Charging target switching system

Abstract

To increase an operating rate of a charging station.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the present invention is a charging target switching system. The charging target switching system includes a charging target switching device that sequentially supplies electric power supplied from a charging station to a plurality of electric mobile bodies. The charging target switching device includes one power receiving connector to which a charging cable of the charging station can be connected. The charging target switching system includes a plurality of power transmitting connectors to which a power transmission cable connected to an electric mobile body can be connected. The charging target switching system outputs power which is output from the charging station and is input to the power receiving connector from any one of the power transmitting connectors to the electric mobile body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging object switching system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a charging device for efficiently charging multiple electric vehicles and other electrically powered mobile objects. Specifically, the charging device described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a DC power supply unit, multiple charging cables, and a switching unit for switching the output destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-26961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Charging stations with multiple charging cables can be used by multiple users at the same time, but they require a large amount of space for installation, limiting their installation locations.On the other hand, charging stations with only one charging cable have low utilization rates because the next user cannot use the station unless the user who has finished charging their electric vehicle moves the electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a charging target switching system. The charging target switching system includes a charging target switching device that sequentially supplies power supplied from a charging stand equipped with a single charging cable to multiple electric vehicles. The charging target switching device includes a single power receiving connector to which the charging cable of the charging stand can be connected. The charging target switching system includes multiple power transmitting connectors to which power transmitting cables connected to the electric vehicles can be connected. The charging target switching system outputs power output from the charging stand and input to the power receiving connector to the electric vehicle from any one of the power transmitting connectors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a charging target switching system 100. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a charging object switching device 110. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control device 114. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a schedule stored in a schedule storage unit 114D. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation process performed by the control device 114. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking area availability waiting process performed by the control device 114. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a switch control process performed by a control device 114. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging target switching system 100. The charging target switching system 100 is a system that sequentially supplies power to a plurality of electric vehicles EV. An electric vehicle EV is a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a prime mover. FIG. 1 shows a first electric vehicle EV1, a second electric vehicle EV2, a third electric vehicle EV3, and a fourth electric vehicle EV4 as electric vehicles EV. An electric vehicle EV is an example of an electrically powered moving body.

[0009] The charging object switching system 100 includes a charging object switching device 110, a charging stand 120, and a server 130.

[0010] The charging target switching device 110 is a device that sequentially supplies power supplied from the charging station 120 to a plurality of electric vehicles EV. The charging target switching device 110 is provided near the parking area PA and the charging station 120, for example.

[0011] A parking area PA is a space for parking electric vehicles EV in order to charge them. FIG. 1 illustrates a first parking area PA1, a second parking area PA2, a third parking area PA3, a fourth parking area PA4, and a fifth parking area PA5 as parking areas PA. A first electric vehicle EV1 is parked in the first parking area PA1. A second electric vehicle EV2 is parked in the second parking area PA2. A third electric vehicle EV3 is parked in the third parking area PA3. A fourth electric vehicle EV4 is parked in the fourth parking area PA4. No electric vehicles EV are parked in the fifth parking area PA5.

[0012] The charging stand 120 is a charging facility that supplies power to an electric vehicle EV. The charging stand 120 is equipped with a charging cable OC. The charging cable OC is a connection line that is connected to charge the electric vehicle EV. For example, the charging stand 120 has been in use before the charging target switching device 110 is newly installed. If the charging stand 120 has been in use before the charging target switching device 110 is newly installed, the charging stand 120 is located near a parking area PA. The charging stand 120 shown in FIG. 1 is located near a first parking area PA1. In other words, the first parking area PA1 is a space that has been used to charge electric vehicles EV even before the charging target switching device 110 is newly installed. The charging stand 120 may be newly installed together with the charging target switching device 110 when the charging target switching device 110 is newly installed.

[0013] The server 130 is a computer that provides its own functions, services, data, and the like to the charging object switching device 110 and users in the computer network CN.

