Electric vehicle charging method and electric vehicle charging system

Abstract

To facilitate proper automatic charging of an electric vehicle with a charging facility even in a circumstance where a user of the electric vehicle is in a distant position from the electric vehicle.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle charging method using a charging facility that is configured to be capable of performing automatic charging of an electric vehicle, includes: performing user authentication by communication between the charging facility and a user terminal associated with the electric vehicle; and informing the user terminal that charging of the electric vehicle is enabled, when the user authentication is successful and the charging facility is ready to charge the electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging method for an electric vehicle and a charging system for an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-270411 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charging facility (automatic charging device) configured to be able to automatically charge an electric vehicle. This automatic charging device extends a charging arm when the electric vehicle is parked to search for a charging socket (charging port) of the electric vehicle, and fits into the charging socket to charge the electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The automatic charging device described in Patent Document 1 starts charging preparation when the electric vehicle is parked, and starts charging the electric vehicle when the charging preparation is completed, for the purpose of shortening the time from vehicle stop to charging completion. In Patent Document 1, it is not assumed that charging preparation is performed and charging of the electric vehicle is started in a situation where the user of the electric vehicle is at a position away from the electric vehicle. With the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to appropriately execute charging of the electric vehicle by the above automatic charging device in such a situation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to make it easy to appropriately execute automatic charging of an electric vehicle by a charging facility even in a situation where the user of the electric vehicle is at a position away from the electric vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method for charging an electric vehicle according to the first aspect of this disclosure involves charging the electric vehicle using charging equipment configured to enable automatic charging of the electric vehicle. This method includes performing user authentication through communication between the charging equipment and a user terminal associated with the electric vehicle, and notifying the user terminal that the electric vehicle is ready to be charged when user authentication is successful and the charging equipment is ready to charge the electric vehicle.

[0007] According to the method described above, even when the electric vehicle user is located away from the vehicle, automatic charging of the electric vehicle by the charging equipment is more likely to be performed properly. Automatic charging is a type of charging where preparations before charging begins (for example, plug connection in contact charging, or alignment in contactless charging) are performed automatically.

[0008] In accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, a charging system for an electric vehicle is provided, which includes charging equipment for performing the electric vehicle charging method described above.

[0009] According to the system described above, the aforementioned method for charging electric vehicles can be suitably implemented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, even when the electric vehicle user is located away from the electric vehicle, automatic charging of the electric vehicle by the charging facility will be more easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of the electric vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 illustrates the process performed by the control device of the charging equipment when an electric vehicle is parked in a parking space in a parking lot, as shown in the charging system. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the process related to automatic charging performed by the control device of the charging equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4]This figure shows a first modified example of the charging equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows a second modified example of the charging equipment shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an electric vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the charging system includes a parking lot 1 and a building 2. The parking lot 1 has parking spaces P1 to P4. Each of the parking spaces P1 to P4 is provided with a vehicle detection sensor 10 that detects when a vehicle is stopped within the parking space. The vehicle detection sensor 10 may be a type of sensor embedded in the ground (e.g., a loop coil) or a non-embedded sensor (e.g., an area sensor).

[0014] In this embodiment, Building 2 is a commercial facility. Building 2 may be a commercial facility where shopping takes place (e.g., a convenience store or department store) or a commercial facility where services are provided (e.g., a bank or restaurant). However, Building 2 is not limited to a commercial facility and may be other types of buildings (e.g., apartment buildings, factories, or public facilities).

[0015] In this embodiment, User U is a user of Building 2. User U gets into vehicle 100A and travels to parking lot 1 for Building 2. User U parks vehicle 100A in, for example, parking space P2. Charging equipment is provided in parking lot 1.

