Power supply equipment control device

Abstract

To improve an operation rate of a power supply facility by suppressing a state where a power cable is left connected to a vehicle to which power supply is completed.SOLUTION: A control device for a power supply facility (EVSE20) is configured to execute: giving notification requesting a permission of removing a power cable from a first vehicle (vehicle 30a) to a user terminal (portable terminal 50a) of the first vehicle (S11) when power supply to the first vehicle connected to the power supply facility via the power cable; performing reporting or notification indicating the permission of removing the power cable from the first vehicle (S14) when receiving a reply of the permission from the user terminal of the first vehicle (YES in S12); and starting supplying power to a second vehicle (vehicle 30b) when detecting that the power cable is connected to the second vehicle after the power supply to the first vehicle is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for power supply equipment that supplies power to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicle supply equipment (hereinafter referred to as "EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)") is used to charge a power storage device mounted on an electrically powered vehicle (e.g., an electric car). For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-106391 (Patent Document 1) discloses an EVSE equipped with a cable winding device that automatically winds up a charging cable (power cable). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-106391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A vehicle user may start charging using a power supply facility and then leave the vehicle, leaving the power cable of the power supply facility connected to the vehicle even though charging has already been completed. This behavior reduces the availability of the power supply facility. In this regard, the power supply facility described in Patent Document 1 above is capable of recovering the power cable connected to a vehicle that has completed charging using a cable retractor. However, adding such a cable retractor to the power supply facility would result in a significant increase in costs. Furthermore, adding a device for automatically reattaching the power cable removed from a vehicle (first vehicle) that has completed charging to another vehicle (second vehicle) would result in an even greater increase in costs.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable that a user of a second vehicle that uses the power supply equipment after the first vehicle, or a third party near the power supply equipment, may remove the power cable from the first vehicle after power supply (charging) is complete. However, in rare cases, the user of the first vehicle may become dissatisfied with the power cable being removed from their vehicle without their permission, resulting in a dispute between the person who removed the power cable and the user of the first vehicle. Although few users are dissatisfied with the power cable being removed from their vehicle without their permission after power supply (charging) is complete, the existence of such users, even if it is a small number, makes the user of the second vehicle and third parties hesitant to remove the power cable from the first vehicle. For this reason, even if the administrator of the power supply equipment simply recommends removing the power cable from the first vehicle after power supply (charging) is complete, the user of the second vehicle and third parties may not follow the recommendation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent a power cable from remaining connected to a vehicle after power supply has been completed, thereby improving the operating rate of power supply equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device of a power supply equipment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to, when power supply to a first vehicle connected to the power supply equipment via a power cable is completed, send a notification to a user terminal of the first vehicle requesting permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle; when a permission response is received from the user terminal of the first vehicle, send an alert or notification indicating that permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle is granted; and when it detects that the power cable has been connected to a second vehicle after power supply to the first vehicle is completed, start power supply to the second vehicle.

[0008] When power supply to the first vehicle is completed, the control device of the power supply equipment requests permission from the user of the first vehicle to remove the power cable from the first vehicle. Then, when permission to remove the cable is obtained from the user of the first vehicle, the control device of the power supply equipment issues a report or notification indicating that permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle has been granted. This allows a user of a second vehicle that uses the power supply equipment after the first vehicle, or a third party near the power supply equipment, to safely remove the power cable from the first vehicle. This prevents the power cable from remaining connected to a vehicle (first vehicle) for which power supply has been completed. Furthermore, when the power cable is connected to the second vehicle after power supply to the first vehicle is completed, the control device of the power supply equipment starts power supply to the second vehicle. This improves the availability of the power supply equipment.

[0009] According to another aspect, there is provided a program that causes a computer to execute the following: when power supply to a first vehicle connected to a power supply facility via a power cable is completed, send a notification to a user terminal of the first vehicle requesting permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle; when a response of permission is received from the user terminal of the first vehicle, send an alert or notification indicating that permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle is granted; and when connection of the power cable to a second vehicle is detected, start power supply to the second vehicle. In one aspect, there is provided a computer device including a storage device that stores the program and a processor that executes the program stored in the storage device. In another aspect, there is provided a computer device that distributes the program.

[0010] The user terminal of the first vehicle may be a terminal that is linked to identification information of the first vehicle and registered in advance in the power supply facility or its management server, or may be a portable terminal that can be carried by the user of the first vehicle.

