Pay-as-you-go type charging device, pay-as-you-go type charging system, modification method, management server program for pay-as-you-go type charging system, and management server

Abstract

To provide a pay-as-you-go type charging device, a pay-as-you-go type charging system, a management server program for the pay-as-you-go type charging system, a management server, and a modification method of a charging device, capable of a pay-as-you-go based on power consumption.SOLUTION: A pay-as-you-go type charging device 30 includes: a charging unit 31; an input-side AC wiring member 32A connecting an AC power system AC to the charging unit 31; a breaker 33A provided on the input-side AC wiring member 32A; a power meter 34 detecting the amount of AC power received by the charging unit 31; an AC wiring member for measurement 35 for connecting the power meter 34 to the input-side AC wiring member 32A; a charging cable 37 connecting the charging unit 31 and an on-vehicle battery BAT; a communication unit 38TU connecting to a communication line 60; and a case 39 accommodating each unit or device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pay-per-use charging device, a pay-per-use charging system, a modification method, and a management server program and management server for a pay-per-use charging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Charging facilities for charging vehicle-mounted batteries are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). These charging facilities are installed in public pay parking lots, store parking lots, etc. Users of these charging facilities pay a charging fee after charging is complete. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-78249 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the charging fee paid by the user is often determined by a time-based charging system. Therefore, when using a charging device installed in a pay parking lot, the longer the charging time, the higher the charging fee and parking fee borne by the user. Also, in a store's parking lot, if the charging time is longer than the usage time of the store, the turnover rate of customers at the store will decrease, which is undesirable. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the charging device, the turnover rate of users who charge will decrease, which is undesirable.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a pay-as-you-go charging device, a pay-as-you-go charging system, a modification method, a management server program, and a management server for a pay-as-you-go charging system that enable a pay-as-you-go system based on the amount of electricity used rather than a time-based charging system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The pay-per-use charging device of the present invention includes a charging unit having an AC input terminal capable of receiving AC power and a DC output terminal capable of outputting DC power, an input side AC wiring member connecting an AC power system and the AC input terminal, a power meter for detecting the amount of AC power, a measurement AC connection member for connecting the power meter so that the charging unit can detect the amount of power received, a DC connection member for connecting the charging unit and an external battery, a communication unit for communicating with an external computer connected to a communication line, a memory unit for storing predetermined information, and a control unit for controlling each unit, wherein the communication unit is capable of transmitting the amount of power received by the charging unit to the external computer, and when charging starts, the control unit stores the amount of power detected by the power meter in the memory unit as a starting amount of power, and when charging is completed, the control unit stores the amount of power related to the completion of charging in the memory unit as a completion amount of power, and the amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting amount of power from the completion amount of power is set as the charging amount of the charging service.

[0007] and an output unit that outputs predetermined information, and it is preferable that upon calculation of the charging fee, the communication unit transmits information relating to the charging fee to the external computer, or the output unit displays the charging fee.

[0008] The power supply device preferably includes a housing that houses the charging unit, a case that houses the power meter, and an attachment unit that attaches the case to the housing, the housing includes a tube portion and a first side plate portion that closes an opening on one side of the tube portion, and the input side AC connection member is connected to the charging unit through an opening on the other side of the tube portion. Also, the power supply device preferably further includes a bracket that supports the housing, and the input side AC connection member is connected to the charging unit through a gap, hole, or notch formed in the bracket. Furthermore, the first side plate portion is formed with an eyebolt hole into which an eyebolt can be screwed, and the attachment unit preferably includes a mounting plate disposed on the housing and a bolt that can be screwed into the eyebolt hole, and the mounting plate is formed with an insertion hole into which the bolt can be inserted. In addition, the mounting plate preferably includes a first plate portion disposed along the first side plate portion and a second plate portion that is connected to the first plate portion and disposed along the tube portion, and the insertion hole is preferably provided in the first plate portion.

[0009] It is preferable that the external computer includes at least one of an administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-as-you-go charging service and an operator terminal used by an operator that provides the pay-as-you-go charging service using the pay-as-you-go charging device, and that the charging fee for the charging service provided by the charging unit is calculated from a unit price defined in a rate table and the charging amount, and that the unit price is requested from the administrator terminal or the operator terminal.

[0010] It is preferable that the memory unit has a database regarding the unit price, and when the communication unit receives a request to change the unit price sent from the administrator terminal or the business terminal, the control unit reflects the change in the unit price in the database regarding the unit price.

[0011] It is preferable that the unit price is defined based on a purchase price, and the selling price can be set lower than the purchase price based on a request from the external computer.

[0012] The present invention is a modification method for a time-charging charging device including a charging unit having an AC input terminal capable of receiving AC power and a DC output terminal capable of outputting DC power, and a housing that accommodates the charging unit, the method comprising: a power metering unit fixing step of fixing a power metering unit to the housing using an attachment unit; and a connection step of electrically connecting the power metering unit and the charging unit using an input side AC connection member so that the amount of AC power required for charging by the charging unit can be detected, the housing including a cylindrical portion and one side plate portion that covers an opening on one side of the cylindrical portion, the communication unit transmits the amount of power detected by the power meter to the communication line as a start power amount when charging starts, and transmits the amount of power detected by the power meter to the communication line as a completion power amount when charging is completed, and the input side AC connection member is connected to the charging unit through the opening on the other side of the cylindrical portion.

[0013] It is preferable that the device further includes a bracket for supporting the housing, and the input side AC connecting member passes through a gap, hole or notch formed in the bracket and is connected to the charging unit.

[0014] It is preferable that an eyebolt hole into which an eyebolt can be screwed is formed in the one side plate portion, the mounting unit comprises a mounting plate arranged on the housing and a bolt that can be screwed into the eyebolt hole, and the mounting plate has an insertion hole into which the bolt can be inserted.

[0015] It is preferable that the mounting plate comprises a first plate portion arranged along the one side plate portion, and a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and arranged along the tubular portion, and that the insertion hole is provided in the first plate portion.

[0016] The pay-as-you-go charging system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the pay-as-you-go charging device described above, a management server that manages the pay-as-you-go charging service, an administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-as-you-go charging service, and an operator terminal used by an operator that provides the pay-as-you-go charging service.

[0017] It is preferable that upon receiving a request to change the unit price sent from the administrator terminal or the business terminal, the pay-as-you-go charging device or the management server reflects the change in the unit price in a database regarding the unit price.

[0018] It is preferable that in the fee schedule, the unit price is defined based on the purchase price, and the selling price can be set lower than the purchase price based on a request from the external computer.

[0019] The pay-as-you-go charging system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the pay-as-you-go charging device described above, a management server that manages the pay-as-you-go charging service, an administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-as-you-go charging service, and a user terminal used by a user who uses the pay-as-you-go charging service.

[0020] The management server program for a pay-as-you-go charging system of the present invention is characterized in that, in a computer having an input device, an output device, an input / output interface, a storage device, and a control device, when the input / output interface receives a charging request, the control device executes the following steps: adding a new charging log ID to a charging history DB stored in the storage device, and associating the login ID and an identifier of a pay-as-you-go charging device included in the charging request with the charging log ID; storing the amount of power detected by the power meter as a starting power amount in the storage device when charging starts; storing the amount of power related to the completion of charging as a completed power amount in the storage device when charging is completed; and calculating a charging fee for the charging based on the amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting power amount from the completed power amount and a unit price.