[0016] The charging equipment installed in parking lot 1 is configured to charge the energy storage devices of electric vehicles (e.g., vehicles 100A, 100B) parked in any of the parking spaces P1 to P4. This charging equipment comprises a power supply robot 200, a guide rail GL, and a drive unit 20. The guide rail GL is connected to the power supply robot 200 and functions as a track for moving the power supply robot 200. The power supply robot 200 moves along the guide rail GL. The drive unit 20 includes a control device 21 that controls the power supply robot 200 and a power supply circuit 22 that supplies power to the power supply robot 200. In this embodiment, the drive unit 20 is installed in parking lot 1, but the installation location of the drive unit 20 is arbitrary. The drive unit 20 may also be installed inside the power supply robot 200.

[0017] The control device 21 comprises a processor 211 and a storage device 212. Various processes are executed by the processor 211 executing programs stored in the storage device 212. For example, the control device 21 receives detection results from each of the vehicle detection sensors 10 for parking spaces P1 to P4 and determines the status of each parking space (parked / empty) based on these detection results. Note that surveillance cameras or a 3D-LiDAR parking management system may be used instead of vehicle detection sensors. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the control device 21 are not limited to software execution, but can also be performed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0018] Each electric vehicle (including vehicles 100A and 100B) that uses the charging equipment is registered in the charging equipment (storage device 212) in advance. Specifically, application software for using the charging equipment (hereinafter referred to as "charging app") is installed on each user terminal (including user terminal 30) associated with each electric vehicle. Through the charging app, the identification information (terminal ID) of the user terminal is associated with the identification information (vehicle ID) of the corresponding electric vehicle and registered in the storage device 212. The user terminal installed with the charging app can communicate with the control device 21. The control device 21 manages user information and vehicle information by distinguishing them with identification information (for example, terminal ID and vehicle ID).

[0019] In this embodiment, user information and vehicle information are stored in the storage device 212 as registration information. The above user information includes, for example, the personal information of the user (name, contact information, fee information, etc.), the communication address of the user terminal, and the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle associated with the user terminal. The above vehicle information includes, for example, the specification information of the vehicle (dimensions, charging performance, position of the charging port, etc.) and the identification information (terminal ID) of the user terminal associated with the vehicle. In addition, the storage device 212 also stores information about the parking lot 1 (position information of each parking space, etc.).

[0020] The user terminal 30 associated with the vehicle 100A is a terminal that can be carried by the user U. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is adopted as the user terminal 30. The smartphone has a built-in computer. However, it is not limited to this, and any terminal can be adopted as the user terminal 30. For example, a portable game console, a wearable device, an electronic key, etc. can also be adopted as the user terminal 30.

[0021] The user terminal 30 includes a wireless communication device that can access the communication network NW. The control device 21 is connected to the communication network NW. The communication network NW is a wide-area network constructed by, for example, the Internet and a wireless base station. The control device 21 and the user terminal 30 are configured to communicate with each other via the communication network NW.

[0022] The power grid PG (external power source) supplies power to each of the building 2 and the drive unit 20. The power grid PG includes a power transmission and distribution network constructed by power transmission and distribution facilities and power generation facilities that supply power to the power transmission and distribution network. In this embodiment, the power output from the power grid PG is input to each of the distribution board (not shown) of the building 2 and the power supply circuit 22 of the drive unit 20.

[0023] The power supply circuit 22 converts the power supplied from the power grid PG into power for power supply and supplies the converted power to the power supply robot 200. The power supply circuit 22 may perform power conversion according to a command from the control device 21. The control device 21 may specify parameters of the power for power supply (for example, at least one of voltage and current) and control the power supply circuit 22 so that the specified power is supplied to the power supply robot 200.

[0024] The power supply robot 200 comprises a charging gun 210 (charging connector section), an arm 220, a camera 230, and various actuators (not shown). The power supply robot 200 is equipped with actuators (e.g., motors) for displacing the power supply robot 200 along the guide rail GL. The control device 21 sets one of the parking spaces P1 to P4 as the target parking space and controls the actuators so that the power supply robot 200 moves along the guide rail GL to the target parking space. The camera 230 generates a video signal showing the surrounding environment by imaging the surroundings and outputs the video signal to the control device 21. The control device 21 can use the video signal to grasp, for example, the status of the target parking space (e.g., the parking position of the electric vehicle in the target parking space). The control device 21 moves the power supply robot 200 to the target parking space and has the power supply robot 200 supply power to the electric vehicle parked in the target parking space. Any electric vehicle parked in any of the parking spaces P1 to P4 can receive power from the power supply robot 200.

