Charge reservation device for electric vehicle

Abstract

To suppress reduction of the operating rate of a charger while easing action restrictions on a user of an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: In extraction steps S10-S12, a processor extracts charging spots 70 installed on a travel route to a destination of an electric vehicle 10 as candidate spots. In provisional reservation setting step S18, the processor provisionally reserves the charging spot 70 selected from the candidate spots. In time prediction step S30, the processor obtains an expected arrival time to the provisionally reserved charging spot. When the expected arrival time is equal to or less than a predetermined standard time, the processor executes proper reservation setting step S34. In the proper reservation setting step S34, the processor makes a proper reservation for a vacant charger 72 among chargers 72 installed in the provisionally reserved charging spots 70. In the proper reservation setting step S34, a designated arrival time at the properly reserved charger 72 is set for the electric vehicle 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle charging system. A charging reservation is set for a charging station. When the congestion level of the reserved charging station is equal to or higher than a reference value, incentive information is transmitted to the electric vehicle. The incentive information includes information regarding a reward to be given to the driver of the electric vehicle. The reward can be obtained by performing highly efficient driving such that the energy consumption efficiency is equal to or higher than a reference value. By performing highly efficient driving with less power consumption, the charging time at the charging station can be shortened. As a result, congestion at the charging station is alleviated.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a charger reservation device. This reservation device provisionally selects a charger at which an electric vehicle can arrive from a destination. Then, before the electric vehicle travels from the destination toward the charger, the reservation device reselects a charger. The reselected charger is chosen from among chargers that are closer to the destination. In other words, a charger that is more likely to be reached by the electric vehicle is selected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-41440 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-32041 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, when reserving charging, the charger can be occupied for a certain period of time. On the other hand, an arrival time is set to prevent a decrease in the availability rate of the charger. If the electric vehicle does not arrive at the reserved charger by the arrival time, the charging reservation is canceled.

[0006] In order to ensure that a charging reservation is completed, the user of the electric vehicle places the highest priority on arriving at the charger by the arrival time. Therefore, so-called "detours" are restricted. For example, the user cannot stop by a convenience store on the route to the charger to do some shopping. In other words, reserving a charger restricts the actions of the user of the electric vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, this specification discloses a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger that can suppress a decrease in the operation rate of the charger while easing behavioral restrictions on users of electric vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The reservation device for a charger for an electric vehicle disclosed in this specification includes a processor. The processor executes an extraction process, a provisional reservation setting process, a time prediction process, and a final reservation setting process. In the extraction process, the processor extracts charging spots installed on a driving route to a destination of the electric vehicle as candidate spots. At least one charger is installed in the charging spot. In the provisional reservation setting process, the processor provisionally reserves a charging spot selected from the candidate spots. In the time prediction process, the processor calculates an estimated arrival time. The estimated arrival time is the time it takes for the electric vehicle to arrive at the provisionally reserved charging spot. When the estimated arrival time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference time, the processor executes the final reservation setting process. In the final reservation setting process, the processor finally reserves an available charger among the chargers installed at the provisionally reserved charging spots. In the final reservation setting process, a designated arrival time at the finally reserved charger is set for the electric vehicle.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the designated arrival time is set when the provisional reservation is switched to a final reservation. Therefore, the time restrictions on the charger are relaxed at the provisional reservation stage. In addition, when a provisional reservation is made, only a charging spot is selected, and the monopoly of the charger is avoided, so that the decrease in the operation rate of the charger can be suppressed.

[0010] In the above configuration, the reservation device for the electric vehicle charger may include a display. The display is disposed on the electric vehicle. In the reservation setting process, when there is no available charger at the tentatively reserved charging spot, the processor causes the display to display a message indicating that the tentative reservation is not possible. Furthermore, the processor cancels the tentative reservation.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when a definitive reservation cannot be made, a tentative reservation for another charging spot can be made.

[0012] Furthermore, if an electric vehicle passes a charger for which a reservation has been made after the reservation setting process, the processor cancels the reservation.

[0013] According to the above configuration, there is no need for a manual operation to cancel the reservation.