[0011] Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle may be an electric vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "xEV"). An xEV is a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and uses electricity as all or part of its power source. Examples of xEVs include BEVs (electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles), range extender EVs, and FCEVs (fuel cell vehicles). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a power cable from remaining connected to a vehicle after power supply has been completed, thereby improving the availability of power supply equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of the vehicle, EVSE (power supply equipment), and mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a first flowchart illustrating a control method for a power supply facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 6 is a second flowchart illustrating a control method for a power supply facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing a modification of S14 in FIG. 3 and S21 in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the power supply system according to this embodiment includes a facility 100 and a parking lot 200. In this embodiment, the facility 100 is a shopping mall. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the facility 100 may be of any type. The facility 100 may be, for example, a department store, a supermarket, or a convenience store. The parking lot 200 is located within the premises of the facility 100 and is available for use by customers of the facility 100. Each of users U1 to U4 is a customer of the facility 100. Mobile terminals 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are terminals carried by users U1, U2, U3, and U4, respectively. Users U1 and U2 are users (e.g., owners or managers) of vehicles 30a and 30b, respectively. Mobile terminals 50a and 50b are user terminals of vehicles 30a and 30b, respectively.

[0016] Facility 100 receives power from a power system PG. The power system PG includes a power grid, power generation facilities, and substation facilities. The power grid is constructed from power transmission and distribution facilities. The power system PG supplies power to a specified area. Facility 100 is located within that specified area. A smart meter 180 is installed at the power receiving point of facility 100. The smart meter 180 measures the amount of power exchanged between the power system PG and facility 100.

[0017] The facility 100 further includes a control system 110 and power equipment 120. The control system 110 includes, for example, a server (a server 111 shown in FIG. 2 , which will be described later) and an EMS (Energy Management System). The power equipment 120 includes, for example, a PCS (Power Conditioning System), a distribution board, a power generation device, and a power storage device. The PCS performs power conversion processing (for example, at least one of AC / DC conversion, voltage transformation, and frequency conversion) on power input to the PCS from at least one of the power grid PG, the power generation device, and the power storage device, and supplies the power to the distribution board. The distribution board supplies power to each of the various devices in the facility 100 and the various devices in the parking lot 200 (including the EVSEs 20a and 20b). The PCS also performs power conversion processing on the power input to the PCS from the power generation device, and outputs the power to the power storage device. Surplus electricity generated by a power generation device using natural energy (for example, solar power generation or wind power generation) may be stored in a power storage device.

[0018] The parking lot 200 includes EVSEs 20a and 20b and a plurality of vehicle detection sensors 230. The parking lot 200 also has parking stalls P1 to P4. Each of the parking stalls P1 to P4 is provided with a vehicle detection sensor 230. Each of the EVSEs 20a and 20b installed in the parking lot 200 is configured to be able to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking stall. The EVSE 20a is located between the parking stall P1 and the parking stall P2 and is configured to be able to supply power to both the vehicle located in the parking stall P1 (e.g., vehicle 30b) and the vehicle located in the parking stall P2 (e.g., vehicle 30a). The EVSE 20b is located between the parking stall P3 and the parking stall P4 and is configured to be able to supply power to both the vehicle located in the parking stall P3 and the vehicle located in the parking stall P4. A vehicle electrically connected to either of the EVSEs 20a and 20b can perform energy management for the facility 100. It should be noted that EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of the vehicle, EVSE (power supply equipment), and mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the mobile terminals 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as "mobile terminal 50." The EVSEs 20a and 20b shown in FIG. 1 also have the same configuration, and therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as "EVSE 20." The vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to an example of a vehicle configured to be able to use the EVSE 20. Each of the vehicles 30a and 30b shown in FIG. 1 has, for example, a configuration similar to the vehicle 30 described below.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, a vehicle 30 includes a battery 31, an inlet 32, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 33, a communication device 34, and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU (Electronic Control Unit)") 35.

[0021] The vehicle 30 is an electric vehicle (xEV) configured to be able to run using power stored in a battery 31. The vehicle 30 may be a BEV without an internal combustion engine, or a PHEV with an internal combustion engine. A known vehicle power storage device (for example, a liquid secondary battery, an all-solid-state secondary battery, or a battery pack) can be used as the battery 31. Examples of vehicle secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0022] The ECU 35 is, for example, a computer including a processor and a storage device. The HMI 33 functions as an interface between the ECU 35 and a user. The HMI 33 includes an input device and a display device. The HMI 33 may include a touch panel display. In this embodiment, the HMI 33 includes a navigation system. The HMI 33 may further include at least one of an instrument panel and a head-up display. The HMI 33 may further include a smart speaker that accepts voice input.

