server

Abstract

To ensure user profit even when it is changed whether or not a removable charging device is preferable to be mounted on a vehicle after a user purchases the vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle 100 is configured such that a removable charging device can be mounted thereon. An external charging system includes a first charging system and a second charging system different from the first charging system. The first charging system is the external charging system executed when the charging device is not mounted on the vehicle 100. The second charging system is the external charging system executed by activating the charging device when the charging device is mounted on the vehicle 100. A server 200 comprises a processing device 210 and a memory device 220. The memory device 220 stores trend information 226 indicating the external charging trend. The processing device 210 executes notification processing to notify a user in accordance with the trend information 226 of that it is recommended that the charging device is mounted or removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, and more particularly to a server configured to notify a user of a vehicle that an on-board power storage device can be charged using power supplied from power equipment external to the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2017-34938 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle equipped with a battery. The vehicle is configured to be capable of performing external charging, which charges the battery using power supplied from a charging station external to the vehicle. The vehicle is configured to be capable of performing external charging using a first charging method, and is configured to be capable of mounting a removable charging device. When mounted on the vehicle, the charging device enables external charging using a second charging method different from the first charging method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-34938 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Whether or not it is desirable for a vehicle to be equipped with a removable charging device may change after a user purchases the vehicle. Patent Document 1 does not particularly consider technology for ensuring the user's interests even when such a change occurs.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a server that ensures the interests of a user even if whether or not it is desirable for a vehicle to be equipped with a removable charging device changes after the user purchases the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server of the present disclosure is configured to notify a user of a vehicle capable of performing external charging, which charges an in-vehicle power storage device using external power supplied from a power facility outside the vehicle. The vehicle is configured to be capable of mounting a removable charging device. The external charging methods include a first charging method and a second charging method different from the first charging method. The first charging method is an external charging method performed when the vehicle is not mounted with a charging device. The second charging method is an external charging method performed by operating the charging device when the vehicle is mounted with the charging device. The server includes a processing device and a storage device. The storage device stores trend information indicating a trend of external charging. The processing device executes a notification process to notify a user that mounting or removing the charging device is recommended according to the trend information.

[0007] The above configuration provides a user with an incentive to attach or detach the charging device. As a result, the charging device is attached to the vehicle or detached from the vehicle depending on the tendency of external charging of the vehicle. As a result, for example, when the charging device is attached to the vehicle, the convenience of the vehicle user can be improved. On the other hand, when the charging device is detached from the vehicle, the detached charging device can be effectively utilized. Therefore, the user's benefit can be secured.

[0008] The trend information may include information indicating a frequency of external charging at a location different from a location predetermined as a user's living base. The processing device may execute a notification process to recommend more strongly attachment of the charging device as the frequency of external charging is higher, and may execute a notification process to recommend more strongly removal of the charging device as the frequency of external charging is lower.

[0009] With the above configuration, the frequency of external charging at a location different from the predetermined location can be reflected in the notification process.

[0010] The trend information may include information indicating a mileage of the vehicle. The processing device may execute a notification process to recommend more strongly that the charging device be attached as the mileage increases, and to recommend more strongly that the charging device be removed as the mileage decreases.

[0011] With the above configuration, the travel distance can be reflected in the notification process.

[0012] The trend information may include information indicating a full charge frequency, which is a frequency at which the on-board power storage device is charged to a full charge state during external charging. The processing device may execute a notification process to more strongly recommend attachment of the charging device as the full charge frequency increases, and to more strongly recommend removal of the charging device as the full charge frequency decreases.

[0013] With the above configuration, the frequency of full charging can be reflected in the notification process.

[0014] The tendency information may include information indicating an activity area of ​​the vehicle user. The processing device may execute the notification process so as to recommend more strongly that the charging device be attached as the activity area becomes larger, and to recommend more strongly that the charging device be removed as the activity area becomes smaller.

[0015] With the above configuration, the user's activity area can be reflected in the notification process.

[0016] The external power may be external DC power as DC power supplied from a power facility to the vehicle. The charging device may be a boost device configured to boost the first voltage and supply DC power of a second voltage, which is the boosted voltage, to the vehicle-mounted power storage device when the voltage of the external DC power is a first voltage. The first charging method may include a method of charging the vehicle-mounted power storage device by supplying external DC power of the second voltage from the power facility to the vehicle-mounted power storage device when the voltage of the external DC power is the second voltage.

[0017] With the above configuration, the boost device can be appropriately mounted on or removed from the vehicle, thereby ensuring the benefits to the user when the external power is external DC power.