[0014] The charging target switching device 110 is connectable to a charging cable OC of the charging stand 120. The charging target switching device 110 is also connectable to a power transmission cable PC connected to an electric vehicle EV. FIG. 1 illustrates a first power transmission cable PC1, a second power transmission cable PC2, a third power transmission cable PC3, a fourth power transmission cable PC4, and a fifth power transmission cable PC5 as power transmission cables PC connected to an electric vehicle EV. The first power transmission cable PC1 is connected to the first electric vehicle EV1. The second power transmission cable PC2 is connected to the second electric vehicle EV2. The third power transmission cable PC3 is connected to the third electric vehicle EV3. The fourth power transmission cable PC4 is connected to the fourth electric vehicle EV4. The fifth power transmission cable PC5 is not connected to an electric vehicle EV.

[0015] The charging target switching device 110 outputs the electric power output from the charging station 120 to one of the electric vehicles EV.

[0016] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the charging target switching device 110. The charging target switching device 110 includes a power receiving connector 111, a plurality of power transmitting connectors 112, a plurality of switches 113, a control device 114, a communication device 115, and a user interface 116.

[0017] The power receiving connector 111 is a connector to which the charging cable OC of the charging stand 120 can be connected.

[0018] The power transmitting connector 112 is a connector that can connect to a power transmitting cable PC that is connected to an electric vehicle EV. The power transmitting connector 112 is connected to the power receiving connector 111 via a power transmission path for transmitting electric power. The charging target switching device 110 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first power transmitting connector 112A, a second power transmitting connector 112B, a third power transmitting connector 112C, a fourth power transmitting connector 112D, and a fifth power transmitting connector 112E as the power transmitting connectors 112. A first power transmitting cable PC1 is connected to the first power transmitting connector 112A. A second power transmitting cable PC2 is connected to the second power transmitting connector 112B. A third power transmitting cable PC3 is connected to the third power transmitting connector 112C. A fourth power transmitting cable PC4 is connected to the fourth power transmitting connector 112D. A fifth power transmitting cable PC5 is connected to the fifth power transmitting connector 112E.

[0019] The charging target switching device 110 outputs the electric power output from the charging stand 120 and input to the power receiving connector 111 from one of the power transmitting connectors 112 to the electric vehicle EV.

[0020] The switch 113 is an electric power device that opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the power transmitting connector 112. The switch 113 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple power transmitting connectors 112. The charging target switching device 110 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first switch 113A, a second switch 113B, a third switch 113C, a fourth switch 113D, and a fifth switch 113E as the switches 113. The first switch 113A is provided corresponding to the first power transmitting connector 112A and opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the first power transmitting connector 112A. The second switch 113B is provided corresponding to the second power transmitting connector 112B and opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the second power transmitting connector 112B. The third switch 113C is provided corresponding to the third power transmitting connector 112C and opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the third power transmitting connector 112C. The fourth switch 113D is provided corresponding to the fourth power transmitting connector 112D and opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the fourth power transmitting connector 112D. The fifth switch 113E is provided corresponding to the fifth power transmitting connector 112E and opens and closes the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the fifth power transmitting connector 112E.

[0021] The charging cable OC of the charging stand 120, the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the power transmitting connector 112, and the power transmission cable PC connected to the electric vehicle EV also serve as communication cables. The charging stand 120 and the electric vehicle EV communicate with each other via the charging cable OC of the charging stand 120, the power transmission path connecting the power receiving connector 111 and the power transmitting connector 112, and the power transmission cable PC connected to the electric vehicle EV. The charging stand 120 and the electric vehicle EV transmit and receive data related to charging. The charging stand 120 and the electric vehicle EV are able to communicate with each other when the power transmission path is controlled to a closed state by the switch 113. The charging stand 120 and the electric vehicle EV are unable to communicate with each other when the power transmission path is controlled to an open state by the switch 113.

[0022] The control device 114 is a controller that controls the switch 113. The control device 114 is electrically connected to the switch 113. The control device 114 controls the switch 113 by transmitting a control signal to the switch 113. The control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the power transmission connector 112 to which the electric vehicle EV to be charged is connected to a closed state, and controls the other switches 113 to an open state. The control device 114 shown in FIG. 2 controls the first switch 113A to a closed state, and controls the second switch 113B, the third switch 113C, the fourth switch 113D, and the fifth switch 113E to an open state.