[0023] The ECU 35 communicates with devices outside the vehicle through the communication device 34. The communication device 34 includes a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) and / or a DCM (Data Communication Module) that perform wireless communication. The communication device 34 also includes a communication I / F for communicating with the mobile terminal 50. The vehicle 30 (ECU 35) and the mobile terminal 50 may communicate with each other via a communication network NW, or may communicate directly. The communication device 34 also includes a communication I / F for performing wired communication with the EVSE 20.

[0024] The mobile terminal 50 is a portable terminal compatible with the vehicle 30. The mobile terminal 50 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a user terminal of the vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 2. A user terminal is set for each vehicle. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display and a camera is used as the mobile terminal 50. The smartphone has a built-in computer equipped with a processor and a storage device. Various processes are performed by the processor executing programs stored in the storage device. However, the mobile terminal 50 is not limited to this, and any mobile terminal can be used as the mobile terminal 50. For example, a laptop, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, a wearable device (such as a smart watch, smart glasses, or smart gloves), or an electronic key can also be used as the mobile terminal 50.

[0025] The mobile terminal 50 is configured to be able to communicate with a server 111 included in the control system 110 of the facility 100 via a communication network NW. A computer having a processor and a storage device can be used as the server 111. The communication network NW is, for example, a wide area network constructed by the Internet and wireless base stations. Application software (hereinafter referred to as a "mobile app") for using services provided by the facility 100 is installed on the mobile terminal 50. The mobile app associates identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 50 with identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 30 corresponding to the mobile terminal 50 and registers the association in the server 111. The mobile terminal 50 can exchange information with the server 111 via the mobile app. For example, the server 111 may provide coupon information to the mobile terminal 50 via the mobile app. The server 111 manages information related to multiple terminals (user information, point information, etc.) by distinguishing them by terminal ID.

[0026] The detection results of the vehicle detection sensors 230 for each of the parking spaces P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 1 are output to the server 111. Based on these detection results, the server 111 can determine whether or not each of the parking spaces P1 to P4 is parked. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1, vehicles 30b and 30a are parked in the parking spaces P1 and P2, respectively, and each of the parking spaces P3 and P4 is vacant. Each vehicle detection sensor 230 may be a sensor that is buried in the ground (e.g., a loop coil) or a non-buried sensor (e.g., an area sensor). In addition, instead of the vehicle detection sensors, the status (parked / vacant) of each parking space in the parking lot 200 may be detected by a surveillance camera or a 3D-LiDAR parking management system.

[0027] The main body of the EVSE 20 incorporates a control unit 201 and a circuit unit 202. The control unit 201 communicates with a server 111 via a communication network NW. The control unit 201 is configured to be able to communicate with a mobile terminal 50 via the server 111. The server 111 corresponds to a management server for the EVSE 20. The control unit 201 controls the circuit unit 202. The control unit 201 includes a processor 211, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 212, and a storage device 213. The circuit unit 202 includes a circuit for supplying power to the vehicle 30 (charging the battery 31).

[0028] In the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20, the processor 211 executes a program stored in the storage device 213, thereby performing the control shown in Figures 3 and 4 described below. However, various processes related to this control are not limited to being executed by software, but can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry). The control unit 201 may control the circuit unit 202 in accordance with commands from the server 111.

[0029] The EVSE 20 also includes a touch panel display (hereinafter referred to as "TPD") 203 and a power cable 204. The power cable of the EVSE is also generally referred to as a "charging cable." The power cable 204 has a connector 205 (plug) at its tip. The connector 205 is configured to be detachable from the charging port (terminal surface) of the inlet 32 ​​provided on the vehicle 30.

[0030] The inlet 32 ​​includes a charging port, a charging lid, a lid opening / closing device, and a connector locking device. The charging port is a portion to which a connector 205 of a power cable 204 is connected and is used with the charging lid in an open state. The lid opening / closing device is configured to switch the charging lid between an open state and a closed state. When the charging lid is in a closed state, the charging port is not exposed, and when the charging lid is in an open state, the charging port is exposed. The connector locking device is configured to switch the connector 205 connected to the charging port between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which removal of the connector 205 from the charging port is restricted. The unlocked state is a state in which removal of the connector 205 from the charging port is permitted.