[0021] When the input / output interface receives a request to change the unit price, it is preferable to have the computer execute a determination step of determining whether a login ID included in the request to change the unit price belongs to an administrator of a pay-as-you-go charging service or an operator that provides the pay-as-you-go charging service using the pay-as-you-go charging device, and an authorization step of authorizing the request to change the unit price if the login ID belongs to the administrator or the operator.

[0022] The management server of the present invention is a management server equipped with an input device, an output device, an input / output interface, a storage device, and a control device, and when the input / output interface receives a charging request, the control device adds a new charging log ID to a charging history DB stored in the storage device, and associates the login ID and an identifier of a pay-as-you-go charging device included in the charging request with the charging log ID, and when charging starts, the control device stores the amount of power detected by the power meter as a starting power amount in the storage device, and when charging is completed, the control device stores the amount of power related to the completion of charging in the storage device as a completed power amount, and the control device calculates a charging fee for the charging based on the amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting power amount from the completed power amount and a unit price.

[0023] When the input / output interface receives a request to change the unit price, the control device determines whether the login ID included in the request to change the unit price belongs to an administrator of a pay-as-you-go charging service or an operator that provides the pay-as-you-go charging service using the pay-as-you-go charging device, and if the login ID belongs to the administrator or the operator, it is preferable that the control device approves the request to change the unit price. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pay-per-use charging device, a pay-per-use charging system, a modification method, a management server program, and a management server for a pay-per-use charging system that enable a pay-per-use system based on the amount of power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a connection diagram showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an overview of a management server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a user DB, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a charging device DB, and FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D are explanatory diagrams showing an overview of a tariff DB. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a charging history DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a management server. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a login process. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of each process when charging an in-vehicle battery. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart outlining each process (variation) when charging an in-vehicle battery. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a time-charging type charging device. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline (variation) of a pay-per-use charging device. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a connection diagram showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging system (modification). [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a housing of the time-charging type charging device. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device. [Figure 16] 1A is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the mounting unit, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing an outline of the housing of the power measuring unit. [Figure 17]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device (modification). [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are six views showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device (variation example). [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an overview of a mounting unit (modification). [Figure 20] 13A to 13C are six views showing an outline of the mounting unit (modification). [Figure 21] 1A to 1C are six views showing an overview of a pay-per-use charging device (variation example). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the pay-per-use charging system 2 charges an external battery in response to user requests, and includes a management server 10 that manages the pay-per-use charging service, an administrator terminal 20 used by the administrator of the pay-per-use charging service, a pay-per-use charging device 30, an operator terminal 40 used by an operator that provides a charging service using the pay-per-use charging device 30, and a user terminal 50 used by a user who uses the charging service.

[0027] The pay-per-use charging device 30 charges the vehicle battery BAT (external battery) of the vehicle CAR under conditions desired by the user. The pay-per-use charging device 30, the management server 10, and the terminals 20, 40, 50 are electrically connected to each other via a communication line 60, enabling mutual communication. Hereinafter, the management server 10 and the terminals 20, 40, 50 are referred to as "external computers."

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pay-per-use charging device 30 includes a charging unit 31 capable of receiving AC power and outputting DC power, an input AC wiring member 32A that connects an AC power system AC and an AC input terminal of the charging unit 31, a breaker 33A provided on the input AC wiring member 32A, a wattmeter 34 that detects the amount of AC power received by the charging unit 31, a measurement AC wiring member 35 for connecting the wattmeter 34 to the input AC wiring member 32A, a charging cable 37 (DC connection member) that connects the charging unit 31 and the vehicle-mounted battery BAT, a communication unit 38TU that connects to the communication line 60, a memory unit 38ST that stores predetermined information, an operation unit 38BL that performs predetermined operations on the pay-per-use charging device 30, an output unit 38DS that outputs predetermined information, a control unit 38CT that controls each unit, and a housing 39 that accommodates each unit and each device.

[0029] Each unit other than the charging unit 31 is supplied with power by a branch wiring 32B branched from an input side AC wiring member 32A. A breaker 33B is preferably provided in the branch wiring 32B. The breakers 33A and 33B are each freely switchable between an open state and a closed state.

[0030] The charging unit 31 has an AC input terminal capable of receiving AC power, a DC output terminal capable of outputting DC power, a rectifier, an inverter, an insulating transformer, and another rectifier connected in series in this order. The AC input terminal of the charging unit 31 is electrically connected to the AC power system AC by an input-side AC wiring member 32A. The DC output terminal of the charging unit 31 is electrically connected to the on-board battery BAT by a charging cable 37.

[0031] The power meter 34 detects the amount of AC power, and is connected in parallel to the input side AC wiring member 32A by the measurement AC wiring member 35. This allows the power meter 34 to detect the amount of power received by the charging unit 31.

[0032] The charging cable 37 has an output terminal for supplying DC power output from the charging unit 31 to the vehicle-mounted battery BAT, and a connection confirmation terminal for monitoring the connection state to the vehicle-mounted battery BAT. When the charging cable 37 and the vehicle-mounted battery BAT are connected, the connection confirmation terminal is turned on and a connection state signal is input to the control unit 38CT. When the charging cable 37 and the vehicle-mounted battery BAT are not connected, the connection confirmation terminal is turned off and a non-connection state signal is input to the control unit 38CT.

[0033] The operation unit 38BL is composed of an operation button, an operation lever, etc. When the operation unit 38BL is operated, an associated operation signal is output to the control unit 38CT. The memory unit 38ST stores predetermined information under the control of the control unit 38CT. The output unit 38DS is a display that displays various operating states. The operation unit 38BL and the output unit 38DS may be integrated into a touch panel display or the like. The communication unit 38TU transmits and receives predetermined signals between an external computer connected to the communication line 60 (FIG. 1) under the control of the control unit 38CT.

[0034] The control unit 38CT determines whether the charging cable 37 is in a connected state in which the charging unit 31 and the in-vehicle battery BAT are electrically connected, or in a non-connected state in which the charging cable 37 has retreated from the connected state. When the control unit 38CT detects a transition from a non-connected state to a connected state, the communication unit 38TU transmits a charging start signal to the management server 10 via the communication line 60 (FIG. 1). When the control unit 38CT detects a transition from a connected state to a non-connected state, the communication unit 38TU transmits a charging completion signal to the management server 10 via the communication line 60 (FIG. 1).

[0035] Thereafter, in response to a request from the management server 10, the control unit 38CT transmits the amount of power detected by the power meter 35 when charging starts or when charging is completed to the management server 10. When transmitting a charging start signal or a charging completion signal, the control unit 38CT preferably transmits the amount of power detected by the power meter 35 together with the signal to the management server 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the management server 10 that manages the pay-per-use charging service includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an external storage device 14, an input device 15, an output device 16, an input / output interface 18, and a bus 19.

