Charging system, charging device, charging method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a charging system, a charging device, a charging method, and a control program that can reduce the total charging capacity in a configuration including a plurality of chargers.SOLUTION: A charging system 1 includes one control board 11 that controls a charging current, a plurality of chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C that charge a vehicle with charging power whose charging current is controlled by the control board 11, and a control unit 15 that controls charging in the plurality of chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, and when charging the vehicle V from at least two of the plurality of chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, the control unit 15 controls charging in the plurality of chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C such that charging of the vehicles V is performed one by one in turn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a charging system, a charging device, a charging method, and a control program. 【Background Art】 【0002】 As a conventional charging system, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. The charging system described in Patent Document 1 starts power supply by a charging start operation after setting the charging time, and stops power supply at the end of the set charging time. In the charging system described in Patent Document 1, the power supply system connects a plurality of branch lines to one power supply line, and connects connection means having a connection structure that individually corresponds to the type of cable connection form of the vehicle via contacts inserted into each branch line. The operation system includes a charging time setting means for setting the charging time, a charging start switch, and a cable connection form selection means for selecting which contact of the power supply system to close. The control system is configured to enable the on-operation of the charging start switch by setting the charging time by the charging time setting means, and to make the cable connection form selection means in an active state by the on-operation of the charging start switch. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-266509 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When introducing a charging system in apartment buildings or similar structures, the installation space for the charging equipment can be a challenge. Therefore, to conserve space, a configuration is adopted in which multiple vehicles can be connected to a single charging device (a single control board) (a configuration with multiple chargers). In such a charging system, within the total charging capacity, charging power is allocated according to the order in which the vehicles are connected to the chargers, or the charging power is evenly distributed among multiple vehicles to charge them simultaneously. Therefore, the charging system must ensure a total charging capacity sufficient to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously. From the perspective of running costs, a low total charging capacity is preferable. 【0005】 The present invention aims to provide a charging system, charging device, charging method, and control program that can reduce the total charging capacity in a configuration comprising multiple chargers. [Means for solving the problem] 【0006】 (1) The charging system according to the present invention is a charging system for charging a vehicle, comprising: one control board for controlling a charging current; a plurality of chargers for charging a vehicle with charging power whose charging current is controlled by the control board; and a control unit for controlling charging in the plurality of chargers, wherein when charging is performed on a vehicle from at least two of the plurality of chargers, the control unit controls charging in the plurality of chargers so that the vehicle is charged one by one in sequence. 【0007】 In the charging system according to the present invention, when a vehicle is charged from at least two of a plurality of chargers, the charging at the plurality of chargers is controlled so that the vehicle is charged one by one in sequence. In other words, the charging system charges the vehicles connected to the chargers one by one in sequence. Therefore, the charging system only needs to secure the charging capacity necessary to charge one vehicle at a time. As a result, the total charging capacity of the charging system can be reduced. Consequently, the running costs of the charging system can be reduced. 【0008】 (2) The charging system according to (1), comprising a switching unit electrically connected between a control board and each of the multiple chargers, which switches the circuit between the control board and each of the multiple chargers on and off, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the switching unit so that when charging is performed on a vehicle from at least two of the multiple chargers, the vehicles are charged one by one in sequence. In this configuration, the vehicles can be charged one by one in sequence by controlling the switching of the switching unit. 【0009】 (3) The charging system as described in (2), wherein the control unit sets the charging priority among the multiple chargers according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers started charging the vehicle, and controls the switching unit so that the vehicles are charged in order of priority. In this configuration, since the priority is set according to the order in which charging started, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a vehicle that started charging later is charged first. Therefore, it is possible to avoid user dissatisfaction. 【0010】 (4) The charging system according to (3), wherein each of the multiple chargers has a charging gun connected to the vehicle and a gun holder for attaching and detaching the charging gun, and the control unit determines that charging of the vehicle has started when the charging gun is removed from the gun holder and sets a priority. In this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine when charging has started. 【0011】 (5) A charging system according to any one of items (2) to (4), wherein the control unit controls the switching unit so that when a vehicle has been charged by one charger with enough charge to allow it to travel a certain distance, the charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger. In this configuration, when a vehicle has been charged with enough charge to allow it to travel a certain distance, the vehicle being charged is changed. Therefore, even if a vehicle that has been charged is left connected to the charger, it is possible to charge another vehicle. 【0012】 (6) The charging system as described in (5), wherein the control unit, upon detecting that the vehicle is fully charged, controls the switching unit so that charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger, even if the vehicle has not yet received enough charge from one of the chargers. In this configuration, charging can be prevented from being performed on a fully charged vehicle that does not require charging. Therefore, efficient charging becomes possible. 