Power Supply Equipment and Systems

Abstract

To make it possible for a user to easily recognize whether or not a power feeding facility capable of being accommodated under a ground surface can be used.SOLUTION: A charging stand 1 is the power feeding facility capable of being stored under a ground surface GR. The charging stand 1 comprises a light-emitting device 13 and a control device 15. The light-emitting device 13 is configured to emit light toward an upper space of the ground surface GR. The control device 15 controls the light-emitting device 13. A first light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device 13 when the charging stand 1 can be used is different from a second light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device 13 when the charging stand 1 cannot be used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply facility and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-109807 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power supply facility that can be stored below ground. This power supply facility includes a base pole (fixed portion) and a charging pole (movable portion). The charging pole is configured to be movable up and down so that it can stand up from the ground or be stored underground. The charging pole is provided with a lamp. When the charging pole stands up from the ground, the lamp is turned on. On the other hand, when the charging pole is stored below ground, the lamp is turned off. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-109807 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when another user reserves a power supply facility, the user may not be able to use the reserved power supply facility. Therefore, a technology is desired that enables a user to easily recognize whether or not the power supply facility is available for use.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a power supply facility and a server that enable a user to easily recognize whether or not a power supply facility that can be accommodated below ground is available for use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power supply facility of the present disclosure is a power supply facility that can be stored under the ground. The power supply facility includes a light emitting device and a control device. The light emitting device is configured to emit light toward a space above the ground. The control device controls the light emitting device. A first light emitting mode of the light emitting device when the power supply facility is available is different from a second light emitting mode of the light emitting device when the power supply facility is unavailable.

[0007] According to the above configuration, depending on whether the light emitting state of the light emitting device is the first light emitting state or the second light emitting state, the user can visually recognize whether the power supply facility is available or not. As a result, the user can easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available or not.

[0008] The light emitting device in the first light emitting mode may emit a first color, and the light emitting device in the second light emitting mode may emit a second color.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the user can visually recognize whether the power supply facility is available or not based on the emitted color. As a result, the user can particularly easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available or not.

[0010] In a first light mode, the light emitting device may be illuminated, and in a second light mode, the light emitting device may be extinguished.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the power supply facility is unavailable, the light emitting device is turned off, so that the power of the light emitting device is not consumed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the light emitting device and to enable the user to easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available.

[0012] When the power supply equipment is available, this may include a case where the power supply equipment is not reserved, and a case where the power supply equipment is reserved and the current time is earlier than a reference time that is a predetermined time before the start time of the reservation period for the power supply equipment. When the power supply equipment is not available, this may include a case where the power supply equipment is reserved and the current time is in a time period between the start time and the reference time.

[0013] The server of the present disclosure includes a control device and a storage device. The control device controls a light-emitting device provided in a power supply facility that can be stored under the ground. The storage device stores reservation status information indicating a reservation status of the power supply facility. The light-emitting device is configured to emit light toward a space above the ground. The control device determines whether the power supply facility is available according to the reservation status information, and sets a light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device according to the result of the determination. A first light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device when the power supply facility is available is different from a second light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device when the power supply facility is unavailable. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to enable a user to easily recognize whether or not power supply equipment that can be accommodated below ground is available for use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a charging system for a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a charging station, a vehicle, a user terminal, and a server in a accommodated state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a charging station in an exposed state, a vehicle, a user terminal, and a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail a timetable stored in a storage device of the server. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of a process related to plug-in charging of a vehicle using a charging station. [Figure 6] 6 is an example of a flowchart showing details of a process for preparing for charging (step S10 in FIG. 5). [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing details of the light emission mode setting process (the process of step S335 in FIG. 6). [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing details of the process for executing charging (step S20 in FIG. 5). [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing details of the process after charging is completed (step S30 in FIG. 5). [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a process for setting a light emission mode of a light emitting device in this modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0017] [Embodiment Mode] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a vehicle charging system in an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, a vehicle 9 is parked in two of parking spaces 5A-5E (in this example, parking spaces 5C and 5E) provided in a parking lot. A charging system 10 includes a plurality of vehicles 9 and a plurality of charging stands 1 (1A-1E).

[0018] The vehicle 9 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that allows plug-in charging.

[0019] Each of the multiple charging stands 1 is installed in a space (in this example, a sidewalk 20) ​​adjacent to the parking spaces 5A to 5E. The charging stand 1 is a power supply facility configured to enable plug-in charging of a vehicle 9. There is no particular limit to the number of charging stands 1 that can be installed.

[0020] Each charging stand 1 is configured to be able to switch its elevated state. Specifically, each charging stand 1 is configured to be able to switch between a "housed state" in which it is housed underground and an "exposed state" in which it is exposed above ground (i.e., rising from the ground).

[0021] In this example, the charging stations 1 (1C and 1E) in the exposed state are shown with solid lines, while the charging stations 1 (1A, 1B, and 1D) in the stored state are shown with dashed lines. When the charging station 1 is in the stored state, it cannot be used for plug-in charging of the vehicle 9. On the other hand, when the charging station 1 is in the exposed state, it can be used for plug-in charging of the vehicle 9.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging stand 1, the vehicle 9, the user terminal 200, and the server 300 in a housed state. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging stand 1, the vehicle 9, the user terminal 200, and the server 300 in an exposed state. The charging stand 1, the vehicle 9, and the user terminal 200 are configured to communicate with the server 300.

