Charging control device and information processing method

The charging control device facilitates simultaneous charging of multiple mobile objects through standardized data transmission and power distribution, addressing inefficiencies in existing single-connector charging devices by maintaining compatibility with existing standards.

JP7617501B2Active Publication Date: 2025-01-20PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022535007
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-01-08
Filing Date
2021-06-23
Publication Date
2025-01-20
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing charging devices with only one connector cannot efficiently charge multiple mobile objects simultaneously without additional connectors and changing the charging standard, requiring manual reconfiguration and labor, which is inefficient and costly.

Method used

A charging control device with multiple first connection ports for mobile objects and a single second connection port for the charging device, enabling communication and power distribution to multiple mobile objects using standardized data transmission, allowing simultaneous charging without altering the existing charging standard.

Benefits of technology

Enables simultaneous charging of multiple mobile objects using a single connector by establishing standardized communication and power distribution, optimizing charging efficiency and reducing manual intervention.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This charging control device comprises: a first communication unit that receives a first data item from a plurality of mobile bodies via a first connection port and transmits a second data item to each mobile body, and that receives a third data item from a charging device via a second connection port and transmits a fourth data item to the charging device; and a control unit that generates one fourth data item from a plurality of the first data items, generates a second data item for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the third data item received from the charging device as a response to the fourth data item, and causes the first communication unit to transmit the fourth data item and a plurality of the second data items. The first data item, the second data item, the third data item, and the fourth data item are each data items in accordance with a charging standard.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for charging multiple mobile objects. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, various techniques for simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device that includes multiple connectors connected to multiple electric vehicles, each including a drive battery and an auxiliary battery, and sequentially charges the multiple electric vehicles until the value of the charging current, including the auxiliary battery, for each of the multiple electric vehicles reaches a threshold value indicating that the drive battery is fully charged, and then simultaneously charges the multiple electric vehicles.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a charging station equipped with multiple connectors, a normal charger that simultaneously charges multiple electric vehicles connected via the multiple connectors, and a rapid charger that switches between the multiple electric vehicles in sequence to rapidly charge them.

[0004] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the charging device needs to have multiple connectors. Therefore, the techniques in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot be applied to a charging device that has only one connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-85889 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-176232 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charge control device and an information processing method that enable a charging device having one charging connection port to charge a plurality of mobile objects in accordance with a charging standard.

[0007] A charging control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first connection ports connected to a plurality of mobile bodies, each of which has a battery, a second connection port connected to one charging device, (1) a first communication unit that receives first data from each of the plurality of mobile bodies via the first connection port and transmits second data to each of the plurality of mobile bodies via the second connection port, and (2) a third data from the charging device via the second connection port and transmits fourth data to the charging device, and a control unit that generates one fourth data from the plurality of first data, generates second data for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the third data received from the charging device in response to the fourth data, and causes the first communication unit to transmit the fourth data and the plurality of second data.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to charge a plurality of mobile objects in accordance with a charging standard using a charging device having a single charging connection port. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the charge control device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the charging device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a data configuration of battery information and pseudo battery information. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of charging device information and pseudo charging device information. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a charging schedule. [Figure 9]2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of the charging system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charge control device shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the moving body shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] (Background to this disclosure) The present inventor is considering applying an existing charging device that is widely available on the market as a charging device for corporations such as transportation companies that own many vehicles. For example, at a collection and delivery center of a transportation company, many mobile objects are charged during a limited time period from the end of business to the start of the next business day, so it is required to charge multiple charging devices simultaneously or in an appropriate order using one charging device. For example, when the operating hours of the mobile objects are changed, it is required to dynamically change the charging order.

[0012] However, existing charging devices generally have only one charging connector. In addition, existing charging devices communicate with a mobile object according to a predetermined charging standard when charging the mobile object. This charging standard is defined on the premise that one mobile object is connected to one charging device. Therefore, in order to charge multiple mobile objects simultaneously using an existing charging device, in addition to providing multiple charging connectors, it is required to change the charging standard of the existing charging device so that communication with multiple mobile objects is possible, but changing the charging standard is difficult. In addition, in order to charge multiple mobile objects in the appropriate order using an existing charging device, the connections must be switched to the mobile objects to be charged according to the charging order, but if a person does the switching, it will be troublesome and labor-intensive.

[0013] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and provides a technology that allows an existing charging device to charge multiple mobile objects in accordance with a charging standard.

[0014] A charging control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first connection ports connected to a plurality of mobile bodies, each of which has a battery, a second connection port connected to one charging device, (1) a first communication unit that receives first data from each of the plurality of mobile bodies via the first connection port and transmits second data to each of the plurality of mobile bodies via the second connection port, and (2) a third data from the charging device via the second connection port and transmits fourth data to the charging device, and a control unit that generates one fourth data from the plurality of first data, generates second data for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the third data received from the charging device in response to the fourth data, and causes the first communication unit to transmit the fourth data and the plurality of second data.

[0015] According to this configuration, the charging control device includes a plurality of first connection ports connected to a plurality of mobile bodies and a second connection port connected to one charging device. This allows the charging control device to physically connect one charging device to a plurality of mobile bodies. Furthermore, the charging control device generates one fourth data from the first data transmitted from the plurality of mobile bodies and transmits it to the charging device, generates second data for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the third data received from the charging device as a response to the fourth data, and transmits the generated second data to the plurality of mobile bodies. Here, the first data to the fourth data are data conforming to a predetermined charging standard. Therefore, it is possible to allow an existing charging device and a plurality of mobile bodies to communicate with each other without changing the charging standard. Therefore, it is possible to allow a charging device having one charging connection port to charge a plurality of mobile bodies according to the charging standard.

[0016] In the above-mentioned charging control device, a second communication unit may be further provided that transmits the plurality of first data to an external device and receives a charging plan for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the external device, and charging of the plurality of mobile bodies may be controlled according to the charging plan.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first data of the plurality of moving objects is transmitted to the external device, and the charging of the plurality of moving objects is controlled according to the charging plan received from the external device. This makes it possible to charge each moving object according to a charging plan suitable for each moving object using an existing charging device.

[0018] In the above charging control device, the plurality of first data and the fourth data include the state of the battery, the plurality of second data and the third data include output specifications of the charging device, the battery state of the fourth data is generated by calculating or comparing the battery states of the plurality of first data, and the output specifications of the plurality of second data may be generated by distributing the output specifications of the third data to each of a plurality of mobile bodies.