【0013】 (7) A charging system according to any one of items (2) to (6), wherein the control unit automatically switches the switching unit without receiving an instruction from the vehicle user to start charging. In this configuration, vehicles can be charged one by one in sequence without the user having to perform any operation to start charging. Therefore, the user's effort is reduced, and convenience can be improved. 【0014】 (8) A charging system according to any one of items (1) to (7), wherein the control unit acquires the amount of commercial power used and, if the amount of power used exceeds a preset first reference value, controls the charging current on the control board so that the amount of power used does not exceed the first reference value. In this configuration, it is possible to avoid using power that exceeds the demand value. 【0015】 (9) A charging system according to any one of items (1) to (8), wherein the control unit acquires the usage capacity of electrical equipment installed in the power receiving equipment that receives commercial power, and if the usage capacity exceeds a preset second reference value, controls the charging current on the control board so that the usage capacity does not exceed the second reference value. This configuration makes it possible to avoid placing an excessive load on the electrical equipment of the power receiving equipment. 【0016】 (10) A charging system as described in any one of items (1) to (9), wherein the control unit transmits information relating to the charging current and charging energy of multiple chargers to a cloud server. In this configuration, based on the information relating to the charging current and charging energy transmitted to the cloud server, it becomes possible to comprehensively manage the charging system and provide charging-related services (billing services), etc. 【0017】 (11) The charging device according to the present invention is a charging device for charging a vehicle, comprising: one control board for controlling a charging current; a plurality of chargers for charging a vehicle with charging power whose charging current is controlled by the control board; and a control unit for controlling charging in the plurality of chargers, wherein when charging is performed on a vehicle from at least two of the plurality of chargers, the control unit controls charging in the plurality of chargers so that the vehicle is charged one by one in sequence. 【0018】 In the charging device according to the present invention, when a vehicle is charged from at least two of a plurality of chargers, the charging of the multiple chargers is controlled so that the vehicles are charged one by one in sequence. In other words, the charging device charges the vehicles connected to the chargers one by one in sequence. Therefore, the charging device only needs to secure the charging capacity necessary to charge one vehicle at a time. As a result, the total charging capacity of the charging device can be reduced. Consequently, the running costs of the charging device can be reduced. 【0019】 (12) The charging method according to the present invention is a charging method in a charging system comprising one control board for controlling a charging current and a plurality of chargers for charging a vehicle with charging power controlled by the control board, wherein when a vehicle is charged from at least two of the plurality of chargers, the charging of the plurality of chargers is controlled so that the vehicle is charged one by one in sequence. 【0020】 In the charging method according to the present invention, when a vehicle is charged from at least two of a plurality of chargers, the charging at the plurality of chargers is controlled so that the vehicles are charged one by one in sequence. In other words, in the charging method, vehicles connected to the chargers are charged one by one in sequence. Therefore, in a charging system to which the charging method is applied, it is only necessary to secure the charging capacity required to charge one vehicle. As a result, the total charging capacity can be reduced in a charging system to which the charging method is applied. Consequently, running costs can be reduced in a charging system to which the charging method is applied. 【0021】 (13) The control program according to the present invention is a control program for controlling a charging system comprising one control board for controlling a charging current and a plurality of chargers for charging a vehicle with charging power controlled by the control board, wherein when charging a vehicle is performed from at least two of the plurality of chargers, the program causes a computer to perform the step of controlling the charging at the plurality of chargers so that the vehicle is charged one by one in sequence. 【0022】 In the control program according to the present invention, when a vehicle is charged from at least two of the multiple chargers, the program controls the charging at the multiple chargers so that the vehicles are charged one by one in sequence. In other words, the control program charges the vehicles connected to the chargers one by one in sequence. Therefore, in a charging system controlled by the control program, it is only necessary to secure the charging capacity required to charge one vehicle at a time. As a result, the total charging capacity can be reduced in a charging system controlled by the control program. Consequently, running costs can be reduced in a charging system controlled by the control program. [Effects of the Invention] 【0023】 According to the present invention, in a configuration comprising multiple chargers, the total charging capacity can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0024】 [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging device. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams showing a charging method. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0025】 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 【0026】 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging system according to an embodiment. The charging system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for charging a storage battery (not shown) of a vehicle V such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "vehicle V"). The charging system 1 can be installed in an apartment house or the like, for example. 【0027】 The charging system 1 includes a cubicle 2, a distribution board 3, a measurement unit (control unit) 4, a charging device 5, and a router 6. In FIG. 1, one charging device 5 is shown, but the charging system 1 may include a plurality of charging devices 5. Also, the router 6 may be a part of the configuration of the charging device 5. 