Charging device

Abstract

The invention provides a charging device capable of charging vehicles one by one. The charging device comprises a plurality of connector parts capable of being connected with the vehicles one by one; a plurality of switches that are provided corresponding to the plurality of connector units and that circulate or cut off electrical power supplied to the connector units; and a control unit capable of controlling the operation of the plurality of switches and controlling the charging of the vehicle, the control unit forcibly switching the vehicle to be charged and starting the charging of the next vehicle in a predetermined charging sequence when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the charging of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device. Background Art

[0002] A charging device capable of connecting multiple vehicles for charging is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle charging station that is electrically connected to one or more electric vehicles via a connector and supplies charging power to the one or more electric vehicles via the connector.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-183824 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In a charging device that charges vehicles one by one, the charging time of the first vehicle in the charging sequence may be longer, and the waiting time of the subsequent vehicles may be longer. If the waiting time is long, the user of the subsequent vehicle may give up charging and drive away.

[0008] Therefore, when charging vehicles one by one, how to implement charging control that takes into account the balance between vehicles is a problem.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the following charging device is provided. The charging device is capable of charging vehicles one by one. The charging device includes a plurality of connector parts, a plurality of switches, and a control part. The connector part is capable of connecting to vehicles one-to-one. The switch is provided corresponding to the connector part to allow or cut off the electric power supplied to the connector part. The control part is capable of controlling the operation of the switch to control the charging of the vehicle. Furthermore, when a prescribed time has passed after the start of charging of the vehicle, the control part forcibly switches the vehicle to be charged and starts charging the next vehicle in a predetermined charging order.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following charging device is provided. The charging device is capable of charging vehicles one by one. The charging device includes a plurality of connector parts, a plurality of switches, and a control part. The connector part is capable of connecting to vehicles one-to-one. The switch is provided corresponding to the connector part to allow the electric power supplied to the connector part to flow or cut off. The control part is capable of controlling the operation of the switch to control the charging of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control part charges the vehicle in a predetermined charging sequence, and when the remaining power of the vehicle has reached a predetermined reference value, the charging of the vehicle is omitted (skipped) and the charging of the next vehicle in the charging sequence is started.

[0012] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the following charging device is provided. The charging device is capable of charging vehicles one by one. The charging device includes a plurality of connector parts, a plurality of switches, and a control part. The connector part is capable of connecting to vehicles one-to-one. The switch is provided corresponding to the connector part to allow or cut off the electric power supplied to the connector part. The control part is capable of controlling the operation of the switch to control the charging of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control part charges the vehicle until the remaining power reaches a reference value, i.e., a first reference value, and then starts charging the next vehicle in a predetermined charging sequence.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, when charging each vehicle individually, charging control that takes into account the balance between vehicles can be achieved. In addition, other problems, features, and effects other than those described above will become clear through the following description of specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a charging device.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of charging control in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining an example of charging control in the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of charging control in the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining an example of conventional charging control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are examples for illustrating the present invention and have been appropriately omitted or simplified for clarity. The present invention can also be implemented in various other ways. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be single or multiple.

[0021] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges of various components shown in the drawings may not necessarily represent their actual positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges disclosed in the drawings.

[0022] When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, different suffixes may be added to the same reference numerals for description. In addition, when there is no need to distinguish the multiple components, the suffixes may be omitted for description.

[0023] In the implementation manner, there are cases where processing is performed by executing a program. Here, the computer uses a processor (such as a CPU, a GPU) to execute the program, and uses storage resources (such as memory), interface devices (such as communication ports), etc. to perform the processing specified by the program. Therefore, it can be considered that the subject of the processing performed by the execution of the program is the processor. Similarly, the subject of the processing performed by the execution of the program can also be a controller, device, system, computer, or node with a processor. The subject of the processing performed by the execution of the program only needs to be a computing unit, and can include a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit refers to, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), etc.

[0024] A program can be installed onto a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the distribution target program. The program distribution server's processor distributes the distribution target program to other computers. Furthermore, in the embodiments, two or more programs may be implemented as a single program, or a single program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1 , an example of the basic structure of the charging device used in the embodiment is described. The charging device 11 is a structure for charging multiple parked vehicles one by one. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a charger 21 , a plurality of connector parts ( 31 a - 31 d ) and a charging station 41 .