[0023] 2 and 3, the stored state of the charging stand 1 is a state in which the charging stand 1 is lowered until the height of the upper end UL is approximately the same as the height of the ground GR in the +Z direction (FIG. 2). The exposed state is a state in which the upper end UL is raised by a predetermined height Z0 from the ground GR in the +Z direction (FIG. 3).

[0024] The charging stand 1 has, for example, a cylindrical housing. The charging stand 1 is installed on the bottom surface of a recess 16 formed in the ground GR. The recess 16 is formed to have a predetermined gap with the outer circumferential surface of the housing of the charging stand 1. The depth of the recess 16 is approximately the same as the length ZA in the +Z direction of the charging stand 1 in the housed state (FIG. 2).

[0025] The charging stand 1 is controlled by the server 300 in response to operations performed by a user using an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 204 of a user terminal 200 or an HMI device 98 of a vehicle 9 (both of which will be described later). The charging stand 1 is configured to be reservable by a user. When the charging stand 1 is not reserved by a user (a first user), it can be used by another user (a second user). On the other hand, when the charging stand 1 is reserved by a user, it may not be available to other users.

[0026] The charging stand 1 includes a light-emitting device 13, a movable part 11, and a fixed part 14. The light-emitting device 13 is provided on an upper end UL of the movable part 11. The light-emitting device 13 is configured to emit light toward a space above the ground GR. The light-emitting device 13 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a fluorescent lamp, or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL). The light-emitting device 13 may be provided in a neighborhood area of ​​the movable part 11 in the +X direction or the -X direction. Specifically, this neighborhood area is an area on the ground GR that is a predetermined distance away from the movable part 11 in the +X direction or the -X direction.

[0027] Movable part 11 is configured to be raised and lowered by lifting device 12 (described later) provided on fixed part 14. In this example, the lifting direction of movable part 11 is the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The lifting direction of movable part 11 may be inclined at a predetermined angle from these directions. Movable part 11 includes a charging connector 111, a charging cable 112, a charging start button 17A, and a charging stop button 17B.

[0028] The charging connector 111 is inserted (connected) into an inlet 91 (described later) of the vehicle 9. The charging connector 111 is electrically connected to one end of a charging cable 112. The other end of the charging cable 112 is electrically connected to a power source 3. The power source 3 is, for example, an AC power source such as a commercial power source. A power conversion device (not shown) may be provided between the charging cable 112 and the power source 3. When the user removes the charging connector 111 from the accommodation space 115 formed in the movable part 11, the user can extend or retract the charging cable 112 to the inlet 91 (FIG. 3).

[0029] Accommodating space 115 is configured to accommodate charging connector 111 and charging cable 112. A sensor (not shown) is provided in accommodating space 115. This sensor detects whether charging connector 111 and charging cable 112 are accommodated in predetermined positions in accommodating space 115. A signal indicating the detection result of this sensor is output to control device 15, received by control device 15, and then transmitted to server 300.

[0030] The charging start button 17A and the charging stop button 17B are operated (pressed) by the user when the charging connector 111 is inserted into the inlet 91. When the charging start button 17A or the charging stop button 17B is operated, a signal indicating that the button has been operated is output to the control device 15. When the charging start button 17A is operated, the control device 15 starts plug-in charging of the vehicle 9. On the other hand, when the charging stop button 17B is operated while plug-in charging is being performed, the control device 15 stops (ends) the plug-in charging.

[0031] The fixed part 14 includes the lifting device 12, a communication device 153, and a control device 15. The lifting device 12 lifts and lowers the movable part 11 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction so that the state of the charging stand 1 switches between a stored state and an exposed state. The lifting device 12 may have various mechanisms. Specifically, the lifting device 12 may have a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder, or a magnetic mechanism. The rack-and-pinion mechanism rotates a pinion gear meshed with a rack gear fixed to the movable part 11 using an electric actuator. The mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder increases or decreases the hydraulic pressure supplied to the cylinder body when a rod connected to a piston is fixed to the movable part 11. The magnetic mechanism generates a magnetic repulsive force between the movable part 11 and the lifting device 12.

[0032] The lifting device 12 desirably includes a mechanism (such as a stopper) for restricting excessive movement of the movable part 11 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. As a result, the lifting device 12 is configured so that the movable part 11 does not descend below a position corresponding to the stored state (i.e., a position where the upper end UL of the movable part 11 is substantially flush with the ground GR). The lifting device 12 is also configured so that the movable part 11 does not rise above a position corresponding to the exposed state (i.e., a position where the upper end UL is a predetermined height Z0 above the ground GR).

[0033] The communication device 153 communicates with external devices (e.g., the server 300 and the vehicle 9) of the charging stand 1 in a wired or wireless manner. As an example, the communication device 153 receives a control command CC from the server 300. The control command CC is used by the control device 15 to control the charging stand 1. Furthermore, the communication device 153 is configured to receive a charging stop request CSR ( FIG. 3 ) from the vehicle 9.

[0034] The control device 15 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, and a timer 154. The processor 151 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 152 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (neither of which are shown).

[0035] The control device 15 controls the components of the charging stand 1 in accordance with the information stored in the memory 152 and the control command CC received from the server 300 via the communication device 153. As an example, the control device 15 controls the light-emitting device 13 to emit light.