【0028】 Cubicle 2 is, for example, a high-voltage power receiving facility installed on the site where the charging device 5 is installed. Cubicle 2 may be equipped with transformers, circuit breakers, photovoltaic (PV) power generation equipment, batteries, etc. The transformer is a step-down converter that converts the power received at high voltage to low voltage power. The transformer may include three-phase transformers and single-phase transformers. The three-phase converter outputs three-phase power to the load (air conditioner, etc.). The single-phase transformer outputs single-phase power (100V, 200V) to the load (lighting, etc.) and the charging device 5 (distribution board 3). 【0029】 The cubicle 2 includes a pulse sensor 20, a current sensor 21, and a voltage sensor 22. The pulse sensor 20 measures the amount of commercial power (AC power: three-phase 200V) supplied from the power grid. The pulse sensor 20 outputs a pulse signal according to the amount of commercial power used. The pulse sensor 20 outputs one pulse for every predetermined power level set in advance. The pulse sensor 20 outputs measurement data (pulse data), which is the measurement result, to the measurement unit 4. The pulse sensor 20 may also be part of a composite instrument. 【0030】 The current sensor 21 detects the current. The current sensor 21 is, for example, a zero-phase current transformer. The current sensor 21 detects the current value of the apparent power supplied to a load connected to commercial power via a three-phase converter or a single-phase transformer. The current sensor 21 outputs the detected current value to the measurement unit 4. 【0031】 The voltage sensor 22 detects voltage. The voltage sensor 22 detects the voltage value of apparent power supplied to a load connected to commercial power via a three-phase converter or single-phase transformer. The voltage sensor 22 outputs the detected voltage value to the measurement unit 4. 【0032】 Distribution board 3 is connected to cubicle 2. Single-phase power is supplied to distribution board 3 via a single-phase transformer. Distribution board 3 is equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter and multiple circuit breakers. The multiple circuit breakers are provided to correspond to each of the multiple charging devices 5. 【0033】 The measurement unit 4 monitors the amount of commercial power used (received power) and the capacity of the electrical equipment (electrical facilities) installed in the cubicle 2. The measurement unit 4 is a computer system or processor implemented on an integrated circuit. The measurement unit 4 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and input / output interfaces. Various programs (control programs) or data are stored in the ROM. In relation to the control unit 15 of the charging device 5, which will be described later, the measurement unit 4 functions as the master unit of the control unit 15. 【0034】 The measurement unit 4 stores various data. It stores measurement data output from the pulse sensor 20, current values ​​output from the current sensor 21, and voltage values ​​output from the voltage sensor 22. The measurement unit 4 also stores a demand reference value (first reference value) related to power consumption. The demand reference value is a value (power value) set to, for example, about 10% smaller than the maximum demand value of the demand power value described later. The demand reference value is set appropriately by the consumer (operator). 【0035】 The demand threshold value is set for the following reason: The basic electricity charge is based on the maximum demand value (the highest value of the average power consumption every 30 minutes over a one-month period) for the past year (the current month and the previous 11 months). Therefore, if a demand value greater than the average demand value for the past 11 months is measured even once in a month, that value will be used as the basis for determining the basic electricity charge for the following year. To control or reduce electricity costs, it is effective to implement control measures to suppress the maximum demand value (demand control). For this reason, a demand threshold value is used that does not exceed the maximum demand value. 【0036】 Measurement unit 4 stores the capacity reference value (second reference value) related to the capacity of the electrical equipment. The value set by measurement unit 4 is, for example, about 10% smaller than the rated capacity of each electrical equipment installed in cubicle 2. The capacity reference value is set as appropriate by the customer (operator). 【0037】 The measurement unit 4 calculates the amount of electricity used from the commercial power supply based on the stored measurement data and current values. The measurement unit 4 calculates the amount of electricity used at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 1 minute. Based on the amount of electricity used, the measurement unit 4 calculates the power value of the commercial power supply's demand power (hereinafter also referred to as the "demand power value"). The measurement unit 4 stores the demand power value. 【0038】 The measurement unit 4 generates a charge control instruction based on the amount of energy used and the demand reference value. Specifically, the measurement unit 4 compares the amount of energy used with the demand reference value and, if it determines that the amount of energy used does not exceed the demand reference value, generates a charge control instruction that instructs charging at a predetermined charging current value. The predetermined charging current value is, for example, 30A. If the measurement unit 4 determines that the amount of energy used exceeds the demand reference value, it generates a charge control instruction that instructs charging at a charging current value lower than the predetermined charging current value so that the amount of energy used does not exceed the demand reference value. The charge control instruction includes information indicating the amount of energy used. 【0039】 The measurement unit 4 calculates the usage capacity of the electrical equipment based on the stored current and voltage values. The measurement unit 4 calculates the usage capacity at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 1 minute. 【0040】 The measurement unit 4 generates a charge control instruction based on the electrical equipment's usage capacity and a capacity reference value. Specifically, the measurement unit 4 compares the electrical equipment's usage capacity with the capacity reference value and, if it determines that the usage capacity does not exceed the capacity reference value, generates a charge control instruction that instructs the equipment to be charged at a predetermined charging current value. If the measurement unit 4 determines that the electrical equipment's usage capacity exceeds the capacity reference value, it generates a charge control instruction that instructs the equipment to be charged at a charging current value lower than a predetermined charging current value so that the usage capacity does not exceed the capacity reference value. The charge control instruction includes information indicating the usage capacity. 【0041】 The measurement unit 4 transmits a charge control instruction to the charging device 5. The measurement unit 4 transmits the charge control instruction at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval is, for example, 1 minute. 