[0026] The charger 21 is connected to the charging station 41. The charger 21 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter 22 and a DC / DC converter 23. It converts AC power supplied from an AC power source 51 into DC power and outputs it to the charging station 41. The charger 21 can be configured to output electric power for charging the vehicle to the charging station 41, and its configuration can be modified as appropriate.

[0027] The connector unit connects the charging station 41 to the vehicle being charged and is comprised of multiple connectors (31a-31d). Each connector unit (31a-31d) includes a charging cable that connects to the charging station 41 and a connector that connects the charging cable to the vehicle. The user connects the connector to the vehicle and performs operations related to starting charging, thereby enabling charging of the vehicle. While this example shows four connectors, the number of connectors can be two or more and can be varied as appropriate.

[0028] The charging station 41 includes a plurality of switches (42a-42d). The switches are provided corresponding to the connectors and connect or disconnect the charger 21 from the connectors (31a-31d). In other words, the switches allow or disconnect the electric power supplied to the corresponding connectors. Furthermore, the charging station 41 includes a control unit 43. The control unit 43 is a structure capable of controlling the operation of the charging station 41 and can be appropriately configured using, for example, a processor that executes predetermined processes and a storage device (RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc.). The control unit 43 can control the operation of each switch (42a-42d) and can control the charging of the vehicle based on the control of the operation of the switches (42a-42d).

[0029] <First embodiment>

[0030] Next, refer to Figure 2 , an example of charging control in the first embodiment is described in detail. In the first embodiment, the control unit 43 charges according to a predetermined charging order and forcibly switches the vehicle to be charged at a predetermined time. However, if charging cannot be started (for example, when a vehicle is not connected to the connector unit), the control unit 43 charges the next vehicle in the charging order.

[0031] In this example, the charging sequence is defined as a sequence of repeatedly charging via the connector portion 31 a , then charging via the connector portion 31 b , then charging via the connector portion 31 c , and then charging via the connector portion 31 d .

[0032] An example of charging control will be described in detail. When the user of vehicle 1 connects connector 31a to vehicle 1 and performs an operation to start charging vehicle 1, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 1 for a predetermined time. In other words, control unit 43 performs charging from time T1 to time T2.

[0033] Before T2, if the user of vehicle 2 connects connector 31b to vehicle 2 and performs an operation related to starting charging of vehicle 2, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2 for a predetermined time. In other words, control unit 43 performs charging from T2 to T3.

[0034] Before T3, if the user of vehicle 3 connects connector 31c to vehicle 3 and performs an operation related to starting charging of vehicle 3, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 3 for a predetermined time. In other words, control unit 43 performs charging from T3 to T4.

[0035] Before T4, if the user of vehicle 4 connects connector 31d to vehicle 4 and performs an operation related to starting charging of vehicle 4, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 4 for a predetermined time. In other words, control unit 43 performs charging from T4 to T5.

[0036] At time T5, when the vehicle 1 is still connected to the connector portion 31a, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 1 for a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 43 performs charging from T5 to T6.

[0037] At time T6, while vehicle 2 is still connected to connector 31b, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2. Here, if the remaining charge of the vehicle reaches 100%, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to switch the vehicle to be charged before a predetermined time has elapsed. In this example, control unit 43 switches the vehicle to be charged at time T7, when the remaining charge of vehicle 2 reaches 100% before the predetermined time has elapsed from T6.

[0038] At time T7, when the vehicle 3 is still connected to the connector portion 31c, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 3 for a predetermined time. That is, the control unit performs charging from T7 to T8.

[0039] At time T8, if vehicle 4 is still connected to connector 31d, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 4 for a predetermined time. If charging cannot begin, control unit 43 proceeds to charge the next vehicle. In this example, at time T8, vehicle 4 has already driven away and is no longer connected to connector 31d, so control unit 43 proceeds to charge the next vehicle.

[0040] At time T8, while vehicle 1 is still connected to connector 31a, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 1 for a predetermined time. Similarly to the above description, if the remaining charge of the vehicle reaches 100%, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to switch the vehicle to be charged before the predetermined time has elapsed. In this example, control unit 43 switches the vehicle to be charged at time T9, when the remaining charge of vehicle 1 reaches 100% before the predetermined time has elapsed from T8.