[0031] The EVSE 20 is used by the user of the vehicle 30, for example, in the following procedure. First, the user parks the vehicle 30 in a parking space corresponding to the EVSE 20. Next, the user inputs a lid open request to the HMI 33 (an in-vehicle terminal of the vehicle 30) or the mobile terminal 50 (a user terminal of the vehicle 30). Then, the ECU 35, which has received the lid open request from the user via the HMI 33 or the mobile terminal 50, controls the lid opening / closing device so that the charging lid is in an open state.

[0032] With the charging lid open as described above, the user connects the connector 205 to the charging port. When the connector 205 of the power cable 204 connected to the main body of the EVSE 20 is connected to the charging port of the parked vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 enters a state where it is electrically connected to the EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the "plugged-in state"). Then, when the vehicle 30 enters the plugged-in state, the ECU 35 controls the connector locking device so that the connector 205 enters a locked state. The EVSE 20 includes a connection detection circuit (not shown) that detects the state (plugged-in state / plugged-out state) of the connector 205. The connection detection circuit outputs the state of the connector 205 to the control unit 201. The plugged-out state is a state where the vehicle 30 is not electrically connected to the EVSE 20.

[0033] In this embodiment, only users who have authenticated themselves to the EVSE 20 through the mobile terminal 50 (mobile app) are permitted to use the EVSE 20. For example, the user may hold the mobile terminal 50, which displays a code (e.g., a barcode or two-dimensional code) issued by the mobile app, over a reader (not shown) of the EVSE 20, and the reader of the EVSE 20 reads the code, thereby successfully authenticating the EVSE 20. However, this is not a limitation, and any authentication method may be used. Authentication may also be performed via wireless communication between the EVSE 20 and the mobile terminal 50. In the plugged-in state described above, when a successfully authenticated user inputs a power supply start request to the EVSE 20 (TPD 203), the vehicle 30 (HMI 33), or the mobile terminal 50, the EVSE 20 starts power supply to the vehicle 30. In this embodiment, the identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 50 is input to the EVSE 20 through the authentication before power supply starts. The EVSE 20 (control unit 201) then transmits the terminal ID together with the identification information of the EVSE 20 to the server 111. The server 111 can identify the user currently using the EVSE 20 based on the terminal ID received from the EVSE 20. While the EVSE 20 is being used, information about the EVSE 20 is transmitted from the EVSE 20 to the server 111 successively.

[0034] The control unit 201 acquires information indicating the operating status of the EVSE 20 (e.g., charging power supplied from the EVSE 20 to the vehicle 30) from a sensor (not shown) included in the circuit unit 202. In the plugged-in state, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20 and the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30 communicate via a communication line in the power cable 204. In the EVSE 20, the circuit unit 202 charges the battery 31 in accordance with commands from the control unit 201. While the battery 31 is being charged, the control unit 201 receives information about the state of the battery 31 (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, and SOC) from the ECU 35 and controls the circuit unit 202 so that the charging power approaches a target value. The SOC (State Of Charge) indicates the remaining amount of stored power, and is, for example, the ratio of the current amount of stored power to the amount of stored power in a fully charged state, expressed on a scale of 0 to 100%.

[0035] When charging of the battery 31 is completed, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20 stops power supply to the vehicle 30. For example, when the SOC of the battery 31 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined SOC value (e.g., an SOC value indicating a full charge), charging of the battery 31 (power supply to the vehicle 30) is completed. Then, after power supply is stopped, if the user of the vehicle 30 that has received power inputs an unlock request to the HMI 33 or mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30, the ECU 35 controls the connector locking device so that the connector 205 is set to the unlocked state. Also, when the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20, having received permission from the user of the vehicle 30, transmits an unlock request to the vehicle 30, the ECU 35 sets the connector 205 to the unlocked state using the connector locking device.

[0036] However, a user of the vehicle 30 may abandon the vehicle 30 after starting charging using the EVSE 20 (power supply equipment), leaving the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20 connected to the vehicle 30 even though charging has already been completed. This behavior reduces the availability of the EVSE 20. While it is conceivable to ask a third party near the EVSE 20 to remove the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30 after charging has been completed, in rare cases, the user of the vehicle 30 after charging has been completed may become dissatisfied with the power cable 204 being removed without permission, leading to a dispute between the person who removed the power cable 204 and the user of the vehicle 30 from which the power cable 204 was removed. Although only a few users are dissatisfied with the power cable 204 being removed without permission after charging has been completed, the existence of such users, even if only a small number of users, makes third parties hesitant to remove the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30. For this reason, even if the administrator of the EVSE 20 simply recommends that the power cable 204 be removed from the vehicle 30 after charging is complete, the third party may not actually do so.

