Vehicle charging system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle charging system with which charging an electric vehicle is allowed to a wide range of users and outstanding payment information of a charging fee is properly managed.SOLUTION: A vehicle charging system includes: a charging device that externally charges a battery of an electric vehicle; an imaging device; and a management device. The management device is configured to acquire vehicle identification information of the electric vehicle connected to the charging device or user identification information of a user of the electric vehicle, from image data captured by the imaging device. The management device is configured to store outstanding payment information indicating that a charging fee is not paid in response to completely charging the battery, in association with the acquired vehicle identification information or the acquired user identification information, in a memory device. As a result, charging the vehicle is allowed to a wide range of users and the outstanding payment information of the charging fee is properly managed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle charging system including a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle from the outside.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally known charging systems include a management server, a charger, and a settlement system (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This charging system extracts the unique MAC address of a vehicle connected to the charger and uses the extracted MAC address and customer information provided at the time of membership registration to perform membership registration procedures, membership authentication procedures, charging procedures, convenient settlement for members, and credit card settlement. Further, the management server stores information regarding the MAC address of the vehicle and unpaid charges, and allows the charging history of the vehicle to be confirmed based on the MAC address in the charging system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above conventional charging system, when the MAC address of the vehicle is not acquired, the charging history of the vehicle is not left, so it becomes difficult to collect unpaid charges. On the other hand, when charging in the charging system is prohibited because the MAC address of the vehicle has not been acquired, the convenience of the user is impaired. Also, in the case of so-called visitor charging, authentication of the payment method before the start of charging is a prerequisite, and not only the MAC address but also vehicle identification information is often not acquired. For this reason, in visitor charging, the procedures until the start of charging become complicated, and charging by the charging system may not be started.

[0005] Therefore, the primary purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle charging system that allows a wide range of users to charge electric vehicles while properly managing information on unpaid charging fees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle charging system of this disclosure includes a charging device for charging the battery of an electric vehicle from an external source, an imaging device, and a management device. The management device obtains vehicle identification information of an electric vehicle connected to the charging device or user identification information of the electric vehicle's user from image data captured by the imaging device. This makes it possible to obtain vehicle identification information or user identification information regardless of the specifications of the electric vehicle connected to the charging device, thereby allowing a wide range of users to charge their electric vehicles. Furthermore, the management device links the obtained vehicle identification information or user identification information with unpaid information indicating that the charging fee has not been paid upon completion of battery charging, and stores this information in a storage device. As a result, charging of electric vehicles is permitted for a wide range of users, and unpaid charging fee information is properly managed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the vehicle charging system of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart illustrates routines performed by the management device of the vehicle charging system described herein. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates routines performed by the management device of the vehicle charging system described herein. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates routines performed by the management device of the vehicle charging system described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Next, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the invention of this disclosure will be described.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle charging system 1 of the present disclosure. The vehicle charging system 1 shown in the figure includes a charging device 2 capable of charging the battery (high-voltage battery) B of an electric vehicle V from an external source, and a management server 3. The electric vehicle V is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that includes a motor generator MG that exchanges power with the battery B via a power control unit (PCU) (not shown), in addition to the battery B.

[0010] The charging device 2 of the vehicle charging system 1 is installed in a so-called rapid charging station 10. As shown in Figure 1, the charging device 2 includes a housing 20, a charging cable 22 including a charging connector 21, a power converter (power equipment) 23, a communication device 24, and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 25 as a charging control device. The charging cable 22 includes a positive-side power supply line connected to the positive terminal of the charging connector 21, a negative-side power supply line connected to the negative terminal of the charging connector 21, and a communication line connected to the signal terminal of the charging connector 21. Furthermore, the charging cable 22 is connected to the power converter 23.