[0041] At time T9, if vehicle 2 is still connected to connector 31b, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2 for a predetermined time. However, if charging of a vehicle is complete (the vehicle's remaining battery charge has reached 100%), control unit 43 proceeds to charge the next vehicle.

[0042] At time T9, while vehicle 3 is still connected to connector 31c, control unit 43 controls switches 42a to 42d to charge vehicle 3 for a predetermined time. Control unit 43 controls switches 42a to 42d to charge vehicle 3, and charging of vehicle 3 ends at time T10 when the remaining charge of vehicle 3 reaches 100%.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, the vehicles are charged in a predetermined charging order while forcibly switching the vehicles to be charged at predetermined times. As a result, charging control that takes balance between the vehicles into consideration can be achieved.

[0044] <Second embodiment>

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 3 , an example of charging control in the second embodiment is described in detail. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 43 charges vehicles according to a predetermined charging sequence and forcibly switches the vehicles to be charged at a predetermined time. Furthermore, as described below, the control unit 43 controls the vehicle charging according to the predetermined charging sequence to omit (skip) charging of vehicles with a remaining charge exceeding a set reference value. Then, if the remaining charge of each vehicle connected to the connector unit is above the reference value, the control unit 43 charges each vehicle connected to the connector unit with a remaining charge exceeding the reference value.

[0046] In this example, the control unit 43 performs charging according to the same charging procedure as in the first embodiment. In addition, the description of the same contents as in the first embodiment may be omitted. In addition, the description of the same contents may be simplified.

[0047] T1 to T5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the control unit 43 charges the vehicles 1 to 4 from T1 to T5 using the same method as in the first embodiment. Also, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 43 charges the vehicle 1 from T5 to T6.

[0048] At time T6, while vehicle 2 is still connected to connector portion 31b, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2. Here, if the remaining charge level of a vehicle has reached or exceeded a reference value, control unit 43 omits charging. In this example, the reference value is set to 80%, and control unit 43 omits charging for vehicles with a remaining charge level of 80% or higher. Therefore, charging of vehicle 2 is omitted, and control unit 43 charges the next vehicle.

[0049] At time T6, when the vehicle 3 is still connected to the connector portion 31c, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 3 for a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 43 performs charging from T6 to T7.

[0050] At time T7, the vehicle 4 has already driven away and is not connected to the connector portion 31d, so the control unit 43 charges the next vehicle.

[0051] At time T7, the remaining charge of vehicle 1 connected to connector portion 31a is greater than the reference value, so control portion 43 omits charging vehicle 1. Furthermore, at the same time T7, the remaining charge of vehicle 2 connected to connector portion 31b is greater than the reference value, so control portion 43 omits charging vehicle 2.

[0052] At time T7, vehicle 3 is still connected to connector 31c and the remaining charge of vehicle 3 has not yet reached the reference value, so control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 3. In other words, control unit 43 performs charging from T7 to T8.

[0053] The control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector unit is equal to or greater than a reference value, and starts charging each vehicle having a remaining power equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0054] At time T8, vehicle 1 is still connected to connector 31a and the remaining charge of vehicle 1 has not yet reached 100%, so control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 1. Control unit 43 performs charging from T8 to T9.

[0055] At time T9, vehicle 2 is still connected to connector 31b and the remaining charge of vehicle 2 has not yet reached 100%, so control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2. Control unit 43 performs charging from T9 to T10.

[0056] At time T10 , the vehicle 3 is still connected to the connector portion 31 c , but the remaining power of the vehicle 3 is 100%, so the control unit 43 does not charge the vehicle 3 .

[0057] Furthermore, after starting to charge each vehicle whose remaining charge exceeds the reference value, if a vehicle whose remaining charge does not reach the reference value is connected to the connector portion and the user of that vehicle initiates charging, the control unit 43 may prioritize charging the vehicle whose remaining charge does not reach the reference value. For example, between T8 and T10, if a vehicle whose remaining charge does not reach the reference value is connected to the connector portion and the user of that vehicle initiates charging, the control unit 43 may prioritize charging that vehicle over charging the vehicle whose remaining charge reaches the reference value. In this case, if there are multiple vehicles whose remaining charge does not reach the reference value, the control unit 43 may switch the vehicles to be charged. Afterwards, after confirming that the remaining charge of each vehicle connected to the connector portion is above the reference value, the control unit 43 may begin charging each vehicle whose remaining charge does not reach the reference value.

