Charger, power switching module, and charging system

Abstract

This charger includes: a plurality of power output terminals configured to be capable of outputting power to storage batteries of vehicles that use the power as a power source; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding respectively to the plurality of power output terminals; and a switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements such that, on the basis of a control command for outputting power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, a switching element, among the plurality of switching elements, that is related to the control command is set to an OFF state and the other switching elements are set to an ON state.

Description

Chargers, power switching modules, charging systems

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger, a power switching module, and a charging system.

[0002] In recent years, private vehicles that use electricity as a drive source and have built-in storage batteries that can be supplied with power from an external source, such as electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), have become popular.

[0003] As the above-mentioned vehicles (hereinafter also referred to as EVs, etc.) become more widespread, the number of facilities where EVs, etc. (their storage batteries) can be charged is also increasing, and parking lots at commercial facilities and apartment complexes are increasingly being provided with parking spaces equipped with charging equipment for charging EVs, etc. In such cases, one parking space is allocated for one charging equipment, and the parking space where the charging equipment is installed is usually a parking space exclusively for the EV, etc. that wishes to be charged.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-191471

[0005] However, vehicles parked in parking spaces with charging equipment (hereinafter also referred to as charging spaces) may not necessarily be charging. For example, a vehicle may remain parked even after charging is complete, or the charging space may simply be used as a regular vacant space without any connection to charging. When a vehicle that is not charging is parked in a charging space like this, there is a problem in that the charging equipment cannot be effectively utilized even if a user wishes to charge an EV or other vehicle.

[0006] On the other hand, although EVs and other vehicles are becoming more popular, there are still many vehicles that are not EVs (hereinafter referred to as non-EVs) in use, and from a cost perspective, it is not realistic to install charging equipment in all parking spaces in commercial facilities and apartment complexes.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a technology that enables effective utilization of parking space when providing parking spaces for charging EVs, etc.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration: a charger having a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power, a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of power output terminals, and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output power from one of the plurality of power output terminals so that the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command is closed (ON) and the other switching elements are opened (OFF).

[0009] In this specification, the terms "vehicle" and "EV, etc." refer to not only general four-wheeled automobiles but also various types of mobility, such as motorcycles, bicycles, electric carts (including so-called senior cars), and kick scooters. A charger configured in this manner allows a different EV, etc., to be connected to each of the multiple power output terminals, so that multiple parking spaces where EVs, etc. can be charged can be assigned to one charger, enabling flexible use of parking space. Even when multiple EVs, etc., are connected, control is possible to output power to only one of the multiple connection destinations, so the charging destination can be switched so as not to exceed the original power supply capacity, eliminating the need to unnecessarily increase the original power supply capacity.

[0010] The charger may also have a communication means, and the switching control means may receive the control command via the communication means. With this configuration, it becomes possible for an external device to perform calculations such as switching the power output destination, such as determining which power output terminal to output power from and when, and it becomes possible to provide a charger with a simple configuration that does not require advanced calculations.

[0011] The charger may also have an operation input receiving means, and the opening / closing control means may receive the control command based on an input via the operation input receiving means. With this configuration, a convenient service can be provided even to users who do not like procedures via a communication network. Also, the charger can be configured as a standalone device.

[0012] The control command may also instruct the power output terminal to output the power from the output terminal connected to the vehicle that next receives a charging request, after charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that first receives a charging request has been completed, in accordance with the order in which charging requests for the vehicles connected to each of the power output terminals are received.

[0013] According to this, even if there are multiple EVs or other vehicles connected to the power output terminal, charging can be performed on a first-come, first-served basis, with the first vehicle to apply for (connect to) charging being charged, and once charging is complete, charging can be performed on the other vehicles in turn. Therefore, even if the charger is in operation (charging another EV or other vehicle), if a parking space corresponding to the charger is available, the vehicle can park in that space and wait its turn for charging, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, this can prevent situations where charging is not possible because there are no available parking spaces even when the charger is not in operation, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the charger.

[0014] In addition, the charging request may be accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging energy or the charging time related to charging the storage battery of the vehicle, and the charger may further have a charging end time calculation means for calculating the charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging energy or the charging time, and an output means for outputting the calculated charging end time.

[0015] This improves user convenience by letting users know the estimated time when charging will be completed (the time required for charging to be completed). In addition, by displaying the charging completion time of other vehicles that have already applied for charging, users waiting in line can also know the estimated time when charging will begin.

