Charging assistance system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to efficiently assist in charging an electric construction machine operating at a work site. A charging assistance system 1 comprises a management apparatus 100 for selecting which of a mobile first charging facility 400 and a stationary second charging facility 500 having a higher charging capability than the first charging facility 400 is to be delivered to a work site 300. The management apparatus 100 determines, on the basis of battery information and position information pertaining to each of a construction machine 200 and the second charging facility 500, whether the electric power storage amount of the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a prescribed electric power amount, and whether movement of the second charging facility 500 to the work site 300 will be completed within a prescribed time. The management apparatus 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as an object to be delivered in cases where it is determined that the electric power storage amount of the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than the prescribed electric power amount and it is determined that movement of the second charging facility 500 will be completed within the prescribed time.

Description

Charging assistance system

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging assistance system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that, when an electric vehicle is about to run out of battery and there is no charging station nearby, finds another electric vehicle or charging vehicle that is traveling nearby and can charge the electric vehicle, and charges the electric vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which multiple charging vehicles are kept on standby at a vehicle dispatch center, and when an electric construction machine is about to run out of battery, a charging vehicle is dispatched to charge the construction machine.

[0004] JP 2012-108870 A JP 2021-156035 A

[0005] In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, another electric vehicle or charging vehicle is dispatched to the charging target, but since electric construction machinery operating at a work site continues to operate at the same work site for multiple days, the amount of energy that can be charged in the other electric vehicle or charging vehicle is insufficient to charge the electric construction machinery. With the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, even if the electric construction machinery is charged once, the other electric vehicle or charging vehicle must be dispatched multiple times. Therefore, with the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, operating and managing the charging of electric construction machinery operating at a work site requires a lot of effort, and the operating and management costs related to the charging increase.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to efficiently support charging of electric construction machines operating at work sites.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the charging assistance system of the present invention is a charging assistance system that assists in the delivery of charging equipment to a work site where an electric construction machine is operated, and includes a management device that selects whether to deliver to the work site a first mobile charging equipment or a second stationary charging equipment that has a higher charging capacity than the first mobile charging equipment and is used as a stationary equipment at the work site, and the management device stores battery information that indicates the specifications and status of the batteries installed in each of the electric construction machine and the second stationary charging equipment, and the battery information that indicates the specifications and status of the batteries installed in the electric construction machine and the second stationary charging equipment. and location information of the second stationary charging equipment, and based on the collected battery information and location information, determine whether the stored power amount of the second stationary charging equipment is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power and whether the movement of the second stationary charging equipment to the work site can be completed within a predetermined time; and if it is determined that the stored power amount of the second stationary charging equipment is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power and the movement of the second stationary charging equipment can be completed within the predetermined time, select the second stationary charging equipment as the delivery target in preference to the first mobile charging equipment.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently support charging of an electric construction machine operating at a work site. Problems, components, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments.

[0009] 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging support system of a first embodiment. A flowchart showing processing performed by a management device shown in FIG. 1. A flowchart showing a modified example of the processing shown in FIG. 2. A flowchart showing processing performed by a management device of a second embodiment. A flowchart showing processing performed subsequent to FIG. 4. A flowchart showing a modified example of the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging support system of a third embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in each embodiment have similar components in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a charging support system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The charging assistance system 1 is a system that assists in the delivery of charging facilities 400, 500 to a work site 300 where an electric construction machine 200 (hereinafter also referred to as "construction machine 200") is operated, and assists in charging the construction machine 200. The charging facilities 400, 500 include a first charging facility 400 that can charge the construction machine 200, and a second charging facility 500 that can charge the construction machine 200. The charging assistance system 1 includes a management device 100 that manages the delivery of the charging facilities 400, 500 in an integrated manner.

[0013] A plurality of construction machines 200 are in operation at a work site 300 for the construction machines 200. The construction machines 200 are electrically powered construction machines that are equipped with a battery (secondary battery) as a power source and operate their work devices using electricity from the battery. The construction machines 200 are, for example, electrically powered hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, dump trucks, etc.

