Swapping-type shared-battery charging facility

Abstract

The present invention promotes wide-spread use of charging facilities for shared batteries to be used for a battery sharing service. A swapping-type shared-battery charging facility according to the present invention is equipped with a plurality of slots capable of accommodating and charging shared batteries to be used for a battery sharing service, and performs a pair of operations involving receiving used shared batteries for storage into vacant slots and permitting retrieval of charged shared batteries from slots. The swapping-type shared-battery charging facility comprises a rapid-charging-standard power reception unit to be electrically connected to a plug-in-vehicle-shared rapid-charging facility in compliance with a rapid charging standard to enable reception of power from and communication with the plug-in-vehicle-shared rapid-charging facility, and a swapping-type shared-battery charging control unit capable of performing battery swapping by charging a shared battery accommodated in a slot with power supplied from the plug-in-vehicle-shared rapid-charging facility via the rapid-charging-standard power reception unit so as to be used for the battery sharing service.

Description

Swapping shared battery charging facility

[0001] The present invention relates to a swapping-type shared battery charging facility.

[0002] In recent years, just as with automobiles, the development of electric saddle-ride vehicles such as motorcycles, including electric two-wheeled vehicles and hybrid electric two-wheeled vehicles that run on electricity, has been progressing. Saddle-ride vehicles that are configured with a detachable battery are also being considered. By making the battery of an electric saddle-ride vehicle detachable, a battery that has a low charge level can be removed and replaced with a charged battery that can be attached to the electric saddle-ride vehicle.

[0003] A battery sharing service has been proposed in which a replaceable battery is used as a shared battery shared by multiple users (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). A service provider (administrator) of the battery sharing service provides the shared battery to be shared by multiple users. In the battery sharing service, for example, when one user uses a shared battery, that user borrows a charged shared battery from the service provider. After the shared battery has been used and its charge level has decreased, that user returns it to the service provider. The shared battery returned to the service provider is recharged and rented out to that user or another user. A shared battery charging facility has been proposed that can store and stock such shared batteries and charge them when they are stored (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The shared battery charging facility described in Patent Document 1 has multiple slots capable of accommodating and charging shared batteries provided for a battery sharing service. The shared battery charging facility is configured to accept used shared batteries into empty slots and permit the removal of charged shared batteries from the slots in pairs. This enables battery swapping, in which a user's discharged used shared battery is exchanged for a charged shared battery accommodated in the shared battery charging facility. The shared battery charging facility receives charging power from a commercial power source. Shared batteries that can be charged by such swapping-type shared battery charging facility that enables battery swapping are not limited to electric straddle-type vehicles, but may also be used in vehicles such as small electric vehicles and various other electrical devices. At a shared battery charging facility, a user's discharged shared battery can be easily exchanged for a shared battery charged at a swapping-type shared battery charging facility, reducing the time it takes for the user to charge the shared battery themselves.

[0005] Publication No. 2022-016983

[0006] Gachaco Co., Ltd., "Replace your battery with a snap. Gachaco," [online], March 30, 2022, ENEOS Group, [Retrieved September 7, 2022], Internet <URL: https: / / gachaco.co.jp / >

[0007] The widespread use of such swapping-type shared battery charging facilities will create an infrastructure for charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services. Therefore, there is a demand for the widespread use of charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services. An object of the present invention is to popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0008] The trend toward electrification of automobiles is driving an increase in the number of quick charging stations equipped with shared quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles that can quickly charge automobiles in public spaces such as gas stations and parking lots. Shared quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles is configured to be able to directly quick charge plug-in electric vehicles that are equipped with a battery and a power receiving unit for charging the battery. Shared quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles can quick charge plug-in electric vehicles by communicating with them and supplying them with power that complies with international quick charging standards.

[0009] The inventors have considered popularizing swapping-type shared battery charging facilities using plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facilities. Specifically, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility is provided with a rapid charging standard power receiving unit and a swapping-type shared battery charge control unit. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is electrically connected to the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging facility in accordance with the rapid charging standard so as to be able to receive power from the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging facility and communicate with the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging facility. The swapping-type shared battery charge control unit charges the shared battery accommodated in the slot with power supplied from the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit so that the shared battery can be provided for a battery sharing service. In this way, the swapping-type shared battery charge control unit enables battery swapping.

[0010] The swapping-type shared battery charging equipment is electrically connected to a plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment and can charge the shared battery housed in its slot with power supplied from the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment. In other words, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment can charge the shared battery housed in its slot using power output from the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment. In this case, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment can charge the shared battery without being connected to a high-power commercial power source for charging the shared battery. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment can be installed in a location where a plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment is already installed, without the need for installation work to install a separate commercial power source, such as a high-power commercial power source, for charging the shared battery. As a result, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment can be installed more easily than, for example, installation work to install a separate commercial power source for charging the shared battery.

[0011] Furthermore, the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles can be installed near a parking space where plug-in vehicles park for charging. For example, if a swapping-type shared battery charging facility configured as described above is installed near the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles, a vehicle carrying or carrying a shared battery to be used for battery swapping can use the parking space when swapping the shared battery.

[0012] Therefore, by configuring the swapping-type shared battery charging facility as described above, it is possible to popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services. In other words, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can provide a new means for more widely popularizing shared battery charging facilities.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a swapping-type shared battery charging facility has the following configuration. (1) A swapping-type shared battery charging facility having a plurality of slots capable of accommodating and charging shared batteries to be provided for a battery sharing service, configured to enable battery swapping by pairing the acceptance of used shared batteries into empty slots with the permission to remove charged shared batteries from the slots, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility having the following features: A rapid charging standard power receiving unit electrically connected to a shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles in accordance with the rapid charging standard so as to be able to accept power from the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles and communicate with the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles; and A swapping-type shared battery charging control unit that enables battery swapping by charging the shared batteries accommodated in the slots with power supplied from the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit so as to be provided for the battery sharing service.