[0016] The charger may also have an ammeter that measures the current value related to the power output from the power output terminal. This allows the amount of output power (i.e., the amount of power supplied to the storage battery) to be determined and used for calculating charging fees, etc. Note that multiple ammeters may be provided corresponding to the multiple power output terminals, or only one may be provided on an electrical path common to these terminals.

[0017] The charger may have a columnar housing, and the plurality of power output terminals may be provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the housing. With this configuration, parking spaces can be arranged around the charger, and the charger can be connected to an EV or the like even if the power supply cable is short.

[0018] The present invention can also be understood as an electric power switching module as follows: That is, an electric power switching module having a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power, a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of power output terminals, and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output electric power from one of the plurality of power output terminals so that the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command is closed and the other switching elements are opened.

[0019] By using such a power switching module, the charger described above can be easily installed in a desired housing.

[0020] The present invention can also be understood as a charging system as follows: That is, a charging system having a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power, a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of power output terminals, and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements based on a control command to output electric power from one of the plurality of power output terminals so that the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command is closed and the other switching elements are opened.

[0021] The charging system may further include an ammeter that measures a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal, and a fee calculation means that calculates a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter.

[0022] The charging system may further include a means for accepting a charging request for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal, and a control command generation means for generating the control command based on the accepted charging request.

[0023] In addition, the control command generating means may generate the control command to output the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that next receives a charging request is connected, after charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that first receives a charging request has been completed in accordance with the order in which the charging requests are received.

[0024] In addition, the charging request may be accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging energy or the charging time related to charging the storage battery of the vehicle, and the charging system may further have a charging end time calculation means for calculating the charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging energy or the charging time, and an output means for outputting the calculated charging end time.

[0025] The charging system may also include a charger equipped with the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of switching elements, and the switching control means, and parking spaces each of which is adjacent to the charger and whose number is equal to or greater than the number of the power output terminals.

[0026] This allows for the provision of a large number of parking spaces where EVs and other vehicles can be charged while limiting the number of chargers installed, thereby enabling effective use of parking space.

[0027] The present invention can be achieved by combining the above-described configurations and processes as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables effective utilization of parking space when providing parking spaces for charging EVs and the like.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a charging system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a first diagram showing a relationship between a charger and a parking space according to an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a second diagram showing a relationship between a charger and a parking space according to an example of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of a charging control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a charger according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of a charger according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in each of the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] <Application Example> The present invention can be applied, for example, as a charger 20, a power switching module 29 used in the charger 20, and a charging system 1 including the charger 20, as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the charging system 1 including the power switching module 29 according to this application example.

[0032] (System Overview) As shown in Fig. 1 , charging system 1 includes a charger 20 connected to an AC power source 30 (e.g., a commercial power system), a charging control device 10, and a communication network N. As will be described later, when electric vehicles such as EVs (hereinafter simply referred to as EVs) 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d that use electric power as a power source are connected to charger 20, the EVs and their user terminals (e.g., mobile information terminals such as smartphones) 41 also constitute part of the system. Note that in Fig. 1 , power connections are indicated by solid lines, and information and communication connections are indicated by dashed lines.

[0033] (Charger Configuration) The charger 20 is a charging facility installed in, for example, a parking lot of a commercial facility or an apartment building, and supplies power to an EV (the storage battery). The charger 20 is configured such that a power switching module 29 is housed in a housing (e.g., a column-shaped housing) not shown. FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the layout of the charger 20 and multiple parking spaces P1, P2, P3, and P4 that are provided to allow use of the charger 20. Both FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the charger 20 and the parking spaces P1, P2, P3, and P4 in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the parking spaces P1, P2, P3, and P4 are arranged to surround the charger 20, so that no matter which parking space P1, P2, P3, or P4 a vehicle is parked in, it can be easily connected to the charger 20 without using a long power cable.

[0034] The power switching module 29 is a module having a plurality of outlets (examples of power output terminals) 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, a plurality of relays (examples of switching elements) 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d provided corresponding to each power output terminal, a power input unit 23 to which power is input from an AC power source 30, a power line including an ammeter 24, a switching control unit 25, and a communication unit 26.

[0035] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, and the EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, they will also be referred to as the outlets 21, the relays 22, and the EVs 40. A user who charges an EV 40 using the charger 20 of this application example connects one of the outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d to the charging terminal of the EV 40 with a power cable and performs a procedure to apply for charging.

[0036] The communication unit 26 is realized using an integrated circuit such as a communication IC (Integrated Circuit), and transmits and receives information to and from the charge control device 10 via the communication network N.

