Charging management system and charging management method

Abstract

To improve utilization efficiency of a charger in a charging management system and a charging management method for managing a plurality of chargers.SOLUTION: A charging management system 1 manages a plurality of chargers 2. The charging management system 1 includes an operation setting part 11 and a control part 14. The operation setting part 11 sets an operation mode of each of the plurality of chargers 2. The control part 14 controls each of the plurality of chargers 2 on the basis of a corresponding operation mode. The operation mode includes a first charging mode for allowing a specific user to exclusively use the charger 2 and a second charging mode for allowing a plurality of users to share the charger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge management system and a charge management method, and more particularly to a charge management system and a charge management method for managing a plurality of chargers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that can charge multiple electric vehicles using one charger. When multiple electric vehicles are connected to one charger, the system determines a charging schedule for charging each vehicle one by one so that the multiple electric vehicles are evenly charged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-74776 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when managing multiple chargers, the chargers are not necessarily used in the same manner. For example, when multiple chargers correspond one-to-one to multiple parking spaces, not all of the parking spaces are necessarily used in the same manner, so depending on the charger, it may not always be suitable to control the charger to charge multiple electric vehicles evenly.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of chargers in a charge management system and a charge management method that manage a plurality of chargers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charging management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charging management system that manages multiple chargers. The charging management system includes an operation setting unit and a control unit. The operation setting unit sets an operation mode for each of the multiple chargers. The control unit controls each of the multiple chargers based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charging mode that allows a specific user to have exclusive use of a charger, and a second charging mode that allows multiple users to share the charger.

[0007] A charge management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charge management method for managing multiple chargers. The charge management method includes an operation setting step and a control step. The operation setting step sets an operation mode for each of the multiple chargers. The control step controls each of the multiple chargers based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charging mode that allows a specific user to have exclusive use of a charger, and a second charging mode that allows multiple users to share the charger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to a charge management system and a charge management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of a charger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a charging system including a charging management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a reservation operation of a charger set to a second charging mode in a charging system including the charging management system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen for a reservation operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a reservation operation of a charger set to a first charging mode in a charging system including the charging management system of the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a part of the charging start operation in the charging system including the charging management system, from the start to the middle of the operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a part of the charging start operation in the charging system including the charging management system, and shows the continuation of FIG. 5 up to the end of the operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a part of the charging termination operation in the charging system including the charging management system, from the start to the middle of the operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a part of the charging completion operation in the charging system including the charging management system, and shows the continuation of FIG. 7 up to the end of the operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a charge management system and a charge management method according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Composition FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a charging system 100 including a charging management system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the charging management system 1 controls a plurality of power supply devices 2 (only one is shown in FIG. 1). The power supply devices 2 correspond to the chargers of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, signal paths are indicated by thin lines, and power paths are indicated by thick lines.

[0012] (1.1) Power supply device Each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 is, for example, a charger for charging the vehicle 3. The plurality of power supply devices 2 are provided, for example, in a parking lot in a one-to-one correspondence with a parking space.

[0013] Each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 includes a switch 21 , a first communication unit 22 , a second communication unit 23 , an operation unit 24 , and a control unit 25 .

[0014] Switch 21 is a switch that controls whether or not the power received by power supply device 2 is to be charged to vehicle 3. Switch 21 switches between a closed state and an open state based on an instruction from control unit 25. By switching between a closed state and an open state, switch 21 connects or disconnects the path for supplying power from the power supply source to vehicle 3. The power supply source is, for example, a commercial power source, a power conditioner connected to a solar cell or a storage battery, or a grid-connected system including a commercial power source and a power conditioner.

[0015] The first communication unit 22 is an interface for communicating with the charge management system 1. The first communication unit 22 receives control instructions from the charge management system 1 to the power supply device 2. The first communication unit 22 also transmits the states of the power supply device 2 and the vehicle 3 to the charge management system 1. The communication between the first communication unit 22 and the charge management system 1 may be, for example, wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a public wireless communication network.

[0016] The second communication unit 23 is an interface for communicating with the vehicle 3. The second communication unit 23 acquires the state of the battery of the vehicle 3 from the vehicle 3. The communication between the second communication unit 23 and the vehicle 3 is, for example, wired communication such as CAN.

[0017] The operation unit 24 is an interface that accepts operations from the user of the power supply device 2. The operation unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0018] Furthermore, unique identification information is assigned to each of the multiple power supply devices 2. The identification information is displayed on each of the multiple power supply devices 2 in a state that can be recognized by a computer or a person, such as a two-dimensional barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, or a character string.

[0019] The control unit 25 switches the switch 21 to a closed state or an open state based on a control instruction from the charge management system 1 and the charging state of the vehicle 3. The control unit 25 switches the switch 21 to a closed state or an open state based on, for example, a control instruction from the charge management system 1. Furthermore, when the control unit 25 is notified of full charge by the vehicle 3 while the switch 21 is in the closed state, the control unit 25 may switch the switch 21 to an open state.