[0037] For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1, vehicle 30a (first vehicle) parked in the first parking slot (parking slot P2) corresponding to EVSE 20a is connected to EVSE 20a via power cable 204. Then, after EVSE 20a starts supplying power to vehicle 30a (charging battery 31), user U1 of vehicle 30a enters facility 100 before power supply (charging) is completed, and enjoys shopping within facility 100, for example. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, while EVSE 20a is supplying power to vehicle 30a, user U2 of vehicle 30b (second vehicle) parks vehicle 30b in the second parking slot (parking slot P1) corresponding to EVSE 20a. At this time, TPD 203 of EVSE 20a displays, for example, screen Sc51 shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] The screen Sc51 displays that the EVSE 20a is currently supplying power (charging), and also displays information related to the charging (for example, the SOC of the battery 31 being charged and the estimated time of completion of charging). The screen Sc51 also includes an operation unit M51 that accepts a reservation for the next charge. When the operation unit M51 is operated by the user U2, the TPD 203 of the EVSE 20a requests authentication from the user U2. When authentication between the EVSE 20a and the mobile terminal 50b (the user terminal of the vehicle 30b) is successful, the TPD 203 of the EVSE 20a displays, for example, the screen Sc52 shown in FIG. 2. The screen Sc52 displays the status (charging / waiting for charging) of the first parking slot (right side) and the second parking slot (left side) corresponding to the EVSE 20a, and prompts the user U2 to specify the parking slot (left side) waiting for charging and input whether or not to reserve the EVSE 20a for power supply to that parking slot. The screen Sc52 includes an operation unit M52 that accepts input of acceptance and an operation unit M53 that accepts input of refusal. When the user U2 operates the operation unit M52, power supply to the specified parking space (for example, the parking space P1 on the left side) is reserved in the EVSE 20a as the next charging. On the other hand, when the user U2 operates the operation unit M53, the next charging is not reserved and the TPD 203 displays the screen Sc51 again.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 1, user U2 operates the TPD 203 of the EVSE 20a to reserve power supply to parking slot P1 (i.e., power supply to vehicle 30b) as the next charge in the EVSE 20a. Thereafter, user U2 enters the facility 100 before the reserved power supply (charging) starts. When the power supply (charging) to vehicle 30a is completed with the next charge reserved for the EVSE 20a in this way, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 3, which will be described below, after the power supply to vehicle 30a is stopped and before the connector of the vehicle 30a is unlocked. This process improves the availability of the EVSE 20a.

[0040] 3 is a first flowchart showing a control method for power supply equipment according to this embodiment. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed by control unit 201 of EVSE 20a when power supply (charging) to vehicle 30a is completed in the state shown in FIG. 1, for example. "S" in the flowchart indicates a step.

[0041] 1, 2, and FIG. 3, in S11, the EVSE 20a notifies the mobile terminal 50a (user terminal of the vehicle 30a) in the facility 100, requesting permission to remove the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a from the vehicle 30a (first vehicle). The mobile terminal 50a, upon receiving this notification, displays, for example, a screen Sc1 shown in FIG. 3. The screen Sc1 notifies that power supply (charging) to the vehicle 30a has been completed, and displays a message requesting permission to remove the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a from the vehicle 30a. The screen Sc1 also includes an operation unit M11 that accepts input of permission and an operation unit M12 that accepts input of denial. The mobile terminal 50a sends a reply to the EVSE 20a in accordance with the input from the user U1.

[0042] After processing S11 above, the EVSE 20a determines in S12 whether a response of permission has been received from the mobile terminal 50a. If the user U1 has operated the operation unit M11, the determination in S12 is YES. If the user U1 has operated the operation unit M12, the determination in S12 is NO. As will be described in detail later, the user U1 can entrust the cable removal to another person (someone other than the user U1) by operating the operation unit M11 on the screen Sc1.

[0043] If the EVSE 20a receives a response of permission (YES in S12), the EVSE 20a unlocks the connector of the vehicle 30a in S13. Specifically, upon receiving the response of permission from the mobile terminal 50a, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a transmits an unlock request including the proof of permission issued in the response to the vehicle 30a. As a result, the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30a uses the connector lock device to unlock the connector 205 connected to the charging port.