[0037] The switching control unit 25 is a control circuit that controls the opening and closing of each of the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, and performs the opening and closing control of each of the relays 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d based on a control command received from the charging control device 10 via the communication unit 26. The control command transmitted from the charging control device 10 is, for example, a command signal instructing the power supply to output power from the outlet 21a to which the EV 40a is connected in order to charge one of the EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d connected to the outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. Based on the control command, the switching control unit 25 controls each of the relays 22a to close the relay 22a and to open the other relays (22b, 22c, and 22d).

[0038] In a conventional configuration in which one parking space is assigned to one charger, a situation may occur in which the charger is available but the parking space is unavailable (e.g., because a charged vehicle is parked there), resulting in inefficient facility operation. In contrast, in the charging system 1 according to this application example, the charger 20 includes multiple outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, each of which can be connected to a different EV 40. This allows multiple parking spaces P1, P2, P3, and P4 in which EVs 40 can be charged to be assigned to one charger 20, thereby enabling flexible use of parking space. Furthermore, even if multiple EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are connected to each of the multiple outlets 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, power output can be controlled to only one of the connected EVs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d (e.g., 40a). This allows switching the charging destination so as not to exceed the original power supply capacity.

[0039] <Embodiment 1> Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. A charging system 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that described in the application example using Figures 1 and 2. That is, the charging system 1 includes a charging control device 10, a charger 20 including a power switching module 29, a user terminal 41, a communication network N, and the like. Note that detailed description of the configuration already described in the application example will be omitted.

[0040] (Charging Control Device) Although not shown, the charging control device 10 according to this embodiment can be realized as a general-purpose computer including an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD or flash memory. The charging control device 10 may also include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a controller, or a touch panel, output devices such as a display, a printer, or a speaker, and communication means (whether wired or wireless). The charging control device 10 may be configured by a single computer or multiple computers.

[0041] The charge control device 10 is connected to the charger 20 and the user terminal 41 via a communication network N, and controls the charging power from the charger 20 to the EV 40 based on information obtained from these.

[0042] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charge control device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the charge control device 10 has, as functional units, a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The control unit 100 is configured to include an arithmetic processing unit, and controls the entire charge control device 10.

[0043] The control unit 100 also includes, as functional modules, a charging application acceptance unit 101, a charging time calculation unit 102, a control command signal generation unit 103, a current value acquisition unit 104, a charging fee calculation unit 105, and a payment processing unit 106. Each functional module may be realized, for example, by having the arithmetic processing unit read and execute a program stored in a storage device.

[0044] The storage unit 120 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, and stores various information in addition to programs for operating the control unit 100. Specifically, the storage unit 120 stores, for example, information for identifying the charger 20 (and further each outlet 21), information related to charging fee billing, temporary information input by the user (for example, information such as each user's desired charging amount and desired charging time, information related to payment methods, etc.). Note that this information may be stored in a table format. Furthermore, this information may be configured to function as a so-called relational database, which allows stored information to be mutually referenced and linked.

[0045] The communication unit 130 is realized using an integrated circuit such as a communication IC, and transmits and receives data to and from other components of the system and external systems via the communication network N.

[0046] (Functional Modules) Next, each functional module included in the control unit 100 will be described. The charging application acceptance unit 101 accepts a charging application (charging request) from a user who wishes to charge. A charging request from a user can be accepted, for example, from a user terminal 41 described below via a communication network N. Furthermore, when a charging request is accepted from a user, the charging application acceptance unit 101 acquires information that can specify how much power will be supplied to the storage battery of the connected EV 40, such as the amount of charging energy (kWh) that the user wishes to charge and the charging time. Furthermore, the charging application acceptance unit 101 is not limited to accepting information input from the user terminal 41, and can also acquire necessary information by other means.

[0047] Based on information related to a charge request received from a user, the charge time calculation unit 102 calculates the time required to complete charging of the storage battery of the user's EV 40, and calculates the time when charging will be completed based on this. Even if the information received from the user is a desired charge amount, the time required to charge the desired charge amount can be calculated by dividing the amount of power by the rated output. Furthermore, even if there is another EV 40 already being charged and a later user is waiting in line, the charge completion time of the EV 40 of the user who made the last charge request can be calculated by adding the charging time of the other EV 40 already being charged. Furthermore, by calculating the charge completion time of the EV 40 of the user whose charge request was received immediately before, the charge start time of the EV 40 of the new user waiting in line can also be calculated.