[0036] Furthermore, the control device 15 executes ascent control and descent control by controlling the lifting device 12. Ascent control is control in which the lifting device 12 lifts the movable part 11 in the +Z direction. Descent control is control in which the lifting device 12 lowers the movable part 11 in the -Z direction. When ascent control is executed in a situation in which the charging stand 1 is in a stored state, the charging stand 1 becomes in an exposed state.

[0037] When the charging stand 1 is in an exposed state, it may become an obstacle to people on the walkway 20 (FIG. 1). Therefore, it is preferable that the time during which the charging stand 1 is in an exposed state is as short as possible, within a range in which plug-in charging using the charging stand 1 is possible.

[0038] Therefore, the ascent control is executed so that the charging stand 1 is switched from the housed state to the exposed state immediately before the reservation period of the charging stand 1 (for example, a predetermined time before). Then, when the plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 is completed and the charging connector 111 and the charging cable 112 are housed in the housing space 115, the descent control is executed. As a result, the charging stand 1 is switched from the exposed state to the housed state.

[0039] The vehicle 9 includes an inlet 91 , a charging device 92 , a battery 93 , an inverter 94 , a motor generator 95 , an HMI device 98 , a communication device 120 , and an ECU 100 .

[0040] The inlet 91 is configured so that a charging connector 111 of the charging stand 1 can be inserted therein. When the charging connector 111 is inserted into the inlet 91, the inlet 91 and the charging connector 111 are electrically connected to each other. This enables power transmission from the charging stand 1 to the vehicle 9.

[0041] When AC power is supplied from the charging stand 1 to the inlet 91 , the charging device 92 converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to the battery 93 .

[0042] Battery 93 is a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 93 is provided with a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor (none of which are shown). The current sensor, the voltage sensor, and the temperature sensor respectively detect the current, voltage, and temperature of battery 93. Detection values ​​of these sensors are output to ECU 100.

[0043] The inverter 94 converts the DC power stored in the battery 93 into AC power, and supplies the AC power to the motor generator 95 .

[0044] The motor generator 95 uses the electric power from the inverter 94 to apply a rotational force to the drive wheels, thereby driving the vehicle 9. This causes the vehicle 9 to travel.

[0045] The HMI device 98 includes an input device and a display device (neither of which are shown). The input device receives a user operation (reservation operation) for reserving the charging stand 1. The display device displays various screens (including a screen for notifying the user whether or not the charging stand 1 can be reserved).

[0046] The communication device 120 is configured to communicate with the server 300. For example, when the above-mentioned user operation is performed, the communication device 120 transmits a reservation request RR to the server 300. The reservation request RR includes information indicating the charging station 1 to be reserved (in the example of FIG. 1, which of the charging stations 1A to 1E is the charging station 1) and the reservation period for the charging station 1. The communication device 120 is also configured to communicate with the charging station 1, and transmits, for example, a charging stop request CSR (FIG. 3) to the charging station 1.

[0047] The ECU 100 includes a memory and a CPU (neither shown). The memory stores programs to be executed by the CPU. The CPU executes various calculations in accordance with the programs stored in the memory. This enables the ECU 100 to control each device of the vehicle 9.

[0048] As an example, the ECU 100 controls the communication device 120 so that a reservation request RR is transmitted from the vehicle 9 to the server 300. In addition, when the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery 93 reaches a predetermined charging threshold while the plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 is being performed, the ECU 100 transmits a charging stop request CSR to the charging stand 1 via the communication device 120. This ends the plug-in charging. The ECU 100 can calculate the SOC of the battery 93 using a known method according to the detection values ​​of the current sensor, voltage sensor, and temperature sensor described above.

[0049] The user terminal 200 includes an HMI device 204, a communication device 206, and a processing device 202. The HMI device 204 has the same configuration and functions as the HMI device 98. Specifically, the HMI device 204 includes an input device and a display device (neither of which are shown), and receives a user operation (reservation operation) for a reservation request RR. A signal indicating that the reservation operation has been performed is transmitted from the HMI device 204 to the processing device 202. The communication device 206 is configured to communicate with the server 300.

[0050] The processing device 202 includes a CPU and a memory (neither is shown). The processing device 202 controls the HMI device 204 and the communication device 206. As an example, when a user operation for a reservation request RR is performed on the HMI device 204, the processing device 202 controls the communication device 206 so that the reservation request RR is transmitted from the user terminal 200 to the server 300. In this manner, the reservation request RR may be transmitted to the server 300 from either the communication device 120 of the vehicle 9 or the communication device 206 of the user terminal 200.

[0051] The server 300 is configured to manage and control a plurality of charging stations 1. The server 300 includes a storage device 304, a communication device 306, a timer 307, and a processing device 302.

[0052] The storage device 304 stores a timetable indicating various states (including the reservation state of the charging station 1) of the charging station 1. Reservation state information indicating this reservation state is used to determine whether the charging station 1 is available for use. The details of this timetable will be explained in detail later.

[0053] The communication device 306 is configured to communicate with the vehicle 9 , the user terminal 200 and the charging station 1 .

[0054] The processing device (control device) 302 generates a control command CC for controlling the charging stand 1 (specifically, the light emitting device 13, the lifting device 12, etc.). The processing device 302 transmits the control command CC to the charging stand 1 via the communication device 306.