[0014] In the above configuration, the processor determines an estimated arrival time of the electric vehicle at the provisionally reserved charging spot during the provisional reservation setting process. Furthermore, if the actual reservation setting process is not executed even after the estimated arrival time has passed, the processor maintains the provisional reservation.

[0015] According to the above configuration, even if the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the provisionally reserved charging spot at the scheduled arrival time, the provisional reservation is maintained. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the reservation device for an electric vehicle charger disclosed in this specification, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operation rate of the charger while easing restrictions on the behavior of users of electric vehicles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a reservation system for an electric vehicle charger. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a navigation screen. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting a tentative reservation for a charger. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for a tentative reservation spot. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a tentative reservation spot is determined. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart illustrating the reservation switching process. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed when a final reservation is completed. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a definite reservation is not possible. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating the present reservation cancellation process. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed when canceling a confirmed reservation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Overall Configuration The configuration of the reservation system for chargers for electric vehicles will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of the reservation system for chargers for electric vehicles. This reservation system includes an electric vehicle 10, a center server 50, and a charging spot 70. Using a communication means such as the Internet 100, the electric vehicle 10, the center server 50, and the charging spot 70 are able to communicate with each other.

[0019] The electric vehicle 10 includes an AV-ECU 20, a positioning device 24, and a display 26. The electric vehicle charger reservation device according to this embodiment includes the AV-ECU 20, the positioning device 24, and the display 26. As described below, the AV-ECU 20 is an electronic control unit. In-vehicle audiovisual devices including the display 26 are controlled by the AV-ECU 20.

[0020] A navigation screen 30 as exemplified in Fig. 3 is displayed by the display 26. When a tentative charging reservation button 33 displayed on the navigation screen 30 is operated to be on, a tentative reservation setting process as exemplified in Fig. 4 is executed. Then, as exemplified in Fig. 5, a charging spot image 35B (tentative reservation spot) to be tentatively reserved is selected from among charging spot images 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D on the travel route 34 (see Fig. 6).

[0021] In the charging spot 70 (see FIG. 1) corresponding to the selected charging spot image 35B, all of the chargers 72 installed in the spot can be used by others. In other words, with a provisional reservation, the chargers 72 are not monopolized. Furthermore, with a provisional reservation, no designated arrival time is set. In other words, the provisional reservation is maintained even after the designated arrival time has passed.

[0022] Then, when the electric vehicle 10 approaches the provisionally reserved charging spot 70 (provisional reservation spot), the provisional reservation is switched to a final reservation. With the final reservation, one of the chargers 72 installed at the provisionally reserved spot is occupied by the electric vehicle 10 for a specified time. A designated arrival time is also set for the electric vehicle 10. If the electric vehicle 10 does not arrive at the finally reserved charger 72 by the designated arrival time, the final reservation is canceled.

[0023] Charging Spot 1, charging spot 70 is a facility in which at least one charger 72 is installed. Charging spot 70 is installed, for example, in a service area or a parking area on a highway. Charging spot 70 is also installed in accommodation facilities such as car dealerships and hotels. Charging spot 70 is also installed in commercial facilities such as large shopping malls.

[0024] The charger 72 is capable of, for example, rapid charging. For example, in rapid charging, one charge is set to 30 minutes. In addition, as devices related to the reservation system of the charger 72, the charger 72 includes a CPU 72A (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 72B (Read Only Memory), a RAM 72C (Random Access Memory), a storage 72D, an input / output controller 72E, and a clock 72F.

[0025] The CPU 72A is a central processing unit, also called a processor. The RAM 72C is a volatile storage device that temporarily stores data during operation. The ROM 72B is a storage device that can read data. The storage 72D is a storage device that can write and read data. The storage 72D is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0026] 2 are configured in the charger 72 by the CPU 72A (processor) executing the programs stored in the ROM 72B or the storage 72D. That is, the charger 72 includes a transmission / reception unit 72G, a charging control unit 72H, and a display control unit 72I. The charger 72 also includes a reservation data storage unit 72J.