[0014] The swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) includes a rapid charging standard power receiving unit and a swapping-type shared battery charging control unit. The swapping-type shared battery charging equipment has a plurality of slots capable of accommodating and charging shared batteries provided for a battery sharing service. The swapping-type shared battery charging equipment accepts used shared batteries into empty slots and permits the removal of charged shared batteries from the slots, in pairs. This configures the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment to enable battery swapping. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is electrically connected to the shared plug-in vehicle rapid charging equipment in accordance with the rapid charging standard so as to be able to accept power from the shared plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment and communicate with the shared plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment. The swapping-type shared battery charging control unit charges the shared battery accommodated in the slot with power supplied from the plug-in type shared-type vehicle quick charging equipment via the quick charging standard power receiving unit so that the shared battery can be provided for the battery sharing service. In this way, the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit enables battery swapping.

[0015] The swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) is electrically connected to a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment and can charge the shared battery housed in the slot with power supplied from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment. In other words, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment can charge the shared battery housed in the slot using power output from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) can charge the shared battery without being connected to a high-power commercial power source for charging the shared battery. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) can be installed in a location where a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment is already installed, without the need for installation work to install a commercial power source, such as a high-power commercial power source, for charging the shared battery. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) can be installed more easily than, for example, installation work to install a separate commercial power source for charging the shared battery.

[0016] Furthermore, the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) includes a rapid charging standard power receiving unit electrically connected to the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles, and can be installed near a parking space where plug-in vehicles are parked for charging. For example, if the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (1) is installed near the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles, a vehicle carrying or transporting a shared battery to be used for battery swapping can use the parking space when swapping the shared battery.

[0017] Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility (1) can popularize charging facilities for shared batteries used in battery sharing services.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can employ the following configuration: (2) In the swapping-type shared battery charging facility described in (1), the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit is configured to communicate with the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit, and thereby control the reception of power for charging the shared battery from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit.

[0019] In the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (2), the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit communicates with the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit. As a result, the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit controls the receipt of power supply for charging the shared battery from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (2) can utilize a wider variety of existing plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facilities. As a result, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (2) can further popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can have the following configuration: (3) The swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (1) or (2), wherein the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is provided in the plug-in vehicle shared-type rapid charging facility and is configured to allow removal and attachment of a charging plug that complies with the rapid charging standard, the removal meaning that the charging plug is removed from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit in order to be connected to a plug-in electric vehicle when the charging plug is used to rapid charge the plug-in electric vehicle, and the attachment meaning that the charging plug is attached to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit so that the plug-in vehicle shared-type rapid charging facility and the rapid charging standard power receiving unit are electrically connected when the charging plug is not used to rapid charge the plug-in electric vehicle.

[0021] In the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment (3), the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is configured to allow the charging plug of the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles to be removed and attached. When a plug-in electric vehicle is being charged, the charging plug is removed from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit of the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment and connected to the plug-in electric vehicle. In contrast, when a plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged, the charging plug is attached to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit of the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment. In other words, the charging plug is returned to the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment. Therefore, charging of a plug-in electric vehicle can be performed solely by the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles without using the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment, and when a plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged, the shared battery is charged. Therefore, time when a plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged is effectively utilized. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility (3) can utilize existing shared rapid charging facilities for plug-in vehicles to charge shared batteries in addition to plug-in electric vehicles. This allows the swapping-type shared battery charging facility (3) to popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can have the following configuration: (4) The swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (1) or (2), wherein the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is provided in the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in type vehicles and is configured to be connected to a charging plug that complies with the rapid charging standard, and the swapping-type shared battery charging facility further includes an extension charging plug that is connectable to a plug-in type electric vehicle and complies with the rapid charging standard.

[0023] The swapping-type shared battery charging facility (4) includes an extension charging plug. The extension charging plug is connectable to a plug-in electric vehicle. When the extension charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle, power supplied from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility via a rapid charging standard power receiving unit is supplied to the plug-in electric vehicle through the extension charging plug. In contrast, when the plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged, power supplied from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility is supplied to the shared battery via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit connected to the charging plug. When the plug-in electric vehicle is being charged, power from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility can be used, and when the plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged, power from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility can be used to charge the shared battery. Therefore, time when the plug-in electric vehicle is not being charged is effectively utilized. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility (4) utilizes existing plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facilities and can charge the shared battery in addition to the plug-in electric vehicle. As a result, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (4) can popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services. Note that the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (1) or (2) may be configured to have the configuration of (3) or (4).

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can employ the following configuration: (5) In the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (4), the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is configured to connect the charging plug in a manner that prevents or suppresses removal of the charging plug by a user.

[0025] (5) The charging plug is configured to prevent or inhibit removal of the charging plug by the user. Therefore, it is possible to encourage users to use the extension charging plug instead of the charging plug to charge plug-in electric vehicles. This allows the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (5) to more effectively popularize charging facilities for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services. Note that there are no particular limitations on how the charging plug can be prevented or inhibited from being removed by the user, and examples include the following: A mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism) is provided to prohibit removal of the charging plug from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit; The rapid charging standard power receiving unit to which the charging plug is connected is located in a position that is not or difficult to see by the user; and A member (cover member) is provided to cover the connection between the rapid charging standard power receiving unit and the charging plug so that it is not or difficult to access by the user.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can employ the following configuration: (6) The swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (4) or (5), wherein the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit is configured to supply power supplied from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit to the plug-in electric vehicle via the extended charging plug without passing through the shared battery when the extended charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle.

[0027] (6) With the swapping-type shared battery charging facility, charging of plug-in electric vehicles is performed without using a shared battery. With a relatively simple configuration, battery swapping and charging of plug-in electric vehicles can be achieved using the same facility. This allows for more efficient widespread use of shared battery charging facilities.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility can employ the following configuration: (7) The swapping-type shared battery charging facility of any one of (4) to (6), wherein the swapping-type shared battery charging control unit is configured to supply, when the extension charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle, power discharged from the shared battery to the plug-in electric vehicle via the extension charging plug in addition to power supplied from the plug-in vehicle common rapid charging facility via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit without going through the shared battery.