[0011] In this embodiment, the power converter 23, communication device 24, and electronic control device 25 are arranged inside the housing 20. The power converter 23 has a rectifier circuit, a transformer, a switching circuit, etc., and converts AC power supplied from an AC power source such as a commercial power source into DC power. When the charging connector 21 is plugged into the charging inlet I of the electric vehicle V, the power converter 23 is electrically connected to the charging inlet I via the charging cable 22 and the charging connector 21. The communication device 24 exchanges various information with the management server 3 shown in Figure 1 via wireless or wired high-speed data communication (packet communication).

[0012] The ECU 25 of the charging device 2 includes a computer (not shown) with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. When the charging connector 21 is plugged into the charging inlet I of the electric vehicle V and the relay of the electric vehicle V is closed, the ECU 25 controls the power converter 23 based on the detected values ​​of current sensors, voltage sensors, etc. (all not shown). As a result, the battery B of the electric vehicle V is charged by power (DC power) from the charging device 2, i.e., the power converter 23. In addition, when the charging connector 21 is plugged into the charging inlet I of the electric vehicle V, the ECU 25 exchanges information with the electronic control unit (ECU) of the electric vehicle V via the communication line of the charging cable 22.

[0013] Furthermore, the charging device 2 includes a display device 26 such as a liquid crystal display and a camera 27 as an imaging device. The display device 26 is mounted on the housing 20 and controlled by the ECU 25. The ECU 25 displays information for the user of the electric vehicle V parked in the parking space of the rapid charging station 10 on the display device 26. The information displayed on the display device 26 includes instructions for using the charging device 2 and instructions for paying charging fees using a charging authentication card or cashless payment. The camera 27 is installed on or around the housing 20 and can capture images of at least the license plate of the electric vehicle V parked in the parking space. The camera 27 transmits the captured image data to the ECU 25.

[0014] The management server 3 is installed and managed by, for example, the operating company of the rapid charging station 10, and functions as a management device that manages the usage status of numerous charging devices 2 and the payment status of charging fees in cooperation with the ECU 25 of the charging device 2. Furthermore, the management server 3 works in cooperation with the ECU 25 of the charging device 2 to authenticate payment using a charging authentication card. The management server 3 includes a computer (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output devices, etc., a communication device 31, and a storage device 32. As shown in Figure 1, the management server 3 has a management module 35 constructed through the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU, ROM, RAM and pre-installed programs.

[0015] The communication device 31 exchanges various information with the communication device 24 of the charging device 2 and the authentication server for cashless payment (not shown) via wireless or wired high-speed data communication (packet communication). The storage device 32 stores a database that links the usage status (usage history) and payment status of charging fees of the charging device 2 with vehicle identification information of a large number of vehicles, including the electric vehicle V, and / or user identification information of the users of the electric vehicle V, etc. The vehicle identification information includes the vehicle identification number (chassis number), vehicle number, etc., of the electric vehicle V. The user identification information includes the driver's license number, mobile phone number, and other contact information of the user of the electric vehicle V, and a user ID assigned to the user (owner) of the electric vehicle V by the vehicle manufacturer, etc. The management module 35 performs the creation and updating of the above database, extraction of information from the database, etc.

[0016] Figures 2, 3, and 4 are flowcharts illustrating routines executed in cooperation between the management module 35 of the management server 3 and the ECU 25 of the charging device 2 when the battery B of the electric vehicle V is charged by power from the charging device 2.

[0017] When the electric vehicle V parks in a parking space at the rapid charging station 10 to charge its battery B, the camera 27 of the charging device 2 captures at least the license plate of the electric vehicle V. After parking the electric vehicle V in the parking space, the user of the electric vehicle V inserts the charging connector 21 into the charging inlet I according to the instructions displayed on the display device 26. When the charging connector 21 is inserted into the charging inlet I, the management module 35 of the management server 3 is notified that the electric vehicle V is connected to the charging device 2. In response to the notification from the charging device 2, the management module 35 requests the ECU 25 to obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN code) of the electric vehicle V (step S100). The ECU 25 requests the ECU of the electric vehicle V to transmit the vehicle identification number (VIN code) via the communication line of the charging cable 22, and transmits the obtained vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle V to the management server 3 (step S100).

