Charger, power switching module, and charging system

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of effectively utilizing a space of a parking lot when a parking space for charging an electric vehicle is provided.SOLUTION: A charger includes: a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle using the electric power as a power source; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of power output terminals, respectively; and switching control means configured to control the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output electric power from any of the plurality of power output terminals such that the switching elements related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements are brought into a closed state and the other switching elements are brought into an open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger, a power switch module, and a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, private vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs), PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles), and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), which use electric power as a driving source and have a built-in battery that can be supplied with external electric power, have become popular.

[0003] With the spread of vehicles as described above (hereinafter also referred to as EVs, etc.), facilities capable of charging EVs, etc. (their batteries) have also increased, and parking spaces equipped with charging facilities capable of charging EVs, etc. are often provided in parking lots of commercial facilities and apartment buildings. In such cases, one parking space is usually allocated to one charging facility, and the parking space where the charging facility is installed is usually a dedicated parking space for EVs, etc. that wish to be charged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, a vehicle parked in a parking space equipped with charging facilities (hereinafter also referred to as a charging space) may not necessarily be charging. For example, it may be parked after charging is completed, or it may be simply using the charging space as a normal vacant space regardless of charging. When a vehicle that is not charging is parked in the charging space, there is a problem that even if there is a user who wishes to charge an EV or the like, the charging facilities cannot be effectively utilized.

[0006] On the other hand, although EVs and the like are becoming more popular, there are still many vehicles that are not EVs (hereinafter also referred to as non-EVs) being used, and from a cost perspective, it is almost unrealistic to install charging facilities in all parking spaces of commercial facilities and apartment buildings.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of effectively utilizing the space of a parking lot when providing a parking space for charging an EV or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, A plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power; A plurality of opening and closing elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; Based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the opening and closing element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of opening and closing elements is closed (ON), and the other opening and closing elements are opened (OFF). An opening and closing control means for controlling the plurality of opening and closing elements.

[0009] In addition, in this specification, the terms "vehicle" and "EV etc." are used in the sense of including not only general four-wheel automobiles but also various types of mobility such as motorcycles, bicycles, electric carts (including so-called senior cars), and kick scooters. According to a charger configured in this way, since another EV etc. can be connected to each of the plurality of power output terminals, it is possible to allocate a plurality of parking spaces where EV etc. can be charged to one charger, and it becomes possible to flexibly utilize the space in the parking lot. Also, even if a plurality of EV etc. are connected, since it is possible to control the power output to only any one of the plurality of connection destinations, it is possible to switch the charging destination so as not to exceed the original power supply capacity, and there is no need to unnecessarily increase the original power supply capacity.

[0010] Further, the charger may have communication means, and the opening / closing control means may receive the control command via the communication means. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform arithmetic processing such as switching of the power output destination, such as from which power output terminal and at what timing the power output is to be performed, by an external device, and it becomes possible to make the charger have a simple configuration that does not require advanced arithmetic.

[0011] Further, the charger may have operation input reception means, and the opening / closing control means may receive the control command based on the input via the operation input reception means. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a convenient service even to users who do not prefer procedures via a communication network. Also, the charger can be configured as a stand-alone.

[0012] Further, the control command may be one that instructs to output the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the next charging request is connected after the charging of the battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, in accordance with the order of reception of the charging requests for the vehicles connected to the respective power output terminals.

[0013] According to this, even if there are a plurality of EVs or the like connected to the power output terminal, charging is performed from the vehicle that first applied for (connected to) charging in the order of arrival, and after charging is completed, charging to other vehicles can be sequentially performed. Therefore, even if the charger is in an operating state (charging another EV or the like), if the parking space corresponding to the charger is vacant, the vehicle can park in that space and wait for the charging order, which can improve the convenience for the user. In addition, even when the charger is not operating, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where charging cannot be performed because the parking space is not vacant, and the operating efficiency of the charger can be improved.

[0014] Further, the charging request may be accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging power or the charging time related to charging the battery of the vehicle, and the charger may further include a charging end time calculating means for calculating a charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging power or the charging time, and an output means for outputting the calculated charging end time.

[0015] According to this, since it is possible to know the scheduled time when charging will be completed (the time required until charging is completed), the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, by indicating the charging completion time of other vehicles that have applied for charging earlier, users waiting in line can also know the scheduled charging start time.