[0029] In the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (7), when the extension charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle, in addition to the power supplied from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility, power discharged from the shared battery is supplied to the plug-in electric vehicle. Therefore, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (7) can simultaneously supply power from both the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility and the shared battery to the plug-in electric vehicle. This allows the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (7) to supply power to the plug-in electric vehicle that is greater than the power supplied by the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility. As a result, the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (7) can rapidly charge the plug-in electric vehicle at a rate higher than the rapid charging rate provided by the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility. This allows the swapping-type shared battery charging facility of (7) to popularize charging facilities for shared batteries used in battery sharing services.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery sharing service system can employ the following configuration: (8) A battery sharing service system comprising: any one of swapping-type shared battery charging facilities of (1) to (7); and a battery sharing service management server capable of communicating with the swapping-type shared battery charging facility, wherein the swapping-type shared battery charging facility transmits management data indicating a provided battery that is the shared battery removed from the slot of the swapping-type shared battery charging facility and power amount data corresponding to the amount of power charged to the provided battery from the plug-in vehicle common-type quick charging facility via the quick charging standard power receiving unit to the battery sharing service management server, and the battery sharing service management server stores the management data of the provided battery in association with the power amount data.

[0031] The battery sharing service system (8) includes any one of the swapping-type shared battery charging facilities (1) to (7) and a battery sharing service management server. The battery sharing service management server is capable of communicating with any one of the swapping-type shared battery charging facilities (1) to (7). In the battery sharing service system (8), a user of the battery sharing service removes a shared battery from a slot of the swapping-type shared battery charging facility. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility transmits management data indicating the provided battery, which is the removed shared battery, and power amount data corresponding to the amount of power charged to the provided battery to the battery sharing service management server. Here, power to be charged into the provided battery is supplied from a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via a rapid charging standard power receiving unit of the swapping-type shared battery charging facility. Furthermore, the management data for the provided battery is not particularly limited and may be, for example, identification data for the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment and slot into which the provided battery is charged, identification data for the provided battery, or identification data for the user who has authorized removal of the provided battery, or a combination of any two or more of these types of identification data. Furthermore, the power amount data may be, for example, data representing the amount of power or data representing the fee for the amount of power. The battery sharing service management server stores the management data for the provided battery received from the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment in association with the power amount data. The battery sharing service management server may, for example, be a billing management server responsible for managing billing for users of the battery sharing service.

[0032] The battery sharing service management server of the battery sharing service system of (8) stores management data for the provided batteries in association with the power amount data. This allows, for example, a battery sharing service provider to calculate a charging fee for the battery sharing service based on the management data and the power amount data stored in the battery sharing service management server. Thus, according to the battery sharing service system of (8), the management data for the provided batteries is stored in association with the power amount data so that a user's payment for the battery sharing service can be made to the battery sharing service, without being made to the shared-type rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles or its service. In other words, according to the battery sharing service system of (8), the management data for the provided batteries is stored in association with the power amount data so that a user's payment for the battery sharing service can be made to the battery sharing service, independent of the shared-type rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles or its service. As a result, by electrically connecting the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment to the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment, while there is a physical connection as devices, the battery sharing service system can be separated from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging equipment or the service when it comes to billing users for the battery sharing service. Therefore, the battery sharing service system of (8) enables efficient management of users of the battery sharing service, such as management of billing, and can popularize charging equipment for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, identifies the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or equivalents thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. It is understood that numerous techniques and processes are disclosed in the description of the present invention. Each of these has distinct advantages, and each can also be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Thus, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from unnecessarily repeating every possible combination of individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention and claims.

[0034] A novel swapping shared battery charging facility is described herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments illustrated in the following drawings or description.

[0035] Battery sharing is a system in which multiple users share a battery. Individually owning a battery does not qualify as battery sharing. A battery sharing service provides batteries for multiple users to share. A battery provided for a battery sharing service is called a shared battery. In a battery sharing service, for example, when one user uses a shared battery, that user borrows a charged shared battery from a service provider. A shared battery that has discharged through use, i.e., whose charge level has decreased, is returned to the service provider by inserting it into a slot in a swapping-type shared battery charging facility. The shared battery returned to the service provider is recharged and rented out to that user or another user. An example of a battery sharing service is "Gachaco" by Gachaco Co., Ltd. Another example of a battery sharing service is "Gogoro (registered trademark)" by Gogoro Inc.

[0036] A shared battery is a rechargeable battery that can be detachably attached to an electrical device. The electrical device operates when the shared battery attached to the electrical device discharges. Each shared battery is manufactured to the same standard and is a general-purpose battery configured for use with a variety of electrical devices. A shared battery differs from commonly available dry cell batteries, which are replaceable but non-rechargeable. For example, when the charge level of a shared battery attached to an electrical device becomes low, the user can replace the low-charged shared battery with a charged shared battery. At this time, the user can remove the low-charged shared battery from the electrical device. A charged shared battery is attached to the electrical device. As a result, if a charged shared battery is available, the shared battery can be replaced with a charged battery even when the charge level of the original shared battery becomes low, thereby reducing the charging time of the electrical device with the shared battery attached.

[0037] An electric device is a device that runs on electricity. An example of an electric device is a vehicle, i.e., an EV (Electric Vehicle). An EV may be a BEV (Battery-powered Electric Vehicle) or an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) having an internal combustion engine. An example of an electric device is a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Examples of types of vehicles include electric straddle-type vehicles. Examples of electric straddle-type vehicles include electric two-wheeled vehicles and electric tricycles. Furthermore, electric straddle-type vehicles may include bicycles that can be driven by pedaling, but they do not have to include such bicycles. The electric device provided on the bicycle here may be configured to output a driving force sufficient to propel the bicycle without pedaling force, or may be configured to output a driving force to assist pedaling. Additionally, the vehicle is not limited to the above examples and may be an electric car, electric truck, electric bus, electric ship, electric drone, or electric aircraft. Furthermore, the electric device is not limited to a vehicle and may be a device that is not moved when in use, such as a pumping device, an electric oven, or a machine tool. In this case, the used shared battery is removed from the electric device and transported, for example, by vehicle, to a swapping-type shared battery charging facility, where it is replaced with a charged shared battery.