[0027] The transmission / reception unit 72G transmits and receives data to and from the center server 50 and the electric vehicle 10 to be charged. The charging control unit 72H controls power supply during, for example, quick charging. During the reserved time period, the charging control unit 72H requests authentication of the user who made the reservation. The charging control unit 72H stops power supply until the authentication process is completed.

[0028] The display control unit 72I controls the display unit 75 of the charger 72. For example, the display control unit 72I refers to the data of the reserved time slot from the reservation data storage unit 72J. Then, during the reserved time slot, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display the message "Reserved." This message is displayed in red, for example.

[0029] During normal time periods other than the reserved time period, the display control unit 72I refers to the power supply state (usage state) by the charging control unit 72H. For example, when the charger 72 is in use, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display the message "Occupied." This message is displayed in red, for example.

[0030] When the charger 72 is available, the display control unit 72I causes the display unit 75 to display the message "Available." This message is displayed in green, for example. Note that the "available" state refers to a state in which the charger 72 is not in use and is outside of the reserved time.

[0031] The reservation data storage unit 72J stores reservation data for the charger 72. A reservation command is transmitted from the center server 50 to the charger 72. The reservation command includes a reservation time slot and an identification code (ID) of the person making the reservation. The reservation data storage unit 72J stores data included in the reservation command.

[0032] Center Server 1, the center server 50 is capable of communicating with a plurality of chargers 72 and a plurality of electric vehicles 10. The center server 50 centrally manages data related to, for example, a charging service. The center server 50 is a computer and is connected to a display unit 52. The center server 50 includes a CPU 50A, a ROM 50B, a RAM 50C, a storage 50D, an input / output controller 50E, and a clock 50F. The functions of each device are similar to those of the CPU 72A, ROM 72B, RAM 72C, storage 72D, input / output controller 72E, and clock 72F of the charger 72. Therefore, the description will be omitted below.

[0033] 2 is configured in the center server 50 by the CPU 50A (processor) executing the programs stored in the ROM 50B or the storage 50D. That is, the center server 50 includes an operation status acquisition unit 50G, a reservation management unit 50H, and a transmission / reception unit 50J. The center server 50 also includes a reservation data storage unit 50I.

[0034] The center server 50 manages multiple charging spots 70. The operation status acquisition unit 50G acquires the operation status of multiple chargers 72 under its management. For example, operation status data such as whether in use, reserved time period, and availability is sent from the multiple chargers 72 to the operation status acquisition unit 50G.

[0035] The reservation management unit 50H arranges for a final reservation of the charger 72. Details of arranging the final reservation will be described later. The reservation data storage unit 50I stores reservation data set for each charger 72. The reservation data storage unit 50I may also store tentative reservation data set for each charging spot 70. In other words, the tentative reservation status for each charging spot 70 is aggregated in the center server 50. The tentative reservation reflects charging demand, and the tentative reservation data is used as a criterion for selecting a charging spot 70 to which a charger 72 should be added.

[0036] Electric vehicles 1, the electric vehicle 10 is a vehicle that uses a rotating electric machine (not shown) as a drive source. A battery (not shown) that is a power source for the rotating electric machine is mounted on the electric vehicle 10. For example, the electric vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

[0037] The electric vehicle 10 is provided with a power supply port (not shown) for external power supply. The battery is charged by inserting a connector 77 (see FIG. 2) of the charger 72 into the power supply port.

[0038] As devices related to the reservation system for the charger 72, the electric vehicle 10 includes an AV-ECU 20, a positioning device 24, and a display device 26. The AV-ECU 20, the positioning device 24, and the display device 26 configure a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to this embodiment.

[0039] The positioning device 24 acquires the position of the electric vehicle 10. The positioning device 24 is, for example, a receiver for a satellite positioning system (Global Navigation Satellite System). The positioning device 24 acquires, for example, data on the latitude and longitude of the electric vehicle 10 as position information. The position information of the electric vehicle 10 acquired by the positioning device 24 is transmitted to the AV-ECU 20.

[0040] The display 26 is, for example, a touch panel display. That is, the display 26 has a transparent electrode layer (input section) laminated on a display (display section). For example, the display 26 is disposed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10.