[0014] The construction machine 200 periodically transmits its position information and battery information to the management device 100. The battery information is information indicating the specifications and status of the battery. The battery information of the construction machine 200 is information including the rated capacity, rated voltage, charging rate (C rate), capacity degradation rate (SOH), and charging rate (SOC) of the battery mounted on the construction machine 200.

[0015] The first charging facility 400 is a mobile charging facility. The first charging facility 400 is, for example, a charging vehicle. The first charging facility 400 is equipped with a battery or a generator as a power source for charging the construction machine 200. The first charging facility 400 supplies power from the battery or generator to the construction machine 200 via a charging cable. The battery of the first charging facility 400 is charged at a charging stand. The generator of the first charging facility 400 generates power using an engine installed in the first charging facility 400.

[0016] The first charging facility 400 periodically transmits its location information and battery information to the management device 100. The battery information of the first charging facility 400 includes the rated capacity, rated voltage, charging speed (C rate), capacity degradation rate (SOH), charging rate (SOC) and number of charging ports of the battery mounted on the first charging facility 400. The number of charging ports indicates the number of construction machines 200 that can be charged simultaneously. If the first charging facility 400 is equipped with a generator, the specifications and state of the generator are converted in advance into the specifications and state of the battery and transmitted as battery information.

[0017] For example, the first charging equipment 400 has a battery with a rated capacity of 80 kWh, an SOH of 100% (no degradation), a maximum amount of power that can be output per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as "maximum output") of 40 kW (C rate = 40 kW / 80 kWh = 0.5C), and one charging port.

[0018] The second charging facility 500 is a stationary charging facility that is installed and used at the work site 300. The second charging facility 500 is equipped with a large-capacity battery. The second charging facility 500 is connected to a commercial power grid. The second charging facility 500 converts AC power from the power grid into DC power and charges the installed battery. The second charging facility 500 supplies power from the battery to the construction machine 200 via a charging cable. The battery of the second charging facility 500 can be charged not only from an AC power source such as a power grid, but also from DC power from another DC power source such as a charging station. The second charging facility 500 can also be disconnected from the power grid, loaded onto a truck, or delivered, and installed in a location such as a work site 300 that does not have a power grid.

[0019] The second charging facility 500 periodically transmits its location information and battery information to the management device 100. The battery information of the second charging facility 500 includes the rated capacity, rated voltage, charging speed (C rate), capacity degradation rate (SOH), charging rate (SOC), and number of charging ports of the battery mounted on the second charging facility 500. The number of charging ports indicates the number of construction machines 200 that can be charged simultaneously.

[0020] For example, the second charging equipment 500 has a battery with a rated capacity of 500 kWh, an SOH of 85%, a maximum output of 500 kW (C rate = 500 kW / 500 kWh = 1.0 C), and three charging ports.

[0021] The second charging facility 500 has a higher charging capacity than the first charging facility 400. The charging capacity is defined by a value obtained by multiplying at least the rated capacity of the installed battery, the capacity deterioration rate, the charging speed, and the number of charging ports. The charging capacity in this embodiment is defined by equation (1). Charging capacity = rated capacity (kWh) × {capacity deterioration rate (SOH; %) / 100} × charging speed (C rate) × number of charging ports ... (1)

[0022] The larger the value of formula (1), the higher the charging capacity. For example, the charging capacity of the second charging facility 500 is 1275 (= 500 x 0.85 x 1 x 3). The charging capacity of the first charging facility 400 is 40 (= 80 x 1.0 x 0.5 x 1). The charging capacity of the second charging facility 500 is higher than the charging capacity of the first charging facility 400. In general, the charging capacity of stationary charging facilities is higher than the charging capacity of mobile charging facilities.

[0023] The management device 100 is communicably connected to the construction machines 200, the first charging facilities 400, and the second charging facilities 500 via a wireless communication network. The management device 100 is configured by a server device including a processing device 100a and a database 100b. The processing device 100a is configured to include a processor and memory in which programs are stored, and various functions of the processing device 100a are realized by the processor executing the programs. The database 100b stores battery information and position information for each of the multiple construction machines 200, battery information and position information for each of the multiple first charging facilities 400, and battery information and position information for each of the multiple second charging facilities 500.

