Charging control method and charging control device

Abstract

A charging control method according to the present invention comprises: a step for permitting charging of an electric vehicle by a charger upon receipt of a charging instruction for the electric vehicle in a first charging reservation period; and a step for setting the charger to a stopped state when the first charging reservation period ends, wherein, when the charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, the charging of the electric vehicle can be resumed without a re-instruction for charging the electric vehicle.

Description

Charging control method and charging control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge control method and a charge control device.

[0002] Charging of electric vehicles has been studied. Patent Document 1 describes a charger that can prevent a problem in which power supply to a storage battery cannot be started at the charging start time.

[0003] JP 2017-046490 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technique suitable for respecting the right of an electric vehicle to be charged from a charger during a reserved period.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a charging control method comprising: a step of permitting charging of an electric vehicle by a charger when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle is received during a first charging reservation period; and a step of setting the charger to a stopped state when the first charging reservation period ends, wherein if charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle can be resumed without a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

[0006] The technology according to the present disclosure is suitable for respecting the right of an electric vehicle to be charged from a charger during a reserved period.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an environment according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a charge control device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a charge control device according to embodiment 2. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a charge control device according to embodiment 3.

[0008] (Findings and the like that form the basis of this disclosure) Consider a system that gives an electric vehicle the right to be charged from a charger during a reserved period. If charging is stopped during the reserved period, it is possible to create a system that prevents charging from being resumed unless a new charging instruction is given.

[0009] However, with such a system, a situation may arise in which an electric vehicle is unable to be charged from a charger even during a reserved period. Therefore, the inventors have studied a technology suitable for respecting the right of an electric vehicle to be charged from a charger during a reserved period.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] <Configuration of Environment 100> [Outline of Configuration of Environment 100] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an environment 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The environment 100 includes a charging system 200 , an external system 300 , a network 400 and a plurality of electric vehicles 500 .

[0014] The charging system 200 is connected to the external system 300 via the network 400, and can communicate with the external system 300 via the network 400. This allows the charging system 200 to operate in cooperation with the external system 300. The charging system 200 can charge the electric vehicle 500 under this cooperation.

[0015] Each component in the environment 100 will now be described in detail.

[0016] [Charging System 200] The charging system 200 includes a plurality of chargers 210, a control device 230, and a charging control device 220.

[0017] A plurality of chargers 210 are provided in a parking lot. Specifically, a plurality of parking spaces are provided in the parking lot. A charger 210 is provided in at least one of the plurality of parking spaces. Typically, a charger 210 is provided in each parking space. The charger 210 can charge the electric vehicle 500 connected thereto. Specifically, the electric vehicle 500 includes a power storage device, and the power storage device can be charged by the charger 210.

[0018] Each charger 210 includes a current sensor 215. The current sensor 215 measures the charging current of the charger 210.

[0019] The control device 230 collects information from the multiple chargers 210. The control device 230 is located at the site (i.e., on-site) where the multiple chargers 210 are located. The control device 230 includes a gateway and a controller.

[0020] The charging control device 220 manages charging by each charger 210. In this embodiment, the charging control device 220 is a server. The charging control device 220 includes a communicator 221, a memory 222, and a controller 223.

[0021] In this embodiment, a control command from the charging control device 220 is given to each of the multiple chargers 210 via the control device 230. In the charging system 200, the charging control device 220 and the control device 230 may be connected to each other via the network 400 and communicate with each other via the network 400, or may be connected to each other without going through the network 400 and communicate with each other without going through the network 400.

[0022] The communication between the control device 230 and the charging control device 220 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The communication between the control device 230 and the plurality of chargers 210 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0023] [External System 300] The external system 300 is located outside the charging system 200. In this embodiment, the external system 300 is a vehicle dispatch system. The vehicle dispatch system creates a dispatch plan for the plurality of electric vehicles 500.

[0024] The communicator 221 and the external system 300 are connected to each other via a network 400 and can communicate with each other via the network 400. A plurality of chargers 210 and external systems 300 are connected to each other via the control device 230, the communicator 221, and the network 400 and can communicate with each other via the control device 230, the communicator 221, and the network 400. The network 400 is, for example, the Internet.

[0025] The external system 300 provides an external service. The charging control device 220 provides a charging service. The charging service includes charging the electric vehicle 500. The charging service cooperates with the external service by granting the electric vehicle 500 the right to be charged by the charger 210 during a period reserved by the external service. In this embodiment, the external service is a vehicle dispatch service, and includes operation management of a plurality of electric vehicles 500 through a vehicle dispatch plan.