【0042】 Router 6 connects the charging device 5 and the cloud server 7 in a way that enables communication. Router 6 is, for example, an LTE router. 【0043】 Cloud Server 7 is a charger management cloud. The charging device 5 is connected to Cloud Server 7 via Router 6 for communication. Cloud Server 7 is managed by the administrator (maintenancer) of Charging System 1. Cloud Server 7 has a database and the like. Based on the charging information transmitted from Charging Device 5, Cloud Server 7 can build a system (service) related to the billing of charging costs at Charging Device 5. Based on the charging information, Cloud Server 7 can control the charging of chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C of Charging Device 5. 【0044】 As shown in Figure 2, the charging device 5 comprises a circuit breaker 10, a control board 11, a terminal block 12, relays (switching units) 13A, 13B, 13C, chargers 14A, 14B, 14C, and a control unit 15. In Figure 2, solid lines indicate electrical connections, and dashed lines indicate connections that enable communication. 【0045】 The charging device 5 is a rapid charger that rapidly charges a vehicle V. The total charging capacity of the charging device 5 is, for example, 30A (200V). In this embodiment, the charging device 5 can connect to three vehicles V. That is, the charging device 5 is equipped with three chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. When multiple vehicles V are connected to the charging device 5, the charging device 5 automatically turns the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C on and off. In other words, when multiple vehicles V are connected to the charging device 5, the charging start and end of charging by chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C is performed without receiving any operation (input) from the user. The charging device 5 is designed so that the user of the vehicle V cannot turn the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C on or off. 【0046】 The circuit breaker 10 inputs the power output from the distribution board 3 to the charging device 5. The circuit breaker 10 is installed between the distribution board 3 and the control board 11. When the circuit breaker 10 is on, it forms an electrical circuit (current path) between the distribution board 3 and the control board 11. When the circuit breaker 10 is off, it interrupts the electrical circuit between the distribution board 3 and the control board 11. 【0047】 The control board 11 controls the charging current output to the terminal block 12 (chargers 14A, 14B, 14C). The control board 11 is, for example, a CCID (Charge Circuit Interrupt Device). The control board 11 is installed between the circuit breaker 10 and the terminal block 12. The control board 11 is communicated with the control unit 15. The control board 11 controls the charging current based on the charging instructions output from the control unit 15. The control board 11 controls the charging current with respect to the power supplied via the circuit breaker 10. The control board 11 outputs the controlled charging power to the terminal block 12. 【0048】 Terminal block 12 electrically connects the control board 11 to the multiple relays 13A, 13B, and 13C. The charging power output from the control board 11 is supplied to the relays 13A, 13B, and 13C via terminal block 12. 【0049】 Relay 13A is located between terminal block 12 and charger 14A. Relay 13A is electrically connected between control board 11 and charger 14A. Relay 13A switches the circuit between terminal block 12 (control board 11) and charger 14A on and off. When relay 13A is on, the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14A is on, and charging power is output from terminal block 12 to charger 14A. When relay 13A is off, the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14A is off, and no charging power is output from terminal block 12 to charger 14A. The operation of relay 13A is controlled by control unit 15. 【0050】 Relay 13B is located between terminal block 12 and charger 14B. Relay 13B switches the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14B on and off. Relay 13C is located between terminal block 12 and charger 14C. Relay 13C switches the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14C on and off. The operation of relays 13B and 13C is controlled by control unit 15. 【0051】 Chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C charge the vehicle V. Chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C charge the vehicle V using charging power output from the control board 11 via the terminal block 12. Charger 14A has a charging gun 16A and a gun holder 17A. The charging gun 16A is a connector connected to the vehicle V. The gun holder 17A is installed in the housing (not shown) of the charging device 5, etc., and holds the charging gun 16A. 【0052】 The charging gun 16A is provided in the gun holder 17A so that it can be attached to and detached from it. The gun holder 17A has a switch (contact) that detects whether the charging gun 16A is attached to or detached from it. The switch turns on when the charging gun 16A is attached to the gun holder 17A. The switch turns off when the charging gun 16A is removed from the gun holder 17A. The gun holder 17A outputs the detection result of the switch to the control unit 15. 【0053】 Charger 14B includes a charging gun 16B and a gun holder 17B. Charger 14C includes a charging gun 16C and a gun holder 17C. Each of the gun holders 17B and 17C has a switch, similar to gun holder 17A. 【0054】 The control unit 15 controls the operation of the charging device 5. The control unit 15 consists of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output interfaces. Various programs (control programs) or data are stored in the ROM. The control unit 15 is communicated with the control board 11, relays 13A, 13B, 13C, and gun holders 17A, 17B, 17C. The control unit 15 is also communicated with the measurement unit 4 and the cloud server 7. The control unit 15 transmits charging information related to the charging of chargers 14A, 14B, 14C to the cloud server 7. The charging information may include the charging current and charging energy (charge amount) of chargers 14A, 14B, 14B. In relation to the measurement unit 4, the control unit 15 functions as a slave unit of the measurement unit 4. 【0055】 The control unit 15 controls the charging of the vehicle V by the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. In a single charge using the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, the control unit 15 charges the vehicle V with an amount of energy (hereinafter referred to as "constant charge amount") that allows the vehicle V to travel a certain distance. The constant distance is set appropriately according to the environment in which the charging device 5 is installed. For example, the constant distance is 20 km. The control unit 15 sets the constant charge amount based on the constant distance. The control unit 15 controls the charging current and charging time so that the constant charge amount is charged. 