[0024] The management device 100 selects whether to deliver the first charging facility 400 or the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination, which is the work site 300 where the construction machine 200 to be charged operates. The management device 100 delivers the charging facility 400, 500 selected as the delivery target to the delivery destination.

[0025] Specifically, the management device 100 collects battery information of the batteries mounted on each of the construction machines 200, the first charging facility 400, and the second charging facility 500, and location information of each of the construction machines 200, the first charging facility 400, and the second charging facility 500. The processing device 100a of the management device 100 registers the collected battery information and location information in the database 100b.

[0026] The processing device 100a of the management device 100 then determines whether the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, based on the collected battery information and location information. The predetermined amount of power is at least equal to or greater than the amount of power required to fully charge the battery mounted on the construction machine 200 to be charged. Preferably, the predetermined amount of power is equal to or greater than the rated capacity of the battery mounted on the construction machine 200 (for example, equal to or greater than 200 kWh, which is the rated capacity of one construction machine 200). The construction machine 200 to be charged can be identified by using the collected battery information to determine whether the state of charge (SOC) of the battery mounted on the construction machine 200 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The delivery destination work site 300 can be identified by using location information of the construction machine 200 to be charged to determine the work site 300 where the construction machine 200 to be charged is located.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 determines whether the movement of the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination (i.e., the work site 300) can be completed within a predetermined time based on the collected battery information and location information. The movement of the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination may include charging the construction machine 200 from the second charging facility 500 at the delivery destination (supplying power from the second charging facility 500 to the object to be charged). For example, the processing device 100a may calculate the time required for the second charging facility 500 to complete charging the object to be charged based on the collected battery information and location information, and make the determination by comparing the time with a predetermined time. The time required for the second charging facility 500 to complete charging of the object to be charged includes, for example, the time to load the second charging facility 500 onto a truck or the like, the time to move the truck loaded with the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination, the time to unload the second charging facility 500 from the truck at the delivery destination, the time to install the unloaded second charging facility 500 at a predetermined position at the delivery destination and start it up, the time to connect the second charging facility 500 and the construction machine 200 to be charged with a charging cable, and the time to charge the object to be charged from the second charging facility 500. The predetermined time is, for example, 8 hours.

[0028] Then, when the processing device 100a of the management device 100 determines that the stored power amount of the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power and that the movement of the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time, the processing device 100a selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400. Then, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 delivers the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination. Specifically, the processing device 100a transmits a delivery instruction for delivering the delivery target to an information terminal of a manager of the second charging facility 500 to be delivered, an information terminal of a manager of the work site 300 at the delivery destination, or an information terminal of a manager of the delivery truck, or displays the instruction on a display of the second charging facility 500 to be delivered.

[0029] Furthermore, even if it is not determined that the stored amount of power in the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, and even if the second charging facility 500 is charged until the stored amount of power in the second charging facility 500 reaches the predetermined amount of power, if it is determined that the movement of the second charging facility 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time, the management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400. In this case, even if the stored amount of power in the first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power and the movement of the first charging facility 400 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400. Furthermore, at this time, the management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400, even if the stored power amount of the first charging facility 400 is greater than a predetermined amount of power and the movement of the first charging facility 400 to the delivery destination can be completed earlier than the second charging facility 500.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the management device 100 shown in Fig. 1. The processing shown in Fig. 2 is performed before construction work by the construction machine 200 starts, for example, by the day before the construction work start date. In other words, Fig. 2 shows the processing performed when the charging equipment 400, 500 is delivered before construction work by the construction machine 200 starts.