[0038] Battery swapping refers to the exchange of a shared battery owned by a user with a shared battery owned by a service provider. More specifically, battery swapping refers to the pairing of a service provider collecting (receiving) a shared battery discharged by a user and providing a charged battery owned by the service provider to the user. Battery swapping allows a user to obtain a charged shared battery without waiting for the shared battery's charging time. A battery swapping procedure may, for example, involve collecting a discharged shared battery first and then providing a charged battery. However, the procedure is not particularly limited, and may, for example, involve providing a charged battery first and then collecting the discharged shared battery. A swapping-type shared battery charging facility is a shared battery charging facility that enables battery swapping. Shared batteries returned by users are charged at the swapping-type shared battery charging facility. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility is owned, for example, by a service provider of a battery sharing service. Swapping-type shared battery charging equipment is used, for example, as shared battery charging equipment. Battery chargers owned by individuals, such as those for personal or household use, do not qualify as swapping-type shared battery charging equipment. Swapping-type shared battery charging equipment, for example, has multiple slots for accommodating shared batteries. The shared batteries accommodated in each slot are charged by the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment. A user of the shared battery, for example, removes a charged shared battery from a slot of the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment and inserts a used shared battery with a reduced charge into the slot.

[0039] A shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles is configured to supply power to plug-in electric vehicles for rapid charging. Plugging in refers to directly charging an electric device, such as an electric vehicle, from a shared rapid charging facility. A charging plug is connected to the shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles via a charging cable. A shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles directly charges a plug-in electric vehicle via the charging cable and charging plug. For example, a household power source can be used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle, but it does not qualify as a shared rapid charging facility for plug-in vehicles.

[0040] Shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles is installed, for example, in a rapid charging station. A rapid charging station is a public space for rapid charging of plug-in electric vehicles. Rapid charging stations are installed, for example, along roads, at service areas and parking areas on highways, shopping facilities, and car dealerships. Shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles may also be installed in locations that can be used jointly by multiple people, such as apartment parking lots, outdoor parking lots, and offices. For example, household power sources and personal charging equipment installed in personal spaces such as private homes do not qualify as shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles. A rapid charging station has a parking space where vehicles to be charged are parked. Shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles is installed in part of the parking space. At the quick charging station, the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles charges the plug-in electric vehicles parked in the parking space.

[0041] The common-type quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles complies with a specific quick charging standard. The common-type quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles can charge plug-in electric vehicles that comply with the quick charging standard. When a charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle, the common-type quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles communicates with the plug-in electric vehicle and supplies power to the plug-in electric vehicle. At this time, the common-type quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles does not necessarily provide the plug-in electric vehicle with a large current for quick charging. The common-type quick charging equipment for plug-in vehicles communicates with the plug-in electric vehicle to which the charging plug is connected and performs charging according to the situation, taking into account the status of the plug-in electric vehicle and its own status.

[0042] A quick charging standard is, for example, a charging standard that enables quick charging established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The quick charging standard specifies, for example, the charging method (e.g., DC or AC), charging voltage and current, communication method, and the shape of the charging plug and power receiving unit (receptacle). Specific examples of quick charging standards include CHAdeMO (registered trademark), GB / T, and CCS. Among quick charging standards, the power standard specifies the charging method (e.g., DC or AC), charging voltage and current, and the communication standard specifies the communication method (e.g., CAN communication). Complying with a quick charging standard specified for a shared-type quick charging facility for plug-in vehicles does not necessarily mean having all of the specifications specified in the quick charging standard. For example, as long as the communication standard allows communication with the shared-type quick charging facility for plug-in vehicles and allows receiving power that complies with the power standard, the shapes of the charging plug and receptacle, etc., between the charging plug and the quick charging standard power receiving unit do not need to be the same. In this case, if the charging plug and the rapid charging standard power receiving unit can be connected via the conversion adapter, communication and power supply are possible.

[0043] The charging plug is electrically connected to the power receiving unit of the plug-in electric vehicle and the rapid charging standard power receiving unit of the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment. The charging plug is connected to the power receiving unit of the plug-in electric vehicle or the rapid charging standard power receiving unit with or without a conversion adapter. Power from the shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles is supplied to the plug-in electric vehicle via the charging cable and charging plug.

[0044] A plug-in electric vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving a drive motor, and the onboard battery is charged by directly connecting a charging plug of a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility to the vehicle body. Plug-in electric vehicles comply with specific rapid charging standards and are charged by a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility that conforms to the vehicle's own rapid charging standard. A plug-in electric vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle. A vehicle equipped with an externally chargeable battery may also be, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A plug-in electric vehicle may also be an electric straddle-type vehicle, such as an electric motorcycle or a plug-in hybrid motorcycle. The body of the plug-in electric vehicle is equipped with a power receiving unit to which the charging plug of the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility is electrically connected. The plug-in electric vehicle receives power from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility by communicating with the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the charging plug and the power receiving unit, and is charged.

[0045] The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is the part of the plug-in type shared rapid charging equipment through which power is supplied. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is configured to be electrically connected to a power line and a communication line that comply with the rapid charging standard. If only one of the power line and the communication line is connected, it does not fall under the category of a rapid charging standard power receiving unit. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is also referred to as, for example, a receptacle, an inlet, or a charging port. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is configured to be fitted with, for example, a charging plug. However, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is not limited to this, and may be configured to be connected to a charging plug via a conversion adapter. In other words, the physical shape is not important as long as it is configured to be connectable to the power line and communication line of the plug-in type shared rapid charging equipment. When the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is installed in a swapping-type shared battery charging equipment, for example, a charging plug of the plug-in type shared rapid charging equipment is connected to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit. The power of the plug-in type shared rapid charging equipment for vehicles is supplied to the swapping type shared battery charging equipment via a rapid charging standard power receiving unit.

[0046] An extension charging plug is a charging plug provided on a swapping-type shared battery charging facility to supply power from a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility to a plug-in electric vehicle via a swapping-type shared battery charging facility. The extension charging plug is configured to be electrically connected to a plug-in electric vehicle. The extension charging plug is different from a charging plug connected to a plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging station. When the extension charging plug is connected to a plug-in electric vehicle, the plug-in electric vehicle communicates with the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility via the swapping-type shared battery charging facility and receives a supply of power from the plug-in vehicle shared rapid charging facility.

[0047] According to the present invention, it is possible to popularize shared battery charging stations for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shared battery charging facility according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the shared battery charging facility of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the shared battery charging facility of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the flow of current from a vehicle rapid charging facility to the shared battery charging facility and a plug-in electric vehicle in example (ii) of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining a battery sharing service system according to an application example of an example of the present invention.