[0018] The tendency information may include information indicating the number of predetermined DC (Direct Current) charging facilities (corresponding to power facility 320 described later) within a predetermined range including the user's living base. The predetermined DC charging facilities are power facilities configured to supply external direct current power of a second voltage to the vehicle. The processing device may execute a notification process to more strongly recommend the attachment of the boost device as the number of predetermined DC charging facilities is smaller, and to more strongly recommend the removal of the boost device as the number of predetermined DC charging facilities is larger.

[0019] By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to reflect the number of predetermined DC charging facilities.

[0020] The external power may be external AC power as AC power supplied from a power facility to the vehicle. The vehicle may include a first AC (Alternating Current)-DC conversion device for performing external charging using the external AC power. The charging device may be a second AC-DC conversion device different from the first AC-DC conversion device. The first charging method may include a method of charging the vehicle-mounted power storage device by operating the first AC-DC conversion device when the external AC power is a first power. The second charging method may include a method of charging the vehicle-mounted power storage device by operating both the first AC-DC conversion device and the second AC-DC conversion device when the external AC power is a second power greater than the first power.

[0021] With the above configuration, the second AC-DC conversion device can be appropriately mounted on or removed from the vehicle, thereby ensuring the benefits to the user when the external power is external AC power.

[0022] The trend information may include information indicating the number of predetermined AC charging facilities (corresponding to power facility 370 described below) within a predetermined range including the user's living base. The predetermined AC charging facilities are power facilities configured to supply external AC power of the second power to the vehicle. The processing device may execute a notification process to more strongly recommend attachment of the second AC-DC conversion device as the number of predetermined AC charging facilities increases, and may execute a notification process to more strongly recommend removal of the second AC-DC conversion device as the number of predetermined AC charging facilities decreases.

[0023] By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to reflect the proportion of a predetermined AC charging facility.

[0024] The processing device may execute a determination process using a learned model to determine whether or not attachment or removal of a charging device is recommended in a target vehicle according to trend information of the target vehicle. The learned model is a model that has learned the relationship between total trend information indicating trend information of a plurality of vehicles and total frequency information indicating a total frequency, which is the frequency at which external charging was performed by the second charging method in the plurality of vehicles. The target vehicle is a vehicle that is the target of the determination process. The processing device may execute a notification process to a user of the target vehicle according to a result of the determination process.

[0025] The model reflects the trend information and the total frequency of a plurality of vehicles and is optimized. With the above configuration, whether or not it is recommended to attach or detach the charging device to the target vehicle is determined using the model. As a result, it is possible to appropriately execute a notification process for the user of the target vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, even if whether or not it is desirable to mount a removable charging device on a vehicle changes after the user purchases the vehicle, the user's interests can be secured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing detailed configurations of a vehicle, a user terminal, and a server. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the flow of power when a vehicle is equipped with a boost device and DC charging is performed using power equipment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of power when a vehicle is not equipped with a boost device and DC charging is performed using power equipment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of information (signals) and data stored in a storage device of a server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the recommendation level for installing a booster device and trend information. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for calculating a setting value of a recommendation level. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a vehicle in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of power when a vehicle is not equipped with an AC-DC conversion device and AC charging is performed using a power facility (11 kW). [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the flow of power when a vehicle is equipped with an AC-DC conversion device and is performing AC charging using a power facility (22 kW). [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the recommendation level for installing an AC-DC converter and trend information. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how a server according to the first modification sets a recommendation level. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to a second modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how a server according to the second modification sets a recommendation level. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a trained model used in Modification Example 3. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a vehicle according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Each of the embodiments and their modified examples may be appropriately combined with each other.

[0029] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to the embodiment 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a vehicle 100, a server 200, a user terminal 400, and a server 250.

[0030] Vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device 105. The power storage device 105 stores electric power for running vehicle 100. In this example, the voltage of power storage device 105 is 800V. Vehicle 100 is configured to be capable of performing external charging, in which power storage device 105 is charged using external electric power. The external electric power is electric power supplied to vehicle 100 from electric power equipment external to vehicle 100 (external electric power equipment).

[0031] Power facilities 300, 320 are external power facilities configured to supply external DC power of voltages of 400V and 800V, respectively, to vehicle 100. External DC power is DC power as external power. External charging using external DC power is also referred to as DC charging. DC charging is distinguished from AC charging, which is external charging in which power storage device 105 is charged using AC power (external AC power) as external power. External power facilities configured to supply external DC power and external AC power to vehicle 100 are also referred to as DC charging facility and AC charging facility, respectively.

[0032] Vehicle 100 is configured to be able to mount removable charging device 107. In this example, charging device 107 is a boost device 110 (DC-DC converter). When external DC power of a voltage of 400V is supplied from power equipment 300 to vehicle 100, boost device 110 boosts the voltage to 800V and supplies the power of the boosted voltage to power storage device 105. The operation of boost device 110 will be described in detail later.