[0025] The charging gun 210 is located at the tip of the arm 220 and is configured to be connectable to the charging port of the electric vehicle. The charging gun 210 receives power from the power supply circuit 22 and supplies power to the charging port of the connected electric vehicle. The arm 220 moves to displace the charging gun 210 according to control commands from the control device 21. The arm 220 comprises multiple joints and actuators (e.g., motors) that move each joint. The control device 21 sets a target position within the range of motion of the charging gun 210 in three-dimensional space and controls the arm 220 so that the charging gun 210 is positioned at the target position. By setting the position of the electric vehicle's charging port as the target position, the charging gun 210 can be connected to the electric vehicle's charging port.

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the process performed by the charging equipment's control device 21 when an electric vehicle is parked in one of the parking spaces (parking spaces P1 to P4) in parking lot 1.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, vehicle 100A comprises a battery 110, an inlet 120, a charging circuit 130, an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU (Electronic Control Unit)") 150, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 180, and a communication device 190. The ECU 150 includes a processor and a memory device. Vehicle 100A is an electric vehicle configured to run using the power stored in the battery 110. Vehicle 100A is, for example, a BEV (battery electric vehicle) without an internal combustion engine. As the battery 110, known vehicle energy storage devices (liquid-type secondary batteries, all-solid-state secondary batteries, battery packs, etc.) can be used.

[0028] The inlet 120 includes a charging port and a charging lid. The charging lid is configured to be openable and closable by the user or the ECU 150, covering the charging port when closed and exposing the charging port when open. The charging circuit 130 is a circuit that charges the battery 110 using power supplied to the charging port from outside the vehicle. The charging circuit 130 is controlled by the ECU 150.

[0029] The HMI180 includes a navigation system. The HMI180 may also include a touch panel display or a smart speaker that accepts voice input. Inputs from the user to the HMI180 and detection values ​​from various sensors (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 100A are input to the ECU150. The vehicle 100A is equipped with a position sensor, vehicle speed sensor, accelerator sensor, outside temperature sensor, battery sensor, charging lid open / close sensor, and charging gun connection sensor, among others. The battery sensor includes various sensors that detect the state of the battery 110 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, and SOC). SOC (State of Charge) indicates, for example, the ratio of the current charge to the charge when fully charged.

[0030] The ECU 150 communicates with the control device 21 via the communication device 190. The communication device 190 may include a wireless communication device (e.g., a Data Communication Module (DCM)) that can access the communication network NW. Alternatively, the communication device 190 may communicate wirelessly with the control device 21 directly without going through the communication network NW. When the power supply robot 200 is charging the battery 110 mounted on the vehicle 100A, the vehicle 100A sequentially transmits detection results from on-board sensors (e.g., SOC sensors) to the control device 21.

[0031] When the electric vehicle stops in a parking space (any of parking spaces P1 to P4) in the parking lot 1, the control device 21 executes a series of processes (S11 to S14) as shown in the flowchart in Figure 2. In the flowchart, "S" means step. Below, we will explain S11 to S14 using the case where vehicle 100A stops in parking space P2 as an example. When the control device 21 detects, for example, that vehicle 100A has stopped in parking space P2 using the vehicle detection sensor 10, the series of processes described below will begin.

[0032] In S11, the control device 21 receives a vehicle ID from the vehicle 100A and begins communication with the user terminal 30 associated with the vehicle 100A. The control device 21 then performs user authentication by communicating with the user terminal 30 while referring to the registration information in the storage device 212. The registration information includes the vehicle information and user information mentioned above. Specifically, the control device 21 requests a first electronic key from the user terminal 30 that can identify the individual (user U). The first electronic key may be a private key that has been previously registered with the control device 21. Alternatively, an electronic key valid for only one authentication may be issued. When the user terminal 30 receives a request for the first electronic key from the control device 21, the charging application is launched on the user terminal 30, and the charging application requests user U to input the first electronic key. When user U inputs the first electronic key, the first electronic key is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the control device 21. User U may register the first electronic key with the user terminal 30 in advance to avoid the input process.