[0019] According to this configuration, the battery states included in the multiple first data are calculated or compared to generate the battery state included in one fourth data, and the battery state is transmitted to the charging device. Therefore, the charging device is notified of the battery state as if one mobile object was connected. Furthermore, the output specifications included in the third data received from the charging device are distributed to the multiple mobile objects to generate multiple second data, and the generated second data is transmitted to the multiple mobile objects. Therefore, the output specifications of the charging device can be notified to each mobile object individually. This makes it easy to simultaneously charge multiple mobile objects without changing the existing configuration and charging standard of the charging device.

[0020] In the above-mentioned charging control device, the multiple first data and the fourth data further include battery specifications of the mobile bodies, and the second communication unit further transmits to the external device the specifications and status of the batteries of each of the multiple mobile bodies, as well as the multiple output specifications of the generated charging device as multiple pseudo output specifications, and the received charging plan may be a charging plan based on the transmitted specifications and status of the batteries of each of the multiple mobile bodies, as well as the generated output specifications of the multiple pseudo charging devices.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the charging plan for each of the plurality of mobile bodies is generated based on the use and state of the battery of each of the plurality of mobile bodies and the plurality of pseudo output specifications, it is possible to generate a charging plan suitable for each of the mobile bodies. Also, by inputting a pseudo (in other words, a virtual) charging device into the charging plan, it is possible to generate the charging plan using an existing charging plan process.

[0022] The charging control device may further include a second communication unit that receives a charging plan for each of the plurality of moving objects from the external device, and the fourth data may be generated from the plurality of first data in accordance with the charging plan.

[0023] According to this configuration, the fourth data is generated from the plurality of first data in accordance with the charging plan received from the external device and transmitted to the charging device, so that each mobile object can be charged in accordance with the charging plan.

[0024] In the above-mentioned charging control device, the plurality of first data and the fourth data include a charging request, the second data and the third data include an output state of the charging device, the charging request of the fourth data is generated based on at least one of the charging request of the first data and the charging plan corresponding to each of a plurality of mobile bodies to be charged simultaneously in the charging plan, and the output states of the plurality of second data may be generated by distributing the output states of the third data to each of the plurality of mobile bodies.

[0025] According to this configuration, a charging request of the fourth data is generated based on at least one of the charging request and the charging plan of the first data corresponding to each of the multiple mobile bodies, and is transmitted to the charging device. Therefore, the charging device is notified of the charging request as if one mobile body was connected. Furthermore, the output state included in the third data received from the charging device is distributed to the multiple mobile bodies, and multiple second data are generated and transmitted to the multiple mobile bodies. Therefore, the output state of the charging device can be notified to each mobile body individually. This makes it easy to simultaneously charge multiple mobile bodies without changing the existing configuration and charging standard of the charging device.

[0026] In the above charging control device, a current output from the charging device may be distributed to each of the plurality of moving objects according to the output states of the plurality of second data.

[0027] According to this configuration, the current output from the charging device is distributed to each moving object according to the output state of the second data, and the current for each moving object is determined taking into account the output state of each moving object, so that each moving object can be charged with a current suitable for that moving object.

[0028] An information processing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method for charging a plurality of mobile bodies by a charging control device, wherein the charging control device has a plurality of first connection ports connected to each of the plurality of mobile bodies, each of the plurality of mobile bodies having a battery and a second connection port connected to one charging device, and a computer receives first data from each of the plurality of mobile bodies via the first connection port, generates one fourth data from the plurality of first data, transmits the fourth data to the charging device via the second connection port, receives third data from the charging device in response to the fourth data, generates second data for each of the plurality of mobile bodies from the third data, and transmits the plurality of second data to the charging device via the first connection port, and the first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data are each data that conforms to a charging standard.

[0029] According to this configuration, the charging control device includes a plurality of first connection ports connected to a plurality of mobile bodies and a second connection port connected to one charging device. This allows the charging control device to physically connect one charging device to a plurality of mobile bodies. Furthermore, the charging control device generates one fourth data from the first data transmitted from the plurality of mobile bodies and transmits it to the charging device, and generates second data for each of the plurality of mobile bodies based on the third data received from the charging device as a response to the fourth data and transmits it to the plurality of mobile bodies. Here, the first data to the fourth data are data conforming to a predetermined charging standard. Therefore, it is possible to allow an existing charging device and a plurality of mobile bodies to communicate with each other without changing the charging standard. Therefore, it is possible to allow a charging device having one charging connection port to charge a plurality of mobile bodies according to the charging standard.

[0030] A charge control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first connection ports each connected to a plurality of moving objects, each of the plurality of moving objects including a battery; a second connection port for connection to one charging device; (1) receiving first data including a state of the battery from each of a plurality of mobile objects via a first connection port, and transmitting second data including an output specification of the charging device to each of the plurality of mobile objects; (2) a first communication unit that receives third data including the output specifications from the charging device via a second connection port and transmits fourth data including a state of the battery to the charging device; a control unit that generates one fourth data from a plurality of first data, generates second data for each of the plurality of moving objects from the third data received from the charging device in response to the fourth data, and causes the first communication unit to transmit the fourth data and the plurality of second data; The first communication unit further comprises: (3) receiving fifth data including a charging request from each of the plurality of moving objects via the first connection port, and transmitting sixth data including an output state of the charging device to each of the plurality of moving objects; (4) receiving seventh data including the output state from the charging device via a second connection port, and transmitting eighth data including the charging request to the charging device; the charging request of the eighth data is generated based on at least one of the charging request of the fifth data and the charging plan corresponding to each of a plurality of moving bodies to be charged simultaneously in the charging plan, a plurality of sixth data output states are generated by distributing the seventh data output states to each of the plurality of moving bodies; The first data, the second data, the third data, the fourth data, the fifth data, the sixth data, the seventh data, and the eighth data are data conforming to a charging standard.

[0031] According to this configuration, a communication connection is established between the charge control device, the mobile object, and the charge device through the transmission and reception of the first to fourth data, and the charge control device can distribute the power supplied from the charge device to the multiple mobile objects through the transmission and reception of the fifth to eighth data. This makes it possible to charge multiple mobile objects according to a charging standard using a charge device having one charging connection port.