[0058] On the other hand, after the control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector part is above the reference value, when a new vehicle is connected to the connector part, the control unit 43 temporarily excludes charging of the new vehicle and first completes charging of the vehicle whose remaining power has been confirmed to be above the reference value.

[0059] According to the second embodiment, when charging vehicles in a charging order, vehicles having a remaining charge level greater than a reference value are temporarily excluded from the charging order and charging of these vehicles is omitted, thereby achieving charging control that takes balance between vehicles into consideration.

[0060] In addition, this embodiment describes an example in which the vehicle to be charged is switched at predetermined intervals. However, the control unit 43 may also control the charging sequence so that charging of vehicles with a remaining charge level greater than a reference value is omitted, while the vehicle to be charged is switched one by one at appropriate intervals that take into account charge balance between the vehicles. That is, in the above example, the charging times T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5, T5 to T6, and T6 to T7 are the same predetermined time, but these charging times may also be different.

[0061] In the above example, the reference value of the remaining power for omitting charging is 80%, but it is not limited to this value and can be set as appropriate as long as charging control considering balance between vehicles can be achieved.

[0062] <Third embodiment>

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 4 , an example of charging control in the second embodiment is described in detail. In the third embodiment, the control unit 43 performs charging based on the remaining power as a target, rather than time-based charging control. Specifically, a reference value for the target remaining power is set. Then, during the charging sequence, the control unit 43 charges the vehicle until the remaining power reaches the reference value, and when the remaining power reaches the reference value, the vehicle to be charged is forcibly switched.

[0064] In this example, the control unit 43 performs charging in the same charging sequence as in the above embodiment. In addition, the description of the same contents as in the above embodiment may be omitted. In addition, the description of the same contents may be simplified.

[0065] When the user of vehicle 1 connects connector 31a to vehicle 1 and performs an operation to start charging vehicle 1, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 1 to a set reference value (first reference value) of remaining power. In the figure, this charging process lasts from T1 to T2. In this example, the first reference value is set to 60%.

[0066] Before T2, if the user of vehicle 2 connects connector 31b to vehicle 2 and performs an operation to start charging vehicle 2, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 2 to a reference value (first reference value) of the remaining power. This charging process causes time to elapse from T2 to T3.

[0067] Before T3, if the user of vehicle 3 connects connector 31c to vehicle 3 and performs an operation related to starting charging of vehicle 3, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 3 to a reference value (first reference value) of the remaining power. This charging causes time to elapse from T3 to T4.

[0068] Before T4, if the user of vehicle 4 connects connector 31d to vehicle 4 and performs an operation related to starting charging of vehicle 4, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 4 to a reference value (first reference value) of the remaining power. This charging causes time to elapse from T4 to T5.

[0069] The control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector unit has reached a reference value (first reference value) and continues charging the vehicle.

[0070] At time T5, while vehicle 1 is still connected to connector 31a, control unit 43 controls switches (42a-42d) to charge vehicle 1 until the remaining power reaches a reference value (second reference value). This charging process lasts from T5 to T6. The second reference value is higher than the first reference value and, in this example, is set to 90%.

[0071] At time T6, when the vehicle 2 is still connected to the connector 31b, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a-42d) to charge the vehicle 2 to the reference value (second reference value) of the remaining power.

[0072] At time T7, when the vehicle 3 is still connected to the connector 31c, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a-42d) to charge the vehicle 3 to the reference value (second reference value) of the remaining power. Time from T7 to T8 passes due to this charging.

[0073] At time T8, the vehicle 4 has already driven away and is not connected to the connector portion 31d, so the next vehicle is charged.

[0074] The control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector unit has reached a reference value (second reference value) and continues charging the vehicle.

[0075] At time T8, when the vehicle 1 is still connected to the connector 31a, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 1 until the remaining power reaches 100%. Due to this charging, time passes from T8 to T9.

[0076] At time T9, when the vehicle 2 is still connected to the connector 31b, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 2 until the remaining power reaches 100%. Due to this charging, time passes from T9 to T10.

[0077] At time T10, when the vehicle 3 is still connected to the connector 31c, the control unit 43 controls the switches (42a to 42d) to charge the vehicle 3 until the remaining power reaches 100%. Due to this charging, time passes from T10 to T11.