[0033] In S12, the control device 21 determines whether user authentication was successful. The control device 21 determines that user authentication was successful when it receives the first electronic key from the user terminal 30. If the user terminal 30 does not receive the first electronic key after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request, it determines that user authentication has failed. If user authentication fails (NO in S12), the control device 21 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 2 without performing any further processing from S13 onwards.

[0034] If user authentication is successful (YES in S12), the control device 21 acquires information about vehicle 100A in S13. Specifically, the control device 21 acquires information from vehicle 100A indicating its current state (e.g., the state of charge of battery 110). The control device 21 also reads vehicle information about vehicle 100A (e.g., the XYZ coordinates indicating the location of the charging port on vehicle 100A) from the storage device 212.

[0035] In the subsequent S14, the control device 21 adds the information about vehicle 100A acquired in S13 to the parking lot list. Once the process in S14 is executed, the processing flow shown in Figure 2 is terminated.

[0036] The parking list is stored in the storage device 212. The parking list shows information about electric vehicles parked in parking lot 1 (hereinafter referred to as "parked vehicles"). More specifically, the parking list shows the vehicle ID, parking location (one of parking spaces P1 to P4), specification information, and current status of each parked vehicle. If multiple electric vehicles are parked in parking lot 1, the parking list further indicates the charging order for those parked vehicles. In this embodiment, the control device 21 determines the charging order so that electric vehicles are charged in the order they were parked in parking lot 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the control device 21 may change the charging order based on the battery state of charge (SOC) of each parked vehicle. For example, the charging order of parked vehicles with a battery state of charge below a predetermined value may be expedited. The control device 21 may also expedite the charging order of parked vehicles carrying users who meet certain preferential conditions (for example, users who have reserved charging in advance or users who have paid a special fee).

[0037] When vehicle 100A arrives at parking lot 1, the charging equipment (power supply robot 200) may be in use by another electric vehicle (vehicle 100B), as shown in Figure 1. In this case, when vehicle 100A parks in parking space P2, according to the processing flow in Figure 2, vehicle 100A is registered in the parking lot list so that it is charged after vehicle 100B. User U may use building 2 during the charging waiting period. For example, after parking vehicle 100A in parking space P2, user U takes user terminal 30 with them and enters building 2. Then, user U uses building 2 while carrying user terminal 30. Specifically, user U shops or receives services inside building 2. When vehicle 100B finishes charging while user U is using building 2, the charging equipment becomes ready to charge vehicle 100A, and the control device 21 starts the series of processes shown in Figure 3, which will be described below. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processes related to automatic charging executed by the control device 21.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, in S21, the control device 21 obtains information about the target vehicle (vehicle 100A) to be charged from the parking lot list. In the following S22, the control device 21 determines the charging conditions. The charging conditions include, for example, power supply conditions (for example, parameters of the power supplied by the charging equipment) and charging termination conditions. The control device 21 determines the power supply conditions according to, for example, the specification information of vehicle 100A. The control device 21 also determines the charging termination SOC related to the charging termination conditions. In this embodiment, the charging termination condition is met when the SOC of the battery 110 mounted on vehicle 100A reaches the charging termination SOC during charging. In this embodiment, the initial value of the charging termination SOC is set to the SOC value indicating full charge (100%). However, the charging termination SOC can be changed by the user (see screen Sc2 described later). The initial value of the charging termination SOC can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] In the following step S23, the control device 21 notifies the user terminal 30, which is linked to the vehicle 100A, that charging of the battery 110 installed in the vehicle 100A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "charging of vehicle 100A") is possible. At this time, the control device 21 determines the scheduled end time of charging and the charging fee (the fee to be paid by user U after charging) for charging vehicle 100A based on the current state of vehicle 100A and the charging conditions determined in S22, and sends a notification signal to the user terminal 30 that includes the current state of vehicle 100A, the charging conditions determined in S22, the scheduled end time of charging, and the charging fee information. When the user terminal 30 receives the notification signal, it displays screen Sc1. Screen Sc1 and screen Sc2, described later, are displayed on a touch panel display and accept input from user U.