【0056】 The control unit 15 generates a charging instruction that specifies the charging current of the charging power supplied to the vehicle V from the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. The control unit 15 generates a charging instruction based on the charging control instruction transmitted from the measurement unit 4. If the charging control instruction includes an instruction to charge with a predetermined charging current value, the control unit 15 generates a charging instruction that specifies the predetermined charging current value (for example, 30A). 【0057】 If the charge control instruction includes an instruction to charge with a charge current value lower than a predetermined charge current value, the control unit 15 sets a charge current value lower than the predetermined charge current value (hereinafter referred to as the "limiting current value") and generates a charge instruction with the charging current set to the limiting current value. 【0058】 The control unit 15 sets the limiting current value based on the amount of charge to the vehicle V. Specifically, the control unit 15 sets the limiting current value based on the ratio of the amount of charge since the start of charging to a constant amount of charge. When the ratio of the amount of charge to a constant amount of charge is large, the control unit 15 sets a small percentage to reduce the current value of the charging current, and when the ratio of the amount of charge to a constant amount of charge is small, it sets a large percentage to reduce the current value of the charging current. 【0059】 Specifically, the control unit 15 sets the charging current value to 90% of a predetermined charging current value (30A) (27A) if, for example, the charge level is 90% of a certain charge level. The control unit 15 also sets the charging current value to approximately 30% of a predetermined charging current value (10A, etc.) if, for example, the charge level is 10% of a certain charge level. The control unit 15 outputs the generated charging instruction to the control board 11. 【0060】 The control unit 15 controls the operation of relays 13A, 13B, and 13C. The control unit 15 outputs instruction signals to relays 13A, 13B, and 13C to instruct them to turn on or off. 【0061】 When multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C charge a vehicle V, the control unit 15 controls the charging in chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C so that the multiple vehicles V are charged one by one in sequence (in a rotational manner). In this embodiment, the control unit 15 controls the operation of relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that the multiple vehicles V are charged one by one in sequence. That is, the control unit 15 controls the charging in chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C by controlling the on / off state of relays 13A, 13B, and 13C. 【0062】 The control unit 15 sets the charging priority among the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C started charging the vehicle V, and controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that the vehicle V is charged in order of priority. The control unit 15 determines that charging of the vehicle V has started and sets the priority when the charging guns 16A, 16B, and 16C of the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are removed from the gun holders 17A, 17B, and 17C. The control unit 15 sets the priority based on the detection results of the switches output from the gun holders 17A, 17B, and 17C of the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. 【0063】 Specifically, for example, in three chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, if the charging gun 16A of charger 14A is removed from the gun holder 17A first, followed by the charging gun 16B of charger 14B being removed from the gun holder 17B, and then the charging gun 16C of charger 14C being removed from the gun holder 17B, the control unit 15 sets the priority of charger 14A as first, charger 14B as second, and charger 14C as third. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the charging priority for chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C based on the timing (order) in which the charging guns 16A, 16B, and 16C were removed from the gun holders 17A, 17B, and 17C. 【0064】 The control unit 15 sets a lower priority if charging does not start within a certain period of time even if the charging guns 16A, 16B, and 16C are removed from the gun holders 17A, 17B, and 17C. If charging does not start within a certain period of time, for example, the charging guns 16A, 16B, and 16C are not connected to the vehicle V and the charging current remains at 0A for a certain period of time. The certain period of time is, for example, 5 minutes. For example, even if the charging guns 16A, 16B, and 16C are removed in that order, if charging does not start in the charging gun 16A within a certain period of time after the charging gun 16A is removed from the gun holder 17A, the control unit 15 sets the priority of charger 14B to first, the priority of charger 14C to second, and the priority of charger 14A to third. 【0065】 The control unit 15 controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that when a certain amount of charge has been applied to the vehicle V from one of the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, charging will be performed by another charger with a lower priority than the one that was applied. 【0066】 Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate an example where vehicle 1 is vehicle V charged by charger 14A, vehicle 2 is vehicle V charged by charger 14B, and vehicle 3 is vehicle V charged by charger 14C. In the example shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), charger 14A (vehicle 1) is set to the first priority, charger 14B (vehicle 2) to the second priority, and charger 14C (vehicle 3) to the third priority. 【0067】 The control unit 15 charges vehicles 1, 2, and 3 with a fixed amount of charge using chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. Based on priority, the control unit 15 first starts charging vehicle 1 with charger 14A. That is, the control unit 15 controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that relay 13A is ON and relays 13B and 13C are OFF. In this case, as shown in Figure 3(a), vehicle 1 is charged by charger 14A with a charging current of 30A. The charging current in chargers 14B and 14C is 0A. Once charging starts with charger 14A, the control unit 15 measures the amount of charge (charging current × charging time). 【0068】 The control unit 15 starts charging vehicle 1 with charger 14A, and as shown in Figure 3(b), when the charge reaches a certain level, it starts charging vehicle 2, which has the second highest priority. That is, the control unit 15 turns on relay 13B and turns off relays 13A and 13C. In this case, vehicle 2 is charged by charger 14B with a charging current of 30A. The control unit 15 starts charging vehicle 2 with charger 14B, and when the charge reaches a certain level, it starts charging vehicle 3, which has the third highest priority. That is, the control unit 15 turns on relay 13C and turns off relays 13A and 13B. In this case, vehicle 3 is charged by charger 14C with a charging current of 30A. 