[0016] Further, the charger may have an ammeter for measuring the current value related to the power output from the power output terminal. Thereby, the output power amount (that is, the power supply amount to the battery) can be obtained and utilized for calculating the charging fee. Note that a plurality of ammeters may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, or only one ammeter may be provided on a common circuit for these.

[0017] Further, the charger may have a columnar housing, and the plurality of power output terminals may be provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the housing. According to such a configuration, the parking space can be arranged so as to surround the charger, and even if the length of the power supply cable is short, the charger can be connected to an EV or the like.

[0018] Further, the present invention can also be regarded as the following power switch module. That is, a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, closing the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements, and opening the other switching elements; It is a power switch module having

[0019] By using such a power switch module, the charger as described above can be easily installed in a desired housing.

[0020] Further, the present invention can also be regarded as the following charging system. That is, a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, closing the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements, and opening the other switching elements; It is a charging system having

[0021] Further, the charging system may further include an ammeter that measures a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, and a charge fee calculation means that calculates a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter.

[0022] Further, the charging system may further include a charging request receiving means for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal, and a control command generation means for generating the control command based on the received charging request.

[0023] Further, the control command generation means may generate the control command to output the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the charging request next is connected after the charging of the battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, in accordance with the order of reception of the charging requests.

[0024] Further, the charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging power or the charging time related to the charging of the battery of the vehicle, and the charging system may further include a charging end time calculation means for calculating a charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging power or the charging time, and an output means for outputting the calculated charging end time.

[0025] Further, the charging system may include a charger including the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of switching elements, and the switching control means, and a parking space equal to or more than the number of the power output terminals provided adjacent to the charger.

[0026] According to this, while suppressing the number of installed chargers, a large number of parking spaces where charging of EVs and the like is possible can be provided, and the space of the parking lot can be effectively utilized.

[0027] Note that each of the above configurations and processes can be combined with each other to form the present invention as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology capable of effectively utilizing the space of a parking lot when providing a parking space for charging an EV or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those, unless otherwise specified.

[0031] <Application Example> The present invention can be applied, for example, as a charger 20 as shown in FIG. 1, a power switch module 29 used for the charger 20, a charging system 1 including the charger 20, etc. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the charging system 1 including the power switch module 29 according to this application example.

[0032] (System Overview) As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 1 includes a charger 20 connected to an AC power source 30 (e.g., a commercial power grid), a charging control device 10, and a communication network N. Further, as will be described later, when vehicles (hereinafter simply referred to as EVs) 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d having electric power as a drive source, such as EVs, are connected to the charger 20, the EVs and a user terminal (e.g., a portable information terminal such as a smartphone) 41 owned by the user also form part of the system. In FIG. 1, the power connection relationship is shown by a solid line, and the information communication connection relationship is shown by a broken line.

[0033] (Configuration of Charger) The charger 20 is a charging facility installed in a parking lot such as a commercial facility or an apartment building, and supplies power to an EV (its battery). The power switch module 29 is housed in a housing (e.g., columnar) not shown in the figure. FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the arrangement relationship between the charger 20 and a plurality of parking spaces P1, P2, P3, P4 provided to be available for use. Both FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views in plan view of the charger 20 and the parking spaces P1, P2, P3, P4. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the parking spaces P1, P2, P3, P4 are provided so as to surround the charger 20, and even when a vehicle is parked in any of the parking spaces P1, P2, P3, P4, it can be easily connected to the charger 20 without using a long power cable.

[0034] The power switch module 29 is a module having a power line including a plurality of outlets (an example of power output terminals) 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, a plurality of relays (an example of opening and closing elements) 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d provided corresponding to each power output terminal, a power input part 23 to which power from the AC power source 30 is input, and an ammeter 24, and an opening and closing control part 25 and a communication part 26.

[0035] Note that in the following, when there is no need to particularly distinguish and explain the power outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and the EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d respectively, they will all be referred to as the power outlet 21, the relay 22, and the EV 40. A user who charges the EV 40 using the charger 20 in this application example connects the charging terminal of any one of the power outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and the EV 40 with a power cable and performs the charging application procedure.

[0036] The communication unit 26 is realized, for example, using an integrated circuit such as a communication IC (Integrated Circuits), and performs transmission and reception of information with the charge control device 10 via the communication network N.

