Charging device, charging method, and parking lot

Abstract

To provide a charger, a charging method and a parking lot, which can improve usage efficiency of a charging facility.SOLUTION: System switching means 14 includes: a first current breaker 0 which can interrupt a flow of power flowing on an upstream side of a change-over switch 24, and second current breakers 1B to 4B which can interrupt a flow of current flowing in at each of a plurality of charging terminals 1A to 4A on a downstream side of the change-over switch 24. Control means 16 performs control to change over a supply system of DC power from power conversion means 12 by the change-over switch 24 after all the second current breakers 1B to 4B are set to an interrupted state in addition to the first current breaker 0.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device, a charging method, and a parking lot for charging a battery mounted on an electric vehicle such as an electric car. [Background technology]

[0002] As electric vehicles have become more popular, charging stations have also become more common in commercial facilities and convenience stores. Many charging stations have a one-to-one correspondence between chargers and parking spaces known as car compartments. Therefore, when one user is using a quick charging station, other users must either wait until charging is complete (for example, about 30 minutes) or find another charging station.

[0003] Meanwhile, a conventional charging technology for electric vehicles is known, for example, from the charging system described in Patent Document 1. This Patent Document 1 has a parallel distributor that provides normal charging from a normal charger to multiple electric vehicles simultaneously, and a selective distributor that provides charging from the charger to only one electric vehicle, thereby efficiently charging multiple electric vehicles from a charging station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-176232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, users often leave their cars while they are charging. Ideally, users should return to their cars within the charging completion time (for example, about 30 minutes) and, once charging is complete, move the car immediately to make the parking space available for the next user, but the current situation is that this is dependent on the user. In reality, there are many cases where the car is left in the parking space for a while even after charging is complete, meaning that the next user cannot immediately use the charging station.

[0006] In the case of charging stations installed in the parking lots of large commercial facilities, users often spend time shopping at the facility while charging. It is operationally difficult to ensure that such users return to the charging station within the time it takes for charging to be complete (for example, about 30 minutes). Another problem is that even if a user drives their car from the charging station after charging is complete, the general parking spaces may be full, leaving no place to park the fully charged car.

[0007] These problems arise because the charger and vehicle compartment are operated in a one-to-one correspondence, and there is a need for technology that can improve the utilization efficiency of such charging stations.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a charging device, a charging method, and a parking lot that can improve the utilization efficiency of charging facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the charging device of the present invention is a charging device that supplies power to electric vehicles parked in a plurality of vehicle compartments, and includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the plurality of vehicle compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments and supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles; system switching means that is provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and has a change-over switch that supplies power from the power conversion means to any of the charging terminals; and control means that controls the switching operation of the system switching means, wherein the system switching means has a first current breaker upstream of the change-over switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and a second current breaker downstream of the change-over switch that can interrupt the flow of power for each of the plurality of charging terminals, and the control means controls the change-over switch to switch the supply system of DC power from the power conversion means.

[0010] Further, another charging device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, it further comprises a notification means for notifying the outside of information relating to the charging state in each of the vehicle compartments.

[0011] a charging device that includes a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the plurality of compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles and that supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the compartments; a changeover switch that is provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and supplies power from the power conversion means to any one of the charging terminals; and system switching means that has a first current breaker upstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and a second current breaker downstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power for each of the plurality of charging terminals, and that is characterized in that when charging the electric vehicles using a charging device that includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the plurality of compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles and that supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the compartments; a changeover switch that is provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and that supplies power from the power conversion means to any one of the charging terminals; and system switching means that has a first current breaker upstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and a second current breaker downstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power for each of the plurality of charging terminals, the charging method is characterized in that when charging the electric vehicles using a charging device that includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power;

[0012] Further, another charging method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, information relating to the charging state in each of the vehicle compartments is notified to the outside.

