Charge control device, charge control method, and charge control program

Abstract

To provide a charge control device, a charge control method, and a charge control program capable of performing charging according to a user request.SOLUTION: A charge control device 5 comprises: a calculation unit 10 for calculating a first present capacity of a first battery 130, a first required power amount of a first vehicle 110, and a second required power amount of a second vehicle 120; a determination unit 11 that acquires a remaining capacity of the first battery 130 when feeding power from the first battery 130 to a second battery 150, and compares the remaining capacity with the first required power amount, on the basis of the first present capacity and the second required power amount each calculated by the calculation unit 10; and a control unit 12 for displaying the comparison result of the determination unit 11 on a touch panel display 8, and for controlling charging of a charge / discharge device 1. The control unit 12 displays a screen for accepting an instruction of power feeding from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150 on the touch panel display 8 when the remaining power is less than the first required power amount in the comparison result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge control device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional charge control device is, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1. The charge control device described in Patent Document 1 charges a second battery of a power receiving vehicle with power from a first battery of a power supplying vehicle, and includes: a power supplying capacity setting means that acquires the current capacity of the first battery and sets the remaining capacity of the first battery required for the power supplying vehicle to arrive at a first destination as a required remaining capacity; a power receiving capacity setting means that sets the capacity of the second battery required for the power receiving vehicle to arrive at a second destination as a required charge capacity; and a determination means that calculates the remaining capacity of the first battery after charging the second battery from the difference between the current capacity and the required charge capacity of the first battery, as a post-charge remaining capacity, compares the calculated post-charge remaining capacity with the required remaining capacity, and determines whether to charge the second battery with power from the first battery based on the comparison result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-73382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional charging control device, if the remaining capacity after charging of the power supplying vehicle is less than the required remaining capacity of the power receiving vehicle, it is determined that charging is impossible, and therefore power cannot be supplied from the first battery of the power supplying vehicle to the second battery of the power receiving vehicle. However, depending on the situation of the power receiving vehicle (e.g., an emergency vehicle), charging of the power receiving vehicle may be absolutely necessary. In such a case, a conventional charging control device cannot charge the power supplying vehicle if the remaining capacity after charging of the power receiving vehicle is less than the required remaining capacity of the power receiving vehicle.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a charge control device, a charge control method, and a charge control program that are capable of charging in accordance with a user's request. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging control device of the present invention is a charging control device that controls a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, and includes: a calculation unit that calculates the current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of electricity required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of electricity required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison unit that obtains the remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and second amount of electricity calculated by the calculation unit, and compares the remaining capacity with the first amount of electricity; and a control unit that displays the comparison result of the comparison unit on a display unit and controls charging in the charger; and when the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of electricity, the control unit displays a screen on the display unit that accepts an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery.

[0007] (1) In the charge control device according to the present invention, when the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery. In this way, the charge control device causes the display unit to display a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery, so that the charge control device can accept an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery even when the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control device can charge the second vehicle when charging of the second vehicle is absolutely necessary. In other words, the user can select whether or not to charge the second storage battery from the first storage battery when the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control device can charge according to the user's request.

[0008] If the first vehicle on the power supply side is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or the like, it can run on fuel such as gasoline even if the remaining charge is zero (running out of power). Even if the first vehicle on the power supply side is an electric vehicle (EV), if the first vehicle does not need to run immediately (for example, if it can wait until the next vehicle on the power supply side arrives), it can charge the second storage battery of the second vehicle until the remaining capacity of the first storage battery reaches zero. Thus, depending on the state or situation of the first vehicle, no problems will arise for the first vehicle even if the first storage battery is charged so that its remaining capacity becomes less than the first amount of power. The charge control device allows the user to understand such situations and so on and charge according to the user's request.