[0037] The opening / closing control unit 25 is a control circuit that controls the opening and closing of each of the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and based on the control command received from the charge control device 10 via the communication unit 26, performs the opening / closing control of each of the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. The control command transmitted from the charge control device 10 is, for example, a command signal instructing to output power from the power outlet 21a to which the EV 40a is connected in order to charge any one of the EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d connected to the power outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d (for example, the EV 40a). Based on the said control command, the opening / closing control unit 25 controls each of the relays 22 such that the relay 22a is in the closed state and the other relays (22b, 22c, 22d) are in the open state.

[0038] In a configuration where one parking space is allocated to one charger as in the prior art, even though the charger is available, a situation may occur where the parking space is occupied (for example, a fully charged vehicle is parked), resulting in inefficiency in facility operation. In this regard, according to the charging system 1 according to this application example, the charger 20 is provided with a plurality of outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and different EVs 40 can be connected to each of them. Therefore, a plurality of parking spaces P1, P2, P3, P4 where the EV 40 can be charged can be allocated to one charger 20, enabling flexible utilization of the parking lot space. Further, even if a plurality of EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are connected to each of the plurality of outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, since it is possible to control power output to only one of the connected plurality of EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d (for example, 40a), the charging destination can be switched so as not to exceed the original power capacity.

[0039] <Embodiment 1> Subsequently, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The charging system 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the application example. That is, the charging system 1 includes a charge control device 10, a charger 20 including a power switch module 29, a user terminal 41, a communication network N, and the like. Note that detailed description of the configurations already described in the application example will be omitted.

[0040] (Charge control device) The charge control device 10 according to this embodiment includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is not shown, and a RAM (Random Access It can be realized as a general-purpose computer equipped with a main memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory. Note that the charging control device 10 may be equipped with an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a controller, or a touch panel, an output device such as a display, a printer, or a speaker, and a communication means (either wired or wireless). The charging control device 10 may be composed of a single computer or multiple computers.

[0041] The charging control device 10 is connected to the charger 20 and the user terminal 41 via the communication network N, and controls the charging power from the charger 20 to the EV 40 based on the information obtained from them.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charging control device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the charging control device 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130 as functional units. Note that the control unit 100 is configured to include an arithmetic processing device and controls the entire charging control device 10.

[0043] In addition, the control unit 100 includes a charging application reception unit 101, a charging time calculation unit 102, a control command signal generation unit 103, a current value acquisition unit 104, a charging fee calculation unit 105, and a settlement processing unit 106 as functional modules. Each functional module may be realized, for example, by the arithmetic processing device reading and executing a program stored in a storage device.

[0044] The memory unit 120 includes a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device, and stores various information in addition to the program for operating the control unit 100. Specifically, for example, information for identifying the charger 20 (and further each outlet 21), information related to charging fee billing, temporary information input by the user (for example, information such as the desired charging amount and desired charging time for each user, information related to the payment means, etc.) are stored. Note that these pieces of information may be stored in a table format. Also, these pieces of information may be configured to function as a so-called relational database in which the stored information can be mutually referred to and linked.

[0045] Further, the communication unit 130 is realized using, for example, an integrated circuit such as a communication IC, and executes data transmission and reception with other components of the system and external systems via the communication network N.

[0046] (Functional module) Subsequently, each functional module included in the control unit 100 will be described. The charging application reception unit 101 receives a charging application (charging request) from a user who desires charging. The charging request from the user can be received, for example, from the user terminal 41 described later via the communication network N. Also, when receiving a charging request from the user, the charging application reception unit 101 acquires information that can identify how much power supply is to be provided to the battery of the connected EV40, such as the amount of charging power (kWh) that the user desires to charge and the time for which charging is to be performed. Also, the charging application reception unit 101 can acquire necessary information not only by receiving information input from the user terminal 41 but also by other means.

[0047] Based on the information related to the charging request received from the user, the charging time calculation unit 102 calculates the time required until the charging of the battery of the user's EV40 is completed, and based on this Subsequently, the time when charging is completed is calculated. Even if the information obtained from the user is the desired charge amount, by dividing the amount of electricity by the rated output, the time required to charge the desired charge amount can be obtained. Also, when there are other EV40s being charged previously, if the subsequent user has to wait in line, the charging completion time of the EV40 of the user who made the last charging request can also be obtained by adding up the charging times of the other EV40s being charged previously. Furthermore, by calculating the charging completion time of the EV40 of the user who received the charging request immediately before, the charging start time for the EV40 of the newly queuing user can also be obtained.