[0055] For example, when another user has reserved the charging stand 1, the user may not be able to use the reserved charging stand 1. Therefore, a technology is desired that enables the user to easily recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available for use. In particular, when the charging stand 1 is in a housed state (FIG. 2), it is difficult for the user to recognize the charging stand 1 itself. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available for use.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing device 302 of the server 300 sets the first and second light-emitting modes so that the light-emitting mode (first light-emitting mode) of the light-emitting device 13 when the charging stand 1 is available differs from the light-emitting mode (second light-emitting mode) of the light-emitting device 13 when the charging stand 1 is unavailable. The processing device 302 sets the first and second light-emitting modes so that, for example, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device 13 in the first light-emitting mode is green (first color) and the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device 13 in the second light-emitting mode is red (second color).

[0057] According to the above configuration, depending on whether the light-emitting device 13 is in the first light-emitting mode or the second light-emitting mode (for example, depending on whether the light-emitting color is red or green), the user can visually recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available for use. As a result, the user can recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available for use or not more easily than when the user recognizes the same by a voice notification. In particular, even when the charging stand 1 is in a stored state (FIG. 2), the light-emitting device 13 emits light in the first or second light-emitting mode toward the space above the ground GR. Therefore, the user can easily recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available for use or not.

[0058] An example of a case in which the charging stand 1 is available is when the charging stand 1 has not been reserved. An example of a case in which the charging stand 1 is available is when the charging stand 1 has been reserved and the current time is earlier than a first reference time that is a first predetermined time before the start time of the reservation period for the charging stand 1 (for example, a time 30 minutes before the above-mentioned start time). In this case, the start time of the reservation period does not arrive immediately. Therefore, users other than the user who made the reservation are permitted to use the charging stand 1.

[0059] The charging stand 1 is not available when the charging stand 1 has been reserved and the current time is in the time period between the start time and the reference time. In this case, the start time of the reservation period is about to arrive. Therefore, users other than the user who made the reservation are not allowed to use the charging stand 1. The light emission mode of the light-emitting device 13 will be described in more detail below.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in detail the timetable 400 stored in the storage device 304 of the server 300. As shown in FIG.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a timetable 400 shows, for a representative charging stand 1 (e.g., charging stand 1A in FIG. 1), the reservation status, availability status, light emission color status of the light-emitting device 13, and exposed / stored status over time.

[0062] Specifically, the timetable 400 includes reservation status information RI, availability status information AUI, color status information CI, and exposure / containment status information EAI.

[0063] The reservation status information RI indicates the temporal transition of the reservation status of the charging station 1 (FIG. 4(A)). The reservation periods RP1, RP2, and RP3 are periods reserved by the users U1, U2, and U3, respectively, who performed the operation for the reservation request RR. The non-reservation periods NRP1, NRP2, and NRP3 are periods different from the reservation periods RP1, RP2, and RP3.

[0064] The reservation status information RI is used to determine whether a user other than the user who performed the reservation operation for the most recent reservation period can use the charging station 1. The most recent reservation period is the reservation period that is closest to the current time among at least one reservation period after the current time. In the example of Fig. 4, assuming that the current time is time t0, the most recent reservation period is reservation period RP1 among reservation periods RP1 to RP3.

[0065] The availability status information AUI indicates the transition over time of the availability status of the charging stand 1 (FIG. 4(B)). The availability status information AUI is generated (determined) by the processing device 302 in accordance with the reservation status information RI. Specifically, the charging stand 1 is unavailable during the period from a time (first reference time) that is a predetermined time PT1 before the start time of the reservation period to the end time of the reservation period. For example, the charging stand 1 is unavailable during unavailable period UAP1 from time t1 to time t5. In other words, during this period, users other than user U1 are not permitted to use the charging stand 1. Similarly, the charging stand 1 is unavailable during unavailable period UAP2.

[0066] The charging stand 1 is available during periods other than the unavailable period UAP1 and the unavailable period UAP2 (for example, during the available period AP1 and the available period AP2). During these periods, users other than the user who made the reservation are allowed to use the charging stand 1.

[0067] The color status information CI indicates a temporal change in the light emission color of the light-emitting device 13 of the charging stand 1 (FIG. 4(C)). The color status information CI is generated by the processing device 302 in accordance with the availability status information AUI. In this example, during an available period, the light emission color of the light-emitting device 13 is green. On the other hand, during an unavailable period, the light emission color of the light-emitting device 13 is red.

[0068] The exposed / stored state information EAI indicates the time transition of the exposed / stored state of the charging stand 1 (more specifically, the raised / lowered state of the movable part 11) (FIG. 4(D)). The exposed / stored state information EAI is generated by the processing device 302 in accordance with the reservation state information RI. Specifically, the charging stand 1 is in the exposed state during the period from a time (second reference time) that is a predetermined time PT2 before the start time of the reservation period until the charging connector 111 and the charging cable 112 are returned (stored) to the storage space 115 after the end of the reservation period. During other periods, the charging stand 1 is in the stored state.

[0069] The following will explain in more detail the transition over time of the reservation status, availability status, color status, and exposed / closed status.

[0070] At time t0, the charging stand 1 is in a accommodated state. During the period from time t0 to time t1, time t is before time (first reference time) t1, which is a predetermined time PT1 (e.g., 30 minutes) before time t3, which is the start time of reservation period RP1. Therefore, during this period, the charging stand 1 is available for use (available period AP1). Therefore, the light emitted by the light-emitting device 13 is green.

[0071] During the period from time t1 (first reference time) to time t3 (start time of reservation period RP1), the charging stand 1 is unavailable (unavailable period UAP1). Therefore, the light emitted by the light emitting device 13 is red.