[0020] (1.2) Charging management system The charge management system 1 controls a plurality of power supply devices 2. The charge management system 1 includes an operation setting unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit .

[0021] The operation setting unit 11 sets an operation mode for each of the multiple power supply devices 2. The operation modes include a first charging mode and a second charging mode. The first charging mode is an operation mode in which the power supply device 2 is exclusively used by a specific user. In other words, the power supply device 2 (corresponding to the second charger in the present disclosure) set to the first charging mode can be used only by the specific user. The second charging mode is an operation mode in which the power supply device 2 is shared by multiple users. The power supply device 2 (corresponding to the first charger in the present disclosure) set to the second charging mode can be used exclusively by multiple users. More specifically, each of the multiple users can exclusively use the power supply device 2 only during the time for which they have reserved use, and cannot use the power supply device 2 at any other time. For example, in a parking lot of an apartment building or a parking lot of a commercial building, appropriate operation can be achieved by setting the power supply device 2 corresponding to a monthly parking space to the first charging mode, which is occupied by the customer, and setting the power supply device 2 corresponding to an hourly parking space to the second charging mode. Furthermore, since the setting of the operation mode of each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 can be changed, it is possible to flexibly synchronize them with changes in the operation of the parking space.

[0022] The operation setting unit 11 acquires setting information 151 indicating the operation mode of each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 from the storage unit 12. The setting information 151 is set, for example, by an administrator of the plurality of power supply devices 2. Specifically, the operation setting unit 11 acquires the operation mode of each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 from the administrator of the plurality of power supply devices 2. More specifically, the operation setting unit 11 acquires the operation mode from the administrator of the plurality of power supply devices 2, for example, via the terminal device 4. Note that the operation setting unit 11 may acquire the operation mode from the administrator via the operation unit 24 of each of the plurality of power supply devices 2, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, the operation setting unit 11 manages reservation information 152 for each of the plurality of power supply devices 2. The reservation information 152 includes first reservation information 154 corresponding to the power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode, and second reservation information 155 corresponding to the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode.

[0024] Operation setting unit 11 manages reservations using a user ID that identifies a user who has reserved use of power supply device 2. Specifically, for a power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode, operation setting unit 11 generates and updates second reservation information 155 based on a reservation of a user ID that indicates a specific user corresponding to that power supply device 2. Furthermore, for a power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode, operation setting unit 11 generates and updates first reservation information 154 based on a reservation of a user ID corresponding to each of a plurality of users corresponding to that power supply device 2.

[0025] Furthermore, when accepting a reservation for a power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode, the operation setting unit 11 accepts the reservation so that the time difference between the end time of the reservation and the start time of the next reservation is not less than a predetermined time. That is, when accepting a reservation for a power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode, if an existing reservation exists in the first reservation information 154 for a time a predetermined time before the start time of the new reservation, the operation setting unit 11 does not accept an update of the first reservation information 154 based on the new reservation. Furthermore, when accepting a reservation for a power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode, if an existing reservation exists in the first reservation information 154 for a time a predetermined time after the end time of the new reservation, the operation setting unit 11 does not accept an update of the first reservation information 154 based on the new reservation. The predetermined time is the time required to switch vehicles 3, e.g., 30 minutes. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a later reservationr cannot immediately use the power supply device 2 at the start time, even if the earlier reservationr uses the power supply device 2 until the end time. On the other hand, when accepting a reservation for the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode, if there is no existing reservation in the second reservation information 155 between the use start time and use end time of the new reservation, the operation setting unit 11 accepts an update of the second reservation information 155 based on the new reservation. This is because, in the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode, the previous and subsequent reservation users are the same user, so there is no need to switch vehicles 3.

[0026] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores setting information 151, reservation information 152, and user information 153. The user information 153 includes user IDs of multiple users, authentication information that corresponds one-to-one with the multiple user IDs, and information that identifies a reservable power supply device 2. The authentication information corresponds one-to-one with the user ID and is information for authenticating whether a person reserving a power supply device 2 using the user ID is the same person to whom the user ID is assigned. The authentication information is, for example, a hashed password, but is not limited to this and may be biometric authentication information, an electronic certificate, or the like. The multiple user IDs include a user ID that can exclusively use a specific power supply device 2 and a user ID that can use a shared power supply device 2.

[0027] The storage unit 12 also stores a charging schedule for each of the plurality of power supply devices 2.

[0028] The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with the plurality of power supply devices 2 and the plurality of terminal devices 4 used by the plurality of users. The communication unit 13 transmits control instructions to the plurality of power supply devices 2. The communication unit 13 also communicates with the plurality of terminal devices 4. The communication between the first communication unit 22 and the charge management system 1 may be, for example, wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a public wireless communication network.

[0029] The control unit 14 controls the multiple power supply devices 2 based on the setting information 151 and the reservation information 152. The control unit 14 controls the multiple power supply devices 2 based on the setting information 151. More specifically, the control unit 14 sets each of the multiple power supply devices 2 to either a first charging mode or a second charging mode based on the setting information 151. Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the power supply devices 2 set to the second charging mode among the multiple power supply devices 2 according to the first reservation information 154. Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the power supply devices 2 set to the first charging mode among the multiple power supply devices 2 according to the second reservation information 155.