[0023] The communication device 115 is a device that transmits and receives electricity, radio waves, light, etc. to communicate with other devices. The communication device 115 is electrically connected to the control device 114. The communication device 115 is capable of communicating with the server 130. The communication device 115 is also capable of communicating with the charging stand 120.

[0024] The user interface 116 is a device for exchanging information between the charge target switching device 110 and a user of the charge target switching device 110. The user interface 116 is electrically connected to the control device 114.

[0025] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control device 114. The control device 114 includes a reservation processing unit 114A, a reception processing unit 114B, a schedule updating unit 114C, a schedule storage unit 114D, a status data acquiring unit 114E, and a switch control unit 114F.

[0026] The reservation processing unit 114A is a module that executes processing related to a reservation for using the charging target switching device 110. The reservation processing unit 114A executes processing, for example, when a reservation request is made by a user.

[0027] The reception processing unit 114B is a module that executes processes associated with the procedures when a user parks an electric vehicle EV in a parking area PA and processes associated with the procedures when a user removes an electric vehicle EV from the parking area PA. The reception processing unit 114B executes processes, for example, when the user interface 116 is operated.

[0028] The schedule update unit 114C is a module that updates a schedule that can identify the priority of users who use the charging target switching device 110. The schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule according to information identified by the reservation data acquired by the reservation processing unit 114A. The schedule update unit 114C also updates the schedule according to information identified by the reception data acquired by the reception processing unit 114B.

[0029] The schedule storage unit 114D is a device for storing data indicating a schedule capable of identifying the priority order of users who use the charging target switching device 110. The schedule storage unit 114D stores the schedule updated by the schedule update unit 114C.

[0030] The status data acquisition unit 114E is a module that acquires status data that can identify the charging status of the electric vehicle EV. The status data acquisition unit 114E acquires status data that the communication device 115 receives from the charging stand 120, for example.

[0031] The switch control unit 114F is a module that controls the switch 113. The switch control unit 114F controls the switch 113 by referring to the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D.

[0032] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D. A schedule is associated with a plurality of pieces of information. The schedule shown in FIG. 4 is associated with reservation ID information, user ID information, parking area information, start time information, end time information, and parking flag information.

[0033] The reservation ID information is a code for uniquely identifying each piece of information relating to the reservation of the charging target switching device 110.

[0034] The user ID information is a code for uniquely identifying each user who has made a reservation identified by the reservation ID information. For example, the reservation ID information "R0046" is associated with the user ID information "MAHIRO." This example means that the user who has made the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0046" is the user with the user ID information "MAHIRO."

[0035] The parking area information is information that can identify a parking area PA where an electric vehicle EV corresponding to a reservation identified by the reservation ID information should be parked. For example, reservation ID information "R0046" is associated with parking area information "PA1." This example means that the parking area PA where an electric vehicle EV corresponding to a reservation identified by reservation ID information "R0046" should be parked is the first parking area PA1. Also, for example, reservation ID information "R0051" is not associated with parking area information. This example means that the parking area PA where an electric vehicle EV corresponding to a reservation identified by reservation ID information "R0051" should be parked has not been determined.

[0036] The start time information is information that indicates the scheduled time to start charging the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information. For example, reservation ID information "R0046" is associated with start time information "17:30." This example means that the scheduled time to start charging the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0046" is 17:30.

[0037] The end time information is information that indicates the scheduled time to end charging of the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information. For example, reservation ID information "R0046" is associated with end time information "18:00." This example means that the scheduled time to end charging of the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0046" is 18:00.