[0033] In the following description, the external charging method implemented when the vehicle 100 is not equipped with the charging device 107 (in this example, the boost device 110) is also referred to as a first charging method. On the other hand, the external charging method implemented by operating the charging device 107 when the vehicle 100 is equipped with the charging device 107 is also referred to as a second charging method.

[0034] The server 200 is configured to communicate with the vehicle 100 and the user terminal 400 to provide various information to the user of the vehicle 100. The user terminal 400 is a mobile terminal operated by the user of the vehicle 100.

[0035] Server 250 is configured to communicate with server 200, and stores equipment information database 251. Equipment information database 251 includes various information (e.g., the identification number, location, and specifications of each of a plurality of external power facilities including power facilities 300 and 320). The above specifications include information indicating whether each external power facility is DC charging facility or AC charging facility, and the voltage (V) and magnitude (kW) of the external power. Equipment information database 251 is accessed and used by server 200.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing detailed configurations of vehicle 100, user terminal 400, and server 200. Referring to Fig. 2, in this example, vehicle 100 is equipped with a booster device 110.

[0037] In addition to the power storage device 105 and the boost device 110, the vehicle 100 includes an interface 111, a DC inlet 115, a relay unit 120, and an SMR (System Main Relay) 130. The vehicle 100 further includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 140, a communication device 170, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 172, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 160.

[0038] The interface 111 is a member to which the boost device 110 is attached in the vehicle 100. The interface 111 outputs an attachment / non-attachment signal ES1 indicating whether the boost device 110 is attached or not to the ECU 160. The DC inlet 115 is configured to receive external DC power supplied from a DC charging facility such as the power facilities 300 and 320. The relay unit 120 includes charging relays 122 and 124. The SMR 130 is provided between the power storage device 105 and the power line PL3. The power storage device 105, the boost device 110, the relay unit 120, and the SMR 130 configure an on-board charging system for 800V DC charging.

[0039] The HMI device 140 provides various information to the user of the vehicle 100 and receives user operations. The communication device 170 is configured to communicate with the server 200. The GPS receiver 172 acquires location information indicating the current location of the vehicle 100. The ECU 160 controls each device of the vehicle 100.

[0040] The user terminal 400 includes an HMI device 420, a communication device 430, and a control device 410. The HMI device 420 provides various information to a user and accepts user operations. The communication device 430 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the server 200. The control device 410 controls each device of the user terminal 400.

[0041] The server 200 includes a processing device 210, a storage device 220, and a communication device 230. The processing device 210 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 220 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The RAM functions as a working memory. The ROM stores programs executed by the processing device 210. The communication device 230 is configured to communicate bidirectionally with devices external to the server 200 (e.g., the vehicle 100 and the user terminal 400).

[0042] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of power when the vehicle 100 is equipped with the boost device 110 and performs DC charging using the power equipment 300. Referring to Fig. 3, when the voltage of the external DC power EPDC is 400V as in this example (when the external power equipment is the power equipment 300), the boost device 110 boosts the voltage of the external DC power EPDC from 400V to 800V. The boost device 110 then supplies the DC power DCP with the boosted voltage (800V) to the power storage device 105, thereby charging the power storage device 105 (second charging method).

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of power when vehicle 100 is not equipped with boost device 110 and DC charging is performed using power equipment 320. Referring to Fig. 4, 800V external DC power EPDC is directly supplied to power storage device 105 via charging relay 124 and SMR 130. That is, DC charging is performed using a method (first charging method) in which 800V external DC power EPDC is supplied from power equipment 320 to power storage device 105 to charge power storage device 105.

[0044] Whether or not it is preferable for the vehicle 100 to be equipped with the charging device 107 may change after the user purchases the vehicle 100. Since the number of power equipment 300 (400V) and the number of power equipment 320 (800V) vary depending on the region, for example, when the user moves, the need for the charging device 107 (booster device 110) may decrease or increase. As an example, if the vehicle 100 is equipped with the boost device 110 even though the number of power equipment 320 is large, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with the boost device 110 unnecessarily. As a result, the boost device 110 may not be used effectively (for example, recycling and reuse of the boost device 110 may not be promoted). On the other hand, if the vehicle 100 is not equipped with the boost device 110 even though the number of power equipment 300 is large, the vehicle 100 may not be able to perform DC charging using the power equipment 300, which may impair the user's benefit (convenience).

[0045] The server 200 according to the first embodiment has a configuration for dealing with the above problem. Specifically, the storage device 220 of the server 200 stores trend information indicating a trend of external charging of the vehicle 100. The processing device 210 executes a notification process for notifying the user of the vehicle 100 that attachment or detachment of the boost device 110 is recommended according to the trend information.