[0030] Each of the operation setting unit 11 and the control unit 14 is, for example, a computer having a processor. More specifically, the operation setting unit 11 and the control unit 14 are configured by, for example, a computer system having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The computer system realizes the functions of the operation setting unit 11 and the control unit 14 by executing a program stored in the memory with the CPU. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet. Furthermore, the operation setting unit 11 and the control unit 14 may be configured by a single computer system. Alternatively, the operation setting unit 11 or the control unit 14 may be configured by the cooperation of multiple computer systems.

[0031] (1.3) Terminal Device The multiple terminal devices 4 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ) are terminal devices used by each of the users of the multiple power supply devices 2 as an interface for reserving and using the power supply devices 2 with the charging management system 1. The terminal devices 4 are also terminal devices used by the administrator of the multiple power supply devices 2 as an interface for causing the charging management system 1 to generate and update the setting information 151. Each of the terminal devices 4 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0032] Each of the plurality of terminal devices 4 includes a control unit 41 , a communication unit 42 , a display unit 43 , an operation unit 44 , and an imaging unit 45 .

[0033] The communication unit 42 is an interface for communicating with the charge management system 1. The communication unit 42 transmits input from users or managers of the multiple power supply devices 2 to the charge management system 1, and receives output from the charge management system 1 to the users or managers of the multiple power supply devices 2. The communication between the communication unit 42 and the charge management system 1 is wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a public wireless communication network.

[0034] The display unit 43 is a display device that displays information from the control unit 41 of the terminal device 4 to the users or managers of the multiple power supply devices 2 who are the users of the terminal device 4, and is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

[0035] The operation unit 44 is an interface that receives input from users or managers of the multiple power supply devices 2 who are users of the terminal device 4, and is, for example, a touch panel that is provided integrally with the display unit 43.

[0036] The imaging unit 45 is, for example, a camera, and is an input device for recognizing a two-dimensional barcode that is assigned to the power supply device 2 as a unique identifier.

[0037] The control unit 41 controls the terminal device 4 according to a program.

[0038] (1.4) Vehicles A plurality of vehicles 3 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) are charged by a plurality of power supply devices 2. Each of the plurality of vehicles 3 is, for example, an electric car, but is not limited to this, and may be any vehicle that operates by being charged, such as an electric motorcycle or an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0039] Each of the plurality of vehicles 3 includes a storage battery 31 , a communication unit 32 , and a control unit 33 .

[0040] The storage battery 31 is a device including a secondary battery, and supplies power to the power source of the vehicle 3. More specifically, the storage battery 31 includes, for example, a secondary battery, a converter that converts AC power supplied from the power supply device 2 into DC power for charging the secondary battery, and a control circuit that controls charging.

[0041] The communication unit 32 is an interface for transmitting the state of the secondary battery of the storage battery 31 to the power supply device 2 , and is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication unit 23 of the power supply device 2 .

[0042] The control unit 33 is a control circuit that controls the vehicle 3. The control unit 33 also acquires the state of the secondary battery of the storage battery 31, and causes the communication unit 32 to transmit the state of the secondary battery of the storage battery 31 to the power supply device 2.

[0043] (2) Operation (2.1) Operation during reservation (second charging mode) FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation relating to the reservation of use of a power supply device 2 that is set to the second charging mode among the plurality of power supply devices 2. In FIG.

[0044] 2, when the terminal device 4 accepts a login operation from a user (step S1), the terminal device 4 transmits the user ID entered by the user and information for authenticating the user ID to the charge management system 1. The information for authenticating the user ID is, for example, a password.

[0045] The operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 performs an authentication operation for the combination of the user ID and password received from the terminal device 4 (step S2), and transmits the result to the terminal device 4. Specifically, the operation setting unit 11 reads out the user information 153 from the storage unit 12, and authenticates whether or not the combination of the user ID and password received from the terminal device 4 is a valid combination. If the combination of the user ID and password is valid, the operation setting unit 11 notifies the terminal device 4 that login has been successful.

[0046] When the terminal device 4 is notified that the login is successful, it displays an operation screen corresponding to the user ID (step S3). When the terminal device 4 accepts a reservation operation for the power supply device 2 from the user, it inquires about the reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the charging management system 1 (step S4).

[0047] When the operation setting unit 11 receives an inquiry about the reservation status of the power supply device 2 from the terminal device 4, it replies with the reservation status of the power supply device 2. The operation setting unit 11 determines, based on the user information 153, whether the user ID is a user ID that can exclusively use a specific power supply device 2 or a user ID that can use a shared power supply device 2 (step S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the user ID is a user ID that can use the shared power supply device 2, the operation setting unit 11 reads out the first reservation information 154 from the storage unit 12 and transmits the reservation status of the one or more shared power supply devices 2 that correspond to the user ID (step S6). The reservation status of the one or more power supply devices 2 is the start time and end time of existing reservations for each of the one or more power supply devices 2.