[0038] The parking flag information is information that can identify whether an electric vehicle EV corresponding to a reservation identified by the reservation ID information is parked in a parking area PA. For example, reservation ID information "R0046" is associated with parking flag information "ON" and parking area information "PA1." This example means that the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0046" is parked in the first parking area PA1. For example, reservation ID information "R0049" is associated with parking flag information "OFF" and parking area information "PA5." This example means that the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0049" has not yet been parked in the fifth parking area PA5. For example, reservation ID information "R0051" is associated with parking flag information "OFF" and no parking area information. This example means that the parking area PA in which the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified by the reservation ID information "R0051" should be parked has not been determined, and therefore the electric vehicle EV is not parked in any parking area PA.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of reservation processing by the control device 114. When using the charging target switching device 110, the user operates, for example, a predetermined terminal to make a reservation for using the charging target switching device 110. The predetermined terminal is, for example, a user terminal such as the user's own mobile terminal or personal computer, a dedicated reservation terminal provided in a predetermined facility, or an in-vehicle terminal mounted on the user's electric vehicle (EV). The dedicated reservation terminal is, for example, a terminal provided in a commercial facility such as a convenience store, supermarket, or department store, or a corporate office. The in-vehicle terminal is, for example, a terminal connected to an in-vehicle network.

[0040] The user accesses a predetermined website provided for reserving the charging target switching device 110 and starts the procedure for making a reservation. When the user starts the process for making a reservation, the server 130 notifies the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 that the procedure for making a new reservation has started. When notifying the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 that the procedure for making a new reservation has started, the server 130 notifies the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 of the procedure for making a new reservation in an identifiable manner with the user ID information of the user who has started the procedure for making a reservation. The following description assumes that the reservation procedure has been started by a user with user ID information of "SADAKO" shown in FIG. 4. In this example, when notifying the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 that the procedure for making a new reservation has started, the server 130 notifies the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 of the procedure for making a new reservation in an identifiable manner with the user ID information "SADAKO."

[0041] When the reservation processing unit 114A of the control device 114 receives a notification from the server 130, the schedule update unit 114C of the control device 114 first identifies available reservation times (S101). In S101, the schedule update unit 114C identifies the available reservation times by referring to the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D. For example, the schedule update unit 114C identifies the latest scheduled charging completion time among the reservations for which charging has not yet been completed as the available reservation time. For example, assume that, at 5:40 PM, reservations with reservation ID information "R0046," "R0047," "R0048," "R0049," and "R0050" have already been entered in the schedule as shown in FIG. 4. In this example, the latest scheduled charging completion time among the reservations for which charging has not yet been completed is 8:30 PM for the reservation with reservation ID information "R0050." Therefore, the schedule update unit 114C identifies the available reservation time as 8:30 PM.

[0042] Next, the schedule update unit 114C determines whether the parking area PA can be secured at the reservation available time identified in S101 (S102). Here, the user knows the scheduled time when charging of the electric vehicle EV will finish, but just because charging is finished does not necessarily mean that the user will immediately remove the electric vehicle EV from the parking area PA. Therefore, there is a possibility that an electric vehicle EV that has already finished charging will remain parked in the parking area PA at the reservation available time identified in S101. Therefore, in S102, the schedule update unit 114C refers to the schedule and determines whether the parking area PA can be secured at the reservation available time identified in S101. In this example, the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation ID information "R0046" is parked in the first parking area PA1. The schedule update unit 114C determines that the first parking area PA1 is currently unavailable and therefore may not be available at 8:30 PM, the reservation available time. Furthermore, the electric vehicle EV corresponding to reservation ID information "R0047" is parked in the second parking area PA2. The schedule update unit 114C determines that the second parking area PA2 is currently unavailable and therefore may not be available at 8:30 PM, the reservation-available time. Furthermore, the electric vehicle EV corresponding to reservation ID information "R0048" is parked in the third parking area PA3. The schedule update unit 114C determines that the third parking area PA3 is currently unavailable and therefore may not be available at 8:30 PM, the reservation-available time. Furthermore, the electric vehicle EV corresponding to reservation ID information "R0049" has not yet been parked, but the fifth parking area PA5 has been reserved. The schedule update unit 114C determines that the fifth parking area PA5 is currently available but has a reservation, and therefore may not be available at 8:30 PM, the reservation-available time. Additionally, the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation ID information "R0050" is parked in the fourth parking area PA4.The schedule update unit 114C determines that the fourth parking area PA4 is not currently available and therefore may not be available at the reservation available time of 8:30 PM. Therefore, in this example, the schedule update unit 114C determines that the parking area PA cannot be reserved at the reservation available time of 8:30 PM.