【0069】 When the control unit 15 detects that vehicle V is fully charged, it controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that charging is performed by chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, which have a lower priority than the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, even if a certain amount of charge has not been charged to vehicle V from chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. The control unit 15 detects (determines) that vehicle V is fully charged if vehicle V does not accept charging at a predetermined charging current (i.e., no charging power is supplied). For example, if the control unit 15 detects that vehicle 1 is fully charged before the charge amount reaches a certain amount, it starts charging vehicle 2, which has the second highest priority. That is, the control unit 15 turns on relay 13B and turns off relays 13A and 13C. 【0070】 The control unit 15 may recharge the vehicle V if a certain amount of charge has been applied to the vehicle V by chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. If the control unit 15 recharges the vehicle V, it resets the charge amount to 0 (zero). The control unit 15 charges a certain amount of charge based on priority. For example, if chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are charging the vehicle V, and charger 14A is set to the first priority, charger 14B to the second priority, and charger 14C to the third priority, the control unit 15 will recharge the vehicle V in order starting with charger 14A. 【0071】 Next, we will explain the operation (charging method) of the charging device 5. Below, we will explain using the case where charging is performed on the vehicle V from chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, that is, when all chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are connected to the vehicle V, as an example. The charging device 5 repeatedly performs the process from "start" to "end". 【0072】 As shown in Figure 4, first, the control unit 15 determines whether the charge level in all chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C connected to the vehicle V has not yet reached a certain charge level (step S01). If the control unit 15 determines that the charge level in all chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C has not yet reached a certain charge level (step S01: YES), it proceeds to step S02. If the control unit 15 does not determine that the charge level in all chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C has not yet reached a certain charge level (step S01: NO), that is, if the charge level in any of the chargers 14A, 14B, or 14C has reached a certain charge level, it proceeds to step S03. 【0073】 In step S02, the control unit 15 determines whether or not recharging after reaching a certain charge level is effective. If the control unit 15 determines that recharging after reaching a certain charge level is effective (step S02: YES), it proceeds to step S04. If the control unit 15 does not determine that recharging after reaching a certain charge level is effective (step S02: NO), i.e., if recharging is not effective, it terminates charging (step S05). 【0074】 In step S04, the control unit 15 resets the charge levels of all chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C to 0. Next, the control unit 15 determines that the charger to which the charging gun 16A, 16B, or 16C is first connected to the vehicle V is the charger with the next priority (the charger with the highest priority in recharging: for example, charger 14A) (step S06). The control unit 15 then starts charging the vehicle V from the charger with the next priority. That is, the control unit 15 controls the relay to switch the circuit and starts charging the vehicle from that charger. 【0075】 Next, the control unit 15 determines whether or not there is a charger with the next priority (step S07). If the control unit 15 determines that there is a charger with the next priority (step S07: YES), it terminates charging the vehicle V from that charger (step S08). If the control unit 15 does not determine that there is a charger with the next priority (step S07: NO), that is, if there is no charger with the next priority, it terminates charging (step S09). 【0076】 In step S08, when the control unit 15 finishes charging the vehicle V from the charger, it starts charging the vehicle V from the charger with the next priority (the charger with the second priority in recharging: for example, charger 14B) (step S10). That is, the control unit 15 controls the relay to switch the circuit and start charging the vehicle from the charger. 【0077】 The control unit 15 determines whether charging has started after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of charging by the charger, that is, whether charging power has been supplied from the charger to the vehicle (step S11). If the control unit 15 determines that charging has not started (step S11: YES), that is, if charging power has not been supplied to the vehicle, it returns to the process in step S07. As a result, charging is started for the vehicle V from the charger with the next priority (the charger with the third priority in recharging: for example, charger 14C). If the control unit 15 does not determine that charging has not started (step S11: NO), that is, if charging has started, it terminates the process. 【0078】 In step S03, the control unit 15 determines whether the amount of charge from the charger has reached a certain charge level. If the control unit 15 determines that the amount of charge has reached a certain charge level (step S03: YES), it proceeds to step S07. If the control unit 15 does not determine that the amount of charge has reached a certain charge level (step S03: NO), it proceeds to step S12. 【0079】 In step S12, the control unit 15 determines whether or not it has detected that the vehicle V is fully charged. If the control unit 15 detects that the vehicle is fully charged (step S12: YES), it proceeds to step S07. If the control unit 15 does not detect that the vehicle is fully charged (step S12: NO), it maintains the charging current value (step S13). 【0080】 As described above, in the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, when a vehicle V is charged from at least two of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, the charging in the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C is controlled so that the vehicles V are charged one by one in sequence. In other words, in the charging system 1, the vehicles V connected to the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are charged one by one in sequence. Therefore, the charging system 1 only needs to secure the charging capacity necessary to charge one vehicle V. As a result, the total charging capacity of the charging system 1 can be reduced. Consequently, the running costs of the charging system 1 can be reduced. 