[0018] The management module 35 of the management server 3 determines whether or not the vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle V has been obtained from the ECU 25 (step S110). If the vehicle identification number has not been obtained from the ECU 25 (step S110: NO), the management module 35 requests the ECU 25 to transmit the image data captured by the camera 27, as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the management module 35 identifies the vehicle number of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging device 2 based on the image data from the ECU 25 (step S112). The management module 35 also determines whether or not the vehicle number of the electric vehicle V has been identified (step S114). If the vehicle number of the electric vehicle V has not been identified (step S114: NO), the management module 35 requests the ECU 25 to obtain the user identification information (personal information) of the user of the electric vehicle V. The ECU 25 requests the user of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging device 2 to provide the user identification information (personal information) via the display device 26 (step S116).

[0019] In step S116, the ECU 25 requests the ECU of the electric vehicle V to transmit a personally identifiable user ID issued by the manufacturer of the electric vehicle V via the communication line of the charging cable 22, and transmits the acquired user ID to the management server 3. If the user ID is not obtained from the electric vehicle V, the ECU 25 requests the user via the display device 26 to take a picture of a card or other document containing user identification information using the camera 27 or another camera. The card containing user identification information is, for example, an identification document such as a driver's license. If the user agrees to take a picture of their driver's license, the ECU 25 transmits the image data captured by the camera 27 or other camera to the management server 3. The management module 35 acquires the user identification information of the electric vehicle V user (for example, a driver's license number) based on the image data from the ECU 25. On the other hand, if the user does not consent to the camera 27 or the like taking a picture of a card or the like containing user identification information, the ECU 25 requests the user to register personal information (for example, a mobile phone number) on a website indicated by a two-dimensional code (matrix type two-dimensional code) displayed on the display device 26. In this case, identity verification is performed by SMS authentication using the mobile phone number, and after identity verification is complete, the user identification information is notified to the management server 3. Then, after processing in step S116, the management module 35 determines whether or not user identification information has been obtained from the user of the electric vehicle V (step S118).

[0020] When a vehicle identification number is acquired from the electric vehicle V (step S110: YES), when a vehicle number is acquired from the electric vehicle V (step S114: YES), or when user identification information is acquired from the user of the electric vehicle V (step S118: YES), the management module 35 acquires (extracts) unpaid information corresponding to the acquired vehicle identification number, vehicle number, or user identification information from the database of the storage device 32 (step S120). In the present embodiment, the unpaid information acquired in step S120 is the number N of unpaid charges that should be paid in response to the completion of charging of the battery B by the charging device 2, regardless of whether the charging fee has been paid later. When there is no number N of unpaid charges corresponding to the vehicle identification number, vehicle number, or user identification information, the management module 35 associates the vehicle identification number or the like with the number N = 0 of unpaid charges and stores it in the database of the storage device 32.

[0021] After the processing of step S120, the management module 35 determines whether the acquired number N of unpaid charges is less than a predetermined threshold Nref (for example, 2 - 5 times) (step S130). When the number N of unpaid charges is less than the threshold Nref (step S130: YES), the management module 35 transmits a command signal for instructing the execution of charging of the battery B of the electric vehicle V to the ECU 25 (step S140). In response to the command signal from the management server 3, the ECU 25 promptly starts charging the battery B of the electric vehicle V with the power from the power conversion device 23 and stops charging the battery B when the SOC of the battery B reaches a predetermined target value (step S140).