[0009] (2) In the charge control device of (1) above, when the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, the control unit may cause the display unit to display an option to instruct the user to prioritize power supply from the first storage battery to the second storage battery and an option to instruct the user to prioritize the remaining capacity of the first storage battery. In this configuration, when the user selects the option to instruct the user to prioritize power supply from the first storage battery to the second storage battery, charging is controlled to supply the power (supplied power) required by the second storage battery of the second vehicle within the range of the remaining capacity. When the user selects the option to prioritize the remaining capacity of the first storage battery, charging is controlled to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery so as to maintain the remaining capacity. In this way, when the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, by displaying multiple options that can be selected depending on the user's situation, etc., charging can be performed according to the user's wishes.

[0010] (3) In the charge control device of (1) or (2) above, the calculation unit may calculate a current second capacity of the second storage battery, and the comparison unit may acquire the remaining capacity based on the first capacity, the second capacity, and the second amount of power respectively calculated by the calculation unit. In this configuration, the power required by the second storage battery of the second vehicle is calculated based on the difference between the second capacity and the second amount of power. This makes it possible to avoid the capacity required by the second storage battery of the second vehicle being excessive. This makes it possible to acquire a more accurate remaining capacity.

[0011] (4) In any one of the charging control devices (1) to (3) above, the calculation unit may calculate the first amount of electric power based on a planned travel distance of the first vehicle and a first electric power efficiency of the first vehicle, and may calculate the second amount of electric power based on a planned travel distance of the second vehicle and a second electric power efficiency of the second vehicle. In this configuration, electric power efficiency is used to calculate each of the first amount of electric power and the second amount of electric power, so that the first amount of electric power and the second amount of electric power can be calculated according to the characteristics of each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0012] (5) In any one of the charge control devices (1) to (4) above, the comparison unit may acquire the remaining capacity including the loss associated with charging in the charger. In this configuration, since the remaining capacity including the loss in the charger is acquired, it is possible to compare the remaining capacity with the first amount of power based on the more accurate remaining capacity.

[0013] (6) A charging control method according to the present invention is a charging control method for controlling a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, and includes: a calculation step for calculating a current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of power required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of power required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison step for obtaining the remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and the second amount of power calculated in the calculation step, and comparing the remaining capacity with the first amount of power; and a control step for displaying the comparison result in the comparison step on a display unit and controlling charging in the charger, wherein in the control step, if the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, a screen for accepting an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery is displayed on the display unit.

[0014] In the charge control method according to the present invention, in the control step, if the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery is displayed on the display unit. In this way, in the charge control method, by displaying a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery on the display unit, an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery can be accepted even if the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control method allows charging of the second vehicle when charging of the second vehicle is absolutely necessary. In other words, the user can select whether or not to charge the second storage battery from the first storage battery when the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control method allows charging according to the user's request.

[0015] (7) A charging control program according to the present invention is a charging control program for controlling a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: a calculation step for calculating a current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of electricity required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of electricity required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison step for obtaining the remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and the second amount of electricity calculated in the calculation step, and comparing the remaining capacity with the first amount of electricity; and a control step for displaying the comparison result in the comparison step on a display unit and controlling charging in the charger; and in the control step, if the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of electricity, a screen for accepting an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery is displayed on the display unit.

[0016] In the charge control program according to the present invention, in the control step, if the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, the display unit displays a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery. In this way, the charge control program displays a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery on the display unit, so that the instruction to feed power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery can be accepted even if the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control program allows charging of the second vehicle when charging of the second vehicle is absolutely necessary. In other words, the user can select whether or not to charge the second storage battery from the first storage battery when the remaining capacity of the first storage battery is less than the first amount of power. Therefore, the charge control program allows charging according to the user's request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, charging can be performed according to the user's request. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charge / discharge device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charge control device. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen relating to a planned driving distance displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen for inputting electricity consumption displayed on a touch panel display. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a charging method displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 8] 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen for selecting a charging method displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 9] 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen showing the charging time displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a charging completion screen displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a charging method in the charging system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a charging method in the charging system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a charging method in the charging system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a charging method in the charging system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a charging method in the charging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging system. As shown in Fig. 1, charging system 100 includes a charging / discharging device (charger) 1, a first vehicle 110, and a second vehicle 120. Charging system 100 is a system that charges a battery of one of first vehicle 110 and second vehicle 120 using a battery of the other vehicle. First vehicle 110 and second vehicle 120 may be an EV (Electric Vehicle), a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or the like. In this embodiment, first vehicle 110 is a power supply vehicle that supplies power (outputs power), and second vehicle 120 is a charging vehicle that receives power (receives power).