[0040] Screen Sc1 includes a display unit M11 that shows the charging conditions, an operation unit M12 (e.g., an operation button) that accepts input to change the charging conditions shown by the display unit M11, and an operation unit M13 (e.g., an operation button) that accepts input to start charging under the charging conditions shown by the display unit M11. The display unit M11 displays the charging completion SOC, the scheduled charging completion time, and charging fee information. The display unit M11 further displays a message informing the user U that vehicle charging at 100A is possible, and a message prompting the user U to operate either the operation unit M12 or M13.

[0041] Then, when the user U operates the control unit M12, the user terminal 30 displays screen Sc2. Screen Sc2 includes a message M21 prompting the user U to decide on the charging conditions, a display unit M31 showing the charging completion SOC, a display unit M32 showing the current SOC of the vehicle 100A battery 110, a display unit M33 showing the scheduled charging completion time, a display unit M34 showing the charging fee, control units M41 and M42 for changing the charging completion SOC, a control unit M22 (e.g., an operation button) that accepts input to decide on the charging completion SOC shown by the display unit M31, and a control unit M23 (e.g., an operation button) that accepts input to cancel charging.

[0042] User U can increase or decrease the charge completion SOC within a range from a lower limit to an upper limit by operating the operation unit M41 or M42. The upper limit of the charge completion SOC may be the value indicating a full charge. The lower limit of the charge completion SOC may be the current SOC value (current battery level) or a higher value. When the operation unit M41 or M42 is operated, the changed charge completion SOC is displayed on the display unit M31. Also, when the charge completion SOC is changed by the operation unit M41 or M42, the user terminal 30 performs a calculation, and the values ​​displayed on the display units M33 and M34 change to values ​​corresponding to the changed charge completion SOC.

[0043] When user U has finished changing the charging conditions, they operate the operation unit M22. In S23, the control unit 21 sends a notification signal to the user terminal 30, and then in S24, it determines whether or not it has received a request from user U to change the charging conditions. If user U operates the operation unit M12 on screen Sc1 and the operation unit M22 on screen Sc2, it determines YES in S24 and the process returns to S22. Then, in S22, the control unit 21 adopts the charging conditions changed by user U, and in the following S23, it sends a notification signal corresponding to those charging conditions to the user terminal 30. As a result, the user terminal 30 displays screen Sc1 again. However, the display unit M11 on screen Sc1 shows the charging conditions changed on screen Sc2. If user U approves the charging shown on the display unit M11, they operate the operation unit M13.

[0044] If the operation unit M13 is operated on screen Sc1, the system determines NO in S24 and proceeds to S25. In S25, the control device 21 determines whether or not charging permission has been received from user U. If user U operates the operation unit M13 on screen Sc1, it means that user U has permitted the charging shown on screen Sc1. If the operation unit M13 is operated on screen Sc1, the system determines YES in S25 and proceeds to S26.

[0045] In S26, the control unit 21 receives a second electronic key issued by the user terminal 30. The second electronic key is a signal that authorizes the external charging equipment (control unit 21) to remotely control the vehicle 100A with respect to charging the battery 110. The second electronic key may be a private key previously registered in the user terminal 30. Alternatively, an electronic key valid for only one charge may be issued. The second electronic key may authorize the charging equipment to remotely control with predetermined restrictions (for example, by limiting the time). Upon receiving the second electronic key, the control unit 21 becomes capable of remotely controlling the vehicle 100A under the conditions permitted by the second electronic key. In remote control, for example, the ECU 150 of the vehicle 100A receives a command from the control unit 21 via wireless communication and executes control of the vehicle 100A according to that command.