[0048] Control command signal generation unit 103 generates a control command signal to be sent to opening / closing control unit 25, i.e., a signal instructing when and from which outlet 21 to output power. For example, in accordance with the order in which charging requests are received by charging application reception unit 101, power is output from outlet 21a to which EV 40a of the user whose charging request is received first is connected, and when charging of EV 40a is completed, power is output from outlet 21b to which EV 40b of the user whose charging request is received next is connected.

[0049] The control command signal generated by the control command signal generation unit 103 is transmitted to the switching control unit 25 via the communication units 130 and 26. The switching control unit 25 controls the switching of each relay 22 based on the control command.

[0050] The current value acquisition unit 104 acquires a current value related to the output power from the ammeter 24 of the charger 20. The charging fee calculation unit 105 calculates a charging fee for each EV 40 based on the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 104 and the unit price of power stored in the memory unit 120. Note that the ammeter 24 is provided upstream of where the electric path of the charger 20 branches into multiple relays, but the amount of power being output from the outlet 21 connected to each EV 40 is clear from the control command generated by the control command signal generation unit 103, so the charging fee can be calculated for each EV 40. However, multiple ammeters 24 may be provided downstream of the branch point of the electric path, corresponding to each outlet 21.

[0051] The charging fee calculation unit 105 can also calculate a predicted charging fee before the start of charging based on the information acquired by the charging application acceptance unit 101, information on the unit price of electricity, etc. For example, if information on a desired charging amount has been acquired from the user, the predicted charging fee can be easily calculated by multiplying this by the unit price. Even if the acquired information is only the desired charging time, the predicted charging fee can be calculated based on the estimated time required to complete charging calculated by the charging time calculation unit 102 and information such as the rated output.

[0052] The payment processing unit 106 executes payment processing for the amount of charge that has actually been performed. Part of the information related to payment may be stored in the storage unit 120. Furthermore, the payment processing unit 106 may execute processing related to payment in cooperation with an external system (such as a credit company) via the communication network N as necessary.

[0053] (User Terminal) Next, the user terminal 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 41. The user terminal 41 is, for example, a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wristwatch-type wearable terminal, and includes functional units such as a control unit 411, an input unit 412, an output unit 413, a memory unit 414, and a communication unit 415. The control unit 411 is a means for controlling the user terminal 41 and is configured, for example, by a CPU. The input unit 412 can be a touch panel display integrated with the output unit 413. The memory unit 414 is configured to include a main memory unit, an auxiliary memory unit, etc., and stores an operating system (OS), various programs, and various data acquired via the communication network N. The communication unit 415 is configured to include, for example, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0054] A user who wishes to charge using the charger 20 applies for charging and performs payment processing, etc., via a user interface on the user terminal 41 (for example, provided by an application program or transmitted from the charge control device 10).

[0055] An example of such a user interface (a charging application confirmation screen) is shown in Fig. 4B. The charging application confirmation screen shown in the example of Fig. 4B displays information identifying the charger 20 and outlet to which the EV 40 is connected, the desired charging time (charging capacity) specified by the user, the scheduled charging start time, the scheduled charging completion time, and the estimated charge amount. The screen is then ready to accept a selection input as to whether or not to accept the application under those conditions.

[0056] 4B may use information acquired by the charging application acceptance unit 101, information calculated by the charging time calculation unit 102, and information calculated by the charging fee calculation unit 105. By providing such information, the user can abandon charging or change the amount of charging after checking the scheduled charging start and completion times, estimated fees, etc.

[0057] (Effects Unique to the Embodiment) According to the charging system 1 described above, even if multiple EVs 40 are connected to the charger 20, charging is performed on a first-come, first-served basis, starting with the EV 40 that applied for charging first. After charging is completed, charging can be performed on the other EVs 40 in sequence. Therefore, even if the charger 20 is in an operating state, if a parking space corresponding to the charger 20 is available, the EV can park in the space and wait for its turn to charge. Furthermore, the EV can know the estimated time when charging will be completed, which makes it easier to plan future trips and improves user convenience. Furthermore, even if the charger 20 is not in an operating state, it is possible to prevent situations in which charging cannot be performed because there are no available parking spaces, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the charger 20. Furthermore, because the calculation processing related to charging control of the charger 20 is performed in the charging control device, the charger 20 can have a simple configuration consisting of a power switching module 29 and a housing, thereby reducing the cost per charger 20.