[0032] The present disclosure can also be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic configurations included in such a charging control device. Furthermore, it goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0033] Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim showing the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0034] (Embodiment 1) 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system 1 is a system that charges a mobile object 300 under the jurisdiction of, for example, a collection and delivery center of a transportation company. The charging system 1 includes a charging control device 100, a charging device 200, the mobile object 300, a server 400, and a terminal device 500.

[0035] The charging control device 100 is also called a charging adapter, and is a device that is connected between the charging device 200 and the mobile object 300 when the charging device 200 charges the mobile object 300. The charging control device 100 has a function of distributing power from the charging device 200 to multiple mobile objects 300. With this function, the charging device 200 configured to simultaneously charge one mobile object 300 can simultaneously charge multiple mobile objects 300 without changing its existing configuration. It becomes possible.

[0036] The charging control device 100 includes N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) first connection ports 110 and one second connection port 130. The charging control device 100 is connected to N moving objects 300 via the N first connection ports 110. Note that there may be only one first connection port (i.e., N=1).

[0037] The first connection port 110 is configured with a charging connector that complies with the charging standard of the mobile object 300, and is physically connected to the mobile object 300 via a charging cable 120. The first connection port 110 includes a communication terminal and a power terminal. The communication terminal is a terminal through which the charging control device 100 communicates with the mobile object 300. The power terminal is a terminal through which the charging control device 100 supplies power to the mobile object 300.

[0038] The N charging cables 120 correspond to the N first connection ports 110. The charging cables 120 include a communication line and a power line. The communication line is a communication line for transmitting communication signals exchanged between the charging control device 100 and the mobile object 300. The power line is a power line for supplying power from the charging control device 100 to the mobile object 300. The communication terminals and communication lines of the first connection ports 110 comply with the communication standard of a predetermined in-vehicle network. For example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) can be adopted as the predetermined in-vehicle network.

[0039] The second connection port 130 is configured as a charging port that complies with the standard of the charging device 200, and is physically connected to the charging connector 210 via the charging cable 201. The second connection port 130 includes a communication terminal and a power terminal. The communication terminal is a terminal through which the charging control device 100 communicates with the charging device 200. The power terminal is a terminal through which the charging control device 100 receives power from the charging device 200.

[0040] The charging device 200 is also called a charging pole, and is an existing charging device 200 that is widespread on the market. The charging device 200 includes one charging connector 210, one charging cable 201, and a main body 202. The charging connector 210 includes a communication terminal and a power terminal. The communication terminal is a terminal through which the charging device 200 communicates with the charging control device 100. The power terminal is a terminal through which the charging device 200 supplies power to the charging control device 100.

[0041] The charging cable 201 includes a communication line and a power line. The communication line is a communication line for transmitting a communication signal transmitted and received between the charging device 200 and the charging control device 100. The power line is a power line for supplying power from the charging device 200 to the charging control device 100.

[0042] The moving body 300 is, for example, an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is, for example, a delivery truck that delivers packages. The electric vehicle may include, for example, an electric vehicle in the narrow sense that is driven only by electric power, as well as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Note that, as an electric vehicle, a battery pack exchangeable vehicle in which the mounted battery pack is configured to be replaceable is also known. In the case of this type of electric vehicle, the battery pack may be charged in a state where it is removed from the vehicle body. The moving body 300 may be configured with a battery pack mounted in the battery pack exchangeable vehicle. In such a case, the above-mentioned charging cable 120 is connected to the battery pack in a state where it is removed from the battery pack exchangeable vehicle.

[0043] The server 400 is connected to the charge control device 100, the mobile object 300, and the terminal device 500 via a predetermined network NT. For example, a wide area communication network including the Internet is adopted as the network NT. The server 400 receives a mobile object log including the state of each mobile object 300 from each mobile object 300. The server 400 receives a charging log including the charging state of each mobile object 300 during charging from the charge control device 100, and transmits a charging plan of each mobile object 300 to the charge control device 100.

[0044] The mobile object log includes information indicating whether each mobile object 300 is being charged, information indicating whether charging is completed, etc. Furthermore, the mobile object log includes the start time of discharging, the end time of discharging, the discharge current, the discharge voltage, the time transition of the SOC during discharging, etc. The charging log includes the start time of charging and the time completion of charging. Furthermore, the charging log includes the time transition of each of the SOC, the charging current, and the charging voltage from the start to the completion of charging.

[0045] Furthermore, the server 400 receives instructions transmitted from the terminal device 500 and transmits mobile object information to the terminal device 500. The mobile object information includes information indicating that the mobile object 300 is in a normal state, information indicating that the mobile object 300 is in an abnormal state, information indicating that charging of the mobile object 300 has been completed, and the like. The instructions include an instruction by the administrator to forcibly stop charging. Furthermore, the instructions include an instruction by the administrator to input a delivery plan for each mobile object 300, and the like.

[0046] The terminal device 500 is a computer held by the administrator of each moving object 300. The computer may be, for example, a stationary computer, or may be configured as a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The terminal device 500 acquires a delivery plan and the like input by the administrator. The terminal device 500 displays information such as the current state of each moving object 300 and the presence or absence of anomalies on a display (not shown) according to the moving object information of each moving object 300 transmitted from the server 400.

[0047] In the charging system 1, the charging control device 100 and the charging device 200 are installed, for example, at a collection and delivery station. The server 400 is installed on a cloud.

[0048] In FIG. 1, the charging system 1 is applied to charging the mobile object 300 at a collection and delivery center, but this is just one example, and the charging system 1 may also be applied to charging an electric cart at a golf course. In this case, an electric cart can be used as the mobile object 300. Furthermore, the charging system 1 may be installed at the office of a route bus company, a tourist bus company, or a taxi company. In this case, the mobile object 300 is an electric bus or taxi. Furthermore, the mobile object 300 may be a motorcycle, an electric bicycle, or an electric kickboard.

[0049] The above is the overall configuration of the charging system 1. Next, the details of the charging system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging control device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The charging control device 100 includes a communication unit 140, a control unit 150, a memory 160, and a distributor 170 in addition to the N first connection ports 110 and one second connection port 130 shown in FIG. 1. Each of the N first connection ports 110 and the communication unit 140 are connected via a communication line 121. The second connection port 130 and the communication unit 140 are connected via a communication line 122. The communication unit 140, the control unit 150, and the memory 160 are each connected to each other via a bus line.