[0046] In the following S27, the control device 21 controls the power supply robot 200 so that it moves to a position corresponding to the target parking space (parking space P2) (position Pn in Figure 1). Next, the control device 21 remotely opens the charging lid of the vehicle 100A to expose the vehicle 100A's charging port. Furthermore, the control device 21 sets the position of the vehicle 100A's inlet 120 (charging port) as the target position and controls the power supply robot 200 so that the charging gun 210 (charging connector part) is connected to the vehicle 100A's charging port. The control device 21 may also use the camera 230 to search for the vehicle 100A's charging port and extend the arm 220 to fit the charging gun 210 into the charging port. As a result, the vehicle 100A enters a plug-in state (state where it is electrically connected to an external power source).

[0047] In the following step S28, the control device 21 controls the power supply circuit 22 so that power is supplied from the charging gun 210 to the charging port of the vehicle 100A. Specifically, the control device 21 performs charging of the vehicle 100A according to the charging conditions determined in S22. In the following step S29, the control device 21 determines whether or not the charging termination conditions determined in S22 have been met. As long as the charging termination conditions are not met (NO in S29), steps S28 and S29 are repeated, and charging of the vehicle 100A (S28) is performed continuously. On the other hand, if the charging termination conditions are met (YES in S29), the process proceeds to S30. This completes the charging of the vehicle 100A.

[0048] In S30, the control device 21 performs a predetermined charging termination process. Specifically, the control device 21 controls the power supply robot 200 so that the charging gun 210 is removed from the charging port of the vehicle 100A. Furthermore, the control device 21 remotely closes the charging lid of the vehicle 100A. This covers the charging port with the charging lid. The charging termination process may further include a charging termination notification to the user terminal 30. In S30, the control device 21 may send a signal to the user terminal 30 informing the user U that charging of the vehicle 100A has finished. Once the process in S30 is executed, the processing flow shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0049] Even if NO is determined in S25, the processing flow in Figure 3 ends. In this case, the control device 21 removes vehicle 100A from the charging order shown in the parking list (Figure 2). In this embodiment, user U can request the charging equipment not to charge vehicle 100A by operating the operation unit M23 on screen Sc2. However, if vehicle 100A remains parked in parking space P2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the removal, the control device 21 may return vehicle 100A to the charging order and execute the processing flow in Figure 3 again for vehicle 100A. With this configuration, it becomes easier for user U to yield the charging order to other electric vehicles when staying in building 2 for a long time.

[0050] When vehicle 100A departs from parking space P2, the control device 21 removes vehicle 100A from the parking space list.

[0051] As described above, the electric vehicle charging method according to this embodiment includes a series of processes shown in Figures 2 and 3. The charging equipment used in this method is configured to automatically charge the electric vehicle (see Figure 1). In steps S11 and S12 of Figure 2, user authentication is performed through communication between the charging equipment and a user terminal associated with the electric vehicle. If user authentication is successful and the charging equipment is ready to charge the electric vehicle, in step S23 of Figure 3, the user terminal is notified that the electric vehicle is ready to be charged.

[0052] In the above method, user authentication is performed through communication between the charging equipment and the user terminal. Therefore, even if the electric vehicle user is located away from the electric vehicle, the charging equipment can identify the electric vehicle user before charging the electric vehicle. This prevents the charging equipment from mistakenly charging an electric vehicle that is not intended for charging. In addition, even if the electric vehicle user is located away from the electric vehicle, they can be notified via the above notification to their user terminal that the electric vehicle is ready for charging. Therefore, the electric vehicle user can more easily decide whether or not to have the charging equipment charge the electric vehicle based on the current situation. According to the above method, automatic charging of electric vehicles by the charging equipment is more likely to be performed appropriately even when the electric vehicle user is located away from the electric vehicle.