[0043] If a parking area PA can be secured (S102; YES), the schedule update unit 114C provisionally reserves the available parking area PA (S103).

[0044] Then, the schedule update unit 114C executes a process for confirming with the user whether to confirm the reservation (S104). In S104, the schedule update unit 114C transmits tentative reservation data capable of identifying the available reservation time identified in S101 to the server 130. Upon receiving the tentative reservation data, the server 130 displays, on a predetermined terminal operated by the user, a web page for prompting the user to confirm whether to confirm the reservation at the available reservation time. The user performs a predetermined operation depending on whether to confirm the reservation at the displayed available reservation time. When the user performs the predetermined operation, the server 130 transmits confirmation data capable of identifying whether the reservation has been confirmed to the control device 114. When the reservation processing unit 114A of the control device 114 receives the final data, the schedule update unit 114C determines whether the reservation has been confirmed by the user (S105).

[0045] If the reservation is not confirmed by the user (S105; NO), the schedule update unit 114C cancels the tentative reservation of the parking area PA (S106) and ends the reservation process shown in FIG.

[0046] If the reservation is confirmed by the user (S105; YES), the schedule update unit 114C officially reserves the parking area PA tentatively reserved in S103 (S107).

[0047] Then, the schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D (S108), and ends the reservation process shown in FIG. 5. In S108, the schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D. For example, the schedule update unit 114C adds new reservation ID information and stores the user ID information of the user who confirmed the reservation in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores parking area information that can identify the parking area PA that was officially reserved in S107 in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores start time information that sets the start time as the reservation available time identified in S101 in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores end time information in association with the new reservation ID information. For example, if there is a time limit of 30 minutes per use of charging station 120, schedule update unit 114C stores end time information that sets the end time to a time that corresponds to the time limit, in association with the new reservation ID information. In addition, schedule update unit 114C stores parking flag information "OFF" in association with the new reservation ID information.

[0048] If the parking area PA cannot be secured in S102 (S102; NO), the schedule update unit 114C tentatively reserves the available reservation time identified in S101 (S109). In S109, the schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114D. For example, the schedule storage unit 114D adds new reservation ID information and stores the user ID information of the user who has made the new reservation in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores start time information, the start time of which is the available reservation time identified in S101, in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores end time information in association with the new reservation ID information. The schedule update unit 114C also stores parking flag information "OFF" in association with the new reservation ID information. In this example, the schedule update unit 114C adds reservation ID information "R0051". Schedule update unit 114C stores the user ID information "SADAKO", start time information "20:30", end time information "21:00", and parking flag information "OFF" in association with reservation ID information "R0051".

[0049] Then, when a parking area PA becomes available, the schedule update unit 114C executes a parking area availability waiting process to resume the procedure for a new reservation.

[0050] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the parking area availability wait process performed by the control device 114. When the user takes the electric vehicle EV out of the parking area PA, the user operates the user interface 116 to perform a predetermined termination procedure. In the termination procedure, the user inputs, for example, information that can identify the user's use of the charge target switching device 110. Information that can identify the user's use of the charge target switching device 110 includes, for example, a reservation ID, a user ID, and information that can identify the parking area PA where the electric vehicle EV was parked.

[0051] When reception processing unit 114B receives that a predetermined termination procedure has been performed, schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule in response to the termination procedure being performed (S201). In S201, schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in schedule storage unit 114D. For example, schedule update unit 114C updates the parking flag information of the schedule corresponding to the user who has performed the termination procedure from "ON" to "OFF."

[0052] Then, the schedule update unit 114C provisionally reserves the parking area PA that has become vacant as a result of the user who has completed the completion procedure leaving the electric vehicle EV (S202).

[0053] Then, the schedule update unit 114C executes a process to confirm with the user whether or not to confirm the reservation, similar to the process of S104 in the reservation process shown in FIG. 5 (S203).