[0050] The N first connection ports 110 are connected in parallel to the distributor 170 via power lines 123. The second connection port 130 and the distributor 170 are connected via a power line 124.

[0051] The communication unit 140 includes a first communication unit 141 and a second communication unit 142. The first communication unit 141 is configured with a communication circuit for allowing the charge control device 100 to communicate with the mobile object 300 and the charging device 200. The first communication unit 141 receives first data from each of the N mobile objects 300 via the first connection port 110. The first communication unit 141 transmits second data to each of the multiple mobile objects 300. Furthermore, the first communication unit 141 receives third data from the charging device 200 and transmits fourth data to the charging device 200 via the second connection port 130.

[0052] The first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data are data that conform to a predetermined charging standard, such as CHAdeMO and GB / T.

[0053] The second communication unit 142 is configured with a communication circuit for connecting the charging control device 100 to the network NT. The second communication unit 142 transmits the first data transmitted from each moving object 300 to the server 400 (an example of an external device). Furthermore, the second communication unit 142 receives a charging plan for each moving object 300 from the server 400.

[0054] The control unit 150 is configured with a processor such as a CPU, and is responsible for overall control of the charging control device 100. The control unit 150 includes a data generation unit 151 and a charging control unit 152. The data generation unit 151 and the charging control unit 152 are realized, for example, by the processor executing a program for causing a computer to function as the charging control device 100.

[0055] The data generation unit 151 acquires the first data transmitted from each moving object 300 via the first communication unit 141, and generates one piece of fourth data from the acquired first data. The data generation unit 151 transmits the generated fourth data to the charging device 200 via the first communication unit 141.

[0056] The data generation unit 151 generates second data for each moving object 300 from the third data received from the charging device 200 via the first communication unit 141 as a response to the fourth data. The data generation unit 151 transmits the generated second data to each moving object 300 via the first communication unit 141.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the processing in the charge control device 100 is roughly divided into a communication establishment phase and a charging phase.

[0058] The communication establishment phase is a phase for establishing a communication connection between the charge control device 100 and the mobile object 300 and a communication connection between the charge control device 100 and the charging device 200. The charging phase is executed after the communication connection is established by the communication establishment phase, and is a phase for charging the battery 340 of the mobile object 300.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the first to fourth data have different contents in the communication establishment phase and in the charging phase.

[0060] In the communication establishment phase, the first data corresponds to the battery information D71 shown in Fig. 6. The battery information D71 is information relating to the specifications and state of the battery 340 (see Fig. 3) mounted in the moving object 300.

[0061] In the communication establishment phase, the fourth data corresponds to the pseudo battery information D72 shown in Fig. 6. The pseudo battery information D72 is information corresponding to one charging device 200 that is generated by calculating and comparing the battery information D71 of each of the multiple moving objects 300. The pseudo battery information D72 is information for making the charging device 200 recognize the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as if they were a single moving object 300.

[0062] In the communication establishment phase, the third data corresponds to the charging device information D81 shown in FIG. 7. The charging device information D81 is information related to the output specifications of the charging device 200. In the communication establishment phase, the second data corresponds to the pseudo charging device information D82 shown in FIG. 7. The pseudo charging device information D82 is information generated individually for each moving body 300 in order to distribute power from the charging device 200 to the multiple moving bodies 300 to be charged, and includes pseudo output specifications of the charging device 200. The pseudo charging device information D82 is information for causing each moving body 300 to recognize that there is an individual charging device 200 for each moving body 300.

[0063] In the charging phase, the first data corresponds to a charging request from each mobile body 300 to the charging device 200. This charging request includes a charging request current of the battery 340. In the charging phase, the fourth data corresponds to a pseudo charging request. The pseudo charging request is information that causes the charging device 200 to recognize charging requests from multiple mobile bodies 300 to be charged as if they were a pseudo charging request from one mobile body 300. The pseudo charging request is information corresponding to one charging device 200 that is generated based on at least one of the charging plan of each mobile body 300 and each mobile body 300. The pseudo charging request includes a charging request voltage, a charging request current, and SOC for the pseudo one mobile body 300.

[0064] In the charging phase, the third data corresponds to the output state of the charging device 200. The output state includes information indicating the output current, output voltage, and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the charging device 200. In the charging phase, the second data corresponds to a pseudo output state of the charging device 200. The pseudo output state is information that is generated individually for each moving body 300 in order to distribute power from the charging device 200 to the multiple moving bodies 300 to be charged, and includes the pseudo output current, pseudo output voltage, and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the charging device 200 of the charging device 200.

[0065] The charging control unit 152 controls the distributor 170 to distribute the power supplied from the charging device 200 via the second connection port 130 to each moving object 300.

[0066] The memory 160 is configured as a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory, and stores various data.

[0067] Distributor 170 distributes the power supplied from charging device 200 via second connection port 130 under the control of charging control unit 152. For example, distributor 170 may set the value of the charging current and the value of the charging voltage supplied to each first connection port 110 in accordance with a control signal input from charging control unit 152, and distribute the power supplied from second connection port 130.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the moving body 300 shown in Fig. 1. The moving body 300 includes a connection port 310, a communication unit 320, a battery management unit 330, a battery 340, a drive unit 350, and a memory 360. In Fig. 3, thick connection lines indicate power lines, and thin connection lines indicate signal lines.

[0069] The connection port 310 is connected to the first connection port 110. The connection port 310 is connected to the communication unit 320 via a communication line, and is connected to the battery 340 via a power line.

[0070] The communication unit 320 includes a communication circuit for connecting the mobile object 300 to the network NT and a communication circuit for connecting the mobile object 300 to the charging control device 100. The communication unit 320 transmits first data to the charging control device 100 through the connection port 310 and receives second data from the charging control device 100. The communication unit 320 transmits a mobile object log to the server 400.

[0071] The battery management unit 330 is configured with a processor including, for example, a CPU, and manages the battery 340. For example, the battery management unit 330 measures the state of the battery 340. The state of the battery 340 includes the SOC, charging current, discharging current, charging voltage, and discharging voltage of the battery 340. The battery management unit 330 may measure the state of the battery 340 at, for example, a predetermined sampling rate, and transmit the measurement result to the server 400 via the communication unit 320 as a mobile object log. Furthermore, the battery management unit 330 may transmit the state of the battery 340 to the charging control device 100 in response to a request from the charging control device 100, for example.