[0048] The control command signal generation unit 103 generates a control command signal for transmission to the opening / closing control unit 25, that is, a signal indicating when and from which outlet 21 to output power. Taking an example, in accordance with the order of acceptance of charging requests by the charging application acceptance unit 101, power output is performed from the outlet 21a to which the EV40a of the user who first received the charging request is connected, and at the time when the charging of the EV40a is completed, a signal is generated to command power output from the outlet 21b to which the EV40b of the user who next received the charging request is connected.

[0049] The control command signal generated by the control command signal generation unit 103 is transmitted to the opening / closing control unit 25 via the communication units 130 and 26. The opening / closing control unit 25 performs opening / closing control of each relay 22 based on the control command.

[0050] The current value acquisition unit 104 acquires the current value related to the output power from the ammeter 24 of the charger 20. Further, the charging fee calculation unit 105 calculates the charging fee for each EV40 based on the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 104 and the unit price of power stored in the storage unit 120. Although the ammeter 24 is provided upstream of the branching of the circuit of the charger 20 into a plurality of relays, since it is clear from the control command generated by the control command signal generation unit 103 how much power is being output from the outlet 21 connected to each EV40, the charging fee can be calculated for each EV40. However, a plurality of ammeters 24 may be provided corresponding to each outlet 21 on the downstream side of the branch point of the circuit.

[0051] In addition, the charging fee calculation unit 105 can also calculate the predicted charging fee before the start of charging based on the information acquired by the charging application reception unit 101 and the unit price information of power. For example, when information on the desired charging amount is acquired from the user, the predicted charging fee can be easily calculated by multiplying this by the unit price. Also, even if the acquired information is only the desired charging time, the predicted charging fee can be calculated based on the estimated time required until the completion of charging calculated by the charging time calculation unit 102 and information such as the rated output.

[0052] The settlement processing unit 106 performs settlement processing for the charging amount actually charged. A part of the information related to the settlement may be stored in the storage unit 120. Also, the settlement processing unit 106 may execute processing related to settlement in cooperation with a system external (for example, a credit sales company, etc.) through the communication network N as necessary.

[0053] (User terminal) Next, based on FIGS. 4A and 4B, the user terminal 41 will be described. FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 41. The user terminal 41 is a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wristwatch-type wearable terminal, and includes functional units such as a control unit 411, an input unit 412, an output unit 413, a storage unit 414, and a communication unit 415. The control unit 411 is a means for controlling the user terminal 41 and is configured by, for example, a CPU or the like. Also, the input unit 412 can employ a touch panel display integrated with the output unit 413. The storage unit 414 includes a main storage unit, an auxiliary storage unit, etc., and stores an operating system (OS), various programs, and other various data acquired via the communication network N. Also, the communication unit 415 is configured to include, for example, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication and the like.

[0054] A user who wishes to charge with the charger 20 performs a charge application, approval process, etc. via a user interface (e.g., provided by an application program or transmitted from the charge control device 10) on the user terminal 41.

[0055] FIG. 4B shows an example of such a user interface (charge application confirmation screen). In the charge application confirmation screen shown in the example of FIG. 4B, information for identifying the charger 20 and the outlet connected to the EV40, the desired charge time (charge capacity) specified by the user, the scheduled charge start time, the scheduled charge completion time, and the estimated charge amount are displayed. And it is in a state of accepting a selection input as to whether to determine the application under the said conditions.

[0056] Note that each piece of information shown in FIG. 4B can use the information acquired by the charge application reception unit 101, the information calculated by the charge time calculation unit 102, and the information calculated by the charge fee calculation unit 105. By providing such information, the user can cancel the charge or change the charge amount after confirming the scheduled charge start / end time, estimated fee, etc.

[0057] (Effects Specific to the Embodiment) According to the charging system 1 as described above, even if there are multiple EVs 40 connected to the charger 20, charging can be performed starting from the EV 40 that submitted a charging request first in the order of arrival, and after the charging is completed, charging can be sequentially performed on other EVs 40. Therefore, even if the charger 20 is in an operating state, if the parking space corresponding to the charger 20 is empty, it is possible to park in that space and wait for the charging order. Furthermore, since it is also possible to know the scheduled time when the charging will be completed, it is easier to make subsequent plans and the convenience for the user can be enhanced. Also, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where charging cannot be performed because the parking space is not empty even when the charger 20 is not operating, and the operating efficiency of the charger 20 can be increased. In addition, since the arithmetic processing related to the charging control of the charger 20 is performed in the charging control device, the charger 20 can be configured simply with a power switch module 29 and a housing, and the cost per charger 20 can be reduced.