[0026] The vehicle allocation plan includes at least one plan selected from the group consisting of, for example, (a) a plan for the period during which the user will use the electric vehicle 500, (b) a plan for the maintenance period of the electric vehicle 500, and (c) a plan for the period during which the electric vehicle 500 will be parked in a parking space of the charging system 200.

[0027] The charging control device 220 provides the charging service by referring to the plan (c) above. The charging control device 220 may estimate the plan (c) above based on the plan (a) above and / or the plan (b) above.

[0028] <Example of Operation of the Charging Control Device 220> The operation of the charging control device 220 according to the first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the terms "charging instruction," "charging permitted state," "stop instruction," "charging current," "stop state," "charging state," "charging standby state," and "charger connected state" may be used. These terms will be explained as follows.

[0029] <Charging Instruction> A charging instruction is given to the charger 210 using the controller 223 of the charging control device 220. By giving the charging instruction to the charger 210, charging by the charger 210 is permitted. In this embodiment, the charging instruction is given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The "charging instruction" may be read as "charging permission."

[0030] The charging instruction may be transmitted from an entity external to the charging control device 220 to the communicator 221 via the network 400, and may be given to the charger 210 from the controller 223 via the control device 230. Specifically, the entity is the external system 300.

[0031] The charging instruction can be given to the charging control device 220 by the user operating the user interface, and can be given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The user interface can be provided in the charging control device 220, an application (not shown), or the like.

[0032] A charging instruction can be given to the charging control device 220 by a user operating an input device such as an operation panel or a switch, and can be given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The input device can be provided in the charger 210 or the like.

[0033] When the controller 223 determines that the time has come when charging of the charger 210 can be permitted, the controller 223 may issue a charging instruction to the charger 210 via the control device 230 .

[0034] There may be an authentication step for confirming that the source of the charging instruction has the authority to issue the instruction. The authentication step may be performed by logging in to the charging control device 220, an application (not shown), or the like.

[0035] <Charging permitted state> The "charging permitted state" is a state related to the charger 210. The charging permitted state is a state in which the charger 210 is permitted to supply power to the electric vehicle 500. In the present embodiment, the charging permitted state is a state that is realized when the charging control device 220 issues a charging instruction to the charger 210 via the control device 230. In the charging permitted state, the charging current can be 0 A or greater than 0 A. The charging permitted state does not matter whether the charger 210 is connected to the electric vehicle 500. In the charging permitted state, charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 can be started depending on the need to charge the electric vehicle 500.

[0036] <Stop instruction> A stop instruction is given to the charger 210 using the controller 223 of the charging control device 220. By giving the stop instruction to the charger 210, charging by the charger 210 is prohibited. In other words, by giving the stop instruction to the charger 210, the charger 210 is put into a stopped state in which it does not perform charging. In this embodiment, the stop instruction is given to the charger 210 from the controller 223 via the control device 230. The "stop instruction" may be read as a "charging prohibition instruction."

[0037] The stop instruction can be transmitted from an entity external to the charging control device 220 to the communicator 221 via the network 400, and given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. Specifically, the entity is the external system 300.

[0038] The stop instruction can be given to the charging control device 220 by the user operating the user interface, and can be given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The user interface can be provided in the charging control device 220, an application (not shown), or the like.

[0039] The stop instruction can be given to the charging control device 220 by the user operating an input device such as an operation panel or a switch, and can be given from the controller 223 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The input device can be provided in the charger 210 or the like.

[0040] When the controller 223 determines that the time has come to prohibit charging by the charger 210 , it may issue a stop instruction to the charger 210 via the control device 230 .

[0041] There may be an authentication step for confirming that the source of the stop instruction has the authority to issue the instruction. The authentication step may be performed by logging in to the charging control device 220, an application (not shown), or the like.

[0042] A compulsory stop instruction for stopping charging by charger 210 regardless of the operating state of charger 210 may be given from charge control device 220 to charger 210 via control device 230 .

[0043] <Charging Current> The charging current is a current supplied from the charger 210 to the electric vehicle 500. The positive (+) direction of the charging current is the direction of the current that flows when the electric vehicle 500 is being charged.

[0044] As will be described later, charger 210 may be a charger / discharger. In this case, the state in which electric power is drawn from electric vehicle 500 to the charger / discharger can be expressed by a negative charging current. In this way, a state in which the charging current is negative can also be taken into consideration in control.