[0058] Second Embodiment In the charging system 1 described above, calculations related to charging control of the charger 20, acceptance of charging applications, and approval processing are performed by the charging control device 10 (and the user terminal 41) connected via the communication network N, but the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. A charger 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of charger 50, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of charger 50. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, charger 50 has a rectangular prism-shaped housing 59, which is provided with outlets 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d, one on each side of the rectangular prism, an input unit (e.g., operation buttons) 551, and an output unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 552. Note that charger 50 can be installed in a location surrounded by multiple parking spaces, similar to charger 20 of embodiment 1.

[0060] The input unit 551 accepts operational inputs from a user who uses the charger 50. The output unit 552 displays various information and a user interface relating to the use of the charger 50, and provides this information to the user.

[0061] The charger 50 also includes relays 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d connected to the respective outlets 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d, a power input unit 53 to which power is input from the AC power supply 30, and an ammeter 54. These configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0062] The charger 50 is also configured to include a storage unit 553 and a control unit 554. The control unit 554 includes an arithmetic processing unit and controls the charger 50. The storage unit 553 includes a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit, and stores various information in addition to programs for causing the control unit 554 to function.

[0063] The control unit 554 is configured to essentially perform the functions of the opening / closing control unit 25 in the charger 20 of the first embodiment and the control unit 100 in the charge control device 10. That is, the control unit 554 accepts a charging request based on information input by the user via the input unit 551, calculates the time required for charging, the charging completion time, and the charging start time (when waiting in line), and calculates an estimated charging fee. The control unit 554 also determines when and from which outlet 51 output will be performed based on the information acquired via the input unit 551, and directly controls the opening and closing of each relay 52.

[0064] According to the charger 50 according to this embodiment, the charger 50 can be configured as a standalone unit, and the operation of the charging facility can be started with the charger 50 alone, without the need to build a large-scale system. Although not shown, by providing a fare adjustment machine or the like in addition, a convenient charging service can be provided even to users who do not like to go through procedures via a communication network.

[0065] <Others> The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications of the present invention are possible within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, only one EV 40 is charged (i.e., there is only one power output terminal from which power is actually output), but multiple EVs 40 may be charged as long as the original power supply capacity is not exceeded. In this case, measures are taken to prevent backflow of power to other EVs (such as providing a diode on the electrical path). In this case, multiple ammeters 24 are provided downstream of the branch point of the electrical path, corresponding to each outlet 21, rather than upstream of the branch point, so that the amount of charge for each EV 40 being charged simultaneously can be determined.

[0067] It is also possible to combine the first and second embodiments. Specifically, the charger 50 of the second embodiment, further equipped with a communication means, can be used in place of the charger 20 of the first embodiment. In this way, a series of procedures can be performed online via the user terminal 41, or charging operations and payments can be performed by directly operating the charger at the charging space. This makes it possible to meet the needs of a variety of users.

[0068] In addition, in the above embodiment, the number of outlets provided in one charger is the same as the number of parking spaces provided around that one charger, but the number of parking spaces allocated to one charger may be greater than the number of outlets, which allows for more flexible and effective use of parking space.

[0069] <Supplementary Note 1> A charger (20, 50) comprising: a plurality of power output terminals (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) powered by electric power; a plurality of switching elements (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; and switching control means (25, 554) that controls, based on a control command to output electric power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command to be in a closed state and the other switching elements to be in an open state.

[0070] <Supplementary Note 2> The charger according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a communication means (26), wherein the opening / closing control means receives the control command via the communication means.

[0071] <Supplementary Note 3> The charger according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising an operation input receiving means (551), wherein the opening / closing control means receives the control command based on an input via the operation input receiving means.

[0072] <Supplementary Note 4> The charger according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the control command instructs the charger to output the power from the output terminal connected to the vehicle that next receives a charging request after charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that first receives a charging request has been completed in accordance with the order in which charging requests for the vehicles connected to the power output terminals have been received.

[0073] <Supplementary Note 5> The charger according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the charging request is accompanied by information specifying either a charging energy amount or a charging time related to charging the storage battery of the vehicle, and the charger further comprises: a charging end time calculation means (554) that calculates a charging end time related to the charging request based on the charging energy amount or the charging time; and an output means (552) that outputs the calculated charging end time.

[0074] <Supplementary Note 6> The charger according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising an ammeter (53) that measures a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal.

[0075] <Supplementary Note 7> The charger according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a columnar housing (59), wherein the plurality of power output terminals are provided at different positions in a circumferential direction of the housing.

[0076] <Supplementary Note 8> An electric power switching module (29) comprising: a plurality of electric power output terminals configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of electric power output terminals, respectively; and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements, based on a control command to output electric power from any one of the plurality of electric power output terminals, so as to close the switching element corresponding to the electric power output terminal related to the control command and to open the other switching elements.