[0037] The CPU 11 is a so-called central processing unit, and executes various programs to realize various services of the management server 10. The RAM 12 is a so-called RAM (random access memory), and is used as a working area for the CPU 11. The ROM 13 is a so-called ROM (read only memory), and stores the basic OS and various programs (for example, a pay-per-use charging service program) executed by the CPU 11.

[0038] The external storage device 14 stores the results of calculations of various programs, and may be a built-in storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or a solid state drive) or a removable storage device (e.g., a memory card, etc.). The external storage device 14 may be one that is connected via a communication line 60, such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

[0039] The input device 15 is an input key keyboard, a mouse, a bar code reader, or a two-dimensional code reader, and is used to input various information. The output device 16 is a display, and is used to display various operating states.

[0040] The input / output interface 18 enables communication on a communication line. The bus 19 is wiring that integrally connects the CPU 11, the RAM 12, the ROM 13, the input device 15, the output device 16, the input / output interface 18, and the like to perform communication.

[0041] In the external storage device 14, various DBs are constructed.

[0042] The user DB (FIG. 5(A)) stores information relating to the administrator using the administrator terminal 20, the business using the business terminal 40, and the user using the user terminal 50, including each person's login ID, password, attribute information, payment information (bank account number, credit card number, etc.), and other necessary items, all in association with each other. Here, attribute information is information indicating whether the person corresponds to an administrator, a business, or a user.

[0043] The charging device DB (Figure 5(B)) associates an identifier of the charging device (charging device ID), information about the charging device (e.g., the name, location, and owner of the charging device), an identifier of the tariff (tariff ID) that applies to the use of the charging device, and other necessary information.

[0044] In the rate table DB (FIG. 5(C)), a rate table identifier (rate table ID), information related to the rate table, and other necessary items are associated. As the information related to the rate table, for example, the name of the rate table, a login ID having the authority to edit the rate table, the application conditions of the rate table, and the selling price (unit price) of electricity are associated. The application conditions of the rate table may be time conditions, for example, application all day, application only on weekdays, application only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, etc. Furthermore, in cases where the peak season and the low season cannot be separated into weekdays and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the application conditions of the rate table may be application only on the peak season, application only on the low season, or application only on the standard season. Each business operator defines the peak season, the low season, and the standard season, and thus it is possible to set the selling price of electricity for each charging device according to the installation location of the charging device and the convenience of the business operator.

[0045] The charging history DB (Fig. 6) associates with an identifier (charging log ID) assigned to each charging service performed in the pay-as-you-go charging system 2, an identifier (charging device ID) of the charging device used for the charging service, an identifier (login ID) of the user using the charging service, charging start time, charging completion time, charging start energy WS, charging completion energy WS, charging amount, charging speed, applicable tariff ID, applicable selling price (unit price) of electricity, charging fee, payment confirmation status indicating whether the charging fee has been paid, and other necessary items.

[0046] When the basic OS and various programs stored in the ROM 13 are executed by the CPU 11, as shown in FIG. 7, the management server 10 functions as an external storage device 14, an input device 15, an output device 16, an input / output interface 18, a login authentication unit 11LG, a charging service management unit 11CM, a charging fee management unit 11PM, a payment management unit 11BM, and a control unit 11CT that controls each unit.

[0047] The login authentication unit 11LG performs authentication for the pay-per-use charging system by referring to a user DB (FIG. 5(A)) constructed in the external storage device 14. In response to a request from the manager terminal 20, the business operator terminal 40, or the user terminal 50, the login authentication unit 11LG refers to the user DB (FIG. 5(A)) constructed in the external storage device 14 to determine whether or not the login ID and password input from the manager terminal 20, the business operator terminal 40, or the user terminal 50 are a registered combination, and if they are a registered combination, permits use of the pay-per-use charging system, whereas if they are not a registered combination, prohibits use of the pay-per-use charging system.

[0048] The charging service management unit 11CM performs charging management by the pay-per-use charging device 30 associated with the charging device ID.

[0049] When the charging service management unit 11CM receives a request for application for charging from the user terminal 50, the charging service management unit 11CM refers to the charging history DB (FIG. 6) and registers a new charging log ID. Next, the charging service management unit 11CM associates the charging device ID and the login ID (the identifier of the user related to the charging device) included in the request for application for charging with the new charging log ID and records them in the charging history DB (FIG. 6).

[0050] More specifically, the charging service management unit 11CM waits to receive a charging start signal transmitted from the charging unit 31. Then, when the charging service management unit 11CM receives the charging start signal transmitted from the charging unit 31, it requests the charging unit 31 to transmit the amount of power detected by the power meter 35 at the start of charging. The charging service management unit 11CM reads the "amount of power detected by the power meter 34" transmitted from the charging unit 31, and records the read amount of power as the charging start power amount WS and the read time as the charging start time in the charging history DB ( FIG. 6 ) in association with the charging log ID.

[0051] Next, the charging service management unit 11CM waits to receive a charging completion signal transmitted from the charging unit 31. Then, when the charging service management unit 11CM receives the charging completion signal transmitted from the charging unit 31, it requests the charging unit 31 to transmit the amount of power detected by the power meter 35 at the time of charging completion. The charging service management unit 11CM reads the "amount of power detected by the power meter 34" transmitted from the charging unit 31, and records the read amount of power as the charging completion power amount WE and the read time as the charging completion time in the charging history DB ( FIG. 6 ) in association with the charging log ID.

[0052] Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging amount by subtracting the charging start energy WS from the charging completion energy WE. This charging amount becomes the usage fee for the charging service in the pay-as-you-go charging system. Next, the charging service management unit 11CM refers to the tariff DB and reads the selling price (unit price) of electricity associated with the charging device ID. The charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging fee from the charging amount and the selling price (unit price) of electricity. Furthermore, the charging service management unit 11CM records the calculated charging amount, the applicable tariff ID, the applicable selling price (unit price) of electricity, and the calculated charging fee in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) in association with the charging log ID.

[0053] The payment management unit 11BM reads the charging history DB (FIG. 6) at a predetermined timing, and extracts the charging log ID whose payment status is "not yet" and the charging fee associated with the charging log ID. After that, the payment management unit 11BM refers to the user DB based on the login ID associated with the charging log ID, and performs a billing process for the payment of the charging fee based on the payment information associated with the login ID. Furthermore, when the payment management unit 11BM confirms the payment of the charging fee, it updates the payment status associated with the charging log ID in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) from "not yet" to "paid."

[0054] The administrator terminal 20, like the management server 10, includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an external storage device, an input device, an output device, an input / output interface, and a bus. The ROM stores the basic OS and various programs (e.g., a pay-per-use charging service program for the administrator) executed by the CPU. When the basic OS and various programs stored in the ROM are executed by the CPU, the administrator terminal 20 functions as a system registration unit for registering the administrator's ID, password, payment information (bank account number, credit card number, etc.), and other necessary items, a fee schedule management unit for adding a new fee schedule to the fee schedule DB stored in the external storage device, changing or deleting registered fee schedules, and a record viewing unit for viewing each piece of information stored in the external storage device.