[0021] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle 110. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the first vehicle 110 includes a first battery (first storage battery) 130 and a communication unit 140. The communication unit 140 is capable of communicating with the charging / discharging device 1. When the first vehicle 110 and the charging / discharging device 1 are connected by a charging cable C (see FIG. 1), the communication unit 140 is capable of communicating with the charging / discharging device 1. A charging gun (not shown) is provided on the charging cable C. When the charging gun is connected to the first vehicle 110, communication between the first vehicle 110 and the charging / discharging device 1 begins.

[0022] FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle 120. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the second vehicle 120 includes a second battery (second storage battery) 150 and a communication unit 160. The communication unit 160 is capable of communicating with the charging / discharging device 1. When the second vehicle 120 and the charging / discharging device 1 are connected by a charging cable C, the communication unit 160 is capable of communicating with the charging / discharging device 1. When the charging gun is connected to the second vehicle 120, communication between the second vehicle 120 and the charging / discharging device 1 begins.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charging / discharging device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the charging / discharging device 1 includes a communication unit 2, a high-power circuit 3, a high-power circuit control unit 4, a charging control device 5, and a GPS receiver 6. The charging / discharging device 1 includes a charging cable C that can be connected to each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120.

[0024] The communication unit 2 communicates with the charge control device 5. The communication unit 2 outputs a control signal transmitted from the charge control device 5 to the high-power circuit control unit 4.

[0025] The high-power circuit 3 is a DC / DC converter. The high-power circuit 3 converts DC power output from the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 into DC power with adjusted voltage, etc., and outputs the DC power to the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120. The high-power circuit 3 may be configured to include an inverter, a transformer, a rectifier circuit, etc.

[0026] The high-power circuit control unit 4 controls the high-power circuit 3. Based on the control signal, the high-power circuit control unit 4 controls the high-power circuit 3. Based on the control by the high-power circuit control unit 4, the high-power circuit 3 operates the switching elements of the inverter, causing the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 to output a predetermined amount of power to the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charge control device 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the charge control device 5 includes a communication unit 7, a touch panel display (display unit) 8, an acquisition unit 9, a calculation unit 10, a determination unit (comparison unit) 11, and a control unit 12.

[0028] The communication unit 7 communicates with the communication unit 140 of the first vehicle 110, the communication unit 160 of the second vehicle 120, and the communication unit 2 of the charging / discharging device 1. The communication unit 7 performs CAN communication with the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120. The CAN communication is communication in accordance with the CHAdeMO standard. The communication unit 7 may be a CHAdeMO controller. The communication unit 7 acquires the SOC (State Of Charge) and total battery capacity for each of the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 and the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120 through communication with the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120. The communication unit 7 outputs capacity information related to the SOC and total battery capacity to the calculation unit 10. The communication unit 7 transmits control information to the charging / discharging device 1 (communication unit 2).

[0029] The touch panel display 8 displays various types of information. The display on the touch panel display 8 is controlled by the control unit 12. The touch panel display 8 accepts operations from the user. The touch panel display 8 displays a guide screen regarding the charging method.