[0049] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shared battery charging facility 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shared battery charging facility 1 shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 has multiple slots 13. The multiple slots 13 are configured to accommodate and charge shared batteries 14. The shared batteries 14 are batteries provided for a battery sharing service. The shared batteries 14 are detachably attached to an electric device, such as an electric motorcycle 3, by a user of the battery sharing service. The electric motorcycle 3 with the charged shared battery 14 attached can then travel. The shared battery charging facility 1, for example, accepts a used shared battery 14-1 into an empty slot 13-1 ((A) in part (a) of FIG. 1) and permits the removal of a charged shared battery 14-2 from the slot 13-2 ((B) in part (a) of FIG. 1) as a pair. This allows the shared battery charging facility 1 to function as a swapping-type shared battery charging facility that enables battery swapping. The slots 13-1 and 13-2 are each one of the slots 13, and the shared batteries 14-1 and 14-2 are each one of the shared batteries 14.

[0051] The shared battery charging equipment 1 in part (a) of FIG. 1 includes a rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 and a swapping-type shared battery charge control unit 12. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 is electrically connected to the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 complies with the rapid charging standard. Compliant with the rapid charging standard, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 is able to receive power from and communicate with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The swapping-type shared battery charge control unit 12 charges the shared battery 14 accommodated in the slot 13 with power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 so that the shared battery 14 can be provided for the battery sharing service. The shared battery 14 accommodated in the slot and charged so that it can be provided for the battery sharing service can be removed from the slot 13. Hereinafter, the swapping-type shared battery charge control unit 12 will also be simply referred to as the shared battery charge control unit 12.

[0052] The shared battery charging equipment 1 is electrically connected to the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and can charge the shared battery 14 accommodated in the slot 13 with power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. In other words, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can charge the shared battery 14 accommodated in the slot 13 using power output from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can charge the shared battery 14 without being connected to a high-power commercial power source for charging the shared battery 14. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can be installed in a location where the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is already installed, without the need for installation work to install a commercial power source, such as a high-power commercial power source, for charging the shared battery. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can be installed more easily than, for example, installation work that requires installation of a separate power line for charging the shared battery 14.

[0053] The vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is a shared rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles that is installed in a rapid charging station 5, which is a shared space for rapid charging of plug-in electric vehicles 4, and is used jointly by multiple users. The vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 itself has a structure for rapid charging of plug-in electric vehicles 4 (see part (b) of FIG. 1 ). Rapid charging of plug-in electric vehicles 4 using the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 in this embodiment will be described in detail in the examples described below.

[0054] The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 is electrically connected to the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The shared battery charging equipment 1 is installed, for example, near a parking space of a rapid charging station 5 in which a plug-in electric vehicle 4 is parked during charging. For example, if the shared battery charging equipment 1 is installed around the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2, an electric motorcycle 3 equipped with a shared battery to be used for battery swapping, or a vehicle transporting a shared battery to be used for battery swapping, can also use the parking space when swapping the shared batteries 14-1, 14-2.

[0055] Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can popularize charging equipment for shared batteries 14 provided for battery sharing services. Furthermore, because the shared battery charging equipment 1 includes a rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 electrically connected to the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2, it can receive a supply of high-voltage and high-current power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. On the other hand, the power required to charge the shared battery 14 is generally set low in both voltage and current. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can utilize the power of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the shared battery charging equipment 1 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 and the drawings following FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, some components are omitted, and new components are designated by new reference numerals. An example of the configuration of the shared battery charging equipment 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 has a structure that is connected to a charging plug 22 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The charging plug 22 is connected to a main body 24 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 by a charging cable 23. A power line 221 and a communication line 222 are built into the charging cable 23 and the charging plug 22. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 has a connection unit 111 to which the power line 221 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is connected, and a connection unit 112 to which the communication line 222 is connected. The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 and the shared battery charging control unit 12 are connected by a power line 121 and a communication line 122. In this embodiment, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 is configured in the shape of a receptacle that accepts the charging plug 22. In the shared battery charging equipment 1 shown in FIG. 2 , only one rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 is provided in principle, but the number of rapid charging standard power receiving units 11 is not particularly limited and may be multiple.

[0057] The shared battery charging equipment 1 includes a shared battery charging unit 15. The slots 13 are arranged in the shared battery charging unit 15. The shared battery charging unit 15 is connected to the shared battery charging control unit 12 by a power line 151 and a communication line 152. The power line 151 connects the shared battery charging control unit 12 and the shared battery charging unit 15 via a DC / DC converter 153. The shared battery charging unit 15 charges each of the shared batteries 14 accommodated in the slots 13 with power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2.

[0058] The shared battery charging control unit 12 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 communicates with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11. As a result, the shared battery charging control unit 12 is configured to control the acceptance of a supply of power for charging the shared battery 14 from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11. Specifically, the shared battery charging control unit 12 communicates with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via communication lines 222 and 122. As a result of communication between the shared battery charging control unit 12 and the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2, the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 supplies power to the shared battery charging equipment 1 via the power line 221. The power supplied to the shared battery charging equipment 1 is supplied from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 to the shared battery charging unit 15 via the power line 121, the shared battery charging control unit 12, and the power line 151, and charges each of the shared batteries 14 accommodated in the slots 13.

[0059] In the shared battery charging equipment 1, the shared battery charging control unit 12 communicates with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 using the communication standard of the rapid charging standard. The shared battery charging control unit 12 controls the supply of power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 in accordance with the power standard of the rapid charging standard. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can easily utilize existing vehicle rapid charging equipment or newly installed vehicle rapid charging equipment. As a result, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can popularize charging equipment for shared batteries provided for battery sharing services.

[0060] The shared battery charging equipment 1 receives a supply of power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2, but may also have a power supply unit that can receive a supply of power directly from a commercial power source 180 (dashed line). In this case, the additional components are a commercial power plug 181 and an AC / DC converter 182. The commercial power plug 181 is electrically connected to the shared battery charging unit 15 via the AC / DC converter 182 (dashed line). These are used to perform the minimum operations required for swapping the shared battery 14 when, for example, the shared battery charging equipment 1 is unable to receive a supply of power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 due to a malfunction of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2.