[0048] The terminal device 4 presents the reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the user, accepts reservations from the user, and transmits the reservations to the charge management system 1 (step S7). The terminal device 4 displays a time chart 211 showing reservation unavailable periods for each power supply device 2, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and accepts input from the user of the power supply device 2 to be reserved and the start and end times. In the time chart 211, five power supply devices 2 are each assigned symbols A to E, and the reservation unavailable periods are indicated by dotted hatching. Note that the blackened portions in the time chart 211 indicate periods selected by the user for reservation. The reservation unavailable periods indicate, for example, periods during which the power supply device 2 cannot be used, set by the administrator of the power supply device 2. The reservation unavailable periods include reservations that have already been made and reservation unavailable periods before and after the reservations. The reservation unavailable periods correspond to a predetermined time difference, for example, 30 minutes. Therefore, for example, if the end time of an existing reservation is 11:00, the period from 11:00 to 11:30 is set as the reservation prohibition period. As a result, the time difference between the end time of the existing reservation and the start time of the new reservation is always equal to or greater than the specified time difference. Also, the time difference between the end time of the new reservation and the start time of the existing reservation is always equal to or greater than the specified time difference. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation where, when a user tries to start using the power supply device 2, they are unable to immediately start using the power supply device 2 because, for example, the vehicle 3 of the user who used the power supply device 2 immediately before is parked.

[0049] When the operation setting unit 11 receives a reservation for the power supply device 2 from the terminal device 4, it updates the reservation information if the reservation is possible (step S8). The operation setting unit 11 reads the first reservation information 154 from the storage unit 12, and if the new reservation received from the terminal device 4 does not overlap with the existing reservation and the time difference between the end time of the reservation and the start time of the next reservation is not less than a predetermined time difference, the operation setting unit 11 adds the new reservation to the first reservation information 154 and stores it in the storage unit 12. At this time, the operation setting unit 11 transmits, for example, information indicating that the reservation was successful and the reservation status of the power supply device 2 reflecting the new reservation to the terminal device 4. On the other hand, if the new reservation overlaps with the existing reservation or the time difference between the end time of the reservation and the start time of the next reservation is less than a predetermined time difference, the operation setting unit 11 does not add the new reservation to the first reservation information 154. At this time, the operation setting unit 11 transmits, for example, information indicating that the reservation was unsuccessful and the latest reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the terminal device 4.

[0050] The terminal device 4 outputs the result of the reservation process (step S9).

[0051] (2.2) Operation during reservation (1st charging mode) 4 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to reservation of use of a power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode among multiple power supply devices 2. In the following operations, operations similar to operations related to reservation of use of a power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, when the terminal device 4 accepts a login operation from a user (step S1), the terminal device 4 transmits to the charge management system 1 the user ID and password entered by the user.

[0053] The operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 performs an authentication operation for the combination of the user ID and password received from the terminal device 4 (step S2), and transmits the result to the terminal device 4. If the combination of the user ID and password is valid, the operation setting unit 11 notifies the terminal device 4 that the login was successful.

[0054] When the terminal device 4 is notified that the login is successful, it displays an operation screen corresponding to the user ID (step S3). When the terminal device 4 accepts a reservation operation for the power supply device 2 from the user, it inquires about the reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the charging management system 1 (step S4).

[0055] When the operation setting unit 11 receives an inquiry about the reservation status of the power supply device 2 from the terminal device 4, it replies with the reservation status of the power supply device 2. The operation setting unit 11 determines, based on the user information 153, whether the user ID is a user ID that can exclusively use the specific power supply device 2 or a user ID that can use a shared power supply device 2 (step S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the user ID is a user ID that can exclusively use the specific power supply device 2, the operation setting unit 11 reads out the second reservation information 155 from the storage unit 12 and transmits the reservation status of the specific power supply device 2 that corresponds to the user ID (step S16). The reservation status of the specific power supply device 2 is the start time and end time of existing reservations for the specific power supply device 2.

[0056] The terminal device 4 presents the reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the user, accepts reservations from the user, and transmits the reservations to the charge management system 1 (step S17). The terminal device 4, for example, displays a time chart showing reservation unavailable periods for a specific power supply device 2, and accepts input from the user of the power supply device 2 to be reserved and the start and end times. The reservation unavailable period indicates, for example, a period during which the power supply device 2 cannot be used, which is set by the administrator of the power supply device 2. The reservation unavailable period also includes reservations that have already been made. Note that, for a specific power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode, no reservation prohibited period is set between reservations and the next reservation. This is because a user exclusively uses a specific power supply device 2, and therefore, a situation where the user has to wait for another user to finish using the specific power supply device 2 cannot occur.