[0072] Battery 340 is configured as a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. Battery 340 is supplied with power from charging device 200 via connection port 310 and is charged by the power.

[0073] The driving unit 350 includes an inverter, a motor, etc. The inverter converts the DC power stored in the battery 340 into AC power to drive the motor. The motor drives the wheels of the moving body 300 according to the power from the inverter.

[0074] The memory 360 is configured with a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory. The memory 360 includes a battery information storage unit 361. The battery information storage unit 361 stores battery information D71 including the specifications and state of the battery 340.

[0075] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the battery information D71 includes a protocol version, a battery type, a rated capacity (Ah), a rated total voltage, a maximum allowable charging voltage for a single battery, a maximum allowable charging current, a rated energy amount (Kwh), a maximum allowable total charging voltage, a maximum allowable temperature, a SOC (%), a current charging voltage, and a charging standby.

[0076] The protocol version is the version of the communication protocol used when the battery management unit 330 communicates. If this communication protocol does not correspond to the communication protocol of the charging device 200, the mobile object 300 cannot communicate with the charging device 200.

[0077] The battery type is information indicating the type of the battery, such as the model of the battery 340. If the battery type does not correspond to the battery type that the charging device 200 allows charging, the battery 340 is not charged. The rated capacity is the rated capacity of the battery 340. The rated total voltage is the rated voltage of the entire battery 340. The single battery maximum allowable charging voltage is the maximum allowable charging voltage of the entire battery 340. The maximum allowable charging current is the maximum charging current allowed by the battery 340. The rated energy amount is the rated energy amount of the battery 340. The maximum allowable total charging voltage is the sum of the charging voltages of the entire battery 340. The maximum allowable temperature is the maximum temperature allowed by the battery 340. The SOC is the current SOC of the battery 340. The current voltage is the current voltage of the battery 340. The charging standby is information indicating that the mobile object 300 is in a chargeable state. In FIG. 6, the SOC, the current voltage, and the charging standby are the states of the battery 340, and the rest are the specifications of the battery 340.

[0078] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of charging device 200 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, thick lines indicate power lines and thin lines indicate signal lines. Charging device 200 includes a charging connector 210, a communication unit 220, a memory 230, a control unit 240, and a power supply circuit 250.

[0079] The charging connector 210 is connected to a second connection port 130 of the charging control device 100. The communication unit 220 is a communication circuit for connecting the charging device 200 to the charging control device 100. The communication unit 220 receives fourth data transmitted from the charging control device 100. The communication unit 220 transmits third data, which is a response to the fourth data, to the charging control device 100.

[0080] The memory 230 is configured with a rewritable non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory. The memory 230 includes a charging device information storage unit 231. The charging device information storage unit 231 stores charging device information D81 including the output specifications of the charging device 200.

[0081] 7, the charging device information D81 includes a maximum output voltage, a minimum output voltage, a maximum output current, a minimum output current, and charging standby. The maximum output voltage is the maximum voltage that the charging device 200 can output. The minimum output voltage is the minimum voltage that the charging device 200 can output. The maximum output current is the maximum value of the current that the charging device 200 can output. The minimum output current is the minimum value of the current that the charging device 200 can output. Charging standby is information indicating that the charging device 200 is in a chargeable state.

[0082] The control unit 240 is configured with a processor such as a CPU, and is responsible for overall control of the charging device 200. When the communication unit 220 receives the fourth data, the control unit 240 generates third data that is a response to the fourth data, and transmits the third data to the charging control device 100 via the communication unit 220.

[0083] Power supply circuit 250 is formed of, for example, a converter, and converts the power from external power supply 600 from AC to DC, and supplies the power to charging connector 210 .

[0084] The external power source 600 is, for example, a power source provided by a power company.

[0085] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 400. The server 400 includes a communication unit 410, a processor 420, and a memory 430. The communication unit 410 is composed of a communication circuit that connects the server 400 to the network NT. The processor 420 is composed of a CPU or the like.

[0086] The communication unit 410 receives a moving object log transmitted from the moving object 300. The communication unit 410 receives a charging log transmitted from the charging control device 100. The communication unit 410 receives battery information D71 of each moving object 300. The communication unit 410 receives pseudo charging device information D82 transmitted from the charging control device 100. The communication unit 410 transmits a charging plan generated by the charging plan generation unit 422 to the charging control device 100.

[0087] The memory 430 is configured with a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as an SSD or HDD, and includes a log information storage unit 431, a deterioration map storage unit 432, and a delivery plan storage unit 433.

[0088] The log information storage unit 431 stores log information such as a moving object log transmitted from the moving object 300 and a charging log transmitted from the charge control device 100.

[0089] The deterioration map storage unit 432 stores a deterioration map of the battery 340. The deterioration map includes a storage deterioration map and a charging deterioration map. The storage deterioration map is a map showing the relationship between a plurality of states of the battery 340 (e.g., the temperature and SOC of the battery 340) and the deterioration rate during storage corresponding to each state. The storage deterioration map is a deterioration map in a state in which the battery 340 is not charged or discharged, i.e., in a storage state. The charging deterioration map is a map showing the relationship between a plurality of states of the battery 340 (e.g., the charging current and SOC) and the deterioration rate during charging corresponding to each state. The deterioration map is prepared for each type (e.g., model) of the battery 340.

[0090] The delivery plan storage unit 433 stores a delivery plan for the mobile body 300. The delivery plan is a delivery plan for each mobile body 300 for a certain period of time (for example, one day). Specifically, the delivery plan includes information on one or more packages to be delivered by each mobile body 300. The information on the package includes the package identifier, the package delivery destination, the package delivery origin, the package weight, etc. The delivery plan is generated for each mobile body 300 at a collection and delivery center.

[0091] The processor 420 includes a data management unit 421, a charging plan generation unit 422, and a delivery plan generation unit 423. The data management unit 421 to the delivery plan generation unit 423 are realized by the processor 420 executing a program that causes the computer to function as the server 400.

[0092] The data management unit 421 stores the moving object log received by the communication unit 410 in the log information storage unit 431. The data management unit 421 stores the charging log received by the communication unit 410 in the log information storage unit 431.

[0093] The charging plan generation unit 422 generates a charging plan for each mobile body 300 based on battery information D71 transmitted from each mobile body 300, pseudo charging device information D82 transmitted from the charging control device 100, a deterioration map of the battery 340 of each mobile body 300, and a delivery plan for each mobile body 300.