[0061] [Example] An example of the shared battery charging equipment 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the example of the shared battery charging equipment 1 of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 3, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can be configured in the following two examples (i) or (ii). Part (a) of FIG. 3 shows the configuration of example (i), and part (b) of FIG. 3 shows the configuration of example (ii). Example (i): The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 is configured to allow removal and attachment of a charging plug 22 that is provided in the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and conforms to the rapid charging standard. "Removal" refers to removal of the charging plug 22 from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 in order to connect it to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 when the charging plug 22 is to be used for rapid charging the plug-in electric vehicle 4. Furthermore, "attached" refers to being attached to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 so that the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 are electrically connected when the charging plug 22 is not being used to rapid charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4. - Example (ii) The rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 is configured to be connected to a charging plug 22 that is provided in the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and conforms to the rapid charging standard. The shared battery charging equipment 1 further includes an extension charging plug 16. The extension charging plug 16 is connectable to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 and conforms to the rapid charging standard. Note that the shared battery charging equipment 1 may be configured to have the configurations of both example (i) and (ii).

[0062] As shown in part (a) of Fig. 3 , in embodiment (i), the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 is configured so that the charging plug 22 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 can be detached and attached. When the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is being charged, the charging plug 22 is detached from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 and connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4. In contrast, when the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is not being charged, the charging plug 22 is connected to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1. In other words, the charging plug 22 is returned to the shared battery charging equipment 1. Therefore, the plug-in electric vehicle 4 can be charged by the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 alone, without using the shared battery charging equipment 1, and when the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is not being charged, the shared battery 14 is charged.

[0063] It should be noted that while the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is charging a plug-in electric vehicle 4 parked at the rapid charging station 5, the shared battery 14 cannot be charged at the shared battery charging equipment 1. However, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can perform battery swapping of the shared battery 14 (permitting removal of a charged shared battery 14 and storing a discharged shared battery 14). In this case, for example, the power of the shared battery 14 stored in the shared battery charging equipment 1 can be used for communication of replacement instructions, display, etc.

[0064] The vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 has a charge plug hold 25 that holds the charge plug 22 during non-vehicle charging, when the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is not being charged. In this embodiment, for example, a charge plug hold cover 26 is attached to the charge plug hold 25 to prevent the charge plug 22 from being held by the charge plug hold 25. By configuring the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 in this manner, it is possible to connect the charge plug 22 only to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the adjacent shared battery charging equipment 1 during non-vehicle charging of the plug-in electric vehicle 4. This prevents the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 from being unable to be charged for an extended period of time, which may occur if the user returns the charge plug 22 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to the charge plug hold 25 when charging of the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is finished.

[0065] In this embodiment, the shared battery charging equipment 1 charges the shared battery 14 using power output from an existing vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The shared battery 14 is charged during non-vehicle charging times when the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is not charging the plug-in electric vehicles 4, allowing for efficient use of the output of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. The frequency of charging of plug-in electric vehicles 4 by the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 often peaks during the daytime and is off-peak at night. Therefore, this embodiment enables concentrated power supply to the shared battery charging equipment 1 during nighttime hours. Using nighttime power reduces charging costs and enables long-term charging during off-peak hours, allowing for low-cost and efficient charging of the shared battery. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can effectively utilize the time when the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is not charging the plug-in electric vehicles 4. Therefore, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can utilize the existing vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to charge the shared battery 14 in addition to the plug-in electric vehicles 4. As a result, the shared battery charging facility 1 can popularize charging facilities for the shared batteries 14 provided for the battery sharing service.

[0066] In Example (i), the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 may have multiple sets of charging plugs 22 and charging cables 23. In Part (a) of FIG. 3 , a second set of charging plugs 22-1 and charging cables 23-1 is indicated by dashed lines. In this configuration, when charging a plug-in electric vehicle 4, the charging plug 22-1 is connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 while the charging plug 22 remains connected to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging equipment 1. This allows the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to simultaneously charge both the plug-in electric vehicle 4 and the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging equipment 1. Therefore, the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 can prevent the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 from being unable to be charged. The charging plug 22-1 of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is held in the charging plug hold 25-1 (shown by dashed lines) during non-vehicle charging, i.e., when not charging the plug-in electric vehicle 4.

[0067] As shown in part (b) of FIG. 3 , in embodiment (ii), the shared battery charging equipment 1 has an extension charging plug 16. The extension charging plug 16 is provided for charging a plug-in electric vehicle 4 parked at a quick charging station 5. When the extension charging plug 16 is connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4, the shared battery charging control unit 12 supplies power supplied from the vehicle quick charging equipment 2 via the quick charging standard power receiving unit 11 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 via the extension charging plug 16, not via the shared battery 14. Here, the flow of current from the vehicle quick charging equipment 2 to the shared battery charging equipment 1 and the plug-in electric vehicle 4 during vehicle charging and non-vehicle charging in embodiment (ii) will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the flow of current from the vehicle quick charging equipment 2 to the shared battery charging equipment 1 and the plug-in electric vehicle 4 in embodiment (ii).

[0068] First, referring to part (a) of FIG. 4 , vehicle charging by the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 will be described. The shared battery charging equipment 1 can charge a plug-in electric vehicle 4 parked at a rapid charging station 5 using an extension charging plug 16. A user of the rapid charging station 5 connects the extension charging plug 16 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 to charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4. When the extension charging plug 16 is connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4, the plug-in electric vehicle 4 communicates with the shared battery charging control unit 12 and the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. Communication is performed via communication lines 222, 122 and a communication line 162 connected to the extension charging plug 16. As a result of this communication, power is supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 via the shared battery charging equipment 1. The power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is supplied to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 without passing through the shared battery 14. Specifically, current is supplied through power lines 221, 121, power line 161 connected to extension charging plug 16, and shared battery charging control unit 12 (route X). This allows the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4 without supplying power to the shared battery 14, even via the shared battery charging equipment 1. Therefore, the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 can charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4 with the same power as when the charging plug 22 is directly connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4.