[0057] When the operation setting unit 11 receives a reservation for the power supply device 2 from the terminal device 4, it updates the reservation information if reservation is possible (step S18). The operation setting unit 11 reads the second reservation information 155 from the storage unit 12, and if the new reservation received from the terminal device 4 does not overlap with the existing reservation in time, it adds the new reservation to the second reservation information 155 and stores the new reservation in the storage unit 12. At this time, the operation setting unit 11 transmits, for example, information indicating that the reservation was successful and the reservation status of the power supply device 2 reflecting the new reservation to the terminal device 4. On the other hand, if the new reservation overlaps with the existing reservation in time, the operation setting unit 11 does not add the new reservation to the second reservation information 155. At this time, the operation setting unit 11 transmits, for example, information indicating that the reservation failed and the latest reservation status of the power supply device 2 to the terminal device 4.

[0058] The terminal device 4 outputs the result of the reservation process (step S19).

[0059] (2.3) Charging start process 5 and 6 are sequence diagrams showing the operation related to the start of use of one power supply device 2 among the plurality of power supply devices.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, when the terminal device 4 accepts a login operation from a user (step S1), the terminal device 4 transmits to the charge management system 1 the user ID and password entered by the user.

[0061] The operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 performs an authentication operation for the combination of the user ID and password received from the terminal device 4 (step S2), and transmits the result to the terminal device 4. If the combination of the user ID and password is valid, the operation setting unit 11 notifies the terminal device 4 that the login was successful.

[0062] When the terminal device 4 is notified that the login has been successful, it displays an operation screen corresponding to the user ID (step S3).

[0063] If the authentication in step S2 is successful, the operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 checks whether or not there is a reservation with an upcoming start time (step S21). If there is a reservation with an upcoming start time, the operation setting unit 11 transmits information identifying the power supply device 2 to the terminal device 4. A reservation with an upcoming start time is a reservation made with a user ID, where charging has not started, and whose start time is sufficiently close to the current time. A reservation with a start time sufficiently close to the current time means, for example, that the current time is within 10 minutes before or after the start time.

[0064] When the terminal device 4 receives the information specifying the power supply device 2, it displays a message to connect the vehicle 3 to the reserved power supply device 2 (step S22).

[0065] 6, when the user connects the power supply device 2 to the vehicle 3, the power supply device 2 detects the connection with the vehicle 3 (step S23) and transmits a signal indicating the connection detection to the charge management system 1. Upon receiving the signal indicating the connection detection, the operation setting unit 11 causes the terminal device 4 to perform an authentication operation.

[0066] The terminal device 4 notifies the user to transmit the identification information of the power supply device 2 (step S24). For example, the user causes the imaging unit 45 of the terminal device 4 to read the two-dimensional barcode attached to the power supply device 2. The terminal device 4 transmits the identification information of the power supply device 2 to the charge management system 1.

[0067] The operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 determines whether or not to permit use of the power supply device 2 (step S25). For example, when the power supply device 2 determined to have a reservation with an upcoming start time in step S21, the power supply device 2 that transmitted a signal indicating connection detection, and the power supply device 2 corresponding to the identification information transmitted in step S24 all match, the control unit 14 permits use of the power supply device 2. The control unit 14 instructs the power supply device 2 to start charging. In addition, the control unit 14 transmits a power supply permission notification to the terminal device 4.

[0068] When the terminal device 4 receives the power supply permission notification, it displays that charging by the power supply device 2 has started (step S26).

[0069] When the power supply device 2 receives the instruction to start charging, it switches the switch 21 to the closed state and starts charging the vehicle 3 (step S27).

[0070] The operation setting unit 11 updates the reservation information 152 (step S28). More specifically, the operation setting unit 11 adds information indicating that a reservation that has started has already started to the reservation that has started.

[0071] (2.4) Charging termination process 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams showing the operation related to the end of use of one power supply device 2 among a plurality of power supply devices.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, when the terminal device 4 accepts a login operation from a user (step S1), the terminal device 4 transmits to the charge management system 1 the user ID and password entered by the user.

[0073] The operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 performs an authentication operation for the combination of the user ID and password received from the terminal device 4 (step S2), and transmits the result to the terminal device 4. If the combination of the user ID and password is valid, the operation setting unit 11 notifies the terminal device 4 that the login was successful.

[0074] When the terminal device 4 is notified that the login has been successful, it displays an operation screen corresponding to the user ID (step S3).

[0075] If the authentication in step S2 is successful, the operation setting unit 11 of the charge management system 1 checks whether or not there is a reservation currently in progress (step S31). If there is a reservation currently in progress, the operation setting unit 11 transmits information identifying the power supply device 2 currently in progress to the terminal device 4. The reservation currently in progress refers to a reservation made using a user ID, where charging has started but charging has not yet finished.

[0076] When the terminal device 4 receives the information specifying the power supply device 2 that is currently charging, it displays a message inquiring whether or not to terminate the currently-ongoing charging, as shown in FIG. 8 (step S32).

[0077] When the terminal device 4 receives an instruction to stop charging from the user, the terminal device 4 transmits a request to stop charging to the charge management system 1. The charge management system 1 transfers the request to stop charging to the power supply device 2.