[0031] In step S100, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 acquires location information of the work site 300 at the delivery destination, and each battery information and each location information of the first charging facility 400 and the second charging facility 500. For example, the processing device 100a acquires location information periodically transmitted from the construction machine 200 to be charged as the delivery destination location information. Alternatively, the processing device 100a may acquire the location information of the work site 300 at the delivery destination by having the administrator of the management device 100 input it. Furthermore, the processing device 100a acquires each battery information and each location information periodically transmitted from the first charging facility 400 and the second charging facility 500.

[0032] In step S101, the processing device 100a identifies charging facilities 400, 500 located in an area accessible to the delivery destination based on the location information of the delivery destination and the location information of the first charging facility 400 and the second charging facility 500. For example, the processing device 100a identifies charging facilities 400, 500 located in an area within a predetermined distance from the location information of the delivery destination. In Fig. 2, it is assumed that one first charging facility 400 and one second charging facility 500 are identified as charging facilities 400, 500 located in an area accessible to the delivery destination.

[0033] In step S102, the processing device 100a determines the charging capacity of each of the identified first charging facility 400 and second charging facility 500 based on the battery information of each of the identified first charging facility 400 and second charging facility 500. For example, the processing device 100a determines the charging capacity of each of the identified first charging facility 400 and second charging facility 500 using equation (1).

[0034] In step S103, the processing device 100a determines whether the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time based on the position information of the identified second charging device 500 and the delivery destination. If it is determined that the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S104. If it is not determined that the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S108.

[0035] In step S104, the processing device 100a determines whether the current amount of power (i.e., the amount of stored power) of the battery installed in the identified second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, based on the battery information of the identified second charging facility 500. The amount of stored power can be calculated from the rated capacity, rated voltage, capacity deterioration rate, and charging rate of the battery included in the battery information. If it is determined that the amount of stored power of the identified second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S105. If it is not determined that the amount of stored power of the identified second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S106.

[0036] In step S105, the processing device 100a selects the identified second charging facility 500 as the delivery target. That is, if the movement to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time even if the charging time required for the stored power amount of the second charging facility 500, which is less than the predetermined power amount, to reach the predetermined power amount is taken, the processing device 100a selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target, even if the stored power amount of the first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than the predetermined power amount and the movement of the first charging facility 400 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time. That is, if the movement to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time even if the charging time required for the stored power amount of the second charging facility 500, which is less than the predetermined power amount, to reach the predetermined power amount, the processing device 100a selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target, even if the stored power amount of the first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than the predetermined power amount and the movement of the first charging facility 400 to the delivery destination can be completed earlier than the second charging facility 500.

[0037] The processing device 100a transmits a delivery instruction to deliver the selected second charging facility 500 to be delivered to the delivery destination. The delivery instruction is transmitted to an information terminal of the manager of the second charging facility 500 to be delivered, to an information terminal of the manager of the work site 300 at the delivery destination, to an information terminal of the manager of the delivery truck, or displayed on the display of the second charging facility 500 to be delivered. The second charging facility 500 to be delivered is moved to the work site 300 at the delivery destination and charges the construction machine 200 to be charged.

[0038] In step S106, the processing device 100a determines, based on the battery information and location information of the identified second charging device 500 and the location information of the delivery destination, whether or not the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time even if the identified second charging device 500 is charged until the stored power amount of the second charging device 500 reaches a predetermined power amount. If it is determined that the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S107. If it is not determined that the movement of the identified second charging device 500 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S108.

[0039] In step S107, the processing device 100a transmits a charging instruction to charge the identified second charging facility 500 until the amount of stored power in the identified second charging facility 500 reaches a predetermined amount of power. The charging instruction is transmitted to an information terminal of the manager of the identified second charging facility 500, or displayed on the display of the identified second charging facility 500. The second charging facility 500 is charged by being connected to a power grid or a charging stand. The identified second charging facility 500 transmits battery information indicating charging completion to the management device 100. When the management device 100 receives the battery information, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S105.

[0040] In step S108, the processing device 100a determines whether the current stored amount of power in the identified first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, based on the battery information of the identified first charging facility 400. If it is determined that the stored amount of power in the identified first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S109. If it is not determined that the stored amount of power in the identified first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S110.