[0041] The AV-ECU 20 controls audiovisual devices mounted on the electric vehicle 10. The AV-ECU 20 is configured with a computer. As a hardware configuration, the AV-ECU 20 includes a CPU 20A, a ROM 20B, a RAM 20C, a storage 20D, an input / output controller 20E, and a clock 20F. The functions of each device are similar to those of the CPU 72A, the ROM 72B, the RAM 72C, the storage 72D, the input / output controller 72E, and the clock 72F of the charger 72. Therefore, the description will be omitted below.

[0042] 2 are configured in the AV-ECU 20 by the CPU 20A (processor) executing the programs stored in the ROM 20B or the storage 20D. That is, the AV-ECU 20 includes a time calculation unit 20G, a route setting unit 20H, and a charging spot extraction unit 20I. The AV-ECU 20 further includes a SOC prediction unit 20K, a display control unit 20L, a transmission / reception unit 20M, a tentative reservation setting unit 20N, and a final reservation setting unit 20P. In addition, the AV-ECU 20 includes a map data storage unit 20J and a reservation data storage unit 20Q. Specific processing contents of these processing units and storage units will be described later.

[0043] Navigation Screen The display control unit 20L causes the display device 26 to display a navigation screen 30 as shown in Fig. 3. A map screen is displayed on the navigation screen 30. The map screen includes a host vehicle mark 32, a destination mark 36, and a driving route 34.

[0044] When generating the navigation screen 30, the route setting unit 20H acquires the vehicle position from the positioning device 24. In addition, the destination is input from the display unit 26, which is a touch panel display. The route setting unit 20H acquires map data including the vehicle position and the destination from the map data storage unit 20J. Furthermore, the route setting unit 20H acquires traffic information from an external server such as a traffic center (not shown). The traffic information includes congestion information and traffic regulations. The route setting unit 20H creates a driving route 34 from the vehicle position to the destination based on the traffic information. The display control unit 20L causes the display unit 26 to display a map image including the vehicle position and the destination. Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes the vehicle mark 32, the driving route 34, and the destination mark 36 to be superimposed on the map image.

[0045] Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes images of the final charging reservation button 31 and the tentative charging reservation button 33 to be superimposed on the navigation screen 30.

[0046] Tentative reservation processing When the user (driver, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10 turns on the tentative charging reservation button 33, a tentative reservation setting process is executed, as shown in Fig. 4. This process is executed by the CPU 20A (processor) of the AV-ECU 20.

[0047] 2, the charging spot extraction unit 20I performs extraction processing (S10, S11, S12) of the charging spot 70. The charging spot extraction unit 20I refers to the map data stored in the map data storage unit 20J. Then, the charging spot extraction unit 20I extracts the charging spots 70 installed on the travel route 34 (see FIG. 3) based on the map data (S10).

[0048] Next, the charging spot extraction unit 20I extracts charging spots 70 with a reservation function from the extracted charging spots 70 (S11). For example, the charging spot extraction unit 20I communicates with the reservation management unit 50H of the center server 50. Then, the charging spot extraction unit 20I extracts the charging spots 70 registered in the center server 50.

[0049] Furthermore, among the charging spots 70 with a reservation function, the charging spot extraction unit 20I extracts charging spots 70 that have chargers 72 that are available at the current time (at the time of extraction processing) (S12). The charging spots 70 extracted in step S12 are also referred to as candidate spots below as appropriate.

[0050] For example, the charging spot extraction unit 20I extracts candidate spots via the operation status acquisition unit 50G of the center server 50. As described above, an available charger 72 refers to a state in which the charger 72 is not in use and is outside the reserved time.

[0051] Even if there is no available charger 72 at the charging spot 70 at the time of provisional reservation, the charger 72 may change from an in-use state to an available state at the subsequent switching stage of the actual reservation. In anticipation of such a case, the extraction process of step S12 may be omitted. In other words, all charging spots 70 extracted in step S11 may become candidate spots.

[0052] Next, the time calculation unit 20G calculates the estimated arrival time (S13). The estimated arrival time is the predicted time when the electric vehicle 10 arrives at each candidate spot. In calculating the estimated arrival time, for example, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 travels without deviating from the travel route 34. In addition, the estimated arrival time is calculated taking into account traffic congestion information and speed limits on the travel route 34.