[0022] After the charging of the battery B is completed, the management module 35 authenticates the payment method of the charging fee by the user (step S150). In step S150, when the payment method of the charging fee is associated with the vehicle identification number, vehicle number or user identification information, the management module 35 completes the authentication of the payment method. Also, when the payment method of the charging fee is not associated with the vehicle identification number or the like, the management module 35 transmits a command signal for instructing the confirmation of the payment method of the charging fee to the user to the ECU 25. The ECU 25 requests the user to select any one of payment by a charging authentication card, cashless payment (credit card, debit card, electronic money, code settlement, etc.), and deferred payment through a dedicated website or the like via the display device 26. When the user selects payment by a charging authentication card or cashless payment, the ECU 25 transmits the card information read by a card reader (not shown) of the housing 20 to the management server 3. The management module 35 of the management server 3 executes the authentication of the payment method based on the card information from the ECU 25.

[0023] When the authentication of the payment method of the charging fee is completed (step S160: YES), the management module 35 acquires the amount of power required for charging the battery B from the ECU 25 and executes the settlement of the charging fee according to the amount of power (step S170). Further, the management module 35 associates the payment completion information of the charging fee with the usage history of the charging device 2 such as the location, usage date and time, and charging fee (billed amount), and stores them in the database of the storage device 32 in association with the vehicle identification number, vehicle number or user identification information (step S180), and ends this routine.

[0024] Furthermore, if the payment method for charging fees is not authenticated by the management server 3, etc., due to reasons such as an expired card or insufficient balance in the electronic money, or if authentication is not completed because the user selects deferred payment (step S160: NO), the management module 35 stores the usage history linked to the vehicle identification number, vehicle number, or user identification information in the database of the storage device 32, and updates the database by incrementing the number of unpaid transactions N as unpaid information (step S190), and then terminates this routine. Note that charging fees can be paid later, for example, through cashless payment via a dedicated website provided by the management server 3. Once deferred payment of charging fees is completed, the management module 35 of the management server 3 resets the number of unpaid transactions N linked to the corresponding vehicle identification information or user identification information, and increments the number of deferred payments linked to the vehicle identification information, etc., and updates the database of the storage device 32.

[0025] On the other hand, if vehicle identification information for the electric vehicle V is not obtained and user identification information is not obtained from the user (step S118: NO), the management module 35 authenticates the user's method of payment for the current charging fee, as shown in Figure 4 (step S200). Also, if the number of unpaid charges N is greater than or equal to the threshold Nref (step S130: NO), the management module 35 authenticates the user's method of payment for the current charging fee (step S200). In step S200, the management module 35 sends a command signal to the ECU 25 to instruct the user to confirm the method of payment for the charging fee. The ECU 25, via the display device 26, requests the user to choose between payment by charging authentication card and payment by cashless payment. In other words, in the vehicle charging system 1, if vehicle identification information for the electric vehicle V and user identification information for the user are not obtained and the number of unpaid charging fees N by the user is greater than or equal to the threshold Nref, deferred payment for the current charging fee becomes impossible. If the user selects to pay using a charging authentication card or cashless payment, the ECU25 sends the card information read by the card reader to the management server 3. The management module 35 of the management server 3 performs authentication of the payment method based on the card information from the ECU25.

[0026] If authentication of the payment method for charging fees is completed (step S210: YES), the management module 35 sends a command signal to the ECU 25 to instruct it to start charging the battery B of the electric vehicle V (step S220). In response to the command signal from the management server 3, the ECU 25 starts charging the battery B of the electric vehicle V with power from the power converter 23, and stops charging the battery B when the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery B reaches a predetermined target value (step S220). After the battery B is fully charged, the management module 35 settles the charging fee according to the amount of electricity used to charge the battery B (step S230).

[0027] Furthermore, the management module 35 stores the payment completion information for the charging fee and the usage history of the charging device 2 in the database of the storage device 32 (step S240), and terminates this routine. If a vehicle identification number, etc., has been obtained, in step S240, the management module 35 stores the payment completion information and usage history linked to the vehicle identification number, etc., in the database of the storage device 32. If a vehicle identification number, etc., has not been obtained, the management module 35 stores the payment completion information and usage history in the database of the storage device 32 in step S240 without linking them to the vehicle identification number, etc. On the other hand, if the user does not select payment by charging authentication card or cashless payment and authentication is not completed (step S220: NO), the management module 35 sends a command signal to the ECU 25 to prohibit charging of the battery B of the electric vehicle V with power from the power converter 23 (step S250), and terminates this routine. In response to the command signal from the management server 3, the ECU 25 displays on the display device 26 that charging is not possible.