[0055] The business operator terminal 40, like the administrator terminal 20, includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an external storage device, an input device, an output device, an input / output interface, and a bus. The ROM stores the basic OS and various programs (e.g., a pay-per-use charging service program for business operators) executed by the CPU. When the basic OS and various programs stored in the ROM are executed by the CPU, the business operator terminal 40 functions as a system registration unit for registering the business operator's ID, password, payment information (bank account number, credit card number, etc.), and other necessary items, a fee schedule management unit for adding a new fee schedule to the fee schedule DB stored in the external storage device, changing or deleting a registered fee schedule, and a record viewing unit for viewing each piece of information stored in the external storage device.

[0056] The user terminal 50, like the administrator terminal 20, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, an external storage device, an input device, an output device, an input / output interface, and a bus. The ROM stores the basic OS and various programs (e.g., a pay-per-use charging service program for users) executed by the CPU. When the basic OS and various programs stored in the ROM are executed by the CPU, the user terminal 50 functions as a system registration unit for registering a user's ID, password, payment information (bank account number, credit card number, etc.), and other necessary items, and as a record viewing unit for viewing each piece of information stored in the external storage device.

[0057] Next, a method of using the pay-per-use charging system 2 will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, a login request to the pay-per-use charging system 2 is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the management server 10 (S110). The login request includes the login ID and password of the user. When the input / output interface 18 of the management server 10 receives the login request (S120), the login authentication unit 11LG refers to the user DB (FIG. 6(A)) constructed in the external storage device 14 and determines whether the login ID and password transmitted from the user terminal 50 are a combination registered in the user DB (S130). If it is determined that the combination is registered, the use of the pay-per-use charging system is permitted (S160). On the other hand, if it is determined that the combination is not registered, the use of the pay-per-use charging system is prohibited and the login process is terminated (S140).

[0059] Next, a flow between the management server 10 and the user terminal 50 that has been permitted to use the pay-per-use charging system through the login process will be described.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, a charging request is transmitted to the pay-per-use charging system 2 by operating the user terminal 50 (S210). The charging request includes the user's login ID and an identifier (charging device ID) of the pay-per-use charging device 30 for which charging is desired. When the input / output interface 18 of the management server 10 receives the charging request (S220), the charging service management unit 11CM adds a new charging log ID to the charging history DB (Fig. 6) (S230). Furthermore, the charging service management unit 11CM associates the charging device ID and login ID transmitted from the user terminal 50 with the newly added charging log ID in the charging history DB (Fig. 6) (S240).

[0061] Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM performs a connection state detection process (S260). In the connection state detection process, the charging unit 11CM waits for reception of a charging start signal transmitted from the charging unit 31 associated with the charging device ID. In the connection state detection process, the charging service management unit 11CM continues to perform the connection state detection process while the charging start signal is not received. On the other hand, in the connection state detection process, when the charging start signal is received, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the amount of power detected by the power meter 34 in the pay-as-you-go charging device 30 (S270). Next, the charging service management unit 11CM records the read amount of power as the charging start power amount WS and the read time as the charging start time in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) in association with the charging log ID (S280).

[0062] Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM performs a non-connected state detection process (S310). In the non-connected state detection process, the charging unit 11CM waits for reception of a charging completion signal transmitted from the charging unit 31 associated with the charging device ID. In the non-connected state detection process, the non-connected state detection process is continued while the charging completion signal is not received. On the other hand, in the non-connected state detection process, when the charging completion signal is received, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the amount of power detected by the power meter 34 (S320). Next, the charging service management unit 11CM records the read amount of power as the charging completion power amount WE and the read time as the charging completion time in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) in association with the charging log ID (S330).

[0063] Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging amount by subtracting the charging start energy WS from the charging completion energy WE (S340). Next, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the charging start time or the charging completion time associated with the charging log ID in the charging history DB (FIG. 6). Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the charging device DB based on the charging device ID associated with the charging log ID, and reads the tariff ID associated with the charging device ID. Furthermore, the charging service management unit 11CM refers to the tariff DB and specifies the selling price (unit price) of electricity based on the charging start time or the charging completion time and the tariff ID. Thereafter, the charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging fee based on the specified selling price (unit price) of electricity and the charging amount calculated in S340 (S350). Then, the charging service management unit 11CM records the calculated charging amount, the applicable tariff ID, the applicable selling price (unit price) of electricity, and the calculated charging fee in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) in association with the charging log ID (S360).

[0064] The payment management unit 11BM reads the charging history DB (FIG. 6) at a predetermined timing, and extracts the charging log ID whose payment status is "not yet" and the charging fee associated with the charging log ID. After that, the payment management unit 11BM refers to the user DB based on the login ID associated with the charging log ID, and performs a request process for payment of the charging fee based on the payment information associated with the login ID (S410). In addition, the payment management unit 11BM determines whether or not payment has been confirmed for the payment of the charging fee (S420), and if payment has been confirmed, updates the payment status associated with the charging log ID in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) from "not yet" to "paid" (S430).

[0065] In this way, the pay-per-use charging system 2 can calculate the electricity fee based on the amount of power required for charging, not on the time the charging device is occupied, which is advantageous for both the users who use the charging device and the businesses that operate it.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the login request to the pay-per-use charging system 2 is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the management server 10 (FIG. 8, S110), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the login request to the pay-per-use charging system 2 may be transmitted to the management server 10 via the communication unit 38TU based on the operation of the operation unit 38BL of the pay-per-use charging device 30, or may be transmitted to the management server 10 via the communication unit 38TU of the pay-per-use charging device 30 by the operation of the user terminal 50.

[0067] Below, we will explain modified examples of the above embodiment. However, the explanation of the modified examples will be limited to the parts that differ from the above embodiment, and the same parts as in the above embodiment will be given the same symbols as in the above embodiment, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the process related to charging is performed on the management server 10 side, but the present invention is not limited to this. A method of using the pay-per-use charging system 2 in this case will be described.

[0069] 10, a user operates the pay-per-use charging device 30 to input a charging request to the pay-per-use charging system 2 into the pay-per-use charging device 30 (S610). The charging request includes the login ID of the user. When the charging request is input to the pay-per-use charging device 30, the control unit 38CT associates the user's login ID included in the received charging request with the identifier (charging device ID) of its own pay-per-use charging device 30, and transmits a request to create a new charging log ID to the management server 10 (S620). The request to create a new charging log includes the user's login ID and its own charging device ID.

[0070] In the management server 10, the charging service management unit 11CM adds a new charging log ID to the charging history DB (FIG. 6) (S630). Furthermore, the charging service management unit 11CM associates the charging device ID and login ID transmitted from the pay-per-use charging device 30 with the newly added charging log ID in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) (S640). After that, the management server 10 transmits a "notification of completion of creation of new charging log ID" to the pay-per-use charging device 30.

[0071] In the pay-per-use charging device 30, the control unit 38CT performs a connection state detection process (S260) when the control unit 38CT receives a "notification of completion of creation of a new charging log ID" sent from the management server 10. When the control unit 38CT detects a transition from a non-connected state to a connected state in the connection state detection process, the control unit 38CT reads the amount of power detected by the power meter 34 in the pay-per-use charging device 30 (S270). Next, the control unit 38CT records the read amount of power as the charging start power amount WS and the read time as the charging start time in the storage unit 38ST in association with the charging log ID (S280).