[0046] With such a configuration, a user is given a motivation to attach or detach the boost device 110. As a result, the boost device 110 is attached to the vehicle 100 or detached from the vehicle 100 depending on the tendency of external charging of the vehicle 100. As a result, for example, when the boost device 110 is attached to the vehicle 100, the convenience of the user of the vehicle 100 can be improved. On the other hand, when the boost device 110 is detached from the vehicle 100, the detached boost device 110 can be effectively utilized (for example, profit from recycling). In addition, the weight of the vehicle 100 is reduced due to the detachment of the charging device 107, so that the electric power consumption of the vehicle 100 can be improved. In this way, with the above configuration, the user's benefit can be secured.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of information (signals) in the first embodiment and data stored in storage device 220 of server 200. With reference to Fig. 5, communication device 230 acquires (receives) vehicle information VI from vehicle 100. Vehicle information VI includes position information PI, facility number FID, mileage information TDI, charging end SOC (State Of Charge) information CFI, and attachment / non-attachment information ENI.

[0048] The position information PI indicates the position information of the vehicle 100 acquired by the GPS receiver 172. The equipment number FID indicates the identification number of the external power equipment used by the vehicle 100 for external charging. The mileage information TDI indicates the mileage of the vehicle 100. The charging end SOC information CFI indicates the SOC at the end of external charging (charging end SOC). The attachment / non-attachment information ENI indicates whether the vehicle 100 is equipped with the charging device 107 (in this example, the boost device 110), and is determined by the ECU 160 in accordance with the attachment / non-attachment signal ES1 (FIG. 1).

[0049] The storage device 220 stores a map information database 224 and trend information 226. The trend information 226 is generated (updated) by the processing device 210 in accordance with the vehicle information VI. The trend information 226 includes DC charging facility ratio information 226A1, AC charging facility ratio information 226A2, specification information 226B, mileage information 226C, full charge information 226D, and frequency information 226E.

[0050] DC charging facility ratio information 226A1 indicates the ratio (%) of DC charging facilities to external power facilities within a predetermined range (in this example, the user's living zone) including a point predetermined as the user's living base (in this example, the user's home). Information indicating the position of the user's home is set by the user using the HMI device 180 of the vehicle 100 and then transmitted to the server 200. The living zone is, for example, an area in which the user acts on a daily basis with the home as a base, and is determined according to the location information PI. AC charging facility ratio information 226A2 indicates the ratio of AC charging facilities to external power facilities within the user's living zone.

[0051] The specification information 226B indicates the specifications of the external power equipment in the user's living area. The specification information 226B includes information indicating the number of 400V DC charging equipment (power equipment 300) and the number of 800V DC charging equipment (power equipment 320) in the user's living area. The DC charging equipment ratio information 226A1, the AC charging equipment ratio information 226A2, and the specification information 226B are generated according to the equipment number FID and the equipment information database 251.

[0052] The mileage information 226C indicates a history of the mileage of the vehicle 100 during a recent period, and is generated according to the mileage information TDI. The most recent period is, for example, a period from the current time to a time a predetermined time before that. This predetermined time is appropriately determined in advance so that the mileage information 226C indicates how frequently the vehicle 100 is driven each day (for example, three months). The full charge information 226D indicates a full charge frequency, which is a frequency at which the power storage device 105 is charged to a full charge state during external charging, and is generated according to the charging end SOC information CFI. The frequency information 226E indicates a frequency of external charging at a location different from the user's home (for example, outside the home), and is generated according to the facility number FID and the facility information database 251.

[0053] The processing device 210 sets a recommendation level (%) indicating the degree to which the installation of the boost device 110 is recommended according to the tendency information 226, and executes the above-mentioned notification process according to the setting result. For example, when the recommendation level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 50%), the processing device 210 is configured to execute notification process so that the installation of the boost device 110 is recommended (specifically, to transmit a notification signal NS1 to the vehicle 100). On the other hand, when the recommendation level is less than the threshold value, the processing device 210 is configured to execute notification process so that the removal of the boost device 110 is recommended (specifically, to transmit a notification signal NS2 to the vehicle 100). Upon receiving the notification signals NS1 and NS2, the ECU 150 notifies the user by using the HMI device 180 that the installation and removal of the boost device 110 are recommended, respectively.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the recommendation level for mounting the boost device 110 and the trend information 226. Referring to Fig. 6, this example shows the relationship between the recommendation level RD1 and each of DC charging equipment ratio information 226A1, specification information 226B, mileage information 226C, full charge information 226D, and frequency information 226E.

[0055] The processing device 210 executes the notification process so as to more strongly recommend the attachment of the boost device 110 (the more likely it is to transmit the notification signal NS1) as the recommendation level RD1 is higher. On the other hand, the processing device 210 executes the notification process so as to more strongly recommend the removal of the charging device (the more likely it is to transmit the notification signal NS2) as the recommendation level RD1 is lower.