[0078] When the power supply device 2 receives the request to stop charging, it switches the switch 21 to the open state and ends charging of the vehicle 3 (step S33). The power supply device 2 transmits a notice of transition to the stopped state to the charging management system 1, and when the terminal device 4 receives a notice of end of power supply from the charging management system 1, it displays that charging has ended (step S34).

[0079] (3) Effects A charge management system 1 according to the embodiment manages a plurality of power supply devices 2. The system includes an operation setting unit 11 and a control unit 14. The operation setting unit 11 sets an operation mode for each of the plurality of power supply devices 2. The control unit 14 controls each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charging mode in which a specific user has exclusive use of the power supply device 2, and a second charging mode in which a plurality of users share the power supply device 2. As a result, the charge management system 1 enables appropriate control based on whether the plurality of power supply devices 2 are used exclusively or shared. Furthermore, the charge management system 1 eliminates the need to separate the hardware into the occupied power supply devices 2 and the shared power supply devices 2, enabling flexible operation according to actual usage.

[0080] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, the operation setting unit 11 acquires the operation mode of each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 from the manager of the plurality of power supply devices 2. As a result, according to the charge management system 1, the manager can arbitrarily decide whether each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 is to be used exclusively or in common, and then the charge management system 1 can operate the plurality of power supply devices 2 in a manner suitable for the configuration.

[0081] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode among the multiple power supply devices 2 in accordance with the first reservation information 154. The operation setting unit 11 accepts updates to the first reservation information 154 from multiple users. As a result, the charge management system 1 allows multiple users to use the shared power supply device 2 by reservation.

[0082] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, if there is an existing reservation in the first reservation information 154 at a time a predetermined time before the start time of use of a new reservation from a plurality of users, the operation setting unit 11 does not accept an update of the first reservation information 154 based on the new reservation. As a result, the charge management system 1 can reduce the occurrence of a time when the power supply device 2 cannot be used despite having been reserved, due to the reservations of two different users included in the plurality of users being close in time.

[0083] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, if there is an existing reservation in the first reservation information 154 at a time that is a predetermined time after the end time of use of a new reservation from a plurality of users, the operation setting unit 11 does not accept an update of the first reservation information 154 based on the new reservation. As a result, the charge management system 1 can reduce the occurrence of a time when the power supply device 2 cannot be used despite having been reserved, due to the reservations of two different users included in the plurality of users being close in time.

[0084] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode among the multiple power supply devices 2 in accordance with the second reservation information 155. The operation setting unit 11 accepts updates to the second reservation information 155 from a specific user. As a result, according to the charge management system 1, a power supply device 2 that is in exclusive use can be used by a user who is available to occupy it through reservation.

[0085] Furthermore, in the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment, when there is no existing reservation in the second reservation information 155 between the use start time and use end time of a new reservation from a specific user, the operation setting unit 11 accepts an update of the second reservation information 155 based on the new reservation. As a result, according to the charge management system 1, only specific users can make reservations for the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode, which makes it possible to extend the usable time of the power supply device 2.

[0086] The charge management method according to the embodiment is a charge management method for managing a plurality of power supply devices 2. The charge management method includes an operation setting step and a control step. In the operation setting step, an operation mode for each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 is set. In the control step, each of the plurality of power supply devices 2 is controlled based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charge mode in which a specific user has exclusive use of the power supply device 2, and a second charge mode in which a plurality of users share the power supply device 2. As a result, the charge management method enables appropriate control based on whether the plurality of power supply devices 2 are used exclusively or in a shared manner. Furthermore, the charge management method eliminates the need to separate the hardware into the occupied power supply device 2 and the shared power supply device 2, enabling flexible operation according to actual usage.

[0087] (Variation 1) (1) Composition In the charging management system 1 according to the first modification, the setting information 151 includes a fee setting, and the control unit 14 calculates a usage fee for each user ID.

[0088] The setting information 151 includes a first price setting and a second price setting. The first price setting is a price list for the power supply device 2 set to the first charging mode. The second price setting is a price list for the power supply device 2 set to the second charging mode.

[0089] The second pricing setting is, for example, a metered rate where the fee increases according to the charging time, or the second pricing setting is, for example, a metered rate where the fee increases according to the amount of electricity charged.

[0090] The first pricing setting may be, for example, a pay-as-you-go rate where the fee increases according to the charging time, or the first pricing setting may be, for example, a pay-as-you-go rate where the fee increases according to the amount of electricity charged. Here, the first pricing setting may be, for example, a rate that is cheaper than the second pricing setting for the same charging time or amount of electricity. Also, the first pricing setting may be, for example, a flat rate up to a predetermined charging time or a predetermined amount of electricity, and a pay-as-you-go rate beyond that. Note that the relationship between the first pricing setting and the second pricing setting is not limited to the relationship described above.

[0091] Based on the setting information 151, the operation setting unit 11 sets a first fee setting for the power supply device 2 that is set to the first charging mode, and sets a second fee setting for the power supply device 2 that is set to the second charging mode.