[0077] <Supplementary Note 9> A charging system (1) comprising: a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output electric power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of power output terminals, respectively; and a switching control means that controls the plurality of switching elements, based on a control command to output electric power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, so that the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command is brought into a closed state, and the other switching elements are brought into an open state.

[0078] <Supplementary Note 10> The charging system according to Supplementary Note 9, further comprising: an ammeter that measures a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal; and fee calculation means (105) that calculates a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter.

[0079] <Supplementary Note 11> The charging system according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, further comprising: a receiving means (101) for a charging request for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal; and a control command generating means (103) for generating the control command based on the received charging request.

[0080] <Supplementary Note 12> The charging system according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the control command generating means generates the control command to output the electric power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that next receives a charging request is connected, after charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that first receives a charging request in accordance with the order of reception of the charging requests is completed.

[0081] <Supplementary Note 13> The charging system according to Supplementary Note 11 or 12, wherein the charging request is accompanied by information specifying either a charging energy amount or a charging time related to charging the storage battery of the vehicle, and further comprising: a charging completion time calculation means (102) that calculates a charging completion time related to the charging request based on the charging energy amount or the charging time; and an output means (413) that outputs the calculated charging end time.

[0082] <Supplementary Note 14> The charging system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13, comprising: a charger including the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of switching elements, and the switching control means; and parking spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4) the number of which is equal to or greater than the number of the power output terminals and which are provided adjacent to the charger, respectively.

[0083] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Charging system 10... Charging control device 20, 50... Charger 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d... Outlet 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d... Relay 23, 53... Power input section 24, 54... Ammeter 29... Power switching module 30... Power source 31a, 31b, 31c... Measurement section 32a, 32b, 32c... Communication section 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d... EV 41... User terminal 551... Input section 552... Output section 59... Housing N... Communication network P1, P2, P3, P4... Parking space

Claims

1. A charger having: a plurality of power output terminals configured to be able to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by electric power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements such that, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements is closed and the other switching elements are opened.

2. The charger according to claim 1, further having communication means, wherein the switching control means receives the control command via the communication means.

3. The charger according to claim 1, further having operation input reception means, wherein the switching control means receives the control command based on an input via the operation input reception means.

4. The control command is to instruct that, in accordance with the order of reception of charging requests for the vehicle connected to each of the power output terminals, after charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, power is then output from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the charging request next is connected. The charger according to claim 1.

5. The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either the amount of charging power or the charging time related to charging of the storage battery of the vehicle, and further has charging end time calculation means for calculating a charging end time related to the charging request based on the amount of charging power or the charging time, and output means for outputting the calculated charging end time. The charger according to claim 4.

6. The charger according to claim 1, having an ammeter for measuring a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal.

7. The charger according to claim 1, having a columnar housing, wherein the plurality of power output terminals are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the housing.

8. A power switching module having: a plurality of power output terminals configured to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by the power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements such that, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements is closed and the other switching elements are opened.

9. A charging system having: a plurality of power output terminals configured to output the power to a storage battery of a vehicle powered by the power; a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power output terminals; and switching control means for controlling the plurality of switching elements such that, based on a control command to output power from any one of the plurality of power output terminals, the switching element corresponding to the power output terminal related to the control command among the plurality of switching elements is closed and the other switching elements are opened.

10. The charging system according to claim 9, further comprising: an ammeter for measuring a current value related to the power output from the power output terminal; and charge calculation means for calculating a charging fee based on the current value measured by the ammeter.

11. The charging system according to claim 9, further comprising: reception means for receiving a charging request for the vehicle connected to the power output terminal; and control command generation means for generating the control command based on the received charging request.

12. The charging system according to claim 11, wherein the control command generation means generates the control command to output the power from the output terminal to which the vehicle that received the charging request next is connected after the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle that received the charging request first is completed, in accordance with the order of reception of the charging requests.

13. The charging request is accompanied by information specifying either a charging power amount or a charging time related to the charging of the storage battery of the vehicle, and the charging system according to claim 11 further comprises: charging completion time calculation means for calculating a charging completion time related to the charging request based on the charging power amount or the charging time; and output means for outputting the calculated charging completion time.

14. A charger including the plurality of power output terminals, the plurality of switching elements, and the switching control means, and a number of parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of the power output terminals provided adjacent to the charger respectively. The charging system according to claim 9.

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