[0053] The above user authentication process includes the charging equipment receiving an electronic key that can identify the individual from the user terminal (S11 in Figure 2), and the charging equipment determining the success or failure of user authentication using the electronic key (S12 in Figure 2). Notifying the user terminal (S23 in Figure 3) includes notifying the user terminal of information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle that has become available. The above electric vehicle charging method further includes the user terminal notifying the user terminal of information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle and accepting input on whether or not to allow the charging of the electric vehicle (see screen Sc1 in Figure 3). The charging information includes at least one of the following: charging time, scheduled charging completion time, charging completion conditions, and charging fee information (see screen Sc1 in Figure 3). This method makes it easier for the charging equipment to perform user authentication quickly and appropriately. In addition, electric vehicle users can decide whether or not to allow the charging of their electric vehicle after understanding the information regarding the charging of their electric vehicle. This improves user convenience.

[0054] The above method for charging electric vehicles includes the charging equipment sequentially charging a first electric vehicle (vehicle 100B) and a second electric vehicle (vehicle 100A) that are located within a predetermined range (any of parking spaces P1 to P4). Sequentially charging the first and second electric vehicles includes performing user authentication through communication between the charging equipment and a user terminal associated with the second electric vehicle while the first electric vehicle is being charged (S11, S12 in Figure 2), notifying the user terminal of the second electric vehicle that charging of the second electric vehicle is now possible after the charging of the first electric vehicle is completed (S23 in Figure 3), requesting permission from the user terminal of the second electric vehicle to perform charging of the second electric vehicle by the charging equipment (S23 to S25 and screens Sc1, Sc2 in Figure 3), and if the user terminal of the second electric vehicle grants permission to charge the second electric vehicle, the charging equipment starts charging the second electric vehicle (S26 to S28 in Figure 3). This method allows the user of the second electric vehicle to know when the first electric vehicle has finished charging, even if they are waiting for it to finish charging at a distance from the second electric vehicle. The user of the second electric vehicle can then start charging the second electric vehicle by authorizing its charging.

[0055] Initiating the charging of the second electric vehicle includes opening the charging lid of the second electric vehicle to expose its charging port (S27 in Figure 3), connecting the charging connector of the charging equipment to the charging port of the second electric vehicle (S27 in Figure 3), and supplying power from the charging connector of the charging equipment to the charging port of the second electric vehicle (S28 in Figure 3). In this method, after the charging of the first electric vehicle is completed, contact charging of the second electric vehicle is performed when the user of the second electric vehicle authorizes the charging equipment to charge. Therefore, according to the above method, the user of the second electric vehicle can charge the second electric vehicle even when they are located away from it.

[0056] The charging equipment only needs to be configured to automatically charge electric vehicles, and is not limited to the mobile charging equipment shown in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a first modified example of the charging equipment. The charging equipment installed in parking lot 1A shown in Figure 4 comprises a fixed EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 200A and a drive unit 20A. The drive unit 20A includes a control device and a power supply circuit (not shown) for the EVSE 200A. The EVSE 200A is configured to charge multiple electric vehicles (vehicles 100A, 100B) parked in separate parking spaces. At S27 in Figure 3, the control device opens the charging lid of vehicle 100A without moving the EVSE 200A and connects the charging connector of the EVSE 200A to the charging port of vehicle 100A.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a second modified example of the charging equipment. The parking lot 1B shown in Figure 5 has parking spaces P1 to P8. The charging equipment installed in parking lot 1B comprises a fixed EVSE 200B and a drive unit 20B. The drive unit 20B includes a control device and a power supply circuit (not shown) for the EVSE 200B. The EVSE 200B is configured to charge an electric vehicle parked in parking space P4. The drive unit 20B (control device) performs remote-controlled automatic driving of the electric vehicle at the start and end of charging. For example, when charging of vehicle 100B (first electric vehicle) parked in parking space P4 is completed, the drive unit 20B remotely controls the vehicle 100B to move to parking space P8 as shown by line L1 (S30 in Figure 3). Subsequently, when the user of the next vehicle to be charged, 100A (the second electric vehicle), authorizes charging at the charging facility, the drive unit 20B remotely controls the vehicle 100A to move to parking space P4 as indicated by line L21 (S27 in Figure 3). Then, when charging of vehicle 100A is complete, the drive unit 20B remotely controls the vehicle 100A to move to parking space P7 as indicated by line L22 (S30 in Figure 3).