[0092] The control unit 14 acquires the charging time or charging amount for each user ID from the plurality of power supply devices 2, and calculates the usage fee for each user ID based on the first fee setting and the second fee setting.

[0093] (2) Effects In the charging management system 1 according to the first modification, the operation setting unit 11 sets a first fee setting and a second fee setting for each of the power supply devices 2 that are set to the first charging mode and the power supply devices 2 that are set to the second charging mode, among the multiple power supply devices 2. The control unit 14 calculates usage fees for users of the multiple power supply devices 2 based on the first fee setting and the second fee setting. This makes it possible for the charging management system 1 to set different usage fees for the shared power supply devices 2 and the power supply devices 2 that are exclusively used, and to set each fee appropriately.

[0094] (Variation 2) In the charge management system 1 according to the second modification, charging by the power supply device 2 is terminated based on the reservation information 152.

[0095] In the charge management system 1 according to the second modification, the operation setting unit 11 acquires the setting information 151 and determines whether or not there is a reservation that is still in progress at the time when use will end. A reservation that is still in progress at the time when use will end refers to a reservation in which charging has started but not finished, and the time when use will end is before the current time.

[0096] If there is a reservation that is still in progress at the time when use ends, the operation setting unit 11 transmits a request to stop charging to the power supply device 2 that is being used by that reservation.

[0097] When the power supply device 2 receives the request to stop charging, it switches the switch 21 to the open state and ends charging of the vehicle 3.

[0098] According to the charge management system 1 of the second modification, it is possible to end charging at the scheduled end time even if the user does not perform an operation to end charging.

[0099] (Variation 3) In the charge management system 1 according to the third modification, charging by the power supply device 2 is terminated based on the state of the storage battery 31 of the vehicle 3.

[0100] In the charge management system 1 according to the third modification, when the power supply device 2 is notified by the vehicle 3 that the storage battery 31 is fully charged, the power supply device 2 switches the switch 21 to the open state and ends the charging. The power supply device 2 transmits a charging end notification to the charge management system 1.

[0101] According to the charge management system 1 of the third modification, it is possible to terminate charging when the charging is completed, even if the user does not perform an operation to terminate charging.

[0102] (Other variations) (1) In the charging system 100 according to the embodiment and each modification, the terminal device 4 captures an image of a two-dimensional barcode attached to the power supply device 2 in step S24. However, the operation of the terminal device 4 is not limited to capturing an image of a two-dimensional barcode as long as the terminal device 4 acquires identification information attached to the power supply device 2. For example, in step S24, the terminal device 4 may capture an image of a one-dimensional barcode attached to the power supply device 2. Also, for example, in step S24, the terminal device 4 may receive input of a character string written on the power supply device 2 from the user. Also, for example, the terminal device 4 may acquire identification information from an IC tag attached to the power supply device 2 by near field communication (NFC).

[0103] (2) In the charging system 100 according to the embodiment and each modification, the storage battery 31 has a converter that converts AC power supplied from the power supply device 2 into DC for charging the secondary battery. However, the power supply device 2 may have a converter that converts AC power supplied from the switch 21 into DC for charging the secondary battery, and may supply DC to the storage battery 31.

[0104] (3) In the charging system 100 according to the embodiment and each modification, a user ID corresponding to a specific user who has exclusive use of the power supply device 2 set in the first charging mode can reserve the power supply device 2. However, for example, the specific user who has exclusive use of the power supply device 2 set in the first charging mode may also be able to reserve the power supply device 2 set in the second charging mode as one of multiple users who share the power supply device 2.

[0105] (Aspect) A charge management system (1) according to a first aspect manages a plurality of chargers (2). The charge management system (1) includes an operation setting unit (11) and a control unit (14). The operation setting unit (11) sets an operation mode for each of the plurality of chargers (2). The control unit (14) controls each of the plurality of chargers (2) based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charge mode in which a specific user has exclusive use of the charger (2) and a second charge mode in which a plurality of users share the charger (2).

[0106] The charge management system (1) according to the above aspect enables appropriate control based on whether the chargers (2) are used exclusively or shared. Furthermore, the charge management system (1) does not require separate hardware for the occupied chargers (2) and the shared chargers (2), enabling flexible operation according to the actual usage situation.

[0107] In the charge management system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the operation setting unit (11) acquires the operation mode of each of the plurality of chargers (2) from a manager of the plurality of chargers (2).

[0108] According to the charging management system (1) of the above aspect, the administrator can arbitrarily decide whether each of the multiple chargers (2) will be used exclusively or shared, and then the system can be operated in a manner suitable for the configuration.

[0109] In the charge management system (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the control unit (14) controls a first charger (2) set to the second charging mode among the plurality of chargers (2) in accordance with first reservation information (154). The operation setting unit (11) accepts updates to the first reservation information (154) from the plurality of users.

[0110] According to the charge management system (1) of the above aspect, the second charger (2) shared by a plurality of users can be used by each of the plurality of users by making a reservation.