[0056] The processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 higher as the ratio (x1) of DC charging facilities to external power facilities in the user's living area increases. On the other hand, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 lower as the ratio (x1) decreases.

[0057] The larger the number (x2) of 400V DC charging facilities in the user's living zone (in this example, the smaller the number (x3) of 800V DC charging facilities in this zone), the higher the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1. On the other hand, the smaller the number (x2) is (in this example, the larger the number (x3) is), the lower the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1.

[0058] It is also considered that the longer the travel distance (x4) of the vehicle 100 during the most recent period, the more likely it is that the amount of stored electricity in the electricity storage device 105 will decrease, and therefore the greater the need for external charging. Therefore, it is preferable to install the boost device 110 so that DC charging can be performed even when the vehicle 100 uses the power equipment 300 (400V). Therefore, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 higher as the travel distance (x4) is longer. On the other hand, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 lower as this distance is shorter.

[0059] It is also considered that the higher the frequency of full charging (x5), the easier it is for the amount of stored power in the power storage device 105 to decrease. Therefore, for the same reason as above, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 higher the higher the frequency of full charging (x5). On the other hand, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1 lower the lower this frequency (x5).

[0060] In this example, it is assumed that DC charging equipment is less likely to be installed at a user's home than AC charging equipment. Therefore, the higher the frequency (x6) at which external charging is performed at home (i.e., the lower the frequency (x7) at which external charging is performed at a location other than the home), the lower the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1. On the other hand, the lower the frequency (x6) (i.e., the higher the frequency (x7)), the higher the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD1.

[0061] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a set value of the recommendation level RD1. Referring to Fig. 7, the processing device 210 calculates the value (Y1) of the recommendation level RD1 by multiple regression analysis using x1 to x7 (Fig. 6) as parameters included in the trend information 226 and coefficients a1 to a7. The coefficients a1 to a7 are determined by a known statistical method for multiple regression analysis.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by server 200 according to the first embodiment. The process of this flowchart is started when server 200 acquires (receives) vehicle information VI. In the following description, Figs. 5 to 7 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0063] 8, the server 200 generates (updates) the trend information 226 in the storage device 220 according to the vehicle information VI (step S110). Next, the server 200 sets a recommendation level RD1 according to the trend information 226 (step S120). In this example, the server 200 calculates a setting value Y1 of the recommendation level RD1.

[0064] Next, the server 200 determines whether the boost device 110 is already installed in the vehicle 100 according to the installation / non-installation information ENI (step S125). If the boost device 110 is already installed in the vehicle 100 (YES in step S125), the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if the boost device 110 is not installed in the vehicle 100 (NO in step S125), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0065] In step S130, the server 200 branches the process according to whether the recommendation level RD1 (Y1) is equal to or greater than the threshold value. If the recommendation level RD1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S130), the process ends. On the other hand, if the recommendation level RD1 is less than the threshold value (NO in step S130), the server 200 executes a notification process to recommend removing the boost device 110 (step S138), and then ends the process.

[0066] In step S140, the server 200 branches the process according to whether the recommendation level RD1 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the recommendation level RD1 is less than the threshold value (NO in step S140), the process ends. On the other hand, if the recommendation level RD1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S140), the server 200 executes a notification process to recommend the installation of the boost device 110 (step S148), and then ends the process.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to propose to the user an in-vehicle DC charging system suitable for the user of the vehicle 100. As a result, the charging device 107 (for example, the boost device 110) can be appropriately attached or detached.

[0068] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, an AC-DC conversion device is used as the charging device 107 instead of the boost device 110. This AC-DC conversion device is used for AC charging.

[0069] 9 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a vehicle in the embodiment 2. Referring to FIG. 9, a vehicle 100A is equipped with an AC-DC conversion device 185 as a charging device 107, and is used in place of vehicle 100.

[0070] The power facilities 350 and 370 are external power facilities (AC charging facilities) configured to supply external AC power of 11 kW and 22 kW, respectively, to the vehicle 100A.

[0071] In addition to the AC-DC conversion device 185, the vehicle 100A includes an AC-DC conversion device 180, an interface 112, an AC inlet 117, a relay unit 125, and an SMR 132.

[0072] The AC-DC conversion device 180 is configured to convert, out of the external AC power, the AC power supplied from the power equipment 350 or the power equipment 370 to the AC-DC conversion device 180 through the power line PL11 into DC power and supply it to the power storage device 105. The AC-DC conversion device 185 is configured to convert, out of the external AC power, the AC power supplied from the power equipment 370 to the AC-DC conversion device 185 through the power line PL12 into DC power and supply it to the power storage device 105.