[0094] For example, the charging plan generating unit 422 calculates the travel distance of the mobile object 300 on the day of delivery from the delivery plan, calculates the required charge amount of the mobile object 300 on the day of delivery based on the calculated travel distance and the weight of the package to be delivered, and calculates the target charge amount from the calculated required charge amount and the remaining charge amount of the battery 340. Furthermore, the charging plan generating unit 422 specifies a deterioration map corresponding to the battery 340 from the battery type included in the battery information D71. Furthermore, the charging plan generating unit 422 uses the specified deterioration map, various information included in the battery information D71, and various information included in the pseudo charging device information D82 to calculate a charging schedule for charging the battery 340 with the target charge amount, in which deterioration of the battery 340 is suppressed.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a charging schedule. The charging schedule includes a charging start time, a target charge amount, and a current command value. The charging start time is the time when charging starts. The target charge amount is a target value of the charge amount to be supplied to the battery 340 this time. The current command value is a current command value per unit time. In the example of FIG. 8, current command values ​​for each of M slots, from the 1st to the Mth (M is an integer of 2 or more), are described. The current command values ​​described in the 1st slot to the Mth slot are read out in order for each unit time to charge the mobile object 300. This current command value is set to a value that suppresses deterioration according to the state of the battery 340.

[0096] Next, a process for generating the pseudo battery information D72 from the battery information D71 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the battery information D71 and the pseudo battery information D72.

[0097] The data generation unit 151 identifies a common protocol version that enables all of the protocol versions of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged to communicate with the charging device 200, and sets the identified common protocol version as the protocol version of the pseudo battery information D72. If the data generation unit 151 cannot identify a common protocol version, it sets the protocol version of the pseudo battery information D72 to NG.

[0098] If the battery types in the battery information D71 are the same, the data generation unit 151 sets the battery type in the pseudo battery information D72 to the same battery type. On the other hand, if the battery types in the battery information D71 are not the same, the data generation unit 151 sets the battery type in the pseudo battery information D72 to NG.

[0099] The data generation unit 151 sets the total value of the rated capacities of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the rated capacity of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0100] The data generator 151 sets the maximum value of the rated total voltages of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the rated total voltage of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0101] The data generator 151 sets the minimum value of the maximum allowable charging voltages for individual batteries of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the maximum allowable charging voltage for individual batteries in the pseudo battery information D72.

[0102] The data generator 151 sets the total value of the maximum allowable charging currents of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the maximum allowable charging current of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0103] The data generating unit 151 sets the total value of the rated energy amounts of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the rated energy amount of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0104] The data generating unit 151 sets the minimum value of the maximum allowable total charging voltages of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the maximum allowable total charging voltage of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0105] The data generating unit 151 sets the minimum value of the maximum allowable temperatures of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the maximum allowable temperature of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0106] The data generator 151 sets the average or maximum value of the SOCs of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the SOC of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0107] The data generator 151 sets the average or maximum value of the current voltages of the multiple moving objects 300 to be charged as the current voltage of the pseudo battery information D72.

[0108] When multiple moving objects 300 to be charged are in a charging standby state, the data generation unit 151 sets the charging standby in the pseudo battery information D72 to "OK." When any one of the moving objects 300 is not in a charging standby state, the data generation unit 151 sets the charging standby in the pseudo battery information D72 to "NG."

[0109] In this manner, the battery information D71 of a plurality of moving bodies is compiled, and pseudo battery information D72 corresponding to one charging device 200 is generated.

[0110] Next, a process for generating pseudo charging device information D82 from charging device information D81 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging device information D81 and the pseudo charging device information D82.

[0111] For the maximum output voltage, minimum output voltage, minimum output current, and charging standby, the data generation unit 151 sets the values ​​set in the charging device information D81 as the values ​​of the pseudo charging device information D82 as they are. The data generation unit 151 sets the maximum output current of the charging device information D81 multiplied by the distribution rate of the corresponding mobile object 300 as the maximum output current of the pseudo charging device information D82. The distribution rate is calculated by (rated energy amount of the corresponding mobile object 300) / (total value of the rated energy amounts of the mobile objects 300 to be charged). However, this is just one example. The distribution rate may also be calculated by 1 / (number of mobile objects 300 to be charged).

[0112] In this way, in the pseudo charging device information D82, the maximum output current that the charging device 200 can output is distributed according to the distribution ratio, and the pseudo charging device information D82 for each moving body 300 is calculated individually. Therefore, the current of the charging device 200 can be distributed to each moving body 300.

[0113] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1. In this sequence diagram, it is assumed that the moving objects 300 to be charged are the first moving object 301 and the second moving object 302.

[0114] In step S1, the first moving body 301, the second moving body 302, the charging control device 100, and the charging device 200 are physically connected. Specifically, the first connection port 110 is connected to the connection port 310 of the first moving body 301, the first connection port 110 is connected to the connection port 310 of the second moving body 302, and the charging connector 210 of the charging device 200 is connected to the second connection port 130 of the charging control device 100.

[0115] In step S2, the server 400 acquires a delivery plan and a deterioration map. Specifically, the server 400 acquires the delivery plan and the deterioration map by receiving them from the terminal device 500. This deterioration map corresponds to the battery 340 type of the first moving object 301 and the second moving object 302.

[0116] In step S3, the first mobile object 301 transmits its own battery information D71 to the charging control device 100. In step S4, the second mobile object 302 transmits its own battery information D71 to the charging control device 100.

[0117] In step S5, the charging control device 100 transmits a connection completion signal indicating that the physical connection between the first mobile body 301, the second mobile body 302, and the charging device 200 has been completed, and battery information D71 of each of the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302 to the server 400 via the second communication unit 142.

[0118] In step S6, the data generating unit 151 of the charging control device 100 generates pseudo battery information D72 from the received battery information D71 using the above-mentioned method. In step S7, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits the pseudo battery information D72 to the charging device 200 and receives a response to the pseudo battery information D72 from the charging device 200, thereby establishing a communication connection with the charging device 200. As a result, a communication connection is established between the charging device 200 and one pseudo mobile object that simulates the first mobile object 301 and the second mobile object 302. Here, the response transmitted from the charging device 200 includes the charging device information D81.

[0119] In step S8, the data generation unit 151 of the charging control device 100 generates pseudo charging device information D82 corresponding to each of the first moving object 301 and the second moving object 302 from the charging device information D81 using the method described above.