[0044] Next, in S14, the EVSE 20a issues a notification indicating that removal of the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a is permitted. Specifically, in the EVSE 20a, the control unit 201 controls the TPD 203 so that the TPD 203 displays the screen Sc3. The screen Sc3 displays the location of the vehicle 30a to which power supply (charging) has been completed, and also displays that the user U1 has permitted removal of the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a. Furthermore, the screen Sc3 displays a message prompting the user to remove the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a. Next, in S15, the EVSE 20a determines whether the power cable 204 has been removed from the vehicle 30a. While the power cable 204 is connected to the vehicle 30a, a NO determination is made in S15, and the display of the screen Sc3 (S14) is continuously executed. On the other hand, if a person near the EVSE 20a (for example, user U3 or U4 shown in FIG. 1) notices the display on screen Sc3 and removes the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a, a determination of YES is made in S15, and the process proceeds to S16. Note that the EVSE 20a may also execute a process of sounding a sound (for example, an alarm process) in addition to the above-mentioned display in S14. This makes it easier for people in the vicinity to notice.

[0045] If the EVSE 20a receives a denial response (NO in S12) after S11 above, the EVSE 20a notifies the mobile terminal 50a in S17, requesting the user U1 to remove the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a. The mobile terminal 50a that receives this notification displays, for example, the screen Sc2 shown in FIG. 3. The screen Sc2 displays a message requesting that the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a be removed from the vehicle 30a. Next, the EVSE 20a determines in S18 whether the power cable 204 has been removed from the vehicle 30a. While the power cable 204 is connected to the vehicle 30a, the determination in S18 is NO, and the notification in S17 (and the display of the screen Sc2 in response to this notification) is continuously executed. Then, when the user U1 removes the power cable 204 from the vehicle 30a, the determination in S18 is YES, and the process proceeds to S16.

[0046] In S16, the EVSE 20a opens the charging lid of the vehicle 30b (second vehicle). Specifically, the EVSE 20a notifies the mobile terminal 50b (user terminal of the vehicle 30b) in the facility 100 to request the user U2's consent to opening the charging lid of the vehicle 30b. When the user U2 inputs consent into the mobile terminal 50b (mobile app), a lid open request is sent from the mobile terminal 50b to the vehicle 30b. In response to this, the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30b that has received the lid open request controls the lid opening / closing device so that the charging lid of the vehicle 30b is opened. When the consent is input into the mobile terminal 50b, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 3 and proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 4. That is, the process proceeds to S21 in FIG. 4.

[0047] 4 is a second flowchart showing the control method for the power supply facility according to this embodiment. Similar to the flowchart in FIG. 3, the series of processes shown in this flowchart are also executed by the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a.

[0048] 1, 2, and FIG. 4, the EVSE 20a issues a notification in S21 urging the vehicle 30b to connect the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a. Specifically, in the EVSE 20a, the control unit 201 controls the TPD 203 so that the TPD 203 displays screen Sc4. Screen Sc4 displays the parking position of vehicle 30b for which the next charge has been reserved, and also displays a message urging the vehicle 30b to connect the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a to the vehicle 30b. Next, in S22, the EVSE 20a determines whether the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a has been connected to the vehicle 30b. While the power cable 204 is not connected to the vehicle 30b, a NO determination is made in S22, and the display of screen Sc4 (S21) is continuously executed. On the other hand, when a person near the EVSE 20a (for example, user U3 or U4 shown in FIG. 1) connects the connector 205 of the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a to the charging port of the vehicle 30b in accordance with the display on the screen Sc4, the vehicle 30b enters a plugged-in state. The ECU 35 of the vehicle 30b then controls the connector locking device so that the connected connector 205 enters a locked state. As a result, a YES determination is made in S22, and the process proceeds to S23. In addition to the above-mentioned display, the EVSE 20a may also execute a process of sounding a sound (for example, an alarm process) in S21. This makes it easier for people in the vicinity to notice.

[0049] When the EVSE 20a detects that the power cable 204 is connected to the vehicle 30b (YES in S22), the EVSE 20a starts supplying power to the vehicle 30b in S23. The processing from the start of power supply to the stop of power supply has already been described.

[0050] After starting power supply, in S24, EVSE 20a executes processing to provide an incentive to the person who connected power cable 204 to vehicle 30b. In this embodiment, EVSE 20a executes processing to identify the person who connected power cable 204 to vehicle 30b. Specifically, in EVSE 20a, control unit 201 controls TPD 203 so that TPD 203 displays screen Sc5.