[0041] In step S109, the processing device 100a selects the identified first charging facility 400 as the delivery target. The processing device 100a transmits a delivery instruction to have the selected first charging facility 400 delivered to the delivery destination. The delivery instruction is transmitted to an information terminal of the manager of the first charging facility 400 to be delivered, to an information terminal of the manager of the work site 300 at the delivery destination, to an information terminal of the manager of the delivery truck, or displayed on the display of the first charging facility 400 to be delivered. The first charging facility 400 to be delivered is moved to the work site 300 at the delivery destination and charges the construction machine 200 to be charged.

[0042] In step S110, the processing device 100a transmits a charging instruction to charge the identified first charging facility 400 until the amount of stored power in the identified first charging facility 400 reaches a predetermined amount of power. The charging instruction is transmitted to an information terminal of the manager of the identified first charging facility 400, or displayed on the display of the identified first charging facility 400. The first charging facility 400 is connected to a charging stand and charged. The identified first charging facility 400 transmits battery information indicating charging completion to the management device 100. When the management device 100 receives the battery information, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S109.

[0043] As described above, the charging assistance system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that assists in the delivery of charging facilities 400, 500 to a work site 300 where a construction machine 200 is operated. The charging assistance system 1 includes a management device 100 that selects whether to deliver to the work site 300 the mobile first charging facility 400 or the stationary second charging facility 500 that has a higher charging capacity than the first charging facility 400 and is used stationary at the work site 300. The management device 100 collects battery information that indicates the specifications and status of the batteries installed in each of the construction machine 200 and the second charging facility 500, and location information of each of the construction machine 200 and the second charging facility 500. Based on the collected battery information and location information, the management device 100 determines whether the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, and whether the movement of the second charging facility 500 to the work site 300 can be completed within a predetermined time. If the management device 100 determines that the stored energy amount of the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of energy and that the movement of the second charging facility 500 can be completed within a predetermined time, it selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400.

[0044] As a result, the charging support system 1 can preferentially deliver the stationary second charging equipment 500 with high charging capacity to the work site 300 where the construction machine 200 is operated. Therefore, the charging support system 1 does not need to frequently deliver the charging equipment 400, 500 as in the case of dispatching a charging vehicle multiple times, and can efficiently support the charging of the construction machine 200. In addition, the charging support system 1 can preferentially deliver the second charging equipment 500 that has a high charging speed and can charge a large number of construction machines 200 simultaneously. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can shorten the time required for the construction machine 200 to be charged to complete charging, and can efficiently support the charging of the construction machine 200. The charging support system 1 can reduce the operation and management costs related to charging the construction machine 200.

[0045] Furthermore, in the charging support system 1 of the first embodiment, even if the management device 100 does not determine that the stored energy amount of the second charging facility 500 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of energy, if it determines that the movement of the second charging facility 500 can be completed within a predetermined time even if the second charging facility 500 is charged until the predetermined amount of energy is reached, the management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400.

[0046] As a result, even if the second charging equipment 500 is not in a state where it can be delivered immediately, the charging support system 1 can deliver as many second charging equipment 500 with high charging capacity as possible, thereby reducing the overall number of deliveries of the charging equipment 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can support the charging of the construction machine 200 more efficiently.

[0047] Furthermore, in the charging support system 1 of the first embodiment, the management device 100 further collects battery information indicating the specifications and status of the battery installed in the first charging facility 400, and location information of the first charging facility 400. The management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400, even if the stored power amount of the first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power and the movement of the first charging facility 400 can be completed within a predetermined time.

[0048] As a result, even if the first charging facility 400 is in a state where it can be delivered immediately, the charging support system 1 can deliver as many second charging facilities 500 with higher charging capabilities as possible, thereby further reducing the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can support the charging of the construction machine 200 more efficiently.

[0049] Furthermore, in the charging support system 1 of the first embodiment, the management device 100 further collects battery information indicating the specifications and status of the battery installed in the first charging facility 400, and location information of the first charging facility 400. The management device 100 selects the second charging facility 500 as the delivery target in preference to the first charging facility 400, even if the stored power amount of the first charging facility 400 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power and the movement of the first charging facility 400 can be completed earlier than the second charging facility 500.