[0028] As described above, when the electric vehicle V is connected to the charging device 2, the management module 35 of the management server 3 of the vehicle charging system 1 works in cooperation with the ECU 25 of the charging device 2 to obtain the vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle V as vehicle identification information via the charging cable 22 (steps S100, S110: YES). Also, when the vehicle identification number is not obtained from the electric vehicle V (step S110: NO), the management module 35 obtains the vehicle number of the electric vehicle V as vehicle identification information from the image data captured by the camera 27 (steps S112, S114: YES). Furthermore, when neither the vehicle identification number nor the vehicle number (vehicle identification information) of the electric vehicle V is obtained (step S114: NO), the management module 35 works in cooperation with the ECU 25 of the charging device 2 to request the user to provide user identification information using image data (step S116).

[0029] In other words, the management module 35 of the management server 3 can obtain the vehicle number (vehicle identification information) of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging device 2 or the user identification information of the user of the electric vehicle V from the image data captured by the camera 27, etc. This makes it possible to obtain vehicle identification information or user identification information regardless of the specifications of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging device 2, allowing a wide range of users to charge the electric vehicle V. Furthermore, the management module 35 of the management server 3 links the acquired vehicle identification information or user identification information with the number of unpaid charges N, which is unpaid information indicating that the charging fee has not been paid despite the completion of battery B charging, and stores it in the storage device 32 (step S190). As a result, in the vehicle charging system 1, charging of the electric vehicle V is allowed for a wide range of users, and unpaid charging fee information is properly managed.

[0030] In the vehicle charging system 1, the management module 35 of the management server 3 associates vehicle identification information or user identification information with the number of unpaid charging charges N that should be paid upon completion of battery B charging, and stores this information in the storage device 32. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to allow deferred payment of charging charges by comparing the number of unpaid charges N with a threshold Nref.

[0031] In the vehicle charging system 1, when the number of unpaid charges N is less than the threshold Nref, the management module 35 of the management server 3 starts charging the battery B by the charging device 2 before authenticating the user's payment method for charging charges (steps S130: YES, S140-S150). This improves convenience for users with a small number of unpaid charges N. On the other hand, when the number of unpaid charges N is equal to or greater than the threshold Nref (step S130: NO), the management module 35 starts charging the battery B by the charging device 2, on the condition that authentication of the current payment method is completed (steps S200, S210: YES) (step S220). This sets a certain limit on the number of unpaid charges N to prevent unpaid charging charges from becoming unrecoverable.

[0032] Furthermore, in the vehicle charging system 1, if vehicle identification information (vehicle identification number and vehicle number) of the electric vehicle V is not acquired and user identification information is not provided by the user of the electric vehicle V (step S118: NO), the management module 35 of the management server 3 will start charging the battery B by the charging device 2 (step S220), provided that authentication of the payment method for the charging fee by the user is completed (steps S200, S210: YES). This prevents the charging fee from becoming unrecoverable when neither the electric vehicle V nor the user can be identified.

[0033] Furthermore, in the vehicle charging system 1, the number of unpaid charges N, which is unpaid information, is reset according to the deferred payment of charging charges. This prevents the inability to defer payment of charging charges due to an increase in the number of unpaid charges N. In addition, the management server 3 may identify users who frequently use deferred payment of charging charges and pay charging charges without delay based on the number of deferred payments, and change (increase) the threshold Nref for the identified users according to the frequency of deferred payments. This further improves the convenience for users who frequently use deferred payment of charging charges. Furthermore, the number of deferred payments may be reset according to the fulfillment of predetermined reset conditions, for example, every certain period (about 1-3 months).