[0013] A parking lot according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described charging device and a plurality of vehicle compartments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the charging device of the present invention, there is provided a charging device for supplying power to electric vehicles parked in a plurality of vehicle compartments, the charging device comprising: a power conversion means for converting AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputting the DC power; charging terminals provided in each of the plurality of vehicle compartments and connectable to the electric vehicles for supplying the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments; system switching means provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and having a changeover switch for supplying power from the power conversion means to any one of the charging terminals; and control means for controlling the switching operation of the system switching means, The system switching means has a first current circuit breaker upstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and has second current circuit breakers downstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power to each of the multiple charging terminals, and the control means controls the changeover switch to switch the DC power supply system from the power conversion means after turning off all of the second current circuit breakers in addition to the first current circuit breaker, thereby making it possible to safely charge multiple vehicle compartments using a single power conversion means, and achieving the effect of improving the utilization efficiency of the charging equipment.

[0015] In addition, another charging device according to the present invention is further provided with an alarm means for notifying the outside of information regarding the charging status in each vehicle compartment, thereby making it easier to grasp the charging status in each vehicle compartment and improving the convenience of the charging equipment.

[0016] and system switching means for switching the supply system of DC power from the power conversion means after switching all of the second current circuit breakers in addition to the first current circuit breaker. This makes it possible to safely charge a plurality of vehicle compartments using a single power conversion means, thereby achieving the effect of improving the utilization efficiency of the charging equipment.

[0017] In addition, according to another charging method of the present invention, information regarding the charging status in each vehicle compartment is reported to the outside, making it easier to understand the charging status in each vehicle compartment and improving the convenience of the charging equipment.

[0018] Furthermore, the parking lot according to the present invention is equipped with the above-described charging device and a plurality of vehicle compartments, and therefore has the effect of providing a parking lot having vehicle compartments where charging is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a charging device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a charging device and a parking lot according to the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a photograph showing an example of a parking lot assumed in this embodiment, where (1) is an example of an indoor parking lot, and (2) is an example of an outdoor flat parking lot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of a charging device, a charging method, and a parking lot according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power conversion device 12 (power conversion means) that converts alternating current (AC) power supplied from an external power source into direct current (DC) power for rapid charging and outputs the converted power, a system switching means 14 that switches the supply system of the DC power from the power conversion device 12, a control means 16 that controls the switching operation of the system switching means 14, and charging cables 1A to 4A (charging terminals) provided in each of four (multiple) vehicle compartments 1 to 4.

[0022] Ideally, it would be desirable to provide equipment that can simultaneously charge all vehicles (electric vehicles) parked in a vehicle compartment. However, in many cases, vehicle charging is completed while the vehicle is parked in the vehicle compartment. In such cases, the utilization rate of the charging equipment is low. Furthermore, the contracted capacity must be such that all vehicles parked in the vehicle compartment can be simultaneously charged, resulting in problems such as increased maintenance costs. Therefore, in this embodiment, one charging device 10 is configured to serve four vehicle compartments, and a system is provided that can improve the utilization rate of the charging equipment with a small contracted capacity and operate more efficiently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration that serves multiple vehicle compartments other than four is also possible.

[0023] The power conversion device 12 includes a converter / inverter 18 as a converter that converts AC power input from an external power source into predetermined AC power, and a transformer / rectifier 20 as a converter that converts the converted AC power into predetermined DC power. This power conversion device 12 can be configured using, for example, a well-known quick charging device. The DC power output from the power conversion device 12 is supplied to the system switching means 14 via a power line.

[0024] The system switching means 14 includes a branch circuit 22 that branches the power from the power conversion device 12 into multiple systems toward each of the vehicle compartments 1 to 4, a changeover switch 24, and DC breakers 0 (first current breaker) and 1B to 4B (second current breakers) as current breakers. According to this configuration, the power from the power conversion device 12 is supplied to the branch circuit 22 via breaker 0, and is then supplied to a charging cable (any one of 1A to 4A) via a breaker (any one of 1B to 4B) corresponding to the vehicle compartment of the system selectively selected by the changeover switch 24. Note that the system switching device 14 may be configured separately from the power conversion device 12 as in this embodiment, or may be configured integrally with the power conversion device 12.