[0051] The screen Sc5 displays the code M20 and a message prompting the user to read the code M20 using the mobile terminal 50 that has launched the mobile app. When the camera of the mobile terminal 50 that has launched the mobile app reads the code M20, the mobile app transmits identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 50 that read the code M20 to the server 111. The server 111 awards an incentive (e.g., points) to the user corresponding to the terminal ID for connecting the power cable 204 to the vehicle 30b. The server 111 manages incentives for each registered user (terminal). The points may be treated like virtual currency or may be redeemable for cash. Furthermore, the points may be convertible into goods or rights (e.g., rights to receive services commensurate with the number of points).

[0052] When the process of S24 is executed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 ends. Thereafter, the TPD 203 of the EVSE 20a may again display the screen Sc51 shown in FIG. 2. However, the displayed content will be content related to power supply to the vehicle 30b, not content related to power supply to the vehicle 30a. If the code M20 is not read within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) after the TPD 203 displays the screen Sc5, the EVSE 20a may end the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 without providing an incentive. The process for identifying the person who connected the power cable 204 to the vehicle 30b is not limited to the above, and any identification method may be used. For example, the person who connected the power cable 204 may be identified through communication between the EVSE 20 and the mobile terminal 50.

[0053] As described above, the control device (control unit 201) of EVSE 20 according to this embodiment executes the series of processes shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Specifically, when power supply to a first vehicle (vehicle 30a) connected to EVSE 20 via power cable 204 is completed, control unit 201 is configured to: send a notification to a user terminal (mobile terminal 50a) of the first vehicle requesting permission to remove power cable 204 from the first vehicle (S11 in Fig. 3); when a response of permission is received from the user terminal of the first vehicle (YES in S12 in Fig. 3), control unit 201 issues a notification indicating that removal of power cable 204 from the first vehicle is permitted (S14 in Fig. 3); and when it detects that power cable 204 has been connected to a second vehicle (vehicle 30b) after power supply to the first vehicle is completed (YES in S22 in Fig. 4), control unit 201 starts power supply to the second vehicle (S23 in Fig. 4). In this configuration, the above-mentioned notification (S14 in FIG. 3) allows a third party near the EVSE 20 to safely remove the power cable 204 from the first vehicle. This prevents the power cable 204 from remaining connected to the first vehicle after power supply has been completed. Furthermore, when the power cable 204 is connected to the second vehicle after power supply to the first vehicle has been completed, the control device (control unit 201) of the EVSE 20 starts power supply to the second vehicle. This improves the availability of the EVSE 20.

[0054] The series of processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 may be modified as appropriate. For example, some processes (e.g., S24) may be omitted. In addition, in the above embodiment, the control device (control unit 201) of the EVSE 20 issues a notification indicating that it is permitted to remove the power cable 204 from the first vehicle in S14 of Figure 3. However, this is not limited thereto, and S14 of Figure 3 may be modified so that a notification is issued in addition to or instead of such a notification. Furthermore, S21 of Figure 4 may also be modified so that a notification is issued in addition to or instead of the notification described above.

[0055] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of S14 in Figure 3 and S21 in Figure 4. In the process shown in Figure 5, S14A and S21A are adopted instead of S14 and S21. Referring to Figure 5 together with Figures 1 and 2, in S14A, control unit 201 of EVSE 20a notifies mobile terminal 50 registered in server 111 that the user of the first vehicle (e.g., vehicle 30a) has given permission to remove power cable 204 from the first vehicle. The control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a may send the above notification to all mobile terminals 50 registered in the server 111, or to only those mobile terminals 50 registered in the server 111 that are present within the premises of the facility 100 (e.g., including the mobile terminals 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d shown in FIG. 1), or to only those mobile terminals 50 registered in the server 111 that are present near the EVSE 20a (e.g., including the mobile terminals 50c and 50d shown in FIG. 1). The mobile terminal 50 that receives the above notification (S14A) displays, for example, a screen Sc11 shown in FIG. 5. The screen Sc11 displays the location of the first vehicle for which power supply (charging) has been completed, and also displays that the user U1 has given permission to remove the power cable 204 from the first vehicle. Furthermore, the screen Sc11 displays a message prompting the user to remove the power cable 204 from the first vehicle.