[0073] The interface 112 is a member to which the AC-DC conversion device 185 is attached in the vehicle 100A. The interface 112 outputs an attachment / non-attachment signal ES2 indicating whether or not the AC-DC conversion device 185 is attached to the ECU 160. The attachment / non-attachment signal ES2 is used to generate attachment / non-attachment information ENI (FIG. 5). The AC inlet 117 is configured to receive external AC power supplied from AC charging equipment such as power equipment 350, 370. The relay unit 125 includes charging relays 127, 129. The SMR 132 is provided between the power storage device 105 and the power line PL13.

[0074] The power storage device 105, the AC-DC conversion device 180, the relay unit 125, and the SMR 132 constitute an on-board charging system for AC charging of 11 kW. These components and the AC-DC conversion device 185 constitute an on-board charging system for AC charging of 22 kW.

[0075] In this second embodiment, the first charging method is a method for charging the power storage device 105 by operating the first AC-DC conversion device 180 of the AC-DC conversion devices 180, 185 when the external AC power is 11 kW. The second charging method is a method for charging the power storage device 105 by operating both the AC-DC conversion devices 180, 185 when the external AC power is 22 kW.

[0076] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of power when vehicle 100A is not equipped with AC-DC conversion device 185 and performs AC charging using power equipment 350 (11 kW). Referring to Fig. 10, in this example, AC-DC conversion device 180 operates to convert 11 kW external AC power EPAC (EPAC1) into DC power DCP11 and charge power storage device 105 using DC power DCP11.

[0077] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of power when vehicle 100A is equipped with AC-DC conversion device 185 and performs AC charging using power equipment 370 (22 kW). Referring to Fig. 11, external AC power EPAC (EPAC2) of 22 kW is divided into AC power ACP1 and AC power ACP2. The magnitude of each of AC powers ACP1 and ACP2 is 11 kW (=22 kW / 2).

[0078] The AC-DC conversion device 180 operates to convert AC power ACP1 into DC power DCP11 and supply it to the power storage device 105. The AC-DC conversion device 185 operates to convert AC power ACP2 into DC power DCP12 and supply it to the power storage device 105. Thereby, DC power DCPT (obtained by superimposing DC powers DCP11 and DCP12) is supplied to the power storage device 105. As a result, the charging speed can be improved (charging time can be shortened) compared to the case where 11 kW AC charging (first charging method) is performed (FIG. 10).

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 5, in this second embodiment, specification information 226B includes information indicating the specifications of AC charging equipment in the user's living area. The specifications indicate the magnitude of external AC power. Specification information 226B includes information indicating the number of 11 kW AC charging equipment (power equipment 350) and the number of 22 kW AC charging equipment (power equipment 370) in the user's living area.

[0080] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the recommendation level for installation of AC-DC conversion device 185 and trend information 226. Referring to Fig. 12, recommendation level RD2 indicates the degree to which installation of AC-DC conversion device 185 is recommended. This example shows the relationship between recommendation level RD2 and each of AC charging equipment ratio information 226A2, specification information 226B, mileage information 226C, full charge information 226D, and frequency information 226E.

[0081] The processing device 210 executes the notification process so as to more strongly recommend the installation of the AC-DC converter 185 as the recommendation level RD2 is higher. On the other hand, the processing device 210 executes the notification process so as to more strongly recommend the removal of the AC-DC converter 185 as the recommendation level RD2 is lower.

[0082] The higher the ratio (x11) of AC charging facilities to external power facilities in the living area of ​​the user of the vehicle 100A, the higher the recommendation level RD2 is set by the processing device 210. On the other hand, the lower the ratio (x11) is, the lower the recommendation level RD2 is set by the processing device 210.

[0083] The larger the number of 11 kW AC charging facilities in the user's living zone (x12) (in this example, the smaller the number of 22 kW AC charging facilities in this zone (x13)), the lower the recommendation level RD2 is set by the processing device 210. On the other hand, the smaller the number (x12) is (the larger the number (x13) is), the higher the recommendation level RD2 is set by the processing device 210.

[0084] It is also considered that the longer the travel distance (x4) of the vehicle 100A during the most recent period, the more likely it is that the amount of stored electricity in the electricity storage device 105 will decrease, and therefore the greater the need for external charging. Therefore, it is preferable to install the AC-DC conversion device 185 so that AC charging can be performed even when the vehicle 100A uses the power equipment 370 (22 kW). Therefore, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2 higher as the travel distance (x4) is longer. On the other hand, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2 lower as this distance is shorter.

[0085] It is also considered that the higher the frequency of full charging (x5), the easier it is for the amount of stored power in the power storage device 105 to decrease. Therefore, for the same reason as above, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2 higher the higher the frequency of full charging (x5). On the other hand, the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2 lower the lower this frequency (x5).