[0025] Charging cables 1A-4A are charging means connected to system switching means 14 via breakers 1B-4B. These charging cables 1A-4A supply DC power, which is supplied from system switching means 14 via breakers 1B-4B, as power for rapid charging to vehicles 1C-4C (electrically powered vehicles) in passenger compartments 1-4. Charging plugs (charging terminals, not shown) are provided at the ends of the charging cables 1A-4A and are connected to vehicles 1C-4C during charging.

[0026] Control means 16 controls the switching operation of system switching means 14 via selector switch 24, and also controls the on / off of breakers 0, 1B to 4B to activate the interlock function. This control means 16 switches system switching means 14 so that the supply system of DC power from power conversion device 12 alternatively selects one of multiple charging cables 1A to 4A. At this time, control is performed to temporarily turn off all breakers 0, 1B to 4B (shutoff state), and then turn on only breaker 0 and the breaker corresponding to the selected charging cable. For example, when selecting charging cable 1A, control is performed to temporarily turn off all breakers 0, 1B to 4B, and then turn on only breakers 0 and 1B.

[0027] The charging device 10 configured as described above allows safe rapid charging in multiple vehicle compartments 1 to 4 by using a single power conversion device 12 via DC power circuit switching and interlock functions. This improves the utilization efficiency of rapid charging equipment. This contributes to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and the rationalization of facility planning for installing rapid charging equipment.

[0028] In the above embodiment, each of the compartments 1 to 4 may further include a notification means for notifying the outside of information relating to the charging state. The notification means may be, for example, a notification light that notifies information relating to multiple types of charging states using the light-emitting state of a light-emitting element such as a lamp or multiple light-emitting elements. Alternatively, the notification means may be an indicator light that can be displayed in different colors, such as a patrol lamp or a Patlite (registered trademark) indicator light.

[0029] The illumination state of the indicator light can be controlled by the control means 16 based on information about the charging state obtained from the power conversion device 12, the system switching means 14, and the connection state of the charging plug via the charging cables 1A to 4A. For example, when the charging cable 1A is disconnected from the vehicle 1C, the control means 16 may obtain information that rapid charging has been completed in the passenger compartment 1, and perform control to switch the illumination state of the indicator light based on this information.

[0030] The correspondence between the light color of the warning light and the charging status can be configured so that, for example, green indicates that the power conversion device 12 is available for use, flashing green indicates that charging is in progress, red indicates that it is unavailable, solid yellow indicates that rapid charging is complete (indicating that the charging cable should be disconnected), and flashing yellow indicates a warning. By viewing the light emission status of the warning light from outside, it is possible to easily grasp the charging status of each compartment 1-4, thereby improving the convenience of the charging facility.

[0031] The charging device 10 of this embodiment may be applied to an indoor parking lot with multiple parking spaces as shown in Figure 3(1), or to an outdoor flat parking lot as shown in (2), thereby providing a parking lot with parking spaces that allow rapid charging.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an example in which the above-described power converter 12 and system switching means 14 are applied to an existing indoor parking lot. As shown in this figure, the power converter 12 and system switching means 14 are mounted on a frame made of H-beam or the like provided above the vehicle compartments 1 to 4 in the parking lot. Alternatively, they may be installed by a method such as hanging from the ceiling. A power supply path 26 is installed above the vehicle compartments 1 to 4 using a wiring duct or bus duct, and breakers 1B to 4B, charging cables 1A to 4A, and warning lights 1D to 4D are installed in each vehicle compartment 1 to 4.

[0033] Next, the charging method according to this embodiment will be described using an indoor parking lot as an example, as shown in Fig. 2. If no one is using the power conversion device 12, the control means 16 controls the notification lights 1D to 4D of all the compartments 1 to 4 to light up in green, and all the compartments 1 to 4 become ready for rapid charging.