[0072] At time t2 (second reference time), the lifting device 12 of the fixed part 14 executes elevation control so that plug-in charging can be performed during the reservation period RP1. This switches the charging stand 1 from the housed state to the exposed state. Time t2 is a predetermined time PT2 (e.g., one minute) before time t3 (the start time of the reservation period RP1) (in other words, the time immediately before this start time). By executing elevation control in this manner, the time during which the charging stand 1 is in the exposed state can be shortened as much as possible.

[0073] The period from time t3 to time t5 is reservation period RP1. In this example, at time t3, the user removes charging cable 112 from accommodation space 115, inserts charging connector 111 into inlet 91, and operates charging start button 17A. This starts plug-in charging of vehicle 9.

[0074] At time t4, when the SOC of the battery 93 reaches the charging threshold value, the ECU 100 outputs a charging stop request CSR to the charging stand 1 through the communication device 120. This ends the plug-in charging using the charging stand 1. The plug-in charging may end when the charging stop button 17B is operated. After the plug-in charging ends, the user stores the charging connector 111 and the charging cable 112 in a predetermined position in the storage space 115. When these are stored in the storage space 115, the control device 15 executes the lowering control. Specifically, the control device 15 controls the lifting device 12 to lower the movable part 11 in the -Z direction. This switches the charging stand 1 from the exposed state to the stored state.

[0075] During the period from time t5 to time t6, time t is before time t6 (first reference time) which is a predetermined time PT1 before time t8, which is the start time of reservation period RP2. Therefore, during this period, the charging stand 1 is available for use (available period AP2). Furthermore, the light emitted by the light-emitting device 13 is green.

[0076] During the period from time t6 to time t11, similar to the period from time t1 to time t5, the charging stand 1 is unavailable (unavailable period UAP2). Therefore, the light emitted by the light-emitting device 13 is red.

[0077] At time t7, time t becomes the time that is a predetermined time PT2 before (the time immediately before) time t8 (the start time of reservation period RP2). Therefore, similar to the case of time t2, the charging stand 1 switches from the housed state to the exposed state.

[0078] The period from time t8 to time t11 is a reservation period RP2. In this example, plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 starts at time t8 and ends at time t11.

[0079] Although time t11 is the end time of reservation period RP2, it is in the time zone between time t9 (first reference time) which is a predetermined time PT1 before time t12, which is the start time of the next reservation period RP3, and time t12. In other words, time t12, which is the start time of reservation period RP3, will arrive soon. Therefore, users other than user U3 are not permitted to use the charging stand 1. Therefore, the light emitted by the light-emitting device 13 remains red during the period from time t11 to time t13, which is the end time of reservation period RP3.

[0080] Time t11 is also the period between time t10 (i.e., the second reference time immediately before the start time of reservation period RP3), which is a predetermined time PT2 (e.g., one minute) before time t12, and time t12. Therefore, no lowering control is performed at time t11 so that plug-in charging can be performed during the next reservation period RP3. Therefore, the charging stand 1 remains in the exposed state.

[0081] 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing related to plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 using the charging stand 1. The processing of this flowchart is executed at predetermined time intervals when the user terminal 200, the server 300, and the charging stand 1 are activated.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 5, the processing related to plug-in charging is roughly divided into three processing steps. First, processing for preparing for charging is performed before plug-in charging (step S10). Next, processing for performing charging is performed during plug-in charging (step S20). And processing after the end of charging is performed after the end of plug-in charging (step S30). These processing steps will be described in detail below.

[0083] Fig. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing details of the process for preparing for charging (step S10 in Fig. 5). At the start of the process of this flowchart, the charging stand 1 is in a housed state housed under the ground GR. In the following description, Figs. 2 to 4 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0084] 6, the processing device 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether or not a reservation operation for the charging station 1 has been performed (step S205). Specifically, the processing device 202 determines whether or not a signal indicating that a user operation for a reservation request RR has been performed has been received from the HMI device 204.

[0085] If a reservation operation for the charging station 1 has not been performed (NO in step S205), the processing device 202 transitions the process to RETURN. On the other hand, if a reservation operation for the charging station 1 has been performed (YES in step S205), the processing device 202 transmits a reservation request RR to the server 300 via the communication device 206 (step S210). After that, the processing device 202 advances the process to step S215.

[0086] In step S305, the processing device 302 of the server 300 judges whether or not a reservation request RR has been received through the communication device 306. If the processing device 302 has not received the reservation request RR (NO in step S305), the processing proceeds to step S335. On the other hand, if the processing device 302 has received the reservation request RR (YES in step S305), the processing proceeds to step S310.

[0087] Next, the processing device 302 reads the timetable 400 from the storage device 304 (step S310). Then, the processing device 302 determines whether or not a reservation for the charging station 1 is possible according to the timetable 400 (step S315). Specifically, the processing device 302 determines whether or not the reservation period indicated by the reservation request RR (the newly requested reservation period) overlaps with a reservation period already registered in the timetable 400.

[0088] If reservation of the charging station 1 is not possible (NO in step S315), that is, if the newly requested reservation period overlaps with a reservation period that has already been registered, the processing device 302 transmits reservation impossible information to the user terminal 200 via the communication device 306 (step S320). The reservation impossible information is information indicating that reservation of the charging station 1 is not possible. After step S320, the process proceeds to step S335.