[0054] If the reservation is not confirmed by the user (S204; NO), the schedule update unit 114C cancels the tentative reservation of the available reservation time and the parking area PA (S205), and ends the parking space availability waiting process shown in FIG.

[0055] If the reservation is confirmed by the user (S204; YES), the schedule update unit 114C officially reserves the parking area PA tentatively reserved in S202 (S206).

[0056] Then, schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in schedule storage unit 114D (S108), and ends the reservation process shown in Fig. 5. In S108, schedule update unit 114C updates the schedule stored in schedule storage unit 114D. For example, schedule update unit 114C stores parking area information that can identify the parking area PA officially reserved in S207, in association with the reservation ID information added in the process of S109 in the reservation process shown in Fig. 5.

[0057] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switch control process performed by the control device 114. When charging the electric vehicle EV, the charging stand 120 communicates with the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the electric vehicle EV. The ECU of the electric vehicle EV specifies an optimal charging current depending on the state of the battery. The charging stand 120 supplies power in accordance with commands sent from time to time from the ECU of the electric vehicle EV.

[0058] When charging of the electric vehicle EV is completed, the control device 114 of the charging target switching device 110 acquires, from the charging stand 120, status data that can identify that charging has been completed (S301).

[0059] When the control device 114 acquires status data that can identify that charging has ended, it controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV whose charging has ended from a closed state to an open state (S302). For example, when the electric vehicle EV whose charging has ended is connected to the first power transmission connector 112A, the control device 114 controls the first switch 113A from a closed state to an open state.

[0060] The control device 114 then identifies a reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged (S303). In S303, the control device 114 identifies, for example, a reservation with a high priority that corresponds to a chargeable electric vehicle EV as the reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged. Here, a reservation with a high priority is a reservation with the earliest scheduled time to start charging. A reservation corresponding to a chargeable electric vehicle EV is a reservation for which the electric vehicle EV is already parked in the parking area PA. Therefore, the control device 114 identifies a reservation for which the parking flag information in the schedule is "ON" and which has the earliest scheduled time identified by the start time information as the reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged. For example, when charging corresponding to the reservation with reservation ID information "R0046" shown in FIG. 4 has ended, the control device 114 identifies the reservation with reservation ID information "R0047" as the reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged. Also, for example, when charging corresponding to the reservation with reservation ID information "R0048" shown in FIG. 4 has ended, the reservation with a high priority is the reservation with reservation ID information "R0049." However, according to the parking flag information associated with the reservation ID information "R0049," the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation with the reservation ID information "R0049" has not yet been parked in the parking area PA. Therefore, the control device 114 identifies the reservation with the reservation ID information "R0050" as the reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged. For example, the control device 114 may lower the priority of a reservation that has a high priority but has not been identified as the reservation corresponding to the next electric vehicle EV to be charged, and may maintain the reservation, or may cancel the reservation. When the control device 114 lowers the priority of a reservation or cancels a reservation, the control device 114 may notify the user of this via the server 130.

[0061] Then, the control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV to be charged next from the open state to the closed state (S304). In S304, the control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified in S303 from the open state to the closed state. For example, when the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the reservation identified in S303 is connected to the second power transmission connector 112B, the control device 114 controls the second switch 113B from the open state to the closed state.

[0062] When the switch 113 is controlled to change from an open state to a closed state, the charging stand 120 transmits data instructing the electric vehicle EV corresponding to the switch 113 that has been controlled to the closed state to start charging. If the power transmission cable PC is properly connected to the electric vehicle EV, the charging stand 120 transmits and receives data necessary for charging to and from the electric vehicle EV, and starts supplying power.

[0063] Then, the control device 114 determines whether charging has started normally (S305). If the power transmission cable PC is not properly connected to the electric vehicle EV, charging will not start normally. For example, the control device 114 determines whether charging has started normally by acquiring, from the charging stand 120, status data that can identify that charging has not started normally.

[0064] If charging has not started normally (S305; NO), the control device 114 controls the switch 113 controlled in S304 from the open state to the closed state (S306), and executes the process of S303 again. In other words, if charging has not started normally, the control device 114 again identifies a reservation corresponding to the electric vehicle EV to be charged next.