[0078] In addition, after the control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector part has reached the reference value, if a vehicle whose remaining power has not reached the reference value is connected to the connector part and the user of the vehicle starts charging, the control unit 43 can give priority to charging the vehicle that has not reached the reference value.

[0079] For example, between T5 and T8, if a vehicle with a remaining charge less than the first reference value is connected to the connector and the user of that vehicle initiates charging, the control unit 43 may prioritize charging that vehicle until it reaches the first reference value over charging vehicles that have reached the first reference value. In this case, if there are multiple vehicles that have not reached the first reference value, the control unit 43 may switch the vehicle to be charged. Afterwards, after confirming that the remaining charge of each vehicle connected to the connector is greater than the first reference value, the control unit 43 may begin charging the vehicles with a remaining charge greater than the first reference value.

[0080] Similarly, for example, if a vehicle whose remaining charge has not reached the second reference value is connected to the connector unit between T8 and T11 and the user of that vehicle initiates charging, the control unit 43 may prioritize charging that vehicle over charging a vehicle that has reached the second reference value until the second reference value is reached. In this case, if there are multiple vehicles that have not reached the second reference value, the control unit 43 may switch the vehicles to be charged. Here, if there are vehicles that have not yet reached the first reference value, the control unit 43 may prioritize charging the vehicles that have not yet reached the first reference value until they reach the first reference value. Thereafter, after confirming that the remaining charge of each vehicle connected to the connector unit is above the second reference value, the control unit 43 may begin charging each vehicle whose remaining charge is above the second reference value.

[0081] On the other hand, after the control unit 43 confirms that the remaining power of each vehicle connected to the connector part is greater than the reference value (the first reference value or the second reference value), when a new vehicle is connected to the connector part, the control unit 43 temporarily excludes charging of the new vehicle and first completes charging of the vehicle whose remaining power has been confirmed to be greater than the reference value.

[0082] According to the third embodiment, a reference value of the remaining power is set, and when the vehicle is charged to the set reference value, the vehicle to be charged is forcibly switched, thereby achieving charging control that takes balance between vehicles into consideration.

[0083] In this embodiment, an example using multiple reference values ​​(a first reference value and a second reference value) is described. However, similar charging control can be performed using a single reference value. Furthermore, similar charging control can be performed using three or more reference values.

[0084] The reference value is not limited to the above example and can be set appropriately as long as it allows for balanced charging control between vehicles. For example, to increase the number of charging opportunities for each vehicle, the reference value can be set to a smaller value as the number of connectors increases.

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 5 Comparison with the prior art will be described. Conventional charging devices 11p are expected to continue charging a vehicle once charging begins, for example, until the remaining power level set by the user is reached, unless the vehicle user or the like interrupts charging. Alternatively, charging of the vehicle may continue until the user-set charging time has elapsed.

[0086] Here, Figure 5 In this case, vehicle 1 and vehicle 3 are continuously charged for the time set by the user, and vehicle 2 is charged until the remaining power (100%) set by the user is reached. As a result of this charging, the waiting time becomes longer, and the user of the subsequent vehicle ( Figure 5 The middle one is a situation where the user of vehicle 4 abandons charging and drives the vehicle away.

[0087] In contrast, the above-described embodiment enables balanced charging control between vehicles, thereby increasing the number of opportunities for vehicles to charge. This allows, for example, even vehicles parked for a short period of time to be charged to a certain extent, preventing situations where charging is impossible even after a long wait.

[0088] While the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and encompasses various modifications and equivalent structures within the spirit of the claimed technical solutions. For example, the embodiments described above have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to all of the described structures. Furthermore, for example, other structures may be added, deleted, or substituted for a portion of the structures in the embodiments.

[0089] The vehicle charged by the charging device 11 is an EV (Electric Vehicle), but any type of vehicle is not particularly limited as long as it can be charged. The type of vehicle may be an electric car, an electric motorcycle, an electric truck, or the like.

[0090] An operation unit for the user to perform various operations may be provided in the charging station 41. The operation unit can be appropriately configured using buttons, a display, a touch panel display, or the like.

[0091] The data described in the above embodiment, such as the specified time for switching charging intervals, the reference value of the remaining power as a basis for omitting charging, and the reference value of the remaining power as a target during charging, are stored in the storage device, and the control unit 43 can use this data to control the charging action.