[0086] In this example, it is assumed that the power facility 370 (22 kW) is less likely to be installed in the user's home than the power facility 350 (11 kW). Therefore, the higher the frequency (x6) at which external charging is performed at home (i.e., the lower the frequency (x7) at which external charging is performed at a location other than the home), the lower the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2. On the other hand, the lower the frequency (x6) (the higher the frequency (x7)), the higher the processing device 210 sets the recommendation level RD2.

[0087] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by server 200 according to the second embodiment. Referring to Fig. 13, this flowchart differs from the flowchart of the first embodiment (Fig. 8) in that AC-DC conversion device 185 is used instead of boost device 110 and recommendation level RD2 is used instead of recommendation level RD1. In other respects, the processes of steps S210 to S248 are similar to the processes of steps S110 to S148, respectively. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

[0088] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to propose to the user of the vehicle 100A an in-vehicle AC charging system suitable for the user.

[0089] [Variation 1] The trend information 226 (FIG. 5) may further include activity area information indicating the activity area of ​​the user of the vehicle 100 (100A).

[0090] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining how the server 200 according to the first modification sets the recommendation level RD1 (RD2). With reference to Fig. 14, a point PR is a point (in this example, the user's home) that is predetermined as the user's life base. An activity area AA is defined as an area in which the user is active in daily life. The server 200 determines the activity area AA using image recognition technology according to the position information PI (Fig. 5) and the map information database 224.

[0091] It is also considered that the larger the activity area AA, the more likely it is that the stored power of the power storage device 105 will run out, and the more frequently external charging will be performed. Therefore, the server 200 executes notification processing so as to recommend the attachment of the charging device 107, the larger the activity area AA of the user. For example, when the size of the activity area AA is A1, which is larger than the size (AR) of a predetermined reference activity area RAA, the server 200 executes notification processing so as to recommend the attachment of the charging device 107.

[0092] On the other hand, the smaller the activity area AA of the user, the more the server 200 executes the notification process to recommend removal of the charging device 107. For example, when the size of the activity area AA is A2 which is smaller than AR, the server 200 executes the notification process to recommend removal of the charging device 107.

[0093] [Variation 2] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to Modification 2. Referring to Fig. 15, information processing system 10A differs from information processing system 10 (Fig. 1) in that information processing system 10A includes a vehicle group 1000 (a plurality of vehicles 100).

[0094] In this second modification, the server 200 sets the recommendation level RD1 of the target vehicle 100t included in the vehicle group 1000 by Bayesian estimation. The server 200 pre-assumes the ratio of the vehicles 100 for which the installation of the charging device 107 (in this example, the boost device 110) is recommended and the ratio of the vehicles 100 for which the removal of the charging device 107 is recommended, among all the vehicles 100. This ratio is stored in the storage device 220 as a priori probability in the Bayesian estimation.

[0095] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining how the server 200 according to the second modification sets the recommendation level RD1 (RD2). With reference to FIG. 16, in this example, the event to be estimated is whether or not the installation of the charging device 107 is recommended. The observed event is that the ratio (x1) of DC charging facilities in the user's living area is equal to or greater than the threshold ratio THR or less than this ratio. The probabilities (posterior probabilities in Bayesian estimation) that the installation and removal of the charging device 107 are recommended for the target vehicle 100t after the occurrence of the above observed event are Y1A and Y1B, respectively.

[0096] The server 200 judges whether the above ratio (x1) for the target vehicle 100t is equal to or greater than the threshold ratio THR, and executes Bayesian estimation according to the result of this judgment and the above prior probability. As a result, the posterior probability (Y1A, Y1B) is calculated as the recommendation level RD1. If Y1A is higher than Y1B (case A), the installation of the boost device 110 is recommended. On the other hand, if Y1B is lower than Y1A (case B), the removal of the boost device 110 is recommended for the target vehicle 100t.

[0097] [Variation 3] Whether or not it is recommended to install or remove the charging device 107 in the target vehicle 100t (FIG. 15) may be determined using the following trained model.

[0098] 17 is a diagram for explaining a trained model used in this modification 3. Referring to FIG. 17, trained model 215 is, for example, a model using deep learning, and is stored in storage device 220 of server 200.

[0099] The trained model 215 is a model that has learned the relationship between the total tendency information and the total frequency information. The total tendency information indicates tendency information 226 of the multiple vehicles 100. The total frequency information indicates the total frequency, which is the frequency at which external charging was performed by the second charging method in the multiple vehicles 100 (vehicle group 1000).