[0072] Triggered by S270, the control unit 38CT performs a non-connection state detection process (S310). When a transition from a connection state to a non-connection state is detected in the non-connection state detection process, the control unit 38CT reads the amount of power detected by the power meter 34 (S320). Next, the control unit 38CT records the read amount of power as the charging completion power amount WE and the read time as the charging completion time in the storage unit 38ST in association with the charging log ID (S330). After that, the control unit 38CT subtracts the charging start power amount WS from the charging completion power amount WE to calculate the charging amount, and records the charging amount in association with the charging log ID in the storage unit 38ST (S340).

[0073] Thereafter, the control unit 38CT requests the management server 10 to record various pieces of information related to charging from S260 to S340 in the charging history DB (S660). Here, the various pieces of information related to charging are information associated with at least one of the login ID and the charging device ID, and specifically include the charging start electric energy WS, the charging start time, the charging completion electric energy WE, the charging completion time, the charging amount, the charging speed, etc.

[0074] When the management server 10 receives a request to record various information related to the charging transmitted from the pay-as-you-go charging device 30, the charging service management unit 11CM records the various information received from the pay-as-you-go charging device 30 in the charging history DB (S670).

[0075] Next, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the charging start time or the charging completion time associated with the charging log ID in the charging history DB (FIG. 6). After that, the charging service management unit 11CM reads the charging device DB based on the charging device ID associated with the charging log ID, and reads the tariff ID associated with the charging device ID. Furthermore, the charging service management unit 11CM refers to the tariff DB and identifies the selling price (unit price) of electricity based on the charging start time or the charging completion time and the tariff ID. After that, the charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging fee based on the identified selling price (unit price) of electricity and the charging amount calculated in S340 (S350). Then, the charging service management unit 11CM records the calculated charging amount, the applied tariff ID, the applied selling price (unit price) of electricity, and the calculated charging fee in the charging history DB (FIG. 6) in association with the charging log ID (S360).

[0076] The settlement management unit 11BM reads the charging history DB (FIG. 6) at a predetermined timing, extracts the charging log ID whose payment status is "not yet" and the charging fee associated with the charging log ID, and performs payment processing (S410). After that, the settlement management unit 11BM checks the payment status of the charging fee, and reflects the result in the payment status associated with the charging log ID (S420-430).

[0077] As a result, even if communication between the management server 10 and the pay-per-use charging device 30 becomes impossible due to a failure of the communication line 60 or the like between the start and completion of charging, it is possible to provide the charging service to the user. Then, after communication between the management server 10 and the pay-per-use charging device 30 is restored, the processes from S660 onward (reflecting the results in various DBs, charging fee billing process, etc.) can be performed.

[0078] In the above embodiment, in S620 to S640, the pay-per-use charging device 30 stores the predetermined information in the external storage device 14 of the management server 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a charging request is input to the pay-per-use charging device 30 (S610), the control unit 38CT may associate the user's login ID included in the received charging request with the identifier (charging device ID) of the pay-per-use charging device 30 itself, and the temporary charging log ID, and store them in the storage unit 38ST of the pay-per-use charging device 30. In this case, the above-mentioned S620 to S640 can be omitted. After that, the control unit 38CT may request the management server 10 to record various information related to charging from S260 to S340 in the charging history DB together with the user's login ID, the identifier (charging device ID) of the pay-per-use charging device 30 itself, and the temporary charging log ID (S660).

[0079] The selling price (unit price) of electricity, which is the basis for calculating the charging fee, is defined in advance in the tariff ID, but the defined selling price (unit price) of electricity may be made changeable under the authority of the operator.

[0080] The business operator terminal 40 transmits a request to change the tariff ID to the management server 10 by the operation of the business operator. The request to change the tariff ID includes the business operator's login ID, the charging device ID for which the tariff is to be changed, and the tariff ID to which the user wishes to change the tariff. When the management server 10 receives the request to change the tariff ID, the charging service management unit 11CM determines whether the requester has the authority to change the tariff of the charging device to be changed, based on the business operator's login ID and the charging device ID included in the request to change the tariff ID. Furthermore, when the charging service management unit 11CM determines that the requester has the authority, it reads the charging device DB and updates the tariff ID associated with the charging device ID for which the tariff is to be changed to the tariff ID to which the user wishes to change the tariff.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the tariff ID is selected by the operation of the business operator, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to update the selling price (unit price) of electricity defined in the tariff ID. The business operator terminal 40 transmits a request for updating the selling price (unit price) of electricity to the management server 10 by the operation of the business operator. The request for updating the selling price (unit price) of electricity includes the login ID of the business operator, the tariff ID to be updated, and the selling price (unit price) of electricity desired to be updated. When the management server 10 receives the request for updating the selling price (unit price) of electricity, the charging service management unit 11CM determines whether the request source has the authority to change the tariff to be updated from the login ID of the business operator and the tariff ID included in the request for updating the selling price (unit price) of electricity. Furthermore, when the charging service management unit 11CM determines that the request source has the authority, it reads the tariff DB and updates the selling price (unit price) of electricity associated with the tariff DB to be updated to the selling price (unit price) of electricity desired to be updated. This allows the selling price of electricity to be set to 0% of the purchase price (free) in the event of a disaster occurring near a pay-per-use charging device and an urgent need for power supply. Also, as part of sales promotion efforts at facilities where pay-per-use charging devices are installed, it is possible to set the selling price of electricity to 100% of the purchase price, or even to 90% of the purchase price.

[0082] The management server 10 may allow requests to change the tariff ID and update the selling price (unit price) of electricity transmitted not only from the business operator terminal 40 but also from the manager terminal 20. On the other hand, the management server 10 restricts requests to change the tariff ID and update the selling price (unit price) of electricity transmitted from the user terminal 50.

[0083] As shown in the tariff DB (FIG. 5(D)), the selling price (unit price) of electricity may be selected depending on the charging speed. For example, in S340 of FIG. 8, the charging service management unit 11CM calculates the charging amount by subtracting the charging start energy WS from the charging completion energy WE. This charging amount becomes the usage fee for the charging service in the pay-as-you-go charging system. Next, the charging service management unit 11CM can calculate the charging speed by dividing the charging amount by the difference between the charging start time and the charging completion time. After that, the charging service management unit 11CM stores the calculated charging speed in the charging history DB in association with the charging log ID. Then, the charging service management unit 11CM refers to the tariff DB (FIG. 5(D)), reads the selling price (unit price) of electricity based on the calculated charging speed, and calculates the charging fee from the selling price (unit price) of electricity and the charging amount (S350).