[0030] A screen related to the planned driving distance of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 is displayed on the touch panel display 8. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen related to the planned driving distance displayed on the touch panel display 8. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the touch panel display 8 displays the items "Enter planned driving distance" and "Nearby EV charger" for each of the first vehicle 110 (power supply vehicle) and the second vehicle 120 (charging vehicle) as items related to the planned driving distance. When "Enter planned driving distance" is selected (pressed, touched) on the touch panel display 8, a screen for inputting the planned driving distance is displayed. Methods for inputting the planned driving distance include inputting a numerical value by pressing the numbers displayed on the screen, selection by a drum roll, etc.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5(b), when a planned driving distance is input, the input planned driving distance is displayed on the touch panel display 8. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), it is displayed that the planned driving distance of the first vehicle 110 is "10 km" and the planned driving distance of the second vehicle 120 is "4 km". As shown in FIG. 5(b), the selected item is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from unselected items. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the selected item is displayed in a color different from the other items. The touch panel display 8 outputs distance information related to the input planned driving distance to the calculation unit 10. When "nearby EV charger" is selected, the touch panel display 8 outputs selection information indicating that "nearby EV charger" has been selected to the acquisition unit 9.

[0032] A screen for inputting the electricity mileage of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 is displayed on the touch panel display 8. Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen for inputting electricity mileage displayed on the touch panel display 8. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the touch panel display 8 displays an "Enter electricity mileage" item for each of the first vehicle 110 (power supply vehicle) and the second vehicle 120 (charging vehicle).

[0033] When "Enter electricity mileage" is selected on the touch panel display 8, a screen for entering electricity mileage is displayed. Methods for entering electricity mileage include entering a numerical value by pressing numbers displayed on the screen, and selecting by drum roll. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when electricity mileage is entered, the entered electricity mileage is displayed on the touch panel display 8. In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), it is displayed that the electricity mileage of the first vehicle 110 (powered vehicle) is "6 km / kWh" and the electricity mileage of the second vehicle 120 (charging vehicle) is "4 km / kWh". The electricity mileage information related to the electricity mileage entered on the touch panel display 8 is output to the calculation unit 10.

[0034] A screen for selecting a charging method is displayed on the touch panel display 8. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a charging method that is displayed on the touch panel display 8. As shown in FIG. 7, the touch panel display 8 displays the options "Charge so that it can travel 10 km" and "Charge so that it can travel to the nearest EV charger" as methods for charging the second vehicle 120. The touch panel display 8 outputs information indicating the selected option to the control unit 12.

[0035] 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing an example of a screen for selecting a charging method displayed on the touch panel display. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the touch panel display 8 displays the options "Give priority to power supply vehicle" and "Give priority to charging vehicle" as charging methods. The example shown in FIG. 8(b) shows that "Give priority to power supply vehicle" has been selected. The touch panel display 8 outputs information indicating the selected option to the control unit 12.

[0036] A screen indicating the charging time is displayed on the touch panel display 8. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing examples of screens indicating the charging time displayed on the touch panel display 8. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the touch panel display 8 displays items such as "The shortest charging time is 30 minutes" and "Please enter the desired charging time" as charging times. When "Please enter the desired charging time" is selected on the touch panel display 8, a screen for inputting the desired charging time is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the desired charging time is input, the input desired charging time is displayed on the touch panel display 8. In the example shown in FIG. 9(b), the desired charging time is displayed as "10 minutes."

[0037] A screen indicating that charging is complete is displayed on the touch panel display 8. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a charging completion screen displayed on the touch panel display 8. As shown in Fig. 10, the charging result is displayed on the touch panel display 8. In the example shown in Fig. 10, "10 kWh charged" is displayed as the charging result. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the capacity (5 kWh) and travelable distance (30 km) of the first battery 130 of the power supply vehicle (first vehicle 110), and the capacity (20 kWh) and travelable distance (80 km) of the second battery 150 of the charging vehicle (second vehicle 120) are displayed.

[0038] Returning to Fig. 4, the acquisition unit 9 acquires location information. The acquisition unit 9 acquires current location information of the charging / discharging device 1 from the GPS receiver 6. When selection information is output from the touch panel display 8, the acquisition unit 9 acquires the location information.