[0111] In the charge management system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, when there is an existing reservation in the first reservation information (154) at a time a predetermined time before the start time of use of new reservations from multiple users, the operation setting unit (11) does not accept an update of the first reservation information (154) based on the new reservation.

[0112] According to the charging management system (1) according to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a period during which the charger (2) cannot be used despite having been reserved, due to the reservations of two different users among a plurality of users being close in time.

[0113] In the charge management system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, if there is an existing reservation in the first reservation information (154) at a time that is a predetermined time after the end time of use of new reservations from multiple users, the operation setting unit (11) does not accept an update of the first reservation information (154) based on the new reservation.

[0114] According to the charging management system (1) according to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a period during which the charger (2) cannot be used despite having been reserved, due to the reservations of two different users among a plurality of users being close in time.

[0115] In the charge management system (1) according to a sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit (14) controls a second charger (2) set to the first charging mode among the plurality of chargers (2) in accordance with second reservation information (155). The operation setting unit (11) accepts an update of the second reservation information (155) from a specific user.

[0116] According to the charge management system (1) of the above aspect, the first charger (2) that is to be occupied by a specific user can be used by the specific user by making a reservation.

[0117] In the charge management system (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, when there is no existing reservation in the second reservation information (155) between the start time and end time of use in a new reservation from a specific user, the operation setting unit (11) accepts an update of the second reservation information (155) based on the new reservation.

[0118] According to the charge management system (1) of the above aspect, a specific user can make a reservation for the second charger (2), so that the usable time of the charger (2) can be extended.

[0119] In the charging management system (1) according to an eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the operation setting unit (11) sets a first fee setting and a second fee setting for each of the chargers (2) set to a first charging mode and a second charging mode among the plurality of chargers (2). The control unit (14) calculates usage fees for the users of the plurality of chargers (2) based on the first fee setting and the second fee setting.

[0120] According to the charging management system (1) according to the above aspect, it is possible to set different usage fees for the shared power supply device 2 and the exclusive power supply device 2, and to set them appropriately.

[0121] A charge management method according to a ninth aspect is a charge management method for managing a plurality of chargers (2). The charge management method includes an operation setting step and a control step. In the operation setting step, an operation mode of each of the plurality of chargers (2) is set. In the control step, each of the plurality of chargers (2) is controlled based on the corresponding operation mode. The operation modes include a first charge mode that allows a specific user to exclusively use the charger (2) and a second charge mode that allows a plurality of users to share the charger (2).

[0122] The charge management method according to the above aspect enables appropriate control based on whether a plurality of chargers (2) are used exclusively or shared. Furthermore, the charge management method eliminates the need to separate the hardware into the occupied chargers (2) and the shared chargers (2), enabling flexible operation according to the actual usage situation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Charging management system 11 Operation setting section 14 Control Unit 154 First reservation information 155 Second Reservation Information 2 Power supply device (charger, 1st charger, 2nd charger)

Claims

1. A charge management system that manages a plurality of chargers, an operation setting unit that sets an operation mode for each of the plurality of chargers; a control unit that controls each of the plurality of chargers based on the corresponding operation mode; The operation modes include a first charging mode in which a specific user has exclusive use of the charger, and a second charging mode in which a plurality of users share the charger. Charging management system.

2. the operation setting unit acquires the operation mode of each of the plurality of chargers from a manager of the plurality of chargers. The charge management system according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit controls a first charger set to the second charging mode among the plurality of chargers in accordance with first reservation information; the operation setting unit accepts updates to the first reservation information from the plurality of users; The charge management system according to claim 1 .

4. the operation setting unit does not accept update of the first reservation information based on the new reservation when an existing reservation exists in the first reservation information at a time that is a predetermined time before the use start time of the new reservation from the plurality of users; The charge management system according to claim 3 .

5. the operation setting unit does not accept update of the first reservation information based on the new reservation when an existing reservation exists in the first reservation information at a time that is a predetermined time after the end time of use of the new reservation from the plurality of users; The charge management system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the control unit controls a second charger set to the first charging mode among the plurality of chargers in accordance with second reservation information; the operation setting unit accepts an update of the second reservation information from the specific user; The charge management system according to claim 3 .

7. the operation setting unit accepts update of the second reservation information based on the new reservation when there is no existing reservation in the second reservation information between a use start time and a use end time of the new reservation from the specific user; The charge management system according to claim 6 .

8. the operation setting unit sets a first fee setting and a second fee setting for each of the chargers set to the first charging mode and the second charging mode among the plurality of chargers; the control unit calculates usage fees for the users of the plurality of chargers based on the first fee setting and the second fee setting. The charge management system according to claim 1 .

9. A charge management method for managing a plurality of chargers, comprising: an operation setting step of setting an operation mode for each of the plurality of chargers; a control step of controlling each of the plurality of chargers based on the corresponding operation mode; The operation modes include a first charging mode in which a specific user has exclusive use of the charger, and a second charging mode in which a plurality of users share the charger. Charging management method.

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