[0050] As a result, even if the first charging facility 400 can be delivered earlier than the second charging facility 500, the charging support system 1 can deliver as many second charging facilities 500 with higher charging capabilities as possible, thereby further reducing the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can support the charging of the construction machine 200 more efficiently.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a modification of the process shown in FIG.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates the process performed when the charging equipment 400, 500 is delivered before the construction machine 200 starts construction. After the construction machine 200 starts construction, the charging equipment 400, 500 charges the construction machine 200 during breaks or other times. This reduces the amount of stored power in the charging equipment 400, 500, and may fall below a predetermined amount of power. In this case, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 transmits a charging instruction to charge the charging equipment 400, 500 until the amount of stored power in the charging equipment 400, 500 reaches or exceeds the predetermined amount of power. The charging equipment 400, 500 that is the target of the charging instruction leaves the work site 300, which is the delivery destination, and is moved to a location where it can be connected to a power grid or a charging stand, where it is charged until the amount of stored power reaches or exceeds the predetermined amount of power. The charging location may be specified by the processing device 100a.

[0053] When the charging equipment 400, 500 leaves the work site 300 as the delivery destination in response to the charging instruction, the processing device 100a performs the process shown in Fig. 3 to deliver the charging equipment 400, 500. That is, Fig. 3 shows the process that is performed when the charging equipment 400, 500 is delivered after the construction work of the construction machine 200 has started.

[0054] In step S90, the processing device 100a checks the state of charge (SOC) of the construction machine 200 based on the battery information of the construction machine 200.

[0055] In step S91, the processing device 100a determines whether the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S90. If it is determined that the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S100. Steps from step S100 onwards are the same as steps S100 to S110 shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] As described above, the charging support system 1 of the first embodiment can deliver as many second charging facilities 500 with high charging capabilities as possible even when delivery is made after construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun, just as in the case of delivery before construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun, and therefore can reduce the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can efficiently support charging of the construction machine 200 even when delivery is made after construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun.

[0057] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0058] In the first embodiment, a case where a delivery target is selected from a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 that belong to different types, i.e., a first charging facility 400 and a second charging facility 500, will be described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a case where a delivery target is selected from a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 that belong to the same type will be described. In particular, although FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described using the second charging facility 500 as an example of a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 that belong to the same type, the same applies to the example of the first charging facility 400.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the management device 100 of the second embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing performed subsequent to Fig. 4. Like Fig. 2, Figs. 4 and 5 show the processing performed when the charging equipment 400, 500 is delivered before the start of construction work by the construction machine 200.

[0060] In steps S200 to S207, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 performs the same processing as steps S100 to S107 shown in Fig. 2, except that the processing device 100a selects the delivery target from among multiple charging facilities 400, 500 belonging to different types. Note that Fig. 4 will be described assuming that in step S201, two second charging facilities, second charging facility 500-1 and second charging facility 500-2, are identified as second charging facilities 500 located in an area within reach of the delivery destination. Also, Fig. 4 will be described assuming that in step S202, the charging capacity of second charging facility 500-1 is determined to be higher than the charging capacity of second charging facility 500-2.

[0061] In step S208, the processing device 100a determines whether the movement of the second charging facility 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time based on the position information of the second charging facility 500-2 and the delivery destination. If it is determined that the movement of the second charging facility 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S209. If it is not determined that the movement of the second charging facility 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S213.

[0062] In step S209, the processing device 100a determines whether the current amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, based on the battery information of the second charging facility 500-2. If it is determined that the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S210. If it is not determined that the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S211.

[0063] In step S210, the processing device 100a selects the second charging facility 500-2 as the delivery target. The processing device 100a transmits a delivery instruction to deliver the selected second charging facility 500-2 to the delivery destination. The second charging facility 500-2 to be delivered is moved to the work site 300 at the delivery destination and charges the construction machine 200 to be charged.