[0120] In step S9, the data generation unit 151 of the charging control device 100 transmits the generated pseudo charging device information D82 to the server 400 via the second communication unit 142.

[0121] In step S10, the charging plan generation unit 422 of the server 400 generates charging plans for each of the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302 based on the battery information D71 of each mobile body 300 received in step S5, the pseudo charging device information D82 of each mobile body 300 received in step S9, and the delivery plan and delivery map acquired in step S2.

[0122] In step S11, the charging plan generating unit 422 of the server 400 transmits the generated charging plan to the charging control device 100 via the communication unit 410.

[0123] In step S12, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits the pseudo charging device information D82 of the first mobile body 301 generated in step S8 to the first mobile body 301, and receives a response to the pseudo charging device information D82 from the first mobile body 301, thereby establishing a communication connection between the first mobile body 301 and the charging control device 100.

[0124] In step S13, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits the pseudo charging device information D82 of the second mobile body 302 generated in step S8 to the second mobile body 302, and receives a response to the pseudo charging device information D82 from the second mobile body 302, thereby establishing a communication connection between the second mobile body 302 and the charging control device 100.

[0125] In step S14, the first moving object 301 goes into a charging standby state. In step S15, the second moving object 302 goes into a charging standby state. In step S16, the charging device 200 goes into a charging standby state.

[0126] The above-mentioned processes from steps S1 to S16 constitute the communication establishment phase, after which the charging phase starts.

[0127] In step S17, the first moving object 301 transmits a charging request to the charging control device 100. In step S18, the second moving object 302 transmits a charging request to the charging control device 100.

[0128] In step S19, the data generation unit 151 of the charging control device 100 generates a pseudo charging request corresponding to one charging device 200 based on the charging request received in steps S17 and S18 and the charging plans for the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302 received in step S11.

[0129] For example, the charging request of the first mobile object 301 is A1, and the charging request of the second mobile object 302 is A2. The charging request current is I1. The charging request current included in the charging request A2 is I2. In this case, the data generating unit 151 sets the sum of the charging request current I1 and the charging request current I2 as the charging request current I3 of the pseudo charging request A3. Here, if the charging request current I1 is greater than the current command value IP1 specified by the charging plan of the first mobile object 301, the data generating unit 151 performs a calculation to calculate the charging request current I3 using the current command value IP1 instead of the charging request current I1. Similarly, if the charging request current I2 is greater than the current command value IP2 specified by the charging plan of the second mobile object 302, the data generating unit 151 performs a calculation to calculate the charging request current I3 using the charging request current I 2 Instead, a calculation may be performed to calculate the charging request current I3 using the current command value IP2.

[0130] In step S20, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits a pseudo charging request to the charging device 200. In step S21, the charging device 200 transmits an output state. The charging device 200 that has received the pseudo charging request outputs a current indicated by the charging request current included in the pseudo charging request to the charging control device 100. Therefore, the value of the charging request current is set as the output current in the output state.

[0131] In step S22, the data generation unit 151 of the charging control device 100 generates pseudo output states for each of the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302 by distributing the output state received in step S21 to the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302.

[0132] For example, the output current and output voltage included in the output state of the charging device 200 are denoted as IO and VO, respectively. The pseudo output state of the first moving object 301 is denoted as ST1, and the pseudo output state of the second moving object 302 is denoted as ST2. The pseudo output current of the pseudo output state ST1 is denoted as IO_1, the pseudo output voltage of the pseudo output state ST1 is denoted as VO_1, the pseudo output current of the pseudo output state ST2 is denoted as IO_2, and the pseudo output voltage of the pseudo output state ST2 is denoted as VO_2.

[0133] In this case, the data generating unit 151 may calculate the pseudo output current IO_1 by IO×distribution ratio. As the distribution ratio, for example, (rated energy amount of the first moving object 301) / (total value of the rated energy amounts of the first moving object 301 and the second moving object 302) may be adopted as described above, or 1 / (number of moving objects 300 to be charged=2) may be adopted.

[0134] Similarly, the data generating unit 151 may calculate the pseudo output current IO_2 by IO×distribution ratio. In this case, the distribution ratio may be (rated energy amount of the second mobile body 302) / (total value of the rated energy amounts of the first mobile body 301 and the second mobile body 302), or 1 / (number of mobile bodies 300 to be charged=2). Here, when the pseudo output current IO_1 is greater than the current command value IP1 indicated by the charging plan for the first mobile body 301, the data generating unit 151 may set the current command value IP1 as the pseudo output current IO_1. When the pseudo output current IO_2 is greater than the current command value IP2 indicated by the charging plan for the second mobile body 302, the data generating unit 151 may set the current command value IP2 as the pseudo output current IO_2.

[0135] Furthermore, the data generating unit 151 may set the output voltage VO as the pseudo output voltage VO_1 and the pseudo output voltage VO_2.

[0136] In step S23, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits the pseudo output state ST1 to the first moving object 301. In step S24, the first communication unit 141 of the charging control device 100 transmits the pseudo output state ST2 to the second moving object 302.

[0137] Thereafter, the charging control unit 152 of the charging control device 100 controls the distributor 170 so that the output current IO supplied from the charging device 200 is distributed to the pseudo output current IO_1 and the pseudo output current IO_2. As a result, the pseudo output current IO_1 is supplied to the first moving object 301, and the pseudo output current IO_2 is supplied to the second moving object 302.

[0138] As described above, according to this embodiment, the charging control device 100 includes a plurality of first connection ports 110 connected to a plurality of moving objects 300, and a second connection port 130 connected to one charging device 200. This allows the charging control device 100 to physically connect one charging device 200 to the plurality of moving objects 300.

[0139] Furthermore, the charging control device 100 generates one piece of pseudo battery information D72 (fourth data) from the battery information D71 (first data) transmitted from the multiple moving bodies 300, transmits it to the charging device 200, generates pseudo charging device information D82 (second data) for each of the multiple moving bodies 300 from the charging device information D81 (third data) received from the charging device 200 in response to the pseudo battery information D72, and transmits it to the multiple moving bodies 300. Here, the battery information D71, the pseudo battery information D72, the charging device information D81, and the pseudo charging device information D82 are data conforming to a predetermined charging standard. Therefore, it is possible to communicate between the charging device 200 and the multiple moving bodies 300 without changing the charging standard.