[0053] Next, the SOC prediction unit 20K estimates the remaining SOC when the electric vehicle 10 arrives at each candidate spot (S14). For example, the SOC prediction unit 20K calculates the current SOC of a battery (not shown). Furthermore, the SOC prediction unit 20K estimates the amount of power consumed until the electric vehicle 10 arrives at each candidate spot, taking into account the power consumption of the air conditioner and the power consumption of the rotating electric machine. The remaining SOC is calculated based on the estimated amount of power consumption.

[0054] Furthermore, the display control unit 20L causes the display 26 to display images of the charging spots extracted in step S10 (S15). That is, the positions of all charging spots 70 installed on the driving route 34 are displayed on the navigation screen 30. For example, by the processing of step S10, all charging spots 70 on the driving route 34 are extracted. With reference to Fig. 5, all charging spots 70 extracted in step S10 are displayed on the navigation screen 30 as charging spot images 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D.

[0055] Next, the display control unit 20L displays a guide image 37 for the candidate spots (S16). For example, in the example of Fig. 5, charging spot images 35A, 35B, and 35D correspond to the candidate spots. Guide images 37A, 37B, and 37D are displayed near the charging spot images 35A, 35B, and 35D.

[0056] The guide images 37A, 37B, and 37D display the name of each charging spot 70, the estimated arrival time, the remaining SOC at the time of arrival, and the availability of the charger 72. In particular, the remaining SOC at the candidate spot is displayed at the time of provisional reservation. When the user of the electric vehicle 10 selects a charging spot 70 to provisionally reserve, the remaining SOC is used as a decision criterion.

[0057] Images of tentative reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, and 39D are also superimposed on the guide images 37A, 37B, and 37D. First, the tentative reservation setting unit 20N determines whether any of the tentative reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, and 39D has been turned on (S17). If none of the buttons has been turned on, the tentative reservation setting unit 20N refers to the clock 20F.

[0058] Then, the tentative reservation setting unit 20N determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the tentative charging reservation button 33 (see FIG. 3) was turned on (S19). The predetermined time is set to, for example, five minutes. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the display control unit 20L erases the images of the guide images 37A, 37B, 37D and the tentative reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D from the navigation screen 30 (S20). Then, the screen of FIG. 3 (initial screen) is displayed on the navigation screen 30. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the tentative charging reservation button 33 (see FIG. 3) was turned on in step S19, the flow returns to step S17.

[0059] In step S17, any one of the tentative reservation execution buttons 39A, 39B, 39D is turned on by the user of the electric vehicle 10. The tentative reservation setting unit 20N sets the charging spot 70 corresponding to the turned-on, i.e., selected, tentative reservation execution button 39A, 39B, 39D as a tentative reservation spot (S18). This setting process is also called a tentative reservation setting process. The display control unit 20L causes a tentative reservation completion message 40, exemplified in FIG. 6, to be displayed on the navigation screen 30.

[0060] For example, in this embodiment, the charging spot 70 is the subject of the provisional reservation. In other words, the charger 72 is not the subject of the provisional reservation. Therefore, with a provisional reservation, unlike with reserved charging, the charger 72 is not occupied. In other words, any charger 72 installed in a provisionally reserved charging spot 70 is not restricted by the provisional reservation. In other words, any charger 72 installed in a provisionally reserved charging spot 70 can be used by others.

[0061] In this way, the provisional reservation does not affect the usage state of the charging spot 70. From this point of view, the provisional reservation can be considered as a kind of timer function for the AV-ECU 20 to perform the setting process of the final reservation. For this reason, the provisional reservation data for the charging spot 70 may be stored only in the reservation data storage unit 20Q of the electric vehicle 10.

[0062] Alternatively, the provisional reservation data may be transmitted to the center server 50. The provisional reservation reflects the charging demand of each charging spot 70. For this reason, the provisional reservation data is accumulated in the center server 50 as a criterion for selecting a charging spot 70 to which a charger 72 should be added.