[0065] If charging has started normally in S305 (S305; YES), the control device 114 ends the switch control process shown in FIG.

[0066] As described above, the charging object switching system 100 has the following novel configuration.

[0067] The charging target switching system 100 includes a charging stand 120 that supplies power to an electric vehicle EV. The charging target switching system 100 also includes a charging target switching device 110 that sequentially supplies power supplied from the charging stand 120 to a plurality of electric vehicles EV. The charging target switching device 110 includes one power receiving connector 111 to which a charging cable OC of the charging stand 120 can be connected. The charging target switching device 110 also includes multiple power transmitting connectors 112 to which power transmitting cables PC connected to the electric vehicle EV can be connected. The charging target switching device 110 then outputs the power output from the charging stand 120 and input to the power receiving connector 111 to the electric vehicle EV from any one of the power transmitting connectors 112.

[0068] The charging target switching device 110 also includes a plurality of switches 113 that are provided corresponding to the plurality of power transmitting connectors 112, respectively, and that open and close a power transmission path for transmitting power from the power receiving connector 111 to the power transmitting connector 112. The charging target switching device 110 also includes a control device 114 that controls the switches 113. The control device 114 controls the switch 113 that corresponds to the power transmitting connector 112 to which the electric vehicle EV to be charged is connected to be in a closed state, and controls the other switches 113 to be in an open state.

[0069] Furthermore, when charging of the electric vehicle EV is completed, the control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV that has completed charging to change from a closed state to an open state.

[0070] In addition, the control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV that has finished charging from a closed state to an open state, and then controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV that is to be next charged from an open state to a closed state.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 114 can acquire status data that can identify the charging status of the electric vehicle EV. Then, when the control device 114 acquires data that can identify that charging of the electric vehicle EV has finished, the control device 114 controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV that has finished charging from a closed state to an open state. The control device 114 also controls the switch 113 corresponding to the electric vehicle EV that is to be next charged from an open state to a closed state.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device 114 refers to a schedule that can identify the priorities of users who use the charge target switching device 110, and identifies the electric vehicle EV that is the next target for charging.

[0073] The control device 114 can also acquire reservation data relating to reservations for using the charge target switching device 110. The control device 114 then updates the schedule in accordance with the reservations for using the charge target switching device 110.

[0074] Furthermore, if the electric vehicle EV to be next charged is not in a chargeable state, the control device 114 refers to the schedule to identify the electric vehicle EV of the user that has the next highest priority after the electric vehicle EV that is not in a chargeable state.

[0075] Furthermore, if charging of the electric vehicle EV to be charged next cannot be started normally, the control device 114 refers to the schedule to identify the electric vehicle EV of the user that has the next highest priority after the electric vehicle EV that cannot be started normally.

[0076] Furthermore, the charging station 120 transmits and receives data relating to charging to and from the electric vehicle EV via the charging target switching device 110.

[0077] The charging object switching device 110 having such a novel configuration allows a plurality of users to use the charging stand 120 efficiently, and the operating rate of the charging stand 120 can be increased.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0079] The charging target switching system 100 of the embodiment supplies power to a plurality of electric vehicles EV in sequence. However, the charging target switching system 100 may be any system that supplies power to a plurality of electric vehicles in sequence, and may supply power to an electric vehicle other than an electric vehicle EV. For example, the charging target switching system 100 may supply power to an electric motorcycle or a drone in sequence.

[0080] The control device 114 of the embodiment includes a reservation processing unit 114A and a schedule updating unit 114C. However, the control device 114 only needs to be able to refer to a schedule that can identify the priority of the user who uses the charging target switching device 110, and does not need to be equipped with the reservation processing unit 114A and the schedule updating unit 114C. In that case, the control device 114 only needs to be able to acquire, for example, a schedule that can identify the priority of the user who uses the charging target switching device 110 from the server 130.