[0064] In step S211, the processing device 100a determines, based on the battery information and location information of the second charging device 500-2 and the location information of the delivery destination, whether or not the movement of the second charging device 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within a predetermined time even if the second charging device 500-2 is charged until the stored power amount of the second charging device 500-2 reaches a predetermined power amount. If it is determined that the movement of the second charging device 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S212. If it is not determined that the movement of the second charging device 500-2 to the delivery destination can be completed within the predetermined time, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S213.

[0065] In step S212, the processing device 100a transmits a charge instruction to charge the second charging facility 500-2 until the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-2 reaches a predetermined amount of power. When the management device 100 receives battery information indicating that charging of the second charging facility 500-2 is complete, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S210.

[0066] In step S213, the processing device 100a determines whether the current amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, based on the battery information of the second charging facility 500-1. If it is determined that the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S214. If it is not determined that the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of power, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S215.

[0067] In step S214, the processing device 100a selects the second charging facility 500-1 as the delivery target. The processing device 100a transmits a delivery instruction to deliver the selected second charging facility 500-1 to the delivery destination. The second charging facility 500-1 to be delivered is moved to the work site 300 at the delivery destination and charges the construction machine 200 to be charged.

[0068] In step S215, the processing device 100a transmits a charging instruction to charge the second charging facility 500-1 until the amount of stored power in the second charging facility 500-1 reaches a predetermined amount of power. When the management device 100 receives battery information indicating that charging of the second charging facility 500-1 is completed, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S214.

[0069] As described above, even when a delivery target is selected from a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 belonging to the same type, the charging support system 1 of the second embodiment can deliver as many second charging facilities 500 with high charging capabilities as possible, just as in the case of selecting from a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 belonging to different types, and therefore can reduce the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can efficiently support charging of the construction machine 200, even when a delivery target is selected from a plurality of charging facilities 400, 500 belonging to the same type.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Like Fig. 3, Fig. 6 shows processing that is performed when the charging equipment 400, 500 is delivered after construction work by the construction machine 200 has begun.

[0071] In step S90, the processing device 100a checks the state of charge (SOC) of the construction machine 200 based on the battery information of the construction machine 200.

[0072] In step S91, the processing device 100a determines whether the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S90. If it is determined that the charging rate of the construction machine 200 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the processing device 100a proceeds to step S200. Steps from step S200 onwards are the same as steps S200 to S215 shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0073] As described above, the charging assistance system 1 of the second embodiment can deliver as many second charging facilities 500-1 with high charging capabilities as possible even when delivery is made after construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun, just as in the case of delivery before construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun, and therefore can reduce the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging assistance system 1 can efficiently assist in charging the construction machine 200 even when delivery is made after construction work on the construction machine 200 has begun.

[0074] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the description of the third embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a charging support system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0076] In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which there are multiple work sites 300 at the delivery destination. Fig. 7 shows an example in which work sites 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d exist as the work sites 300 at the delivery destination. In Fig. 7, construction machines 200a-1 and 200a-2 indicate the construction machines 200 to be charged at the work site 300a. Construction machine 200b-1 indicates the construction machine 200 to be charged at the work site 300b. Construction machines 200c-1 to 200c-3 indicate the construction machines 200 to be charged at the work site 300c. Construction machines 200d-1 and 200d-2 indicate the construction machines 200 to be charged at the work site 300d.

[0077] When there are multiple work sites 300 as delivery destinations, the processing device 100a of the management device 100 selects the work site 300 as the delivery destination in descending order of the number of construction machines 200 to be charged. In FIG. 7 , the processing device 100a selects the work site 300c, which has the largest number of construction machines 200 to be charged, from among the multiple work sites 300a to 300d, as the delivery destination work site 300. Then, the processing device 100a performs the processes shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 for the work site 300c to select the charging equipment 400, 500 to be delivered. Thereafter, the processing device 100a selects the work site 300a or the work site 300d as the delivery destination work site 300, and selects the charging equipment 400, 500 to be delivered for the work site 300a or the work site 300d. Finally, the processing device 100a selects the charging equipment 400, 500 to be delivered for the work site 300b. When the work site 300a and the work site 300d have the same number of construction machines 200 to be charged, either one may be selected first as the work site 300 of the delivery destination.