[0059] In the above embodiment, a smartphone is used as the user terminal linked to the electric vehicle, but the embodiment is not limited to this form. For example, an HMI (e.g., HMI180) installed in the electric vehicle may be used as the user terminal linked to the electric vehicle.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the charge termination state of charge (SOC) is used as the charge termination condition. However, the charge termination condition is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the charge termination time may be used instead of the charge termination SOC. The charge termination condition may be met when the charge termination time has elapsed from the start of charging. Also, the charging time (time from the start of charging to the end of charging) may be used instead of the scheduled charge termination time (Figure 3).

[0061] In the above embodiment, the screen Sc2 shown in Figure 3 accepts input (changes) from the user regarding the end of charging State of Count (SOC). However, it is not limited to this, and the screen Sc2 may also accept input (changes) from the user regarding charging time and / or charging fee.

[0062] The methods or systems described above may also be applied to electric vehicles other than BEVs (e.g., PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles) or FCEVs (fuel cell vehicles)). The charging equipment may be configured to enable contactless charging. Such electric vehicles may be considered to be in a state equivalent to the "plug-in state" described above when the alignment between the power transmission unit (e.g., power transmission coil) on the charging equipment side and the power receiving unit (e.g., power receiving coil) on the vehicle side is complete.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1,1A,1B Parking lot, 2 Building, 20,20A,20B Drive unit, 21 Control unit, 22 Power circuit, 30 User terminal, 100A,100B Vehicle, 110 Battery, 120 Inlet, 200 Power supply robot, 200A,200B EVSE, 210 Charging gun, 211 Processor, 212 Memory device, 220 Arm, 230 Camera, GL Guide rail, P1~P8 Parking spaces.

Claims

1. A method for charging an electric vehicle using a charging facility configured to automatically charge the electric vehicle, The charging method for the electric vehicle is as follows: User authentication is performed through communication between the charging equipment and the user terminal linked to the electric vehicle. When user authentication is successful and the charging equipment is in a state where it can charge the electric vehicle, the user terminal is notified that the electric vehicle can now be charged. Includes, Performing the aforementioned user authentication means The charging equipment receives an electronic key that can identify an individual from the user terminal, The charging equipment determines whether the user authentication is successful or not using the electronic key, Includes, To notify the aforementioned user terminal, To notify the user terminal of information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle that has become possible, Includes, The charging method for the electric vehicle is: The user terminal notifies information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle and accepts input indicating whether or not to permit the charging of the electric vehicle. It further includes, A method for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the charging information includes at least one of charging time, scheduled charging completion time, charging completion conditions, and charging fee information.

2. A method for charging an electric vehicle using a charging facility configured to automatically charge the electric vehicle, The charging method for the electric vehicle is as follows: User authentication is performed through communication between the charging equipment and the user terminal linked to the electric vehicle. When user authentication is successful and the charging equipment is in a state where it can charge the electric vehicle, the user terminal is notified that the electric vehicle can now be charged. The charging equipment sequentially charges the first electric vehicle and the second electric vehicle located within a predetermined range. Includes, Charging the first and second electric vehicles in sequence means During charging of the first electric vehicle, user authentication is performed through communication between the charging equipment and a user terminal linked to the second electric vehicle. After the charging of the first electric vehicle is completed, the user terminal of the second electric vehicle is notified that charging of the second electric vehicle has become possible. Requesting permission from the user terminal of the second electric vehicle to charge the second electric vehicle using the charging equipment, When the user terminal of the second electric vehicle authorizes charging of the second electric vehicle, the charging equipment starts charging the second electric vehicle. A method for charging electric vehicles, including...

3. Starting the charging of the second electric vehicle means Opening the charging lid of the second electric vehicle to expose the charging port of the second electric vehicle, Connecting the charging connector portion of the charging equipment to the charging port of the second electric vehicle, To supply power from the charging connector portion of the charging equipment to the charging port of the second electric vehicle, A method for charging an electric vehicle according to claim 2, including the method described in claim 2.

4. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising charging equipment for performing the electric vehicle charging method described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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