[0045] <Stopped state> The "stopped state" is a state related to the charger 210. The stopped state is a state in which the charger 210 does not supply power to the electric vehicle 500. In the stopped state, the charging current is 0 A. In the stopped state, it does not matter whether the charger 210 is connected to the electric vehicle 500 or not. In the stopped state, even if the electric vehicle 500 needs to be charged, the charger 210 does not start charging the electric vehicle 500.

[0046] <Charging State> The "charging state" is a state related to the charger 210. The charging state is a state in which the charger 210 is supplying power to the electric vehicle 500. In the charging state, the charging current is greater than 0 A. In the charging state, the charger 210 is necessarily connected to the electric vehicle 500. In addition, the "charging state" is also a "charging permitted state" because it is realized based on a charging instruction.

[0047] <Charging standby state> The "charging standby state" is a state related to the charger 210. The charging standby state is a state in which the charger 210 is capable of supplying power to the electric vehicle 500 but is not actually supplying power. In the charging standby state, the charging current is 0 A. The charging standby state includes cases in which it does not matter whether the charger 210 is connected to the electric vehicle 500 or not. In addition, the "charging standby state" is also a "charging permitted state" because it is realized based on a charging instruction.

[0048] For example, the charging standby state applies when the electric vehicle 500 is connected to the charger 210, and the charger 210 can supply power to the electric vehicle 500, but the electric vehicle 500 is not connected to the charger 210. Also, for example, the charging standby state applies when the electric vehicle 500 is connected to the charger 210, but charging of the electric vehicle 500 has not started because the electric vehicle 500 is fully charged or a charging abnormality has occurred, or for other reasons.

[0049] Charger Connection Status The charger connection status is a status indicating whether or not the electric vehicle 500 is connected to the charger 210. The charging control device 220 manages the charger connection status of each of the multiple chargers 210.

[0050] In this embodiment, the charger connection state is selected from "connected" and "disconnected." "Connected" means that the electric vehicle 500 is connected to the charger 210. "Disconnected" means that the electric vehicle 500 is not connected to the charger 210.

[0051] For example, status information of the charger 210 is notified to the charging control device 220. The controller 223 of the charging control device 220 stores the charger connection state in the memory 222 based on the status information.

[0052] In one specific example, "state information" is managed in the charging control device 220. The state information includes information indicating the charger connection state of the charger 210. Furthermore, the state information may include information indicating the states of a plurality of different types of chargers 210 and the electric vehicle 500. Other types of states are, for example, model information of the charger 210, a charge / discharge mode, etc. The state information may include information indicating the state of the electric vehicle 500 connected to the charger 210. Here, the state of the electric vehicle 500 is, for example, the operating state of the electric vehicle 500, the state of the electric vehicle 500 when charging of the electric vehicle 500 starts, the state of the electric vehicle 500 when charging of the electric vehicle 500 ends, the rated capacity of a power storage device in the electric vehicle 500, an SOC (State Of Charge), etc.

[0053] In the first embodiment, a charging reservation is planned. The charging reservation in the first embodiment is scheduled for a charging reservation period TRES In this case, a specific charger 210 (hereinafter referred to as the charger 210 RES In the charging reservation of the first embodiment, the charging schedule includes a charging schedule in which charging is performed by the charger 210 RES The charging reservation is transmitted from the external system 300 to the communication device 221 via the network 400 and stored in the storage device 222.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the charge control device 220 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the charging reservation is performed for a charging reservation period T RES Contains information indicating:

[0056] In step S101, the controller 223 controls the charger 210 RES Charging reservation period T RES It is determined whether the charging reservation period T RES If it is determined that the charging reservation period T has ended, the process proceeds to step S102. RES If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0057] In step S102, the controller 223 RES to the stopped state. Here, "setting to the stopped state" is a concept that includes maintaining the stopped state and changing the stopped state.

[0058] Specifically, in step S102, the charger 210 RES If the charger 210 is already in a stopped state, the controller 223 RES On the other hand, the charger 210 RES If the charger 210 is not in a stopped state, the controller 223 generates a stop instruction to stop the charger 210. RES , thereby providing the charger 210 RES In step S102, the controller 223 changes the charger 210 to a stopped state. RES The method may include determining whether the vehicle is in a stopped state.