[0084] Also, the charging speed or the selling price (unit price) of the power associated therewith may be selectable from the user terminal 50. In this case, for example, after the user is permitted to log in, the output unit 38DS of the pay-per-use charging device 30 or the output device of the user terminal 50 outputs a plurality of combinations of selectable charging speeds and selling prices (unit prices) of the power. After the user selects a combination of the charging speed and the selling price (unit price) of the power, a charging request is input to the pay-per-use charging device 30. This charging request preferably includes the combination of the charging speed and the selling price (unit price) of the power selected by the user, together with the user's login ID and charging device ID. In this case, the charging service management unit 11CM (pay-per-use charging device 30) may provide a charging service with the charging speed selected by the user as the upper limit from the start of charging to the completion of charging.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a spare battery may be provided in the pay-per-use charging device 30. In this case, the charging unit 31 may switch between a mode in which the spare battery is charged using power from the AC power supply system AC and a mode in which the vehicle-mounted battery is charged using power from the AC power supply system AC based on a user request, or may simultaneously operate in both modes.

[0086] In addition, a time-based charging device may be modified in a certain way to be used as a metered-rate charging device.

[0087] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the time-charging charging device 130 includes a charging unit 31, an input side AC wiring member 32A, a breaker 33A, a charging cable 37, a communication unit 138TU connected to a communication line 60 (Figure 13), a memory unit 138ST that stores predetermined information, 138BL that performs predetermined operations on the time-charging charging device 130, an output unit 138DS that outputs the predetermined information, a control unit 138CT that controls each unit, and a housing 139 that accommodates each unit, each component, etc.

[0088] The control unit 138CT determines whether the charging cable 37 is in a connected state in which the charging unit 31 and the in-vehicle battery BAT are electrically connected, or in a non-connected state in which the charging cable 37 has retreated from the connected state. When the control unit 138CT detects a transition from a non-connected state to a connected state, the communication unit 138TU transmits a charging start signal to the time-charging management server 310 (FIG. 13) via the communication line (FIG. 13). When the control unit 138CT detects a transition from a connected state to a non-connected state, the communication unit 138TU transmits a charging completion signal to the time-charging management server 310 (FIG. 13) via the communication line (FIG. 13).

[0089] Here, an arbitrary direction on a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, a direction on the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction.

[0090] 12 and 14, the housing 139 includes a tube portion 139T, a top plate 139F (one side plate) that closes an opening on the upper side of the tube portion 139T, and a bracket 139B that can be attached to an opening 139J on the other side of the tube portion 139T.

[0091] The cylinder portion 139T is formed in a rectangular cylinder shape having sides extending in the X and Y directions and extending in the Z direction. The hollow portion of the cylinder portion 139T becomes a space for accommodating each unit, each device, and various electric wiring members. The top plate 139F is rectangular with sides extending in the X and Y directions. The four corners of the top plate 139F are formed with bolt holes 139X into which eye bolts IB can be screwed. The time-charging charging device 130 is transported by hanging a transport belt around the eye bolts IB screwed into the bolt holes 139X.

[0092] The bracket 139B includes a support frame 139BW disposed below the cylindrical portion 139T, a fitting protrusion 139BT disposed on the upper surface of the support frame 139BW, and a support leg 139BF disposed below the support frame 139BW.

[0093] The support frame 139BW is made up of sides extending in the X and Y directions, and has a rectangular outer shape. An outer edge 139BW1 on the upper surface of the support frame 139BW serves as a support surface capable of supporting the lower end surface of the tube portion 139T. A hollow portion K2 of the support frame 139BW opens in the Z direction.

[0094] The fitting protrusion 139BT protrudes upward from the inner edge of the upper surface of the support frame 139BW. The outer shape of the fitting protrusion 139BT matches the inner shape of the opening 139J on the other side of the tube portion 139T, so the fitting protrusion 139BT is attached to the opening 139J on the other side of the tube portion 139T. The tube portion 139T attached to the fitting protrusion 139BT is restricted from rotating or moving in the horizontal plane, but is free to move in the Z direction. The tube portion 139T is connected to the support frame 139BW or the fitting protrusion 139BT by screws or bolts (not shown).

[0095] The support legs 139BF extend in the Y direction and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the X direction. Each support leg 139BF is connected to the lower part of the support frame 139BW by a screw or bolt (not shown). Therefore, the support legs 139BF can support the tube part 139T from below via the support frame 139BW. Note that the support legs 139BF are preferably provided with long holes 139BX into which anchor bolts 139BV driven into a concrete surface or the like can be inserted.

[0096] In this manner, when the bracket 139B is connected to the tubular portion 139T, the gap K1 of the supporting leg 139BF communicates with the hollow portion K3 of the tubular portion 139T via the hollow portion K2 of the supporting frame 139BW.

[0097] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the parts required to convert a time-based charging device 130 into a pay-per-use charging device 230 are an attachment unit 150 that can be detachably fixed to the time-based charging device 130, and a power measurement unit 160 that can be connected to the time-based charging device 130 via the attachment unit 150.

[0098] 12 and 15, the power measurement unit 160 includes a bypass AC wiring member 32CA (input side AC wiring member) provided in the input side AC wiring member 32A closer to the AC power supply system than the breaker 33A, a bypass AC wiring member 32CB (input side AC wiring member) provided in the input side AC wiring member 32A closer to the charging unit 31 than the breaker 33A, a measurement unit side breaker 163 to which the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB are connected, a wattmeter 134 that detects the amount of AC power, a measurement AC connection member 161 that connects the wattmeter 134 to the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB so as to enable detection of the amount of AC power received by the charging unit 31, a communication unit 166 that connects to the communication line 60, a control unit 167 that controls each unit, and a case 169 that accommodates each part and each unit.

[0099] The measurement unit side breaker 163 can be freely switched between an open state and a closed state. The measurement unit side breaker 163 is connected in parallel to the breaker 33A by the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB.

[0100] Under the control of the control unit 167, the communication unit 166 transmits the amount of power detected by the power meter 134 to an external computer connected to the communication line 60. Note that, instead of the communication unit 166 transmitting the amount of power detected by the power meter 134, the communication unit 138TU may transmit the amount of power detected by the power meter 134. In this case, the communication unit 166 may be omitted.

[0101] The case 169 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with sides in the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction. A lower surface 169U of the case 169 is provided with insertion holes 169UX into which the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB can be inserted.

[0102] The mounting unit 150 is formed in an L-shape and includes two upper plates 151 arranged on the top plate 139F, two side plates 152 arranged along the tubular portion 139T, and a connecting plate 153 connecting the two side plates 152.

[0103] The two upper plates 151 each extend in the Y direction and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the X direction. The two side plates 152 each extend downward from an end of the upper plate 151 and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the X direction. The connecting plate 153 extends in the X direction and is arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the Z direction. Both ends of the connecting plate 153 are connected to the two side plates 152.

[0104] Each upper plate 151 is formed with a plate-side bolt hole 151X into which an eye bolt IB can be inserted. The interval in the X direction between the plate-side bolt holes 151X provided in each upper plate 151 may be such that each plate-side bolt hole 151X faces directly opposite a bolt hole 139X when the mounting unit 150 is disposed in the case 169. The two side plates 152 are connected to the case 169 by screws or bolts (not shown).

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the method of converting the time-charging charging device 130 into the metered-charge charging device 230 includes a power measurement unit fixing step and a connection step.