[0058] <Embodiment 2> Note that in the above charging system 1, the arithmetic operations related to the charging control of the charger 20, the reception of charging requests, and the decision-making process are performed by the charging control device 10 (and the user terminal 41) connected via the communication network N. However, the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. Hereinafter, the charger 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the charger 50, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the charger 50. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the charger 50 has a rectangular prism housing 59, and on each side surface of the rectangular prism housing 59, there are arranged power outlets 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d provided one by one, an input unit (for example, an operation button) 551, and an output unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 552. Note that the charger 50 can be installed at a position surrounded by a plurality of parking spaces, similar to the charger 20 in the first embodiment.

[0060] The input unit 551 receives the operation input of the user who uses the charger 50. The output unit 552 displays various information and user interfaces related to the use of the charger 50 and provides this information to the user.

[0061] Also, the charger 50 includes relays 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d connected to the respective outlets 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, and a power input unit 5 3 to which power from the AC power supply 30 is input, and an ammeter 54. Since these configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0062] The charger 50 also has a configuration including a storage unit 553 and a control unit 554. The control unit 554 is configured to include an arithmetic processing device and controls the charger 50. The storage unit 553 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, and stores various information in addition to the program for operating the control unit 554.

[0063] Substantially, the control unit 554 has functions of both the opening / closing control unit 25 in the charger 20 of the first embodiment and the control unit 100 of the charging control device 10. That is, it accepts a charging application based on the information input by the user via the input unit 551, calculates the time required for charging, the charging completion time, and the charging start time (when waiting in line), and also calculates the estimated charging fee. Further, the control unit 554 determines when and from which outlet 51 to output based on the information acquired via the input unit 551, and also directly executes the opening / closing control of each relay 52.

[0064] According to the charger 50 according to this embodiment, the charger 50 can be configured as a stand-alone device, and the operation of the charging facility can be started with only the charger 50 without constructing a large-scale system. Although not shown, by providing a settlement machine or the like together, a convenient charging service can be provided to users who do not prefer procedures via a communication network.

[0065] <Others> Note that the description of the above embodiments is merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above specific forms. The present invention can be variously modified within the scope of its technical idea.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, only one EV40 is charged (that is, there is only one power output terminal where power is actually output), but charging may be performed on a plurality of EV40s as long as the original power supply capacity is not exceeded. In this case, measures to prevent the reverse flow of power to other EVs (such as providing a diode in the circuit) are taken. Also, in this case, instead of providing the ammeter 24 upstream of the branch point of the circuit, a plurality of ammeters are provided corresponding to each outlet 21 downstream of the branch point, so that the charging amount of each EV40 being charged simultaneously can be grasped.

[0067] It is also possible to adopt a configuration that combines Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. Specifically, a charger 50 of Embodiment 2 provided with additional communication means can be used in place of the charger 20 of Embodiment 1. By doing so, a series of procedures can be performed online via the user terminal 41, or the charger can be directly operated at the charging space site to perform operations and payments related to charging. Therefore, the needs of various users can be met.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the number of outlets provided in one charger is the same as the number of parking spaces provided around the one charger, but the number of parking spaces assigned to one charger may be more than the number of outlets. According to this, the space in the parking lot can be utilized more flexibly.

[0069] <Appendix 1> A plurality of power output terminals (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) configured to be able to output the power to the storage batteries of vehicles (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) using the power as a power source, A plurality of switching elements (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, Based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements is closed, and the other switching elements are opened. Switching control means (25, 554) for controlling the plurality of switching elements, A charger (20, 50).

[0070] <Appendix 2> Having communication means (26), The switching control means receives the control command via the communication means, The charger according to Appendix 1.

[0071] <Appendix 3> Having operation input reception means (551), The switching control means receives the control command based on the input via the operation input reception means, The charger according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0072] <Appendix 4> The control command is in accordance with the order of receiving charging requests for the vehicle connected to each of the power output terminals. After the charging of the battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, the power is output from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the charging request next is connected. It is an instruction to do so. The charger according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0073] <Appendix 5> The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the charging power amount or the charging time related to charging the battery of the vehicle, Charging end time calculation means (554) for calculating the charging end time related to the charging request based on the charging power amount or the charging time, output means (552) for outputting the calculated charging end time, The charger according to Supplementary Note 4.