[0056] In S21A, the control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a notifies the mobile terminal 50 registered with the server 111 to prompt the mobile terminal 50 to connect the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a to a second vehicle (e.g., vehicle 30b). The control unit 201 of the EVSE 20a may notify all the mobile terminals 50 registered with the server 111, or may notify only the mobile terminals 50 registered with the server 111 that are present within the premises of the facility 100, or may notify only the mobile terminals 50 registered with the server 111 that are present near the EVSE 20a. The mobile terminal 50 that has received the notify (S21A) displays, for example, a screen Sc12 shown in FIG. 5. The screen Sc12 displays the parking position of the second vehicle for which the next charging has been reserved, and also displays a message prompting the user to connect the power cable 204 of the EVSE 20a to the second vehicle.

[0057] The notification in S14A above allows the user of the second vehicle that will use the EVSE 20 after the first vehicle, or a third party near the EVSE 20, to safely remove the power cable 204 from the first vehicle. In addition, the notification in S21A can prompt the second vehicle that will use the EVSE 20 after the first vehicle to connect the power cable 204.

[0058] The configurations of the facility, parking lot, power supply equipment, and vehicles are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be modified as appropriate. For example, one power supply equipment may be capable of supplying power to three or more parking spaces. The power supply equipment may have a housing for housing a long power cable. The power cable of the power supply equipment may have an extension mechanism. In the above embodiment, the position of the power supply equipment main body is fixed, but the power supply equipment main body may be configured to be movable and may move to each of multiple parking spaces. The movement method may be a sliding type. In the above embodiment, the power supply equipment has only one power cable, but the power supply equipment may have multiple power cables. In addition, the server 111 may function as a control device for the EVSE 20.

[0059] The various modifications described above may be implemented in any combination. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 20, 20a, 20b EVSE, 30, 30a, 30b vehicle, 31 battery, 32 inlet, 33 HMI, 35 ECU, 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d mobile terminal, 100 facility, 111 server, 200 parking lot, 201 control unit, 202 circuit unit, 203 TPD, 204 power cable, 205 connector, 211 processor, 212 RAM, 213 storage device, P1 to P4 parking spaces, PG power system, U1, U2, U3, U4 users.

Claims

1. A control device that controls the power supply equipment and the connector lock device of the first vehicle, the connector locking device is configured to switch a connector of a power cable connected to a charging port of the first vehicle between a locked state and an unlocked state; The control device supplying power to the first vehicle connected to the power supply equipment via the power cable while maintaining a connector of the power cable connected to the charging port of the first vehicle in a locked state by the connector lock device; When power supply to the first vehicle is completed, a first notification is sent to a first user terminal of the first vehicle, requesting permission to remove the power cable from the first vehicle while keeping the connector in a locked state. When a reply of permission is received from the first user terminal in response to the first notification, the connector lock device switches the connector from a locked state to an unlocked state, and issues a notification or notification indicating that removal of the power cable from the first vehicle is permitted. when the power cable is removed from the first vehicle, sending a second notification to a second user terminal of the second vehicle requesting that a charging lid provided at a charging port of the second vehicle be opened; When detecting that the connector of the power cable is connected to the charging port of the second vehicle after the charging lid is opened, starting power supply to the second vehicle; configured to run the locked state is a state in which removal of the connector from the charging port is restricted, The unlocked state is a state in which removal of the connector from the charging port is permitted.

2. The power supply equipment includes a touch panel display, The power supply equipment is configured to accept a reservation for power supply to a second parking space as the next power supply while power is being supplied to the first parking space, the first user terminal and the second user terminal are portable terminals carried by a user of the first vehicle and a user of the second vehicle, respectively; The control device When power supply to the first vehicle located in the first parking slot is completed while power supply to the second vehicle located in the second parking slot is reserved in the power supply equipment, the first notification is sent to the first user terminal; When a reply of permission is received from the first user terminal in response to the first notification, a message prompting the user to remove the power cable from the first vehicle is displayed on the touch panel display together with the parking position of the first vehicle; 2. The control device for power supply equipment according to claim 1, wherein when the charging lid of the second vehicle is opened after the power cable is removed from the first vehicle, the parking position of the second vehicle is displayed on the touch panel display.

3. The control device is configured to, when detecting that the connector of the power cable is connected to the charging port of the second vehicle after power supply to the first vehicle is completed, execute a process to identify the person who connected the power cable to the second vehicle; The control device for power supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an incentive is given to the person identified by the process for connecting the power cable to the second vehicle.

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