【0081】 In conventional charging systems, when three vehicles V are connected to each of the three chargers, the charging power is allocated according to the order in which they are connected to the chargers (for example, 30A, 15A, 15A) or allocated equally to multiple vehicles (for example, 20A each) to charge all three vehicles simultaneously. Therefore, in conventional charging systems, the total charging capacity is set to 60A (200V). In charging system 1, vehicles V connected to chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are charged one by one in sequence. Therefore, in charging system 1, the total charging capacity can be set to 30A (200V). 【0082】 Furthermore, in the charging device 5 of the charging system 1, chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C are connected to a single control board 11 via relays 13A, 13B, and 13C. Thus, even though the charging device 5 has a configuration that includes multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, the control board 11 is only one, which allows for miniaturization of the device. 【0083】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the charging device 5 is electrically connected between the control board 11 and each of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, and includes relays 13A, 13B, and 13C that switch the electrical circuits between the control board 11 and each of the multiple chargers on and off. When charging is performed on a vehicle V from at least two of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, the control unit 15 controls the operation of relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that the vehicles V are charged one by one in sequence. In this configuration, the vehicles V can be charged one by one in sequence by controlling the switching of relays 13A, 13B, and 13C. 【0084】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 15 sets the charging priority among the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C started charging the vehicle V, and controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that the vehicle V is charged in order of priority. With this configuration, since the priority is set according to the order in which charging started, it is possible to avoid a situation where a vehicle V that started charging later is charged first. Therefore, it is possible to avoid user dissatisfaction. 【0085】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, each of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C has a charging gun 16A, 16B, or 16C connected to the vehicle V, and a gun holder 17A, 17B, or 17C for attaching and detaching the charging guns 16A, 16B, or 16C. The control unit 15 determines that charging of the vehicle V has started when the charging guns 16A, 16B, or 16C are removed from the gun holders 17A, 17B, or 17C, and sets a priority. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine when charging has started. 【0086】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 15 controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that when a vehicle V has been charged by one charger to an amount of power sufficient for the vehicle V to travel a certain distance, charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger. In this configuration, when a vehicle V has been charged to an amount of power sufficient for it to travel a certain distance, the vehicle V being charged is changed. Therefore, even if a vehicle V that has been charged remains connected to chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C, charging of another vehicle V can be performed. 【0087】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 15 detects that the vehicle V is fully charged, it controls relays 13A, 13B, and 13C so that charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger, even if the vehicle V is not being charged by the first charger. With this configuration, charging is prevented from being performed on a fully charged vehicle V that does not require charging. Therefore, efficient charging becomes possible. 【0088】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 15 automatically switches relays 13A, 13B, and 13C without receiving an instruction from the user of the vehicle V to start charging. With this configuration, the vehicles V can be charged one by one in sequence without the user having to perform any operation to start charging. Therefore, the user's effort is reduced, and convenience is improved. 【0089】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the measurement unit 4 acquires the amount of commercial power used, and the control unit 15 controls the charging current on the control board 11 so that the amount of power used does not exceed the demand reference value if the amount of power used exceeds the demand reference value. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid using power that exceeds the demand value. 【0090】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the measurement unit 4 acquires the usage capacity of electrical equipment installed in the power receiving equipment that receives commercial power, and the control unit 15 controls the charging current on the control board 11 so that the usage capacity does not exceed a preset capacity reference value if the usage capacity exceeds the capacity reference value. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid placing an excessive load on the electrical equipment of the power receiving equipment. 【0091】 In the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 15 transmits charging information relating to the charging current and charging energy amount of the multiple chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C to the cloud server 7. In this configuration, based on the information relating to the charging current and charging energy amount transmitted to the cloud server 7, it becomes possible to comprehensively manage the charging system 1 and provide charging-related services (billing services), etc. 【0092】 While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. 【0093】 In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the charging device 5 is equipped with three chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C was described as an example. However, the charging device 5 may be equipped with two or four or more chargers. 【0094】 In the above embodiment, a configuration in which relays 13A, 13B, and 13C are used as a switching unit to switch the on / off state of the electrical circuit between the terminal block 12 (control board 11) and the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C was described as one example. However, the switching unit may be a field-effect transistor (FET), an electromagnetic contactor, a switch, or the like. 【0095】 In the above embodiment, one example was described in which a relay 13A is provided between terminal block 12 and charger 14A, a relay 13B is provided between terminal block 12 and charger 14B, and a relay 13C is provided between terminal block 12 and charger 14C. That is, one example was described in which one relay 13A, 13B, and 13C is provided for each of the chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C. However, the switching unit provided between terminal block 12 and chargers 14A, 14B, and 14C may be configured as a single element. In this configuration, the on / off state of the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14A, the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14B, and the circuit between terminal block 12 and charger 14C may be switched by a single switching unit. 【0096】 In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the amount of commercial power consumption is measured by a pulse sensor 20 was described as an example. However, the amount of power consumption may also be obtained based on the power received information of a smart meter. [Explanation of symbols] 【0097】 1...Charging system, 4...Measurement unit (control unit), 5...Charging device, 7...Cloud server, 11...Control board, 13A, 13B, 13C...Relay (switching unit), 14A, 14B, 14C...Charger, 15...Control unit, 16A, 16B, 16C...Charging gun, 17A, 17B, 17C...Gun holder, V...Vehicle.