[0034] First, assume that vehicle 1C is fast-charging in vehicle compartment 1. After bringing vehicle 1C into vehicle compartment 1 and parking it, a user such as a passenger of vehicle 1C connects the charging plug of charging cable 1A to vehicle 1C. Based on the connection status of the charging plug, control means 16 controls the indicator lights 2D-4D of the other vehicle compartments 2-4 to turn red, and controls indicator light 1D of vehicle compartment 1 to flash green to indicate the start of charging. In this case, control means 16 temporarily turns off all breakers 0, 1B-4B of system switching means 14 to shut off power, and then confirms that only breaker 0 and breaker 1B are on (closed) (interlock function), before supplying power to charging cable 1A.

[0035] When rapid charging of vehicle 1C is completed, control means 16 controls the indicator light 1D in vehicle compartment 1 to illuminate yellow, and controls the indicator lights 2D to 4D in the other vehicle compartments 2 to 4 to illuminate green, indicating that charging is possible. In this case, control means 16 keeps indicator light 1D in vehicle compartment 1 illuminated yellow until the charging plug of charging cable 1A is removed from vehicle 1C. Note that vehicle 1C may remain parked in vehicle compartment 1 after charging is completed. When rapid charging is performed in the other vehicle compartments 2 to 4, control means 16 turns off breaker 1B in vehicle compartment 1, allowing rapid charging to be performed in the other vehicle compartments 2 to 4 while vehicle 1C remains parked in vehicle compartment 1.

[0036] When quick charging is completed, the control means 16 turns off (opens) all breakers 0, 1B to 4B and activates an interlock function so that only one of breakers 1B to 4B is turned on (closed). As a result, the warning light 1D in the compartment 1 lights up yellow, and the warning lights 2D to 4D in the compartments 2 to 4 light up green.

[0037] Next, assume that vehicle 3C is to be quick-charged in compartment 3. The indicator light 3D in compartment 3 is lit green, indicating that charging is possible. Furthermore, the indicator light 1D in compartment 1 is lit yellow, indicating that vehicle 1C in compartment 1 was the vehicle that was being charged immediately before. When quick charging begins in compartment 3, control means 16 temporarily turns off (opens) all breakers 0, 1B to 4B, and then turns on (closes) breaker 0 and breaker 3B to begin quick charging. When quick charging of vehicle 3C is completed, the indicator light 3D in compartment 3 switches to yellow. Thereafter, similar processing can be repeated when quick charging is to be performed in other compartments 2 and 4.

[0038] When quick charging is complete, the system may have a means for notifying the user by sending an email notification to a smartphone, a message on social media, etc. Furthermore, when the charging cables 1A, 3A are removed from the vehicles 1C, 3C and the vehicles 1C, 3C move out of the vehicle compartments 1, 3, the control means 16 may control the notification lights 1D, 3D in the vehicle compartments 1, 3 to return to green.

[0039] The system can also be configured to provide information about the parking space and charging status of each vehicle to a facility operation system that manages the parking lot and facility. Sharing and linking this information with various equipment systems via the facility operation system can contribute to the streamlining of facility operations.

[0040] As described above, the charging device according to the present invention is a charging device that supplies power to electric vehicles parked in a plurality of vehicle compartments, and includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the plurality of vehicle compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles and that supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments; system switching means that is provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and has a changeover switch that supplies power from the power conversion means to any of the charging terminals; and a control means that controls the switching operation of the system switching means. and a control means, wherein the system switching means has a first current circuit breaker upstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and has second current circuit breakers downstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power to each of the plurality of charging terminals, and the control means controls the changeover switch to switch the supply system of DC power from the power conversion means after turning off all of the second current circuit breakers in addition to the first current circuit breaker, thereby making it possible to safely charge multiple vehicle compartments using a single power conversion means and improving the utilization efficiency of the charging facility.

[0041] In addition, another charging device according to the present invention further includes a notification means for notifying the outside of information regarding the charging status in each vehicle compartment, making it easier to grasp the charging status in each vehicle compartment and improving the convenience of the charging equipment.