[0106] (Power measurement unit fixed step) The mounting unit 150 is placed in the case 169 with the upper plate 151 disposed on the top plate 139F and the side plate 152 disposed along the tubular portion 139T. In this state, each plate-side bolt hole 151X faces directly opposite the bolt hole 139X. Then, the mounting unit 150 is fixed to the housing 139 of the time-charging charging device 130 using an eye bolt IB. Then, the case 169 of the power measurement unit 160 is fixed to the mounting unit 150. As a result, the power measurement unit 160 is fixed to the housing 139 of the time-charging charging device 130.

[0107] When fixing the power measurement unit 160 to the housing 139 of the time-charging charging device 130, a bolt that can be inserted into the plate-side bolt hole 151X and screwed into the bolt hole 139X may be used instead of the eye bolt IB.

[0108] (Connection step) As shown in FIG. 12, in the time-charging charging device 130, the breaker 33A is opened. In the power measurement unit 160, the measurement unit side breaker 163 is opened. After that, as shown in FIGS. 15-16, one end of the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB is connected to the measurement unit side breaker 163, while the other end passes through the insertion hole 169UX of the lower surface 169U of the case 169 and is exposed to the outside of the case 169. Furthermore, the other end of the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB passes through the gap K1 of the support leg 139BF, the hollow part K2 of the support frame 139BW, and the hollow part K3 of the tube part 139T, and is connected to the input side AC wiring member 32A. As a result, the measurement unit side breaker 163 is connected in parallel to the breaker 33A by the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB.

[0109] In the power measurement unit 160, the measurement unit side breaker 163 is closed. When the charging cable 37 is connected to the vehicle-mounted battery BAT and a predetermined condition is satisfied, charging of the vehicle-mounted battery BAT begins. As a result, the AC power required for charging passes through the measurement unit side breaker 163 and is supplied to the charging unit 31, so that the wattmeter 134 of the power measurement unit 160 can detect the AC power required for charging.

[0110] In this manner, by using bolts that can be screwed into the bolt holes 139X, the mounting unit 150 can be fixed to the housing 139 without additional processing of the housing 139. For example, when processing is performed on the housing 139 to make a through hole for wiring, it may become void of the manufacturer's warranty of the time-charging charging device 130. However, with such a modification method, it is possible to modify the housing 139 into a pay-per-use charging device 230 while still being covered by the manufacturer's warranty of the time-charging charging device 130.

[0111] Since mounting unit 150 is disposed along both top plate 139F and tubular portion 139T, mounting unit 150 can be easily fixed to housing 139 by fastening bolts at top plate 151 and top plate 139F.

[0112] When the bolt holes 139X are provided in the cylindrical portion 139T, the plate-side bolt holes 151X may also be provided in the side plate 152.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the other end sides of the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the bypass AC wiring member 32CB are connected to the charging unit 31 through the gap K1 of the support leg 139BF, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bypass AC wiring member 32CA and the other end sides of the bypass AC wiring member 32CB may be connected to the charging unit 31 through a hole or notch formed in the bracket 139B.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 13, the pay-per-use charging system 202 includes a management server 10 that manages the pay-per-use charging service, an administrator terminal 20 used by an administrator of the pay-per-use charging service, a pay-per-use charging device 230, an operator terminal 40 used by an operator that provides a charging service using the pay-per-use charging device 230, and a user terminal 50 used by a user who uses the charging service. The time-charging management server 310 that manages the time-charging charging service and the pay-per-use charging device 230 (i.e., the time-charging charging device 130 and the power measurement unit 160) are electrically connected to each other by a communication line 60 in the same manner as the management server 10 and each terminal 20, 40, 50. The pay-per-use charging system 202 may include the time-charging management server 310 and the time-charging charging device 130 that has not been modified as the pay-per-use charging device 230.

[0115] The time-charging management server 310 waits for reception of a charging start signal or a charging completion signal via the communication unit 138 of the time-charging charging device 130. Then, the time-charging management server 310 calculates the usage fee for the charging service based on the difference between the time when the charging start signal is received and the time when the charging completion signal is received. When converting the time-charging charging device 130 into the metered charging charging device 230, the server to be communicated with, set in the communication unit 138 of the time-charging charging device 130, may be changed from the time-charging management server 310 to the management server 10. As a result, communication between the management server 10 and the metered charging charging device 230 is performed via the communication unit 166 of the power measurement unit 160 and the communication unit 138 of the interval charging charging device 130.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the charging start condition is when the charging cable 37 transitions from a non-connected state to a connected state between the charging unit 31 and the vehicle-mounted battery BAT, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be when the power value detected by the power meter exceeds a threshold. Similarly, the charging completion condition is when the charging cable 37 transitions from a connected state to a non-connected state between the charging unit 31 and the vehicle-mounted battery BAT, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be when the power value detected by the power meter falls below a threshold.

[0117] In the present invention, the time-charging charging device 130, the power measurement unit 160, and the metered charging charging device 230 are not limited to those described above. For example, Figs. 17-18 show modified examples of the time-charging charging device 130, the power measurement unit 160, and the metered charging charging device 230. Figs. 19-20 show an outline of the attachment unit 150 (modified example). Fig. 21 shows an outline of the metered charging charging device 230 (modified example). As shown in Figs. 17-18 and 21, the position where the power measurement unit 160 is provided with respect to the time-charging charging device 130 may be the side (Figs. 17-18) or the back (Fig. 21).

[0118] Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 2 Pay-per-use charging system 10 Management Server 11BM Payment Management Department 11CM Charging Service Management Department 11CT Control Unit 11LG Login Authentication Unit 11PM Charging Fee Management Department 14 External storage device 15 Input Devices 16 Output Devices 18 Input / Output Interface 19 Bus 20 Administrator terminal 30 Pay-per-use charging device 31 Charging unit 32A Input side AC wiring material 32B Branch Wiring 32CA, 32CB bypass AC wiring materials 33A, 32B breaker 34 Power meter 35 AC wiring components for measurement 37 Charging cable 38BL Operation Unit 38CT control unit 38DS Output Unit 38ST Storage Unit 38TU Communication Unit 39 Case 40 Business terminals 50 User terminals 60 Communication Lines 130 Hourly chargeable charging device 134 Power meter 138CT control unit 138DS Output Unit 138ST Storage Unit 138TU Communication Unit 139BT Fitting protrusion 139BV Anchor bolt 139J opening 139F Top plate 139 Case 139B Bracket 139BW Support frame 139BF Support leg 139F Top plate 139T cylinder part 139X Bolt hole 150 Mounting unit 151 Upper Board 151X Plate side bolt hole 152 Side Panel 153 Connecting plate 160 Power Measuring Unit 161 AC connection parts for measurement 163 Measurement unit side breaker 166 Communication Unit 167 Control Unit 169 Case 169U bottom 169UX Insertion hole 202 Pay-per-use charging system 230 Pay-per-use charging device AC alternating current power system BAT vehicle battery CAR Vehicle IB Eyebolt WS Charging start power amount WS Charging completed electric energy AC alternating current power system BAT vehicle battery IB Eyebolt K1 Gap K2 Hollow part K3 Hollow part WE Charging completed electric energy WS Charging start power amount

Claims

1. a charging unit including an AC input terminal capable of receiving AC power and a DC output terminal capable of outputting DC power; an input side AC wiring member that connects an AC power system and the AC input terminal; A power meter that detects the amount of AC power; a measuring AC connection member for connecting the power meter so that the amount of power received by the charging unit can be detected; A DC connection member that connects the charging unit and an external battery; a communication unit for communicating with an external computer connected to a communication line; A storage unit for storing predetermined information; A control unit for controlling each unit, The communication unit is capable of transmitting an amount of power received by the charging unit to the external computer; When charging is started, the control unit stores the amount of power detected by the power meter as a starting amount of power in the storage unit; When the charging is completed, the control unit stores an amount of power related to the charging completion in the storage unit as a completed amount of power, A pay-per-use charging device, characterized in that an amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting amount of power from the completed amount of power being charged is set as an amount of charging for the charging service.