[0100] The input parameters of the trained model 215 are x1 to x4 (FIG. 6) for each of the multiple vehicles 100, but may also include x11 to x13 (FIG. 12). The output parameters of the trained model 215 are z1 to z4. In this example, z1 and z2 are the probabilities that the installation and removal of the boost device 110 are recommended, respectively. z3 and z4 are the probabilities that the installation and removal of the AC-DC conversion device 185 are recommended, respectively.

[0101] The server 200 executes a determination process to determine whether or not it is recommended to attach or remove the charging device 107 to the target vehicle 100t, using the learned model 215, according to the tendency information 226 of the target vehicle 100t. The target vehicle 100t is the vehicle 100 (100A) that is the target of this determination process. In this example, the server 200 executes the above determination process according to the highest output parameter among z1 to z4 (or an output parameter higher than a predetermined value (e.g., 50%)), and executes the above-mentioned notification process to the user of the target vehicle 100t according to the result of this determination process.

[0102] For example, when z1 is the highest (or higher than 50%), the server 200 executes a notification process to notify the user of the target vehicle 100t that it is recommended to install the boost device 110. When z2 is the highest, the server 200 may execute a notification process to notify the user of the target vehicle 100t that it is recommended to remove the boost device 110.

[0103] [Variation 4] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a vehicle in this modified example. Referring to Fig. 18, a vehicle 100B is configured so that both a boost device 110 and an AC-DC conversion device 185 can be mounted thereon.

[0104] For example, when the vehicle 100B is not equipped with either the boost device 110 or the AC-DC conversion device 185 and both of the recommendation levels RD1 and RD2 are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the server 200 executes a notification process for the vehicle 100B to recommend the installation of both the boost device 110 and the AC-DC conversion device 185. When the vehicle 100B is equipped with both the boost device 110 and the AC-DC conversion device 185 and both of the recommendation levels RD1 and RD2 are less than a threshold value, the server 200 may execute a notification process for the vehicle 100B to recommend the removal of both the boost device 110 and the AC-DC conversion device 185.

[0105] [Other variations] The processing device 210 may transmit the notification signals NS1 and NS2 to the user terminal 400 instead of the vehicle 100. When the user terminal 400 receives the notification signal, it notifies the user, using the HMI device 420, that it is recommended to attach or detach the charging device 107.

[0106] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention 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]

[0107] 10,10A Information processing system, 100,100A,100B Vehicle, 105 Power storage device, 107 Charging device, 110 Boost device, 180,185 AC-DC conversion device, 200,250 Server, 210 Processing device, 220 Storage device, 226 Trend information, 300,320,350,370 Power equipment.

Claims

1. A server configured to notify a user of a vehicle capable of performing external charging for charging an in-vehicle power storage device using external power supplied from a power facility external to the vehicle, The vehicle is configured to be capable of mounting a removable charging device, The external charging method includes a first charging method and a second charging method different from the first charging method, the first charging method is a method of the external charging that is executed when the charging device is not attached to the vehicle, the second charging method is a method of the external charging that is executed by operating the charging device when the charging device is attached to the vehicle, The server, A processing device; a communication device that acquires, from the vehicle, vehicle information including position information of the vehicle and charging end SOC information indicating an SOC of the vehicle-mounted power storage device at the time of termination of the external charging; a storage device that stores trend information indicating a trend of the external charging, When the communication device acquires the vehicle information, the processing device executes a notification process of notifying the user that mounting or removing the charging device is recommended according to the trend information; the tendency information includes frequency information that is generated in accordance with the charging end SOC information as information indicating a full charge frequency that is a frequency at which the vehicle-mounted power storage device is charged to a full charge state during the external charging, The processing device includes: The notification process is executed so that the higher the frequency of full charging, the more the attachment of the charging device is recommended. The server executes the notification process so that removal of the charging device is more strongly recommended as the frequency of full charging decreases.

2. the external power is external DC power as DC power supplied from the power equipment to the vehicle, When a voltage of the external DC power is a first voltage, the charging device increases the first voltage. a boosting device configured to boost the DC power of the first voltage to the on-board power storage device and to supply DC power of a second voltage, which is a boosted voltage, to the on-board power storage device, 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the first charging method includes a method of charging the vehicle-mounted power storage device by supplying the external DC power of the second voltage from the power equipment to the vehicle-mounted power storage device when a voltage of the external DC power is the second voltage.

3. The external power is external AC power supplied from the power equipment to the vehicle, the vehicle includes a first AC-DC conversion device for performing the external charging using the external AC power, the charging device is a second AC-DC conversion device different from the first AC-DC conversion device, the first charging method includes a method of charging the vehicle-mounted power storage device by operating the first AC-DC conversion device when the external AC power is a first power, 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second charging method includes a method of charging the in-vehicle power storage device by operating both the first AC-DC conversion device and the second AC-DC conversion device when the external AC power is a second power greater than the first power.

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