[0039] The acquisition unit 9 acquires charger location information of the charger (charging station) based on the location information. The acquisition unit 9 acquires the charger location information from the database DB. The acquisition unit 9 can access the database DB via the Internet. The acquisition unit 9 accesses the database DB and acquires charger location information of a charger that is located close to the current location of the charging / discharging device 1 based on the location information of the charging / discharging device 1. The database DB includes information related to chargers that can charge the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120. The database DB may include a map app, an app for sharing charger information, etc. The acquisition unit 9 outputs the location information and the charger location information to the calculation unit 10.

[0040] The calculation unit 10 performs calculations related to charging of the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 and the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120. The calculation unit 10 calculates the current capacity (first capacity) (hereinafter also referred to as "first current capacity") of the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 and the current capacity (second capacity) (hereinafter also referred to as "second current capacity") of the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120. The calculation unit 10 calculates the first current capacity and the second current capacity based on capacity information (SOC, total battery capacity). The calculation unit 10 calculates the first current capacity and the second current capacity based on the following equations. SOC [%] x total battery capacity [Wh] = current capacity [Wh] The calculation unit 10 outputs capacity information relating to the calculated first current capacity and second current capacity to the determination unit 11.

[0041] The calculation unit 10 calculates the amount of power (first amount of power) required by the first vehicle 110 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first required amount of power") and the amount of power (second amount of power) (hereinafter also referred to as the "second required amount of power") required by the second vehicle 120. The calculation unit 10 calculates the first required amount of power and the second required amount of power based on the distance traveled by each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 and the electricity efficiency of each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120.

[0042] The distance traveled by each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 is acquired based on information indicating the distance input to the touch panel display 8, or on the location information and charger location information output from the acquisition unit 9. The power consumption (first power consumption, second power consumption) of each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 is acquired from the power consumption information. The first required amount of energy is the amount of energy desired to be left in the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110. The second required amount of energy is the amount of energy desired to be supplied to the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120. The calculation unit 10 calculates the first required amount of energy and the second required amount of energy based on the following formulas. Distance [km] / Electricity cost [km / kWh] = Electricity amount [kWh] The calculation unit 10 outputs the power amount information relating to the calculated power amount to the determination unit 11.

[0043] The determination unit 11 acquires the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 when power is supplied from the first vehicle 110 to the second vehicle 120, and compares the remaining capacity with the first required amount of power. The determination unit 11 compares the remaining capacity with the first required amount of power based on the capacity information and power amount information output from the calculation unit 10. The determination unit 11 calculates the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 based on the following formula. (First current capacity - ((Second required power amount - Second current capacity) x reciprocal of device loss)) = remaining capacity In the above formula, "second required amount of energy - second current capacity" corresponds to the amount of energy (hereinafter also referred to as "amount of energy to be supplied") that second battery 150 of second vehicle 120 desires to receive. The reciprocal of the device loss is a value set in charging / discharging device 1.

[0044] The determination unit 11 compares the remaining capacity with the first required power amount and determines whether the remaining capacity is greater than the first required power amount. The determination unit 11 outputs the determination result (comparison result) to the control unit 12.

[0045] The control unit 12 performs overall control of the charge control device 5. The control unit 12 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The control unit 12 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and an input / output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM. The control unit 12 controls the display of the touch panel display 8.

[0046] Control unit 12 generates a control signal for controlling charging based on the determination result by determination unit 11. If the determination result shows that the remaining capacity is greater than the first required amount of energy (remaining capacity>first required amount of energy), control unit 12 displays a screen (see FIG. 7) for selecting a charging method on touch panel display 8. When either the option "Charge so that the vehicle can travel 10 km" or "Charge so that the vehicle can travel to the nearest EV charger" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7, control unit 12 calculates the charging time according to the selected option. Calculation unit 10 calculates the shortest charging time [h] based on the amount of energy [kWh] that second battery 150 of second vehicle 120 desires to receive and the maximum output power [Wh] of charging / discharging device 1.