[0089] On the other hand, if the charging stand 1 is available for reservation (YES in step S315), that is, if the newly requested reservation period does not overlap with any already registered reservation period, the processing device 302 transmits reservation availability information to the user terminal 200 via the communication device 306 (step S325). The reservation availability information is information indicating that the charging stand 1 is available for reservation. After step S325, the processing device 302 updates the timetable 400 so that the newly requested reservation period is registered in the timetable 400 (step S330). Specifically, the processing device 302 updates the reservation status information RI, the availability status information AUI, the color status information CI, and the exposed / contained status information EAI. After step S330, the process proceeds to step S335.

[0090] In step S215, the processing device 202 of the user terminal 200 determines whether reservation impossible information has been received through the communication device 206. When the processing device 202 receives the reservation impossible information (YES in step S215), it notifies the user that reservation of the charging station 1 is impossible (step S220). Specifically, the processing device 202 displays a screen (not shown) indicating that reservation is impossible on the display device of the HMI device 204. On the other hand, when the processing device 202 has not received the reservation impossible information, that is, when the processing device 202 has received reservation possible information (NO in step S215), it notifies the user that reservation of the charging station 1 is possible (step S225). Specifically, the processing device 202 displays a screen (not shown) indicating that reservation is possible on the display device of the HMI device 204.

[0091] In step S335, the processor 302 executes a process for setting the light emission mode of the light emitting device 13. Details of this process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0092] Next, the processing device 302 transmits light emission information indicating the set light emission mode to the charging stand 1 via the communication device 306 (step S340). The light emission information is transmitted to the charging stand 1 as a part of the control command CC.

[0093] In step S105, the control device 15 of the charging stand 1 receives the light emission information through the communication device 153. Then, the control device 15 controls the light emitting device 13 so that the light emitting device 13 emits light in accordance with the light emission mode of the light emission information (step S110). After that, the control device 15 advances the process to step S115.

[0094] In step S345, the processing device 302 of the server 300 reads the timetable 400 (step S345). Then, the processing device 302 acquires the current time by referring to the timer 307 (step S350).

[0095] Next, the processing device 302 judges whether the current time is within a time period within a predetermined time PT2 (FIG. 4) from the start time of the most recent reservation period (step S355). If the current time is not within a time period within the predetermined time PT2 from the start time of the most recent reservation period (i.e., it is not the time immediately before this start time) (NO in step S355), the processing device 302 proceeds to the process in step S365. On the other hand, if the current time is within a time period within the predetermined time PT2 from the start time of the most recent reservation period (i.e., it is the time immediately before this start time) (YES in step S355), the processing device 302 sets the position of the charging stand 1 (more specifically, the movable part 11) so that the charging stand 1 is in an exposed state (step S360). A position signal S1 indicating the position set in step S360 is transmitted from the server 300 to the charging stand 1. The position signal S1 is transmitted to the charging stand 1 as a part of the control command CC.

[0096] In step S115, the control device 15 of the charging stand 1 determines whether or not the position signal S1 has been received. If the control device 15 has not received the position signal S1 (NO in step S115), the control device 15 executes this determination process until the position signal S1 is received. On the other hand, if the control device 15 has received the position signal S1 (YES in step S115), the control device 15 controls the lifting device 12 in accordance with the position signal S1 so that the charging stand 1 is in an exposed state (step S120). Thereafter, the charging connector 111 of the charging stand 1 is removed from the accommodation space 115 by the user and inserted into the inlet 91 of the vehicle 9.

[0097] Next, the control device 15 determines whether or not the user has operated the charging start button 17A (step S125). Specifically, the control device 15 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the charging start button 17A has been operated has been received.

[0098] If the charging start button 17A has not been operated (NO in step S125), the control device 15 transitions the process to RETURN. On the other hand, if the charging start button 17A has been operated (YES in step S125), the control device 15 starts plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 (step S130) and transmits a charging start notification to the server 300 via the communication device 153 (step S135). Thereafter, the process of the charging stand 1 transitions to step S150 in FIG. 8 (described below).

[0099] In step S365, the processing device 302 of the server 300 determines whether or not a charging start notification has been received through the communication device 306. If the processing device 302 has not received the charging start notification (NO in step S365), the processing proceeds to RETURN. On the other hand, if the processing device 302 has received the charging start notification (YES in step S365), the processing proceeds to step S368 (described below) in FIG. 9.

[0100] 6, the charging station reservation operation is performed using the user terminal 200, but it may be performed using the HMI device 98 of the vehicle 9. In this case, in the processes of steps S205 to S225, the processes executed by the processing device 202, the HMI device 204, and the communication device 206 of the user terminal 200 are executed by the ECU 100, the HMI device 98, and the communication device 120 of the vehicle 9, respectively.

[0101] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the light emission mode setting process (the process of step S335 in Fig. 6). In the following description, Fig. 4 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0102] 7, the processor 302 reads (step S3351) the timetable 400. This timetable 400 is the updated timetable when the process of step S330 (update process of the timetable 400) has been executed.

[0103] In step S3352, the processor 302 refers to the timer 307 to obtain the current time.

[0104] Next, the processing device 302 determines whether or not the charging station 1 is reserved according to the reservation status information RI included in the timetable 400 (step S3353). Specifically, the processing device 302 determines whether or not a reservation period (at least one of the reservation periods RP1, RP2, and RP3 in the example of FIG. 4) is included in the period after the current time. If the charging station 1 is not reserved (NO in step S3353), the processing device 302 advances the process to step S3355. If the charging station 1 is reserved (YES in step S3353), the processing device 302 advances the process to step S3354.