[0063] In the tentative reservation setting process of Fig. 4, an estimated arrival time is calculated in step S13. If the electric vehicle 10 has not yet arrived at the tentatively reserved charging spot 70 even when the estimated arrival time arrives, the tentative reservation setting unit 20N maintains the tentative reservation. In other words, even if the estimated arrival time has passed, there are cases where the main reservation setting process (step S34 in Fig. 7) is not executed. Even in such a case, the tentative reservation is maintained.

[0064] As described above, the provisional reservation does not directly affect the operation of the charger 72. In addition, as described later, when the electric vehicle 10 approaches the provisionally reserved charging spot 70, the provisional reservation is switched to a final reservation. Based on this process, the estimated arrival time is merely a guideline. Therefore, even if the estimated arrival time is exceeded, the provisional reservation is maintained.

[0065] Switching to this reservation process FIG. 7 illustrates a process of switching from a provisional reservation to a final reservation. When any of the charging spots 70 is provisionally reserved, the time calculation unit 20G executes a time prediction process (S30). That is, the time calculation unit 20G obtains the time (estimated arrival time) that it will take for the electric vehicle 10 to arrive at the provisionally reserved spot. That is, the remaining time until the electric vehicle 10 arrives at the provisionally reserved spot is calculated. For example, the time calculation unit 20G calculates the estimated arrival time in a similar procedure to the estimated arrival time in step S13 of FIG. 4. Furthermore, the time calculation unit 20G determines whether the estimated arrival time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference time (S31). For example, the reference time is set to 5 minutes.

[0066] If the estimated arrival time exceeds the reference time, the electric vehicle 10 is still far from the provisional reservation spot. In this case, the provisional reservation state is maintained. Furthermore, the time calculation unit 20G waits for a predetermined time (S32) and then executes step S30 again.

[0067] In step S31, if the estimated arrival time is equal to or shorter than the reference time, the final reservation setting unit 20P determines whether or not there is an available charger 72 at the tentative reservation spot (S33). For example, in making this determination, the final reservation setting unit 20P acquires the operation status of each charger 72 from the operation status acquisition unit 50G of the center server 50.

[0068] If there is no available charger 72 at the tentative reservation spot, the display control unit 20L displays a final reservation impossible message 42 on the navigation screen 30, as shown in Fig. 9 (S36). Furthermore, the tentative reservation setting unit 20N cancels the tentative reservation (S37).

[0069] The permanent reservation not possible message 42 informs the user (e.g., the driver) of the electric vehicle 10 that a permanent reservation cannot be made. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 heads to the provisional reservation spot without a reservation. Then, the electric vehicle 10 waits at the provisional reservation spot until a charger 72 becomes available. Alternatively, a provisional reservation is made for another charging spot 70.

[0070] In step S33, if there is an available charger 72 at the provisional reservation spot, the final reservation setting unit 20P finalizes the reservation for that charger 72 (S34). This setting process is also called a final reservation setting process.

[0071] For example, the final reservation setting unit 20P transmits a final reservation command to the center server 50. This reservation command includes the identification code of the charger 72 that is the subject of the final reservation, the identification code of the electric vehicle 10, and data on the reservation time period.

[0072] In short, this reservation refers to a setting that does not allow others to use the charger 72 until the electric vehicle 10 arrives at the charger 72. For example, in step S30, the reference time to be compared with the expected arrival time is set to 5 minutes. A small margin is added to this time and the reserved time slot is set. For example, the reserved time slot is set so that the start point is the time of the processing in step S34 and the end point is 10 minutes after that.

[0073] The reservation management unit 50H of the center server 50 receives this reservation command. In response to this, the reservation management unit 50H transmits this reservation command to the target charger 72. This prevents others from using the charger 72 until the electric vehicle 10 arrives at the reserved charger 72.

[0074] After the final reservation is confirmed, the display control unit 20L displays a final reservation completion message screen 41, as exemplified in Fig. 8, on the navigation screen 30 (S35). The final reservation completion message screen 41 displays the designated arrival time.