[0047] The control unit 12 causes the touch panel display 8 to display a screen (see FIG. 9) for selecting the charging time. The control unit 12 generates a control signal based on the charging time selected (input) in response to the display of the screen for selecting the charging time on the touch panel display 8. The control unit 12 compares the shortest charging time with the desired charging time and generates a control signal. The control unit 12 acquires the shortest charging time based on the time information output from the calculation unit 10. If the shortest charging time is longer than the desired charging time (shortest charging time>desired charging time), the control unit 12 generates a control signal for charging using the shortest charging time. If the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (shortest charging time<desired charging time), the control unit 12 generates a control signal for charging using the desired charging time.

[0048] If the determination result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first required amount of power (remaining capacity<first required amount of power), the control unit 12 causes the touch panel display 8 to display a screen for receiving an instruction to supply power from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150. The control unit 12 causes the touch panel display 8 to display a screen (see FIG. 8) for selecting a charging method. When either the option "Give priority to charging vehicle" or "Give priority to power supply vehicle" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 12 calculates a charging time according to the selected option. The control unit 12 causes the touch panel display 8 to display a screen (see FIG. 9) for selecting a charging time.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of a charging method (charge control method) that is implemented by executing a charge control program in the charging system 100. Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are flowcharts showing the charging method.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11, when the charging gun is connected to each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120, the power of the charging / discharging device 1 is turned on (step S01), and a screen for inputting the planned driving distance (see FIG. 5(a)) is displayed on the touch panel display 8 (step S02).

[0051] Next, it is determined whether or not input of the planned driving distance has been selected on the touch panel display 8 (step S03). If it is determined that the planned driving distance has been input (step S03: YES), the process proceeds to step S04. If it is not determined that the planned driving distance has been input (step S03: NO), that is, if a nearby EV charger has been selected, the process proceeds to step S05.

[0052] In step S04, the user inputs the planned driving distance on the touch panel display 8. In step S05, the location information of the charging / discharging device 1 is acquired from the GPS receiver 6. Next, charger location information of nearby EV chargers is acquired based on the location information (step S06), and the planned driving distance is calculated based on the location information of the charging / discharging device 1 and the charger location information (step S07).

[0053] Next, the user inputs electricity efficiency on the touch panel display 8 (step S08). Next, capacity information is acquired from each of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 (step S09). Next, a first current capacity and a second current capacity are calculated based on the capacity information (step S10, calculation step), and a first required amount of electricity and a second required amount of electricity are calculated based on the planned traveling distance and electricity efficiency (step S11, calculation step). Next, the process proceeds to process A.

[0054] 12, in process A, it is determined whether the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is greater than the first required capacity (step S12, comparison step). If it is determined that the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is greater than the first required capacity (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If it is not determined that the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is greater than the first required capacity (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to process B.

[0055] In step S13, the charging time is calculated. Next, the shortest charging time is displayed on the touch panel display 8 (step S14), and the desired charging time is input on the touch panel display 8 (step S15). Next, it is determined whether the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (shortest charging time<desired charging time) (step S16). If it is determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S16: YES), a control signal indicating the number of minutes for charging at an output that will provide the feed power is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S17, control step). If it is not determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S16: NO), a control signal indicating the number of minutes for charging at maximum output is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S18, control step). The charging / discharging device 1 starts charging based on the control signal (step S19). Next, the process proceeds to process D.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 13, in Process B, it is determined whether or not the item "Give priority to power supply vehicle" has been selected on the screen of the touch panel display 8 shown in Fig. 8 (Step S20). If it is determined that the item "Give priority to power supply vehicle" has been selected (Step S20: YES), the process proceeds to Step S21. If it is not determined that the item "Give priority to power supply vehicle" has been selected (Step S20: NO), the process proceeds to Process C.