[0105] Next, the processor 302 determines whether the current time is earlier than the first reference time for the most recent reservation period (step S3354). The first reference time is a predetermined time PT1 (e.g., 30 minutes) before the start time of the next reservation period (time t1, time t6, or time t9 in the example of FIG. 4). If the current time is earlier than the first reference time (YES in step S3354), the processor 302 proceeds to step S3355.

[0106] In step S3355, the processing device 302 determines that the charging stand 1 is available for use. Then, the processing device 302 sets the light emission color of the light emitting device 13 to green in accordance with this determination result (step S3356). This sets the light emission mode (in this example, the light emission color). This light emission color corresponds to the color indicated by the color state information CI. The light emitting device 13 emits light in accordance with this light emission mode (in this example, when the light emission color is green) (step S110 in FIG. 6). As a result, the user can visually recognize that the charging stand 1 is available for use. After processing in step S3356, the processing device 302 proceeds to step S340 in FIG. 6.

[0107] On the other hand, if the current time is after the first reference time (NO in step S3354), the processing device 302 determines that the current time is in the time period between the start time of the most recent reservation period and the most recent first reference time (step S3357). Therefore, the processing device 302 determines that the charging stand 1 is unavailable (step S3358). In accordance with this determination result, the processing device 302 sets the light emission color of the light emitting device 13 to red (step S3359). This light emission color corresponds to the color indicated by the color state information CI. The light emitting device 13 emits light in accordance with this light emission mode (in this example, in a state in which the light emission color is red) (step S110 in FIG. 6). As a result, the user can visually recognize that the charging stand 1 is unavailable. After the process of step S3359, the processing device 302 advances the process to step S340 in FIG. 6.

[0108] 7, instead of executing the processes of steps S3353 and S3354, the processing device 302 may determine whether or not the charging stand 1 is available for use in accordance with the availability status information AUI included in the timetable 400. Then, the processing device 302 may branch the process to step S3355 or S3358 (S3357) in accordance with the result of the determination.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of the process for executing charging (step S20 in FIG. 5).

[0110] 8, the control device 15 of the charging station 1 determines whether or not the SOC of the battery 93 of the vehicle 9 has reached the charging threshold value. Specifically, the control device 15 determines whether or not a charging stop request CSR has been received from the ECU 100 through the communication device 153. If the SOC has reached the charging threshold value (YES in step S150), the control device 15 advances the process to step S160. On the other hand, if the SOC has not reached the charging threshold value (NO in step S150), the control device 15 advances the process to step S155.

[0111] Next, the control device 15 determines whether the charging stop button 17B has been operated (step S155). If the charging stop button 17B has not been operated (NO in step S155), the control device 15 returns the process to step S150. On the other hand, if the charging stop button 17B has been operated (YES in step S155), the control device 15 advances the process to step S160.

[0112] Next, the control device 15 transmits a charging end notification to the server 300 through the communication device 153 (step S160). After that, the control device 15 advances the process to step S170 in FIG.

[0113] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the process after charging is completed (step S30 in FIG. 5).

[0114] 9, the processing device 302 of the server 300 determines whether or not the charging end notification transmitted in step S160 in FIG. 8 has been received through the communication device 306 (step S368). If the charging end notification has not been received (NO in step S368), the processing device 302 executes this determination process until the charging end notification is received. On the other hand, if the charging end notification has been received (YES in step S368), the processing device 302 proceeds to step S370.

[0115] Next, the processing device 302 determines whether the charging connector 111 and the charging cable 112 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are accommodated in the accommodation space 115 (step S370). Specifically, the processing device 302 executes the determination process of step S370 according to a signal indicating the detection result of a sensor that detects whether these are accommodated in the accommodation space 115.

[0116] If they are not accommodated in the accommodation space 115 (NO in step S370), the processor 302 executes the determination process of step S370 until they are accommodated in the accommodation space 115. On the other hand, if they are accommodated in the accommodation space 115 (YES in step S370), the processor 302 acquires the current time by referring to the timer 307 (step S375), and proceeds to the process of step S380.

[0117] Next, the processor 302 determines whether the current time is in a time slot between the start time of the next reservation period and the second reference time (step S380). The second reference time is a predetermined time PT2 (e.g., one minute) before the start time of the next reservation period.

[0118] If the current time is not in the time zone between the start time of the next reservation period and the second reference time (NO in step S380), the processing device 302 sets the position of the charging stand 1 (more specifically, the movable part 11) so that the charging stand 1 is in a housed state (step S385). This case corresponds to the case where the current time immediately after the end of plug-in charging is not the time immediately before the start time of the next reservation period. A position signal S2 indicating the position set in step S385 is transmitted from the server 300 to the charging stand 1. The position signal S2 is transmitted to the charging stand 1 as a part of the control command CC.

[0119] On the other hand, if the current time is in the time slot between the start time of the next reservation period and the second reference time (YES in step S380), the processor 302 returns the process to step S360 in Fig. 6. This corresponds to the case where the current time immediately after the end of plug-in charging is the time immediately before the start time of the next reservation period. Therefore, the charging stand 1 remains in the exposed state so that plug-in charging during the next reservation period can be performed. This corresponds to the case where the current time is in the time slot from time t11 to time t12 in the example of Fig. 4.