[0042] and a system switching means for switching the supply system of DC power from the power conversion means after switching the first current circuit breaker and the second current circuit breaker downstream of the switch. This makes it possible to safely charge multiple vehicle compartments using a single power conversion means, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the charging equipment. Furthermore, according to a charging method of the present invention, a charging device is provided that includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the multiple vehicle compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles and supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments; a changeover switch that is provided between the power conversion means and the multiple charging terminals and supplies power from the power conversion means to one of the charging terminals; and a system switching means that has a first current circuit breaker upstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power, and a second current circuit breaker downstream of the changeover switch that can interrupt the flow of power for each of the multiple charging terminals. Therefore, when charging the electric vehicles using a charging device that includes: a power conversion means that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power; charging terminals that are provided in each of the multiple vehicle compartments and can be connected to the electric vehicles and supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicles parked in the

[0043] In addition, according to another charging method of the present invention, information regarding the charging status in each vehicle compartment is notified to the outside, making it easier to understand the charging status in each vehicle compartment and improving the convenience of the charging equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, the parking lot according to the present invention is equipped with the above-described charging device and a plurality of vehicle compartments, so that a parking lot having vehicle compartments where charging is possible can be provided. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] As described above, the charging device, charging method, and parking lot according to the present invention are useful for charging facilities that rapidly charge batteries mounted on electric vehicles and other electrically powered vehicles, and are particularly suited to improving the utilization efficiency of charging facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 0 Breaker (first current breaker) 1~4 cabin 1A~4A charging cable (charging terminal) 1B~4B Breaker (Second Current Breaker) 1C~4C vehicles (electric vehicles) 1D~4E Warning light (warning means) 10 Charging device 12 Power conversion device (power conversion means) 14 System switching means 16 Control measures 18 Converters and inverters 20 Transformers and rectifiers 22 Branch Circuit 24 Selector switch 26 Routes

Claims

1. A charging device that supplies power to electric vehicles parked in a plurality of vehicle compartments, a power conversion means for converting AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputting the DC power; a charging terminal provided in each of a plurality of vehicle compartments, the charging terminal being connectable to an electric vehicle parked in the vehicle compartment and configured to supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicle; a system switching means provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals, the system switching means having a changeover switch for supplying power from the power conversion means to any one of the charging terminals; a control means for controlling a switching operation of the system switching means; Equipped with the system switching means has a first current breaker that is located upstream of the changeover switch and that can interrupt a flow of electric power, and a second current breaker that is located downstream of the changeover switch and that can interrupt a flow of electric power that flows through each of the plurality of charging terminals, The charging device is characterized in that the control means controls the switching of the DC power supply system from the power conversion means using the changeover switch after setting all of the second current circuit breakers in an interrupted state in addition to the first current circuit breaker.

2. 2. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an outside party of information relating to the charging state in each of the vehicle compartments.

3. A charging method for supplying power to electric vehicles parked in a plurality of vehicle compartments, comprising: a power conversion means for converting AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputting the DC power; a charging terminal provided in each of a plurality of vehicle compartments, the charging terminal being connectable to an electric vehicle parked in the vehicle compartment and configured to supply the DC power supplied from the power conversion means to the electric vehicle; When charging the electric vehicle using a charging device including: a changeover switch that is provided between the power conversion means and the plurality of charging terminals and supplies power from the power conversion means to any one of the charging terminals; and system switching means that has a first current breaker that is capable of interrupting a flow of power upstream of the changeover switch and a second current breaker that is capable of interrupting a flow of power for each of the plurality of charging terminals downstream of the changeover switch, A charging method characterized in that, in addition to the first current circuit breaker, all of the second current circuit breakers are set to an interrupted state, and then the DC power supply system from the power conversion means is switched using the changeover switch.

4. 4. The charging method according to claim 3, wherein information about the charging state in each of the vehicle compartments is notified to an outside.

5. A parking lot comprising the charging device according to claim 1 or 2 and a plurality of vehicle compartments.

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