[0075] As described above, in this reservation, a designated arrival time is set for the electric vehicle 10. If the electric vehicle 10 does not arrive at the reserved charger 72 by the designated arrival time, this reservation is canceled. The designated arrival time is, for example, the end time of the reserved time slot.

[0076] Automatic cancellation of this reservation FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the cancellation process of the final reservation. This cancellation process is executed until the electric vehicle 10 arrives at the charger 72 for which the final reservation has been made. The time calculation unit 20G refers to the clock 20F (see FIG. 1) to determine whether the current time has passed the designated arrival time (S50). If the current time has passed the designated arrival time, the final reservation setting unit 20P cancels the final reservation (S53). Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the display control unit 20L superimposes a final reservation cancellation message screen 43 on the navigation screen 30 (S54).

[0077] Returning to step S50, if the current time has not passed the designated arrival time, the final reservation setting unit 20P determines whether the electric vehicle 10 has passed the finally reserved charger 72 (S51). For example, the final reservation setting unit 20P compares the position information of the finally reserved charger 72 with the position information of the electric vehicle 10, and when the distance between them gradually increases, determines that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the finally reserved charger 72. For example, when the distance between them gradually increases and reaches 3 km, the final reservation setting unit 20P determines that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the finally reserved charger 72.

[0078] If the electric vehicle 10 has not passed the reserved charger, the flow returns to step S50 after waiting for a predetermined time (S52). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the electric vehicle 10 has passed the reserved charger 72, the reservation setting unit 20P cancels the reservation (S53). Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the display control unit 20L superimposes a reservation cancellation message screen 43 on the navigation screen 30 (S54).

[0079] A reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to another example of the present embodiment In the above-described embodiment, the reservation device for an electric vehicle charger is configured by the AV-ECU 20, the positioning device 24, and the display device 26 mounted on the electric vehicle 10. However, the reservation device is not limited to such a configuration.

[0080] For example, a reservation device for an electric vehicle charger may be configured by a mobile terminal (smartphone) carried by the driver of the electric vehicle 10, instead of the AV-ECU 20, the positioning device 24, and the display device 26. Alternatively, instead of the AV-ECU 20, a center server 50 may be included in the reservation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 electric vehicle, 20 AV-ECU, 20A CPU (processor), 20G time calculation unit, 20H route setting unit, 20I charging spot extraction unit, 20J map data storage unit, 20K SOC prediction unit, 20L display control unit, 20M display control unit, 20N tentative reservation setting unit, 20P actual reservation setting unit, 20Q reservation data storage unit, 24 positioning device, 26 display, 30 navigation screen, 31 actual charging reservation button, 33 tentative charging reservation button, 35A-35D charging spot image, 50 center server, 70 charging spot, 72 charger.

Claims

1. A reservation device for an electric vehicle charger, comprising a processor, The processor, an extraction process of extracting, as a candidate charging spot, charging spots that are installed on a driving route to a destination of the electric vehicle and have at least one charger installed therein; A provisional reservation setting process for provisionally reserving the charging spot selected from the candidate spots; a time prediction process for calculating an estimated arrival time required for the electric vehicle to arrive at the tentatively reserved charging spot; a final reservation setting process for final reserving an available charger among the chargers installed at the charging spot for which the provisional reservation has been made when the estimated arrival time becomes equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference time; Run In the final reservation setting process, a designated arrival time at the charger for the electric vehicle is set. A reservation device for electric vehicle chargers.

2. The reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, A display device is provided on the electric vehicle. In the final reservation setting process, when there is no available charger at the charging spot for which the provisional reservation has been made, the processor causes the display device to display a message indicating that the final reservation is not possible, and cancels the provisional reservation. A reservation device for electric vehicle chargers.

3. The reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, When the electric vehicle passes the charger for which the reservation has been made after the reservation setting process, the processor cancels the reservation. A reservation device for electric vehicle chargers.

4. The reservation device for an electric vehicle charger according to claim 1, During the tentative reservation setting process, the processor calculates an estimated arrival time at which the electric vehicle will arrive at the charging spot for which the tentative reservation has been made, If the final reservation setting process is not executed even after the estimated arrival time has passed, the processor maintains the tentative reservation. A reservation device for electric vehicle chargers.

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