[0057] In step S21, the charging time is calculated. Next, the shortest charging time is displayed on the touch panel display 8 (step S22), and the desired charging time is input on the touch panel display 8 (step S23). Next, it is determined whether the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (shortest charging time<desired charging time) (step S24). If it is determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S24: YES), a control signal indicating the number of minutes of charging at an output that will result in feed power is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S25). If it is not determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S24: NO), a control signal indicating the number of minutes of charging at maximum output is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S26). The charging / discharging device 1 starts charging based on the control signal (step S27). Next, the process proceeds to process D.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 14, in process C, the charging time is calculated (step S28). Next, the shortest charging time is displayed on the touch panel display 8 (step S29), and the desired charging time is input on the touch panel display 8 (step S30). Next, it is determined whether the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (shortest charging time<desired charging time) (step S31). If it is determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S31: YES), a control signal indicating the number of minutes for charging at maximum output is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S32). If it is not determined that the shortest charging time is shorter than the desired charging time (step S31: NO), a control signal indicating the number of minutes for charging at an output that will become the feed power is generated and output to the charging / discharging device 1 (step S33). The charging / discharging device 1 starts charging based on the control signal (step S34). Next, the process proceeds to process D.

[0059] 15, in process D, the charge / discharge device 1 performs a charge / discharge process (step S35). Then, after charging has been performed for a predetermined time, the charge / discharge process is terminated (step S36). Finally, when the charge / discharge process is completed, the charge result is displayed on the touch panel display 8 (step S37).

[0060] As described above, in the charge control device 5 of the charging / discharging device 1 according to this embodiment, when the comparison result indicates that the remaining capacity is less than the first required amount of power, the control unit 12 causes the touch panel display 8 to display a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150. In this way, by causing the touch panel display 8 to display a screen for accepting an instruction to feed power from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150, the charge control device 5 can accept an instruction to feed power from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150 even when the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is less than the first required amount of power. Therefore, the charge control device 5 can charge the second vehicle 120 when charging of the second vehicle 120 is absolutely necessary. In other words, the user can select whether or not to charge the second battery 150 from the first battery 130 when the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is less than the first required amount of power. Therefore, the charge control device 5 can charge according to the user's request.

[0061] In the charge control device 5 according to this embodiment, when the remaining capacity is less than the first required amount of power as a result of the determination, the control unit 12 displays on the touch panel display 8 an option to instruct to prioritize power supply from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150 and an option to instruct to prioritize the remaining capacity of the first battery 130. In this configuration, when the option to prioritize power supply from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150 is selected by the user, charging is controlled to supply the power (supplied power) required by the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120 within the range of the remaining capacity. When the option to prioritize the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 is selected by the user, charging is controlled to supply power from the first battery 130 to the second battery 150 so as to maintain the remaining capacity. In this way, when the remaining capacity is less than the first required amount of power as a result of the determination, by displaying multiple options selectable according to the user's situation, etc., charging can be performed according to the user's wishes.

[0062] In the charge control device 5 according to this embodiment, the calculation unit 10 calculates the second current capacity of the second battery 150. The determination unit 11 acquires the remaining capacity based on the first current capacity, the second current capacity, and the second required amount of power calculated by the calculation unit 10. In this configuration, the power required by the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120 is calculated based on the difference between the second current capacity and the second required amount of power. This makes it possible to prevent the capacity required by the second battery 150 of the second vehicle 120 from being excessive. This makes it possible to acquire a more accurate remaining capacity.

[0063] In the charge control device 5 according to this embodiment, the calculation unit 10 calculates a first required amount of energy based on the planned travel distance of the first vehicle 110 and the power efficiency of the first vehicle 110, and calculates a second required amount of energy based on the planned travel distance of the second vehicle 120 and the power efficiency of the second vehicle 120. In this configuration, the power efficiency is used to calculate each of the first required amount of energy and the second required amount of energy, so that the first required amount of energy and the second required amount of energy can be calculated according to the characteristics of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120, respectively.