2. an output unit for outputting predetermined information; 2. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 1, wherein, upon calculation of the charging fee, the communication unit transmits information about the charging fee to the external computer, or the output unit displays the charging fee.

3. A housing that houses the charging unit; a case for housing the power meter; a mounting unit that mounts the case to the housing, The housing includes: A cylindrical portion and a side plate portion that closes an opening on one side of the cylindrical portion, 2. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 1, wherein the input AC connection member is connected to the charging unit through an opening on the other side of the cylindrical portion.

4. A bracket supporting the housing is further provided.

4. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 3, wherein the input side AC connecting member passes through a gap, hole or notch formed in the bracket and is connected to the charging unit.

5. The one side plate portion is formed with an eyebolt hole into which an eyebolt can be screwed, The mounting unit includes: A mounting plate disposed on the housing; A bolt that can be screwed into the eyebolt hole, The mounting plate is formed with an insertion hole into which the bolt can be inserted.

5. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 4.

6. The mounting plate is A first plate portion disposed along the one side plate portion; a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and disposed along the cylindrical portion; Equipped with 6. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 5, wherein the insertion hole is provided in the first plate portion.

7. The external computer includes: The pay-per-use charging service includes at least one of an administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-per-use charging service and an operator terminal used by an operator who provides the pay-per-use charging service using the pay-per-use charging device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, a charging fee for the charging service provided by the charging unit is calculated based on a unit price and a charging amount defined in a fee schedule; The unit price is a price requested from the manager terminal or the business terminal.

8. the storage unit includes a database relating to the unit price; A pay-per-use charging device as described in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the communication unit receives a request to change the unit price sent from the administrator terminal or the business terminal, the control unit reflects the change in the unit price in a database regarding the unit price.

9. The unit price is defined based on the purchase price, 9. The pay-per-use charging device according to claim 8, wherein the selling price can be set lower than the purchase price based on a request from the external computer.

10. A modification method for a time-charging charging device including a charging unit having an AC input terminal capable of receiving AC power and a DC output terminal capable of outputting DC power, and a housing that houses the charging unit, comprising: a power measurement unit fixing step of fixing the power measurement unit to the housing using a mounting unit; a connection step of electrically connecting the power measurement unit and the charging unit using an input side AC connection member so as to detect an amount of AC power required for charging by the charging unit; The housing includes: A cylindrical portion and a side plate portion that closes an opening on one side of the cylindrical portion, the communication unit is configured to, when charging starts, transmit the amount of power detected by the power meter as a start amount of power to the communication line, and when charging is completed, transmit the amount of power detected by the power meter as a completion amount of power to the communication line, The input side AC connection member is connected to the charging unit through an opening on the other side of the cylindrical portion.

11. A bracket supporting the housing is further provided. The method for modifying an electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the input side AC connection member passes through a gap, a hole or a notch formed in the bracket and is connected to the charging unit.

12. The one side plate portion is formed with an eyebolt hole into which an eyebolt can be screwed, The mounting unit includes: A mounting plate disposed on the housing; A bolt that can be screwed into the eyebolt hole, The method for modifying a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the mounting plate is provided with an insertion hole into which the bolt can be inserted.

13. The mounting plate is A first plate portion disposed along the one side plate portion; A second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and disposed along the cylindrical portion, The method for modifying a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the insertion hole is provided in the first plate portion.

14. A pay-per-use charging device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, A management server for managing a pay-as-you-go charging service; An administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-per-use charging service; A business operator terminal used by a business operator that provides the pay-as-you-go charging service; A pay-per-use charging system comprising:

15. The pay-as-you-go charging system of claim 14, characterized in that upon receiving a request to change the unit price sent from the administrator terminal or the business terminal, the pay-as-you-go charging device or the management server reflects the change in the unit price in a database regarding the unit price.

16. In the above fee schedule, the unit price is defined based on the purchase price, 16. The pay-per-use charging system according to claim 15, wherein the selling price can be set lower than the purchase price based on a request from the external computer.

17. A pay-per-use charging device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, A management server for managing a pay-as-you-go charging service; An administrator terminal used by an administrator of the pay-per-use charging service; A user terminal used by a user who uses the pay-as-you-go charging service; A pay-per-use charging system comprising:

18. An input device; An output device; An input / output interface; A storage device; A computer including a control device, When the input / output interface receives a charging request, the control device adds a new charging log ID to a charging history DB stored in the storage device, and associates a login ID and an identifier of a pay-per-use charging device included in the charging request with the charging log ID; storing the amount of power detected by the power meter as a starting amount of power in the storage device when charging is started; When the charging is completed, an amount of power related to the charging completion is stored in the storage device as a completed amount of power; calculating a charging fee for the charging based on an amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting amount of power from the completed amount of power and a unit price; A management server program for a pay-per-use charging system, comprising:

19. a determination step of determining whether or not a login ID included in the request to change the unit price is that of an administrator of a pay-per-use charging service or a business operator that provides the pay-per-use charging service using the pay-per-use charging device when the input / output interface receives the request to change the unit price; an authorization step of authorizing the request to change the unit price if the login ID belongs to the administrator or the business; 20. The management server program for a pay-per-use charging system according to claim 18, which causes the computer to execute the following:

20. An input device; An output device; An input / output interface; A storage device; A management server comprising: When the input / output interface receives a charging request, the control device adds a new charging log ID to a charging history DB stored in the storage device, and associates a login ID and an identifier of a pay-per-use charging device included in the charging request with the charging log ID; When charging is started, the control device stores the amount of power detected by the power meter as a starting amount of power in the storage device, When the charging is completed, the control device stores the amount of power related to the charging completion in the storage device as a completed amount of power, The control device calculates a charging fee for the charging based on a unit price and the amount of power obtained by subtracting the starting amount of power from the completed amount of power.

21. When the input / output interface receives the request to change the unit price, the control device determines whether a login ID included in the request to change the unit price is that of an administrator of a pay-per-use charging service or a business operator that provides the pay-per-use charging service using the pay-per-use charging device; 21. The management server of a pay-per-use charging system according to claim 20, wherein, when the login ID is that of the administrator or the business, the control device permits the request to change the unit price.

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