[0074] <Supplementary Note 6> having an ammeter (53) for measuring the current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, The charger according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0075] <Supplementary Note 7> having a columnar housing (59), wherein the plurality of power output terminals are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the housing, The charger according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0076] <Supplementary Note 8> a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by power, a plurality of opening and closing elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, opening and closing control means for controlling the plurality of opening and closing elements such that the opening and closing element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of opening and closing elements is in a closed state and the other opening and closing elements are in an open state, a power opening and closing module (29).

[0077] <Supplementary Note 9> a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by power, a plurality of opening and closing elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, controlling the plurality of opening and closing elements such that the opening and closing element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of opening and closing elements is in a closed state and the other opening and closing elements are in an open state, opening and closing control means, and having a charging system (1).

[0078] <Appendix 10> An ammeter for measuring the current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, And a charge amount calculation means (105) for calculating a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter. The charging system according to Appendix 9.

[0079] <Appendix 11> A charging request receiving means (101) for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal, And a control command generation means (103) for generating the control command based on the received charging request. The charging system according to Appendix 9 or 10.

[0080] <Appendix 12> The control command generation means generates the control command for outputting the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that has received the charging request next is connected after the charging of the battery of the vehicle that has received the charging request first is completed, in accordance with the order of reception of the charging requests. The charging system according to Appendix 11.

[0081] <Appendix 13> The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the charging power amount or the charging time related to the charging of the battery of the vehicle, A charging completion time calculation means (102) for calculating the charging completion time related to the charging request based on the charging power amount or the charging time, And an output means (413) for outputting the calculated charging end time. The charging system according to Appendix 11 or 12.

[0082] <Appendix 14> A charger including the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of switching elements, and the switching control means, And parking spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4) equal to or more than the number of power output terminals provided adjacent to the charger respectively. The charging system according to any one of Appendices 9 to 13.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 1 ··· Charging system 10 ··· Charging control device 20, 50 ··· Chargers 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d ··· Outlets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d ··· Relays 23, 53 ··· Power input parts 24, 54 ··· Ammeters 29 ··· Power switch module 30 ··· Power supply 31a, 31b, 31c ··· Measuring parts 32a, 32b, 32c ··· Communication parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d ··· EVs 41 ··· User terminal 551 ··· Input part 552 ··· Output part 59 ··· Housing N ··· Communication network P1, P2, P3, P4 ··· Parking spaces

Claims

1. A plurality of power output terminals configured to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle using the power as a power source, a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements such that, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements is closed and the other switching elements are opened. A charger.

2. Having communication means, wherein the switching control means receives the control command via the communication means, The charger according to claim 1.

3. Having operation input reception means, wherein the switching control means receives the control command based on an input via the operation input reception means, The charger according to claim 1.

4. The control command is to instruct that, in accordance with the order of reception of the charging request for the vehicle connected to each of the power output terminals, after the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, the power is then output from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the charging request next is connected. The charger according to claim 1.

5. The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging power or the charging time related to the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle, charging end time calculation means for calculating a charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging power or the charging time, and further having output means for outputting the calculated charging end time. The charger according to claim 4.

6. Having an ammeter for measuring a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, The charger according to claim 1.

7. Having a columnar housing, wherein the plurality of power output terminals are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the housing. The charger according to claim 1.

8. A plurality of power output terminals configured to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle using the power as a power source, a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, Based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the opening / closing element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of opening / closing elements is set to the closed state, and the other opening / closing elements are set to the open state, and the plurality of opening / closing elements are controlled by opening / closing control means. Power opening / closing module.

9. A plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle using the power as a power source, A plurality of opening / closing elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals, Based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the opening / closing element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of opening / closing elements is set to the closed state, and the other opening / closing elements are set to the open state, and the plurality of opening / closing elements are controlled by opening / closing control means. A charging system having the above.

10. An ammeter for measuring a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, A charging fee calculating means for calculating a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter. The charging system according to claim 9.

11. A charging request receiving means for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal, A control command generating means for generating the control command based on the received charging request. The charging system according to claim 9.

12. The control command generating means generates the control command to output the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that has received the charging request next is connected after the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that has received the charging request first is completed in accordance with the reception order of the charging requests. The charging system according to claim 11.

13. The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging power or the charging time related to the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle. Based on the amount of charging power or the charging time, a charging completion time calculating means for calculating the charging completion time related to the charging request. An output means for outputting the calculated charging end time. The charging system according to claim 11.

14. A charger including the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of opening / closing elements, and the opening / closing control means, A parking space equal to or more than the number of power output terminals provided adjacent to the charger respectively. The charging system according to claim 9.

Images