Claims

[Claim 1] A charging system for charging a vehicle, A control board that controls the charging current, Multiple chargers that charge the vehicle with charging power controlled by the control board, A switching unit is electrically connected between the control board and each of the multiple chargers, and switches the on / off state of the electrical circuit between the control board and each of the multiple chargers. The system comprises a control unit that controls charging in a plurality of the aforementioned chargers, Each of the multiple chargers comprises a charging gun connected to the vehicle and a gun holder for attaching and detaching the charging gun. A charging system in which, when charging is performed on the vehicle from at least two of the multiple chargers, the control unit determines that charging of the vehicle has started when the charging gun is removed from the gun holder, sets a priority order for charging in the multiple chargers according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers started charging the vehicle, and controls the operation of the switching unit so that the vehicles are charged one by one in order from the order of the highest priority. [Claim 2] The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the switching unit so that when the vehicle has been charged by one of the chargers with an amount of power sufficient to allow the vehicle to travel a certain distance, charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger. [Claim 3] The charging system according to claim 2, wherein when the control unit detects that the vehicle is fully charged, it controls the switching unit so that charging is performed by another charger with a lower priority than the first charger, even if the amount of charging power has not been charged to the vehicle from one of the chargers. [Claim 4] The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically switches the switching unit without receiving an instruction from the user of the vehicle to start charging. [Claim 5] The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit acquires the amount of power used from commercial power, and if the amount of power used exceeds a preset first reference value, controls the charging current on the control board so that the amount of power used does not exceed the first reference value. [Claim 6] The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit acquires the usage capacity of electrical equipment installed in a power receiving facility that receives commercial power, and if the usage capacity exceeds a preset second reference value, controls the charging current on the control board so that the usage capacity does not exceed the second reference value. [Claim 7] The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit transmits information relating to the charging current and charging power amount of the plurality of chargers to a cloud server. [Claim 8] A charging device for charging a vehicle, A control board that controls the charging current, Multiple chargers that charge the vehicle with charging power controlled by the control board, A switching unit is electrically connected between the control board and each of the multiple chargers, and switches the on / off state of the electrical circuit between the control board and each of the multiple chargers. The system comprises a control unit that controls charging in a plurality of the aforementioned chargers, Each of the multiple chargers comprises a charging gun connected to the vehicle and a gun holder for attaching and detaching the charging gun. A charging device in which, when charging is performed on the vehicle from at least two of the multiple chargers, the control unit determines that charging of the vehicle has started when the charging gun is removed from the gun holder, sets a priority order for charging in the multiple chargers according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers started charging the vehicle, and controls the operation of the switching unit so that the vehicles are charged one by one in order from the highest priority. [Claim 9] A control board that controls the charging current, Multiple chargers that charge a vehicle using charging power controlled by the control board, The control board is electrically connected to each of the plurality of chargers, and includes a switching unit that switches the circuit between the control board and each of the plurality of chargers on and off. A charging method in a charging system in which each of the plurality of chargers has a charging gun connected to the vehicle and a gun holder for attaching and detaching the charging gun, A charging method in which, when charging is performed on the vehicle from at least two of the multiple chargers, the charging gun is removed from the gun holder to determine that charging of the vehicle has started, sets a priority order for charging in the multiple chargers according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers started charging the vehicle, and controls the operation of the switching unit so that the vehicles are charged one by one in order from the highest priority. [Claim 10] A control board that controls the charging current, Multiple chargers that charge a vehicle using charging power controlled by the control board, The control board is electrically connected to each of the plurality of chargers, and includes a switching unit that switches the circuit between the control board and each of the plurality of chargers on and off. A control program for controlling a charging system in which each of the multiple chargers has a charging gun connected to the vehicle and a gun holder for attaching and detaching the charging gun, A control program that, when charging is performed on the vehicle from at least two of the multiple chargers, determines that charging of the vehicle has started when the charging gun is removed from the gun holder, sets a priority order for charging in the multiple chargers according to the order in which each of the multiple chargers started charging the vehicle, and causes a computer to execute a step of controlling the operation of the switching unit so that the vehicles are charged one by one in order from the highest priority.

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