[0034] In step S100 of Figure 2, the management module 35 or ECU 25 of the management server 3 may obtain a vehicle identification number or a user ID issued by the manufacturer of the electric vehicle V from the onboard communication device (not shown) of the electric vehicle V. Image data captured by the camera 27, etc., may also be transmitted directly from the camera 27, etc., to the management server 3. Furthermore, regardless of whether the vehicle identification number has been obtained or not, the vehicle number of the electric vehicle V may be obtained from the image data captured by the camera 27, and when it is determined from the obtained vehicle number that the electric vehicle V is a rental car, user identification information may be obtained from the user of the electric vehicle V. In this case, by allowing the rental car user to pay the charging fee later, on the condition that user identification information has been obtained, it is possible to prevent the rental car user from being unable to collect the charging fee.

[0035] In step S120 of Figure 2, the management module 35 of the management server 3 may retrieve (extract) the total amount of unpaid charging fees (unpaid charges) from the database stored in the storage device 32 in response to the completion of charging of battery B. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to allow deferred payment of charging fees by comparing the total amount of unpaid charging fees with a predetermined threshold (upper limit of unpaid charges). Furthermore, when the total amount of unpaid charging fees is less than the threshold, the management module 35 may start charging battery B by the charging device 2 before authenticating the user's payment method for charging fees. This improves convenience for users with a small number of unpaid charging fee occurrences N. Alternatively, when the total amount of unpaid charging fees is equal to or greater than the threshold, the management module 35 may start charging battery B by the charging device 2, provided that authentication of the payment method is completed. This sets a certain limit on the number of unpaid occurrences N, preventing unpaid charging fees from becoming unrecoverable.

[0036] In step S150 in Figure 2 and step S200 in Figure 4, any previously unpaid charging fees may be billed together with the current charging fee. This allows the user to pay for the charging fees incurred for multiple charges when charging the battery B of the electric vehicle V in a single payment.

[0037] In the routines shown in Figures 2-4, some or all of the processing performed by the management module 35 of the management server 3 may be performed by the ECU 25 of the charging device 2. Conversely, in the routines shown in Figures 2-4, some or all of the processing performed by the ECU 25 of the charging device 2 may be performed by the management module 35 of the management server 3.

[0038] In the vehicle charging system 1, the charging device 2 is not limited to supplying DC power to the electric vehicle V (battery B). That is, the charging device 2 may also supply AC power to the electric vehicle V, which includes an AC / DC converter.

[0039] As described above, the vehicle charging system (1) of this disclosure includes a charging device (2) for charging the battery (B) of an electric vehicle (V) from an external source, an imaging device (27), and a management device (3, 35, 25). The management device (3, 35, 25) acquires vehicle identification information of the electric vehicle (V) connected to the charging device (2) or user identification information of the user of the electric vehicle (V) from image data captured by the imaging device (7) (S100, S112, S116). Furthermore, the management device (3, 35, 25) associates the acquired vehicle identification information or user identification information with unpaid information indicating that the charging fee has not been paid in accordance with the completion of battery (B) charging, and stores them in a storage device (32).

[0040] The vehicle charging system management device of this disclosure acquires vehicle identification information of an electric vehicle connected to the charging device or user identification information of the electric vehicle's user from image data captured by an imaging device. This enables the acquisition of vehicle identification information or user identification information regardless of the specifications of the electric vehicle connected to the charging device, thereby allowing a wide range of users to charge their electric vehicles. Furthermore, the management device links the acquired vehicle identification information or user identification information with unpaid information indicating that the charging fee has not been paid upon completion of battery charging, and stores this information in a storage device. As a result, electric vehicle charging is permitted for a wide range of users, and unpaid charging fee information is properly managed.

[0041] The management device (3,35,25) may acquire the vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle (V) as vehicle identification information (S100) via the cable (22) connecting the charging device (2) to the battery (B). If the vehicle identification number is not acquired (S110:NO), the management device (3,35,25) may acquire the vehicle number of the electric vehicle as vehicle identification information from the image data captured by the imaging device (27) (S112).