[0069] Next, with reference to part (b) of FIG. 4 , a description will be given of the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 when not charging a vehicle. When the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is not charging a vehicle, the extension charging plug 16 is not connected to anything. In this state, the shared battery charging control unit 12 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 communicates with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and the shared battery charging unit 15. Communication is performed via communication lines 222, 122, and 152. As a result of this communication, power is supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging equipment 1. Specifically, current is supplied through the power lines 221, 121, and 151 and the shared battery charging control unit 12 (route Y). Therefore, when the plug-in electric vehicle 4 is not being charged (when not charging a vehicle), power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 can be used to charge the shared battery 14 housed in the shared battery charging equipment 1. Therefore, in Example (ii), as in Example (i), the shared battery charging facility 1 can efficiently utilize the spare time of the vehicle rapid charging facility 2. Nighttime charging is also efficient, as in Example (i). As a result, in Example (ii), battery swapping and charging of the plug-in electric vehicle 4 can be achieved using the same facility with a relatively simple configuration.

[0070] In Example (ii), the shared battery charging equipment 1 can charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4 with even more increased power. A second example of vehicle charging by the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 will be described with reference to Part (c) of FIG. 4 . When the extension charge plug 16 is connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4, the shared battery charging equipment 1 is configured to supply power discharged from the shared battery 14 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 via the extension charge plug 16, in addition to power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11. Specifically, when the extension charge plug 16 is connected to the plug-in electric vehicle 4, the plug-in electric vehicle 4 communicates with the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and the shared battery charge control unit 12. Communication is performed via communication lines 222, 122, and 162. The shared battery charge control unit 12 also communicates with the shared battery charging unit 15 via communication line 152. As a result of the communication, current is supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 through power lines 221, 121, and 161 and the shared battery charging control unit 12 (route Z1). Furthermore, current is supplied from the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging unit 15 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 through power lines 151 and 161 and the shared battery charging control unit 12 (route Z2). This allows the shared battery charging equipment 1 to simultaneously supply power from both the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 and the shared battery 14 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4. As a result, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can supply more power to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 than the power supplied by the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2. Furthermore, even when the power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is small, the shared battery charging equipment 1 can rapid charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4 at a higher rate than when only the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 is used. Due to the advantages of the shared battery charging facility 1 for charging the plug-in electric vehicle 4, it is possible to popularize charging facilities for the shared batteries 14 provided for battery sharing services.

[0071] In Example (ii), the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 may be configured to connect the charging plug 22 in a manner that prevents or inhibits a user from removing the charging plug 22. For example, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 may be configured to be provided with a locking mechanism that prohibits removal of the charging plug 22 from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11. With this configuration, in Example (ii), it is possible to prompt a user to use the extension charging plug 16 instead of the charging plug 22 to charge the plug-in electric vehicle 4. This allows the shared battery charging equipment 1 to more effectively popularize charging equipment for shared batteries 14 provided for battery sharing services.

[0072] Two or more extension charging plugs 16 may be provided. In this case, the extension charging plugs 16 may be configured to have different fast charging standards. For example, a first extension charging plug 16 may be configured to comply with a first fast charging standard exclusively for four-wheeled vehicles, and a second extension charging plug may be configured to comply with a second fast charging standard exclusively for electric straddle-type vehicles that do not use the shared battery 14.

[0073] [Application Example] An application example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating battery sharing service systems (1000-1 and 1000-2) according to an application example of an embodiment of the present invention. Part (a) of Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a battery sharing service system 1000-1 according to an application example of embodiment (i) of part (a) of Fig. 3. Part (b) of Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a battery sharing service system 1000-2 according to an application example of embodiment (ii) of part (b) of Fig. 3.

[0074] A battery sharing service system 1000-1 will be described with reference to part (a) of FIG. 5 . The battery sharing service system 1000-1 includes a shared battery charging facility 1 and a battery sharing service management server 101. The battery sharing service management server 101 is capable of communicating with the shared battery charging facility 1 via a network 600. The battery sharing service management server 101 and the shared battery charging facility 1 are managed by a service provider 100 of the battery sharing service. In the battery sharing service system 1000-1, a user 300 of the battery sharing service removes a shared battery 14 from a slot 13 of the shared battery charging facility 1. The removed shared battery 14 is referred to as a provided battery 14-n. At this time, the shared battery charging facility 1 transmits management data D1 indicating the provided battery 14-n and power amount data D2 corresponding to the amount of power charged in the provided battery 14-n to the battery sharing service management server 101. The power charged to the provided battery 14-n is supplied from the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit 11 of the shared battery charging facility 1. The management data for the provided battery 14-n may include, for example, identification data for the shared battery charging facility 1 and slot 13 that charged the provided battery 14-n, identification data for the provided battery 14-n, or identification data for the user who has authorized removal of the provided battery 14-n, or a combination of two or more of these types of identification data. The battery sharing service management server 101 stores the management data D1 for the provided battery 14-n received from the shared battery charging facility 1 in association with the power amount data D2.

[0075] Next, the battery sharing service system 1000-2 will be described with reference to part (b) of Figure 5. The battery sharing service system 1000-2 can charge a plug-in electric vehicle 4 with power from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 via an extension charging plug 16. At this time, the shared battery charging equipment 1 transmits the following power amount data D3 and D4 to the battery sharing service management server 101 in addition to the management data D1 and power amount data D2 of the battery sharing service system 1000-1 described above. Power amount data D3: Power amount data corresponding to the amount of power supplied from the vehicle rapid charging equipment 2 to the shared battery charging equipment 1. Electric energy data D4: Electric energy data corresponding to the amount of electric energy charged from the shared battery 14 to the plug-in electric vehicle 4 (when electric power from the shared battery 14 of the shared battery charging equipment 1 is added to the charging of the plug-in electric vehicle 4 (see part (c) of FIG. 4 ). The battery sharing service management server 101 stores the electric energy data D3 and D4 acquired from the shared battery charging equipment 1. At this time, if there is identification data of the owner of the plug-in electric vehicle 4, the identification data of the owner of the plug-in electric vehicle 4 may be stored in association with the acquired electric energy data D3 and D4.

[0076] Furthermore, the battery sharing service management servers 101 of the battery sharing service systems 1000-1 (part (a) of FIG. 5 ) and 1000-2 (part (b) of FIG. 5 ) can communicate with the rapid charging service management server 201 via a network 600. Furthermore, the rapid charging service management server 201 can communicate with the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 via the network 600. The rapid charging service management server 201 and the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 are managed by a service provider 200 of the rapid charging service. The battery sharing service management server 101 transmits the above-mentioned power amount data D2 to D4 (only D2 in the example (i) of part (a) of FIG. 5 , and D2 to D4 in the example (ii) of part (b) of FIG. 5 ) and management data D5 indicating the shared battery charging facility 1 to the rapid charging service management server 201. Note that the management data D5 is a part of the management data D1. The quick charging service management server 201 stores the power amount data D2 to D4 in association with the management data D5 of the shared battery charging facility 1.

