved charger 72.

[0104] If the electric vehicle 10 has not passed the formally reserved charger, the process returns to S50 after the predetermined waiting time (S52). On the other hand, if it is determined in S51 that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the formally reserved charger 72, the formal reservation setting unit 20P cancels the formal reservation (S53). Fig.11 As illustrated, the display control unit 20L superimposes the official reservation cancellation message screen 43 on the navigation screen 30 ( S54 ).

[0105] A reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to another example of the present embodiment

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the reservation device for the electric vehicle charger is constituted by the AV-ECU 20, the positioner 24, and the display 26 mounted on the electric vehicle 10. However, the reservation device is not limited to such a configuration.

[0107] For example, the reservation device for the electric vehicle charger may be configured by a mobile terminal (smartphone) owned by the driver of the electric vehicle 10 instead of the AV-ECU 20, the locator 24, and the display 26. Alternatively, the center server 50 may be included in the reservation device instead of the AV-ECU 20.

Claims

1. A reservation device for a charger for an electric vehicle, comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing, namely: an extraction process of extracting, as a candidate point, a charging point provided on a travel route to a destination of the electric vehicle and provided with at least one charger; a temporary reservation setting process of making a temporary reservation for the charging point selected from among the candidate points; a time estimation process for obtaining an estimated arrival time required for the electric vehicle to arrive at the charging point for which the provisional reservation has been made; a formal reservation setting process of making a formal reservation for the charger that is in an idle state among the chargers provided at the charging point for which the temporary reservation has been made, when the estimated arrival time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference time, In the formal reservation setting process, a designated arrival time for the electric vehicle to arrive at the charger for which the formal reservation has been made is set.

2. The reservation device for the electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, wherein: A display is provided, wherein the display is arranged on the electric vehicle, In the formal reservation setting process, when there is no charger in a vacant state at the charging point for which the provisional reservation is made, the processor causes a formal reservation impossible message to be displayed on the display, and cancels the provisional reservation.

3. The reservation device for the electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, wherein: After the formal reservation setting process, when the electric vehicle passes through the charger for which the formal reservation has been made, the processor cancels the formal reservation.

4. The reservation device for the electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, wherein: During the temporary reservation setting process, the processor determines an estimated arrival time of the electric vehicle at the charging point for which the temporary reservation has been made. If the formal reservation setting process is not executed even after the estimated arrival time has passed, the processor maintains the tentative reservation.

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