[0078] As described above, in the charging support system 1 of the third embodiment, when there are multiple work sites 300, the management device 100 selects the work site as the delivery destination in descending order of the number of construction machines 200 to be charged.

[0079] As a result, the charging support system 1 can preferentially deliver the second charging facility 500 with high charging capacity to delivery destinations with high demand for charging, and therefore, even if there are multiple delivery destinations, it is possible to reduce the overall number of deliveries of the charging facilities 400, 500. Therefore, the charging support system 1 can efficiently support the charging of the construction machine 200 even if there are multiple delivery destinations.

[0080] Furthermore, the above-described components, functions, processing units, or processing means may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-described components or functions may also be implemented in software, with a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the program, table, or file that implements each function can be stored in a storage device such as a memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (solid state drive), or in a storage medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1... Charging support system, 100... Management device, 200... Construction machine, 300... Work site, 400... First charging facility, 500... Second charging facility

Claims

1. A charging support system that supports the delivery of charging equipment to a work site where electric construction machinery is operated, comprising a management device that selects whether to deliver to the work site a first mobile charging equipment or a second stationary charging equipment that has a higher charging capacity than the first mobile charging equipment and is used as a stationary equipment at the work site, wherein the management device collects battery information indicating the specifications and status of batteries installed in each of the electric construction machinery and the second stationary charging equipment, and location information for each of the electric construction machinery and the second stationary charging equipment, and determines, based on the collected battery information and location information, whether the stored power amount of the second stationary charging equipment is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, and whether the movement of the second stationary charging equipment to the work site can be completed within a predetermined time, and when it is determined that the stored energy amount of the second stationary charging equipment is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of energy and that the movement of the second stationary charging equipment can be completed within the predetermined time, the second stationary charging equipment is selected as the delivery target in preference to the first mobile charging equipment.

2. The charging assistance system of claim 1, wherein the management device selects the second stationary charging equipment as the delivery target in preference to the first mobile charging equipment, even if it is determined that the stored energy amount of the second stationary charging equipment is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of energy, if it is determined that the movement of the second stationary charging equipment can be completed within the predetermined time even if the second stationary charging equipment is charged until the predetermined amount of energy is reached.

3. The charging assistance system described in claim 2, characterized in that the management device further collects battery information indicating the specifications and status of the battery installed in the mobile first charging equipment and location information of the mobile first charging equipment, and selects the stationary second charging equipment as the delivery target in preference to the mobile first charging equipment, even if the stored power amount of the mobile first charging equipment is equal to or greater than the predetermined power amount and the movement of the mobile first charging equipment to the work site can be completed within the predetermined time.

4. The charging assistance system of claim 2, wherein the management device further collects battery information indicating the specifications and status of the battery installed in the first mobile charging equipment and location information of the first mobile charging equipment, and selects the second stationary charging equipment as the delivery target in preference to the first mobile charging equipment, even if the stored power amount of the first mobile charging equipment is equal to or greater than the predetermined power amount and the movement of the first mobile charging equipment to the work site can be completed more quickly than the second stationary charging equipment.

5. The charging assistance system described in claim 3, characterized in that if it is determined that the movement of the stationary second charging equipment cannot be completed within the specified time, and if it is determined that the stored energy amount of the mobile first charging equipment is equal to or greater than the specified amount of energy and that the movement of the mobile first charging equipment to the work site can be completed within the specified time, the management device selects the mobile first charging equipment as the delivery target.

6. The charging support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when there are multiple work sites, the management device selects the work site as the delivery destination in descending order of the number of electric construction machines to be charged.

7. The charging assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging capacity is defined by a value obtained by multiplying at least the rated capacity of the battery, the capacity deterioration rate, the charging speed, and the number of charging ports.

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