[0081] In the reservation process of the embodiment, the schedule update unit 114C specifies the latest scheduled charging completion time among the reservations for which charging has not yet been completed as the available reservation time, but other methods of specification may be adopted. For example, if a desired available reservation time period is specified by the user, the schedule update unit 114C may specify a time corresponding to the specified available reservation time period as the available reservation time.

[0082] The order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the apparatus shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," or the like. It should also be noted that the order of execution of each process can be realized in any order, as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," or the like for convenience, this does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Charging target switching system 110 Charging target switching device 111 Power receiving connector 112 Power transmission connector 112A 1st power transmission connector 112B Second power transmission connector 112C 3rd power transmission connector 112D 4th power transmission connector 112E 5th Power Transmission Connector 113 Switch 113A 1st switch 113B 2nd switch 113C 3rd switch 113D 4th switch 113E 5th switch 114 Control device 114A Reservation Processing Unit 114B Reception Processing Unit 114C Schedule Update Section 114D Schedule storage section 114E Status data acquisition unit 114F Switch control unit 115 Communication equipment 116 User Interface 120 Charging Station 130 servers CN Computer Network EV Electric Vehicle EV1 First Electric Vehicle EV2 Second electric vehicle EV3 Third electric vehicle EV4 Fourth Electric Vehicle EV5 5th electric vehicle OC Charging Cable OC1 1st charging cable OC2 Secondary Charging Cable OC3 3rd Charging Cable OC4 4th charging cable OC5 5th charging cable PA Parking Area PA1 1st Parking Area PA2 2nd Parking Area PA3 3rd Parking Area PA4 4th Parking Area PA5 5th Parking Area

Claims

1. a charging station that supplies power to the electric vehicle; a charging target switching device that sequentially supplies the power supplied from the charging station to the plurality of electric vehicles; The charging object switching device a power receiving connector to which a charging cable of the charging stand can be connected; a plurality of power transmission connectors to which power transmission cables connected to the electric vehicle can be connected; The charging object switching system outputs the electric power output from the charging station and input to the power receiving connector to the electric vehicle from any one of the power transmitting connectors.

2. The charging object switching device a plurality of switches provided corresponding to the plurality of power transmitting connectors, respectively, for opening and closing a power transmission path for transmitting power from the power receiving connector to the power transmitting connector; a control device for controlling the switch, 2. The charging object switching system according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the switch corresponding to the power transmission connector to which the electric vehicle to be charged is connected to be in a closed state, and controls the other switches to be in an open state.

3. 3. The charging object switching system according to claim 2, wherein the control device controls the switch corresponding to the electric vehicle that has finished charging from a closed state to an open state when charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

4. 4. The charging object switching system according to claim 3, wherein the control device controls the switch corresponding to the electric vehicle that has finished charging from a closed state to an open state, and then controls the switch corresponding to the electric vehicle that is to be next charged from an open state to a closed state.

5. The control device state data that can identify the charging state of the electric vehicle can be acquired; 4. The charging object switching system according to claim 3, wherein, when data that can identify that charging of the electric vehicle has been completed is acquired, the switch corresponding to the electric vehicle that has completed charging is controlled from a closed state to an open state, and the switch corresponding to the electric vehicle that is to be next charged is controlled from an open state to a closed state.

6. The charging object switching system according to claim 4 , wherein the control device refers to a schedule that can identify a priority order of users to identify the electric vehicle that is to be charged next.

7. The control device Reservation data about the reservation can be obtained, The charging object switching system according to claim 6 , wherein the schedule is updated in response to a reservation.

8. 8. The charging target switching system according to claim 7, wherein, when the electric vehicle to be next charged is not in a chargeable state, the control device refers to the schedule to identify the electric vehicle of the user that has the next highest priority after the electric vehicle that is not in a chargeable state.

9. 8. The charging object switching system according to claim 7, wherein, when charging of the electric vehicle to be charged next cannot be started normally, the control device refers to the schedule to identify the electric vehicle of the user that has the next highest priority after the electric vehicle that cannot be started normally.

10. The charging object switching system according to claim 1 , wherein the charging station transmits and receives data relating to charging to and from the electric vehicle via the charging object switching device.

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