[0120] In step S170, the control device 15 of the charging stand 1 determines whether or not the position signal S2 has been received through the communication device 153. If the control device 15 has not received the position signal S2 (NO in step S170), the control device 15 executes this determination process until the position signal S2 is received. On the other hand, if the control device 15 receives the position signal S2 (YES in step S170), the control device 15 controls the lifting device 12 according to the position signal S2 so that the charging stand 1 is in the housed state. Specifically, the control device 15 executes lowering control. Thereafter, the control device 15 ends the process in FIG. 9.

[0121] [First Modification of the Embodiment] In the embodiment described above, the processing device 302 sets (changes) the light emission color of the light emitting device 13 depending on whether the charging stand 1 is available for use or not.

[0122] In response to this, the processing device 302 may set a light emission pattern of the light-emitting device 13 depending on whether the charging stand 1 is available or not. For example, the processing device 302 may generate a control command CC such that the light-emitting device 13 is turned on in a first light-emitting state and is turned off in a second light-emitting state.

[0123] According to the above configuration, when the charging stand 1 is unavailable, the light-emitting device 13 is turned off, and therefore no power is consumed by the light-emitting device 13. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the light-emitting device 13 while allowing the user to easily recognize whether the charging stand 1 is available or not.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process for setting the light emission mode of light emitting device 13 in this modified example. This flowchart differs from the flowchart in Fig. 7 in that steps S3356A and S3358A are changed from steps S3356 and S3358, respectively, in the flowchart in Fig. 7.

[0125] 7, when it is determined that the charging stand 1 is available (when step S3355 is executed), the processing device 302 sets the light emission mode so that the light emitting device 13 is turned on (step S3356A). On the other hand, when it is determined that the charging stand 1 is unavailable (when step S3358 is executed), the processing device 302 sets the light emission mode so that the light emitting device 13 is turned off (step S3359A).

[0126] [Modification 2 of the embodiment] In the above-described embodiment and its first modification, the processing device 302 of the server 300 sets the light emission mode of the light emitting device 13. However, the control device 15 of the charging stand 1 may set the light emission mode of the light emitting device 13.

[0127] For example, the processing device 302 of the server 300 transmits a copy of the timetable 400 stored in the storage device 304 to the charging station 1 via the communication device 306 in real time.

[0128] The control device 15 receives the copy through the communication device 153. Then, the control device 15 judges whether the charging stand 1 is available at the current time according to the availability status information AUI included in the copy and the current time indicated by the timer 154. The control device 15 sets the light emission mode of the light-emitting device 13 according to the result of this judgment. Specifically, the control device 15 executes the process of steps S3351 to S3359 in FIG. 7 (or steps S3351 to S3355, S33356A, S3357, S3358, and S3359A in FIG. 10). This sets the light emission mode (e.g., light emission color or light emission pattern). Then, the control device 15 controls the light-emitting device 13 so that the light-emitting device 13 emits light according to the light emission mode.

[0129] [Other variations] The movable part 11 may be configured to be manually raised and lowered by a user. In this case, a handle to be held by the user is provided at the upper end UL of the movable part 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0130] The “power supply facility” of the present disclosure is not limited to the charging station 1 , and may be a power supply facility used for a purpose other than plug-in charging of the vehicle 9 .

[0131] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 charging stand, 9 vehicle, 10 charging system, 11 moving part, 12 lifting device, 13 light emitting device, 15 control device, 120, 153, 206, 306 communication device, 151 processor, 152 memory, 154, 307 timer, 200 user terminal, 202, 302 processing device, 300 server, 304 storage device, 400 timetable, AP1, AP2 available period, AUI available / unavailable state information, CI color state information, GR ground, NRP1, NRP2 non-reserved period, PT1, PT2 specified time, RI reservation state information, RP1, RP2, RP3 reservation period, RR reservation request, UAP1, UAP2 unavailable period.

Claims

1. A power supply equipment that performs plug-in charging of a vehicle by supplying power to the vehicle through a charging cable, A movable part; a light emitting device provided at an upper end of the movable portion and configured to emit light toward a space above the ground; a lifting device that lifts and lowers the movable part so that the height of the upper end is switched between a first height that is higher than the ground by a predetermined distance and a second height that is substantially the same height as the ground; a control device for controlling the lifting device and the light-emitting device, When the height of the upper end is the second height, the control device a first light-emitting mode of the light-emitting device when the power supply facility is available; and The power supply facility controls the light emitting device so that the second light emission mode of the light emitting device is different from the second light emission mode of the light emitting device when the power supply facility is unavailable.

2. the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device in the first light-emitting mode is a first color; The power supply facility according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting device in the second light emitting mode emits a second color.

3. the light emitting device is illuminated in the first light emitting state; The power supply facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting device is turned off in the second light emission state.

4. If the power supply facility is available, The power supply facility is not reserved; and The case includes a case where the power supply facility is reserved, and the current time is earlier than a reference time that is a predetermined time before a start time of a reservation period for the power supply facility, If the power supply facility is not available, The power supply facility according to claim 1 , including a case where the power supply facility is reserved and the current time is within a time period between the start time and the reference time.

5. A power supply facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a server that transmits information indicating a light emission mode of the light emitting device to the power supply facility; The server, A storage device that stores reservation status information indicating a reservation status of the power supply facility; a processing device; The processing device includes: Determine whether the power supply facility is available for use according to the reservation status information; The system sets a light emission mode of the light emitting device according to a result of the determination.

Images