[0140] In addition, when N=1, i.e., when there is one mobile body 300, a charging control device 100 that virtually controls communication for charging is installed between the mobile body 300 and the charging device 200, making it possible to control charging according to a charging plan without changing the configuration of the mobile body 300 and the charging device 200.

[0141] (Embodiment 2) 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a charging system 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a charging control device 100A is installed in a moving object 300A. Note that a description of the configuration that is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0142] Next, the charging system 1A will be described in detail. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging control device 100A shown in Fig. 10. The charging control device 100A includes a first connection port 110A, a second connection port 130A, a communication unit 140, a control unit 150, and a memory 160.

[0143] The first connection port 110A includes a communication terminal. The communication terminal is a terminal for the charging control device 100A to communicate with the communication unit 320.

[0144] The second connection port 130A includes a communication terminal. The communication terminal is a terminal for the charging control device 100A to communicate with the charging device 200 via the connection port 310A of the moving object 300A.

[0145] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a moving object 300A. The moving object 300A includes a connection port 310A, a communication unit 320, a battery management unit 330, a battery 340, a drive unit 350, and a memory 360, as well as a charge control device 100A.

[0146] The connection port 310A is connected to the charging device 200. The connection port 310A is connected to the second connection port 130A of the charging control device 100A via a communication line. The connection port 310A is connected to the battery 340 via a power line.

[0147] The processing of the charging system 1 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0148] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the charge control device 100A is installed in the moving body 300A, and can control charging of the battery 340 mounted on the moving body 300A according to a charging plan received from the server 400. Furthermore, the charge control device 100A that virtually controls communication for charging is installed between the connection port 310A and the communication unit 320, thereby enabling charging control according to the charging plan without changing the configuration of the moving body 300A.

[0149] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0150] (1) Although one charging device 200 is shown in Fig. 1, this is just an example, and the charging system 1 may include a plurality of charging devices 200. In this case, each charging device 200 is connected to a plurality of moving objects 300.

[0151] (2) In Fig. 1, the charging control device 100 has one second connection port 130, but there may be multiple second connection ports 130. In this case, multiple charging devices 200 are connected to the multiple second connection ports 130, and multiple moving objects 300 connected to the multiple first connection ports 110 can be charged. In this case, the number of first connection ports 110 is made greater than the number of second connection ports 130, that is, the number of moving objects 300 is made greater than the number of charging devices 200.

[0152] (3) In Fig. 2, the data generation unit 151 is provided in the charging control device 100, but this is only an example and the server 400 may provide the data. In this case, the server 400 executes the processes of generating one piece of fourth data from the plurality of pieces of first data, generating second data for each of the plurality of moving objects 300 from the third data received from the charging device 200 as a response to the fourth data, and causing the first communication unit 141 to transmit the fourth data and the plurality of pieces of second data.

[0153] (4) When the charge control device 100 compares the charging plan and the charging log for a certain moving body 300 and determines that charging cannot be performed according to the charging plan, the charge control device 100 may transmit the determination result to the server 400. In this case, the server 400 may determine whether to continue charging the moving body 300 as is or to change the charging plan for the moving body 300. When the server 400 determines that the charging plan should be changed, the server 400 may transmit an instruction to stop charging the moving body 300 to the charge control device 100. [Industrial Applicability]

[0154] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure makes it possible to charge a plurality of mobile objects using an existing charging device, and is therefore useful for a charging system that charges electrically powered mobile objects.

Claims

1. a plurality of first connection ports each connected to a plurality of moving bodies, each of the plurality of moving bodies including a battery; a second connection port for connection to one charging device; (1) receiving first data from each of a plurality of moving objects via a first connection port and transmitting second data to each of the plurality of moving objects; (2) a first communication unit that receives third data from the charging device via a second connection port and transmits fourth data to the charging device, the first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data being data conforming to a charging standard; a control unit that generates one fourth data from a plurality of first data, generates second data for each of the plurality of moving objects from the third data received from the charging device in response to the fourth data, and causes the first communication unit to transmit the fourth data and the plurality of second data. Charging control device.

2. a second communication unit that transmits the plurality of first data to an external device and receives a charging plan for each of the plurality of moving objects from the external device; Charging of the plurality of moving objects is controlled according to the charging plan. The charge control device according to claim 1.

3. the plurality of first data and the fourth data include a state of the battery, the plurality of second data and the third data include output specifications of the charging device, The fourth data battery state is generated by calculating or comparing the battery states of the plurality of first data; The output specifications of the second data are generated by distributing the output specifications of the third data to each of a plurality of moving objects. The charge control device according to claim 2.

4. the plurality of first data and the fourth data further include specifications of a battery of the mobile object; The second communication unit further transmits to the external device the specifications and states of the batteries of the plurality of moving objects and the plurality of output specifications of the charging device that have been generated as a plurality of pseudo output specifications; The received charging plan is a charging plan based on the transmitted specifications and states of the batteries of each of the plurality of mobile objects and the generated output specifications of the plurality of pseudo charging devices. The charge control device according to claim 3.

5. A second communication unit that receives a charging plan for each of the plurality of moving objects from an external device, The fourth data is generated from the plurality of first data according to the charging plan. The charge control device according to claim 1.

6. the plurality of first data and the fourth data include a charging request; the second data and the third data include an output state of the charging device, the charging request of the fourth data is generated based on at least one of the charging request of the first data and the charging plan corresponding to each of a plurality of moving bodies to be charged simultaneously in the charging plan, the plurality of output states of the second data are generated by distributing the output states of the third data to each of the plurality of moving bodies. The charge control device according to claim 5.

7. A current output from the charging device is distributed to each of the plurality of moving objects according to the output states of the plurality of second data. The charge control device according to claim 6.

8. An information processing method for a charge control device to charge a plurality of mobile objects, comprising: the charging control device includes a plurality of first connection ports connected to a plurality of mobile objects, each of the plurality of mobile objects having a battery, and a second connection port connected to one charging device; The computer receiving first data from each of the plurality of moving objects via a first connection port; generating one fourth data from the plurality of first data; Transmitting the fourth data to the charging device via the second connection port; receiving third data from the charging device in response to the fourth data; generating second data for each of the plurality of moving bodies from the third data; Transmitting a plurality of second data to a charging device via the first connection port; The first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data are data conforming to a charging standard, Information processing methods.

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