[0077] In the battery sharing service systems 1000-1 and 1000-2, the battery sharing service provider 100 can calculate fees based on data stored in the battery sharing service management server 101. Furthermore, the rapid charging service provider 200 can calculate fees based on data stored in the rapid charging service management server 201. The battery sharing service systems 1000-1 and 1000-2 enable management of billing for users of the battery sharing service independently of the vehicle shared rapid charging equipment 2. The fees calculated by the battery sharing service management server 101 can be transmitted via the network 600 to a mobile information terminal 301 owned by a user 300 of the battery sharing service and a mobile information terminal 401 owned by an owner 400 of the plug-in electric vehicle 4. Furthermore, the fees calculated by the rapid charging service management server 201 can be transmitted via the network 600 to the mobile information terminal 401 owned by the owner 400 of the plug-in electric vehicle 4. The portable information terminals 301 and 401 are, for example, smartphones.

[0078] In this way, according to the battery sharing service systems 1000-1 and 1000-2, the management data of the provided battery 14-n is stored in association with the power amount data so that the user's payment for the battery sharing service can be made to the battery sharing service, rather than to the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 or its service. In other words, according to the battery sharing service systems 1000-1 and 1000-2, the management data of the provided battery 14-n is stored in association with the power amount data so that the user's payment for the battery sharing service can be made in the battery sharing service, independent of the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 or its service. As a result, while the shared battery charging facility 1 is electrically connected to the vehicle rapid charging facility 2, a physical connection is maintained between the shared battery charging facility 1 and the vehicle rapid charging facility 2. However, the battery sharing service system and the vehicle rapid charging facility 2 or its service can be separated for billing the user for the battery sharing service. This enables efficient management of users of the battery sharing service and promotes the widespread use of shared battery charging facilities used in battery sharing services.

[0079] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shared battery charging equipment 2 Vehicle rapid charging equipment 3 Electric two-wheeler 4 Plug-in type electric vehicle 5 Rapid charging station 11 Rapid charging standard power receiving unit 12 Swapping type shared battery charging control unit (shared battery charging control unit) 13 Slot 14 Shared battery 15 Shared battery charging unit 16 Extended charging plug 22 Charging plug 23 Charging cable 24 Main body 121, 151, 161, 221 Power line 122, 152, 162, 222 Communication line 153 DC / DC converter 100 Service provider of battery sharing service 101 Battery sharing service management server 200 Service provider of rapid charging service 201 Rapid charging service management server 300 User of battery sharing service 400 Owner of plug-in type electric vehicle 301, 401 Portable information terminal

Claims

1. A swapping-type shared battery charging facility has a plurality of slots capable of accommodating and charging shared batteries provided for a battery sharing service, and is configured to enable battery swapping by pairing a used shared battery with an empty slot and allowing a charged shared battery to be removed from the slot, The swapping-type shared battery charging facility has the following features: a quick-charging standard power receiving unit that is electrically connected to the plug-in vehicle common quick-charging equipment in accordance with the quick-charging standard so as to be able to receive power from the plug-in vehicle common quick-charging equipment and to communicate with the plug-in vehicle common quick-charging equipment; a swapping-type shared battery charging control unit that enables the battery swapping by charging the shared battery accommodated in the slot with power supplied from the plug-in type vehicle common-type quick charging equipment via the quick charging standard power receiving unit so as to be provided for the battery sharing service; and Equipped with.

2. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 1, The swapping type shared battery charge control unit includes: By communicating with the plug-in vehicle common-type quick charging equipment via the quick charging standard power receiving unit, control is performed to receive power for charging the shared battery from the plug-in vehicle common-type quick charging equipment via the quick charging standard power receiving unit. It is structured as follows.

3. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 1, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is provided in the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment and is configured to enable removal and attachment of a charging plug that complies with the rapid charging standard; the removal refers to the charging plug being removed from the rapid charging standard power receiving unit in order to be connected to a plug-in electric vehicle when the charging plug is used for rapid charging the plug-in electric vehicle; The attachment means that the charging plug is attached to the rapid charging standard power receiving unit so that the common rapid charging equipment for plug-in vehicles and the rapid charging standard power receiving unit are electrically connected when the charging plug is not used for rapid charging the plug-in electric vehicle.

4. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 1, the rapid charging standard power receiving unit is provided in the plug-in type vehicle shared rapid charging equipment and is configured to be connected to a charging plug conforming to the rapid charging standard; The swapping-type shared battery charging facility further includes an extension charging plug that is connectable to a plug-in type electric vehicle and conforms to the rapid charging standard.

5. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 4, The rapid charging standard power receiving unit is configured such that the charging plug is connected in a manner that prevents or inhibits a user from removing the charging plug.

6. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 4, The swapping-type shared battery charging control unit is configured to supply, when the extension charging plug is connected to a plug-in type electric vehicle, power supplied from the common rapid charging equipment for plug-in type vehicles via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit to the plug-in type electric vehicle through the extension charging plug without going through the shared battery.

7. The swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to claim 4, The swapping-type shared battery charging control unit is configured to supply, when the extended charging plug is connected to a plug-in type electric vehicle, power discharged from the shared battery to the plug-in type electric vehicle via the extended charging plug, in addition to power supplied from the common rapid charging equipment for plug-in type vehicles via the rapid charging standard power receiving unit without passing through the shared battery.

8. A battery sharing service system, The battery sharing service system includes: A swapping-type shared battery charging facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a battery sharing service management server capable of communicating with the swapping-type shared battery charging facility; the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment transmits to the battery sharing service management server management data indicating the provided battery, which is the shared battery removed from the slot of the swapping-type shared battery charging equipment, and power amount data corresponding to the amount of power charged to the provided battery from the plug-in type vehicle common-type quick-charging equipment via the quick-charging standard power receiving unit, The battery sharing service management server stores the management data of the provided battery in association with the power amount data.