[0092] Charging station 41 may be equipped with a communication device for communication. Using the communication device, charging station 41 can receive and process data regarding operational details transmitted by the vehicle user. Furthermore, control unit 43 can use the communication device to obtain data regarding remaining battery power, for example. Alternatively, the vehicle can transmit data to a server, and charging station 41 can receive data from the server.

[0093] The connector unit may include a communication circuit for communication between the charging station 41 and the vehicle when connected to the vehicle. For example, the control unit 43 may obtain data on the remaining power via the communication circuit when the connector unit is connected to the vehicle.

[0094] The present disclosure can provide, for example, the following charging method. Specifically, this method charges each vehicle individually. When a predetermined time has passed since the start of vehicle charging, the control unit 43 forcibly switches the vehicle to be charged and begins charging the next vehicle in the predetermined charging sequence. Alternatively, if the remaining charge level of a vehicle reaches a predetermined reference value, the control unit 43 may skip charging the vehicle in question and begin charging the next vehicle in the charging sequence.

[0095] Furthermore, the present disclosure can provide, for example, the following charging method. Specifically, this method charges each vehicle individually. The controller 43 charges the vehicles according to a predetermined charging sequence. When the remaining charge level of a vehicle reaches a predetermined reference value, charging of the vehicle in question is omitted and charging of the next vehicle in the sequence begins.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, for example, the following charging method can be provided. Specifically, this charging method is a method for charging each vehicle individually. The control unit 43 charges the vehicle until the remaining power reaches a first reference value, which is a reference value for the remaining power, and then begins charging the next vehicle in a predetermined charging sequence. Here, when the remaining power of each vehicle being charged reaches the first reference value, the control unit 43 may charge the vehicle until the remaining power reaches a second reference value, which is a reference value higher than the first reference value, and then begin charging the next vehicle in the charging sequence.

[0097] Description of Reference Numerals

[0098] 11 Charging device

[0099] 21 Charger

[0100] 22 AC / DC converter

[0101] 23 DC / DC converter

[0102] 31a Connector

[0103] 31b Connector section

[0104] 31c connector

[0105] 31d connector

[0106] 41 Charging Stations

[0107] 42a switch

[0108] 42b switch

[0109] 42c switch

[0110] 42d switch

[0111] 43 Control Department

Claims

1. A charging device capable of charging vehicles one by one, characterized in that: include: A plurality of connector portions capable of being connected one by one to the vehicles; a plurality of switches provided corresponding to the plurality of connector portions, for allowing or cutting off the electric power supplied to the connector portions; and A control unit capable of controlling the operation of the plurality of switches to control the charging of the vehicle, Here, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of charging of the vehicle, the control unit forcibly switches the vehicle to be charged and starts charging the next vehicle in a predetermined charging order.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: When the remaining power of the vehicle reaches a predetermined reference value, the control unit skips charging of the vehicle and starts charging of the next vehicle in the charging sequence.

3. A charging device capable of charging vehicles one by one, characterized in that: include: A plurality of connector portions capable of being connected one by one to the vehicles; a plurality of switches provided corresponding to the plurality of connector portions, for allowing or cutting off the electric power supplied to the connector portions; and A control unit capable of controlling the operation of the plurality of switches to control the charging of the vehicle, The control unit charges the vehicles in a predetermined charging order, and when the remaining power of a vehicle reaches a predetermined reference value, the control unit skips charging the vehicle and starts charging the next vehicle in the charging order.

4. A charging device capable of charging vehicles one by one, characterized in that: include: A plurality of connector portions capable of being connected one by one to the vehicles; a plurality of switches provided corresponding to the plurality of connector portions, for allowing or cutting off the electric power supplied to the connector portions; and A control unit capable of controlling the operation of the plurality of switches to control the charging of the vehicle, The control unit charges the vehicle until the remaining power reaches a first reference value, which is a reference value of the remaining power, and then starts charging the next vehicle in a predetermined charging order.

5. The charging device according to claim 4, wherein: When the remaining power of each vehicle to be charged has reached the first reference value, the control unit charges the vehicle to a second reference value and then starts charging the next vehicle in the charging sequence. The second reference value is a reference value of the remaining power higher than the first reference value.

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