[0064] In the charge control device 5 according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 11 acquires the remaining capacity including the loss associated with charging in the charge / discharge device 1. In this configuration, since the remaining capacity including the loss in the charge / discharge device 1 is acquired, it is possible to compare the remaining capacity with the first required amount of power based on the more accurate remaining capacity.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first vehicle 110 is a power supply vehicle and the second vehicle 120 is a charging vehicle. However, the first vehicle 110 may be a charging vehicle and the second vehicle 120 may be a power supply vehicle.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the charging / discharging device 1 is provided with the touch panel display 8. However, the charging / discharging device 1 may also be provided with a display (display unit) and an operation unit (keyboard, etc.).

[0068] Furthermore, the charging / discharging device 1 does not necessarily have to include a touch panel display 8, a display unit, or an operation unit. In this case, various screens may be displayed and user operations may be performed on a user's terminal device (such as a smartphone or tablet terminal). The charging / discharging device and the terminal device are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via the Internet, short-range wireless communication, or the like.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the charging / discharging device 1 includes the GPS receiver 6. However, the GPS receiver 6 may be included in the charging control device 5.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user inputs the electricity mileage of the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120 on the touch panel display 8 (operation unit). However, the electricity mileage may be acquired from the first vehicle 110 and the second vehicle 120, or may be acquired from the database DB.

[0071] In addition to the above embodiment, when the option "Give priority to power supply vehicle" is selected on the screen shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 12 may transmit information requesting power supply to a vehicle present near the charging / discharging device 1. In this case, even if the remaining capacity of the first battery 130 of the first vehicle 110 is depleted, the first vehicle 110 can be charged by another vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...charging / discharging device (charger), 5...charging control device, 8...touch panel display (display unit), 10...calculation unit, 11...judgment unit (comparison unit), 12...control unit, 110...first vehicle, 120...second vehicle, 130...first battery (first storage battery), 150...second battery (second storage battery).

Claims

1. A charge control device that controls a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, a calculation unit that calculates a current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of electric power required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of electric power required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison unit that acquires a remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and the second amount of power respectively calculated by the calculation unit, and compares the remaining capacity with the first amount of power; a control unit that causes a display unit to display a comparison result of the comparison unit and controls charging in the charger, The control unit, when the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, causes the display unit to display a screen that accepts an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery.

2. 2. The charging control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, the control unit causes the display unit to display an item instructing to prioritize power supply from the first storage battery to the second storage battery and an item instructing to prioritize the remaining capacity of the first storage battery.

3. the calculation unit calculates a current second capacity of the second storage battery; The charge control device according to claim 1 , wherein the comparison unit obtains the remaining capacity based on the first capacity, the second capacity, and the second amount of power calculated by the calculation unit.

4. The calculation unit calculating the first amount of electric power based on a planned travel distance of the first vehicle and a first electric power consumption rate of the first vehicle; The charge control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second amount of power is calculated based on a planned travel distance of the second vehicle and a second power efficiency of the second vehicle.

5. The charge control device according to claim 1 , wherein the comparison unit acquires the remaining capacity including a loss associated with charging in the charger.

6. A charge control method for controlling a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, comprising: a calculation step of calculating a current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of electric power required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of electric power required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison step of acquiring a remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and the second amount of power calculated in the calculation step, and comparing the remaining capacity with the first amount of power; a control step of displaying a comparison result in the comparing step on a display unit and controlling charging in the charger, In the control step, if the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, a screen for accepting an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery is displayed on the display unit.

7. A charge control program for controlling a charger that charges a second storage battery of a second vehicle using a first storage battery of a first vehicle, a calculation step of calculating a current first capacity of the first storage battery, a first amount of electric power required for the first vehicle to travel, and a second amount of electric power required for the second vehicle to travel; a comparison step of acquiring a remaining capacity of the first storage battery when power is supplied from the first storage battery to the second storage battery based on the first capacity and the second amount of power calculated in the calculation step, and comparing the remaining capacity with the first amount of power; a control step of displaying a comparison result in the comparing step on a display unit and controlling charging in the charger; In the control step, if the comparison result shows that the remaining capacity is less than the first amount of power, a charging control program causes the display unit to display a screen that accepts an instruction to supply power from the first storage battery to the second storage battery.

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