[0042] This allows vehicle identification information to be acquired regardless of the specifications of the electric vehicle connected to the charging device.

[0043] If vehicle identification information for the electric vehicle (V) is not obtained (S114: NO), the management device (3, 35, 25) requests the user to provide user identification information (S116). If the user does not provide user identification information (S118: NO), the management device (3, 35, 25) may, on the condition that the user has completed authentication of the payment method for the charging fee (S200, S210: YES), start charging the battery (B) by the charging device (2, 23) (S220).

[0044] This prevents charging fees from becoming unrecoverable when neither the electric vehicle nor the user can be identified.

[0045] The management device (3,35,25) may link vehicle identification information or user identification information with the number of unpaid charging charges (N) that should be paid upon completion of charging of battery B, or the total amount of charging charges that have not been paid upon completion of charging of battery (B), and store this information in the storage device (32) (S190).

[0046] This makes it possible to determine whether or not to allow deferred payment of charging fees based on the number of unpaid charges or the total amount of unpaid charging fees.

[0047] If the number of unpaid charges (N) or the total amount of unpaid charging charges is less than the threshold (Nref) (S130:YES), the management device (3,35,25) may start charging the battery (B) by the charging device (2,23) before authenticating the user's method of payment for charging charges (S140-S160). If the number of unpaid charges (N) or the total amount of unpaid charging charges is equal to or greater than the threshold (Nref) (S130:NO), the management device (3,35,25) may start charging the battery (B) by the charging device (2,23) on the condition that the authentication of the payment method is completed (S200,S210:YES) (S220).

[0048] This improves convenience for users who have few instances of unpaid charging fees, while also preventing unpaid charging fees from becoming unrecoverable by setting a certain limit on the number of unpaid charges.

[0049] The invention disclosed herein is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely one specific form of the invention described in the summary section of the invention, and do not limit the elements of the invention described in the summary section of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] The invention disclosed herein can be used in industries such as the electric vehicle manufacturing industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Vehicle charging system, 2 Charging device, 20 Housing, 21 Charging connector, 22 Charging cable, 23 Power converter, 24 Communication device, 25 Electronic control unit (ECU), 26 Display device, 27 Camera (imaging device), 3 Management server, 31 Communication device, 32 Storage device, 35 Management module, 10 Fast charging station, B Battery, I Charging inlet, V Electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging system including a charging device for charging the battery of an electric vehicle from an external source and an imaging device, The management device includes an image capture device that acquires vehicle identification information of the electric vehicle connected to the charging device or user identification information of the electric vehicle's user from the image capture device, and stores the acquired vehicle identification information or user identification information in a storage device, along with unpaid information indicating that the charging fee was not paid upon completion of battery charging. The management device acquires the vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle as vehicle identification information via a cable connecting the charging device to the battery. When the aforementioned vehicle identification number is not obtained, the management device obtains the vehicle number of the electric vehicle as vehicle identification information from the image data captured by the imaging device. When the vehicle identification information of the electric vehicle is not acquired, the management device requests the user to provide the user identification information. If the user does not provide the user identification information, the management device will start charging the battery using the charging device, provided that the user has completed authentication of the payment method for the charging fee. Vehicle charging system.

2. In the vehicle charging system according to claim 1, A vehicle charging system that stores in a storage device the number of times the charging fee that should be paid upon completion of battery charging is unpaid or the total amount of the charging fee that has not been paid upon completion of battery charging, linked together by the management device.

3. In the vehicle charging system according to claim 2, When the number of unpaid charges or the total amount of unpaid charging charges is below a threshold, the management device starts charging the battery by the charging device before authenticating the user's method of payment for the charging charges. A vehicle charging system in which, when the number of unpaid charges or the total amount of unpaid charging charges is equal to or greater than the threshold, the management device initiates charging of the battery by the charging device, provided that the authentication of the payment method has been completed.

Images