[0059] In step S103, the controller 223RES If it is determined that a new charge instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that a new charge instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0060] Here, the "new charging instruction" refers to the charging reservation period T RES In conjunction with this, charger 210 RES In this embodiment, the external system 300 transmits the new charging instruction to the communication device 221 via the network 400. As a result, the charging control device 220 accepts the new charging instruction.

[0061] In step S104, the controller 223 RES A new charging reservation period T RES The charging control device 220 determines whether the request has been received. If it is determined that the request has been received, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request has not been received, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0062] Here, "new charging reservation period T RES " refers to the "charging reservation period T RES " for a new charging reservation period T RES In this embodiment, the external system 300 transmits a new charging reservation period T RES As a result, the charge control device 220 transmits information indicating the new charge reservation period T RES This leads to the acceptance of information indicating:

[0063] In the first embodiment, the new charging instruction in step S103 and the new charging reservation period T RES The combination of information indicating the above is included in the new charging reservation. Here, the "new charging reservation" means the "charging reservation period T RESIn this embodiment, the external system 300 transmits the new charging reservation to the communication device 221 via the network 400. This causes the charging control device 220 to accept the charging reservation.

[0064] In step S105, the controller 223 sets the charging reservation period T RES As a result, the charging reservation period T RES , the new charging reservation period T RES will be used.

[0065] In step S106, the controller 223 RES If it is determined that the charging current is greater than 0 A, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined that the charging current is equal to or less than 0 A, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S106, the charger 210 RES As a charging current of the charger 210 RES The detection value of the current sensor 215 is adopted.

[0066] In step S107, the controller 223 RES is determined to be in a charging state, and the charger 210 RES After step S107, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0067] In this embodiment, the charging process in step S107 is performed by the charger 210 RES Here, "setting to a charging permitted state" is a concept that includes maintaining the charging permitted state and changing to the charging permitted state.

[0068] Specifically, in step S107, the charger 210 RES is already in the charging permission state, the controller 223 RES On the other hand, the charger 210 is maintained in a charging permitted state. RESIf the charger 210 is not in the charging permitted state, the controller 223 sends the charging instruction in step S103 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. RES , thereby providing the charger 210 RES In step S107, the controller 223 changes the charger 210 to the charging permitted state. RES The method may include determining whether the charging is permitted.

[0069] In step S108, the controller 223 RES is in a charging standby state, and the charger 210 RES After step S108, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0070] In this embodiment, the charging standby process in step S108 is performed by the charger 210 RES This includes processing to set the battery pack to a charging permitted state.

[0071] Specifically, in step S108, the charger 210 RES is already in the charging permission state, the controller 223 RES On the other hand, the charger 210 is maintained in a charging permitted state. RES If the charger 210 is not in the charging permitted state, the controller 223 sends the charging instruction in step S103 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. RES , thereby providing the charger 210 RES In step S108, the controller 223 changes the charger 210 to the charging permitted state. RES The method may include determining whether the charging is permitted.

[0072] Charger 210 RES Consider a case where the determination in step S101 is "NO" when the charger 210 is set to the stopped state. In this case, the determination in step S106 is "NO", and the charger 210 is stopped in step S107 or step S108. RES The charging reservation period T RESDuring this process, the flowchart of FIG. 2 is executed, and step S107 or step S108 is executed depending on the need for charging the electric vehicle 500.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the state in which step S101 in FIG. 2 is "NO" is maintained and the flow chart in FIG. 2 is executed, so that the transition from step S108 to step S107 can be made without receiving a charging instruction again (step S103). RES Even if charging by the charging reservation period T RES If the charging instruction is not received again, the charger 210 RES Therefore, in the first embodiment, the electric vehicle 500 is not charged by the charger 210 during the reserved period. RES It is appropriate to respect the right to be charged by

[0074] In the first embodiment, the charging system 200 and the external system 300 cooperate with each other in such a way that a reservation for charging in the charging system 200 is made by an external service of the external system 300. The first embodiment is suitable for respecting a reservation made by an external service. Therefore, the first embodiment is suitable for realizing the cooperation in such a way that the electric vehicle 500 is given the right to be charged by the charger 210 during the reserved period.

[0075] As can be understood from the above description, the charging reservation in the first embodiment does not limit which of the multiple electric vehicles 500 is to be charged. The first embodiment can be employed, for example, in a situation where the charger 210 is a shared charger provided in an apartment building, a resident of the apartment building makes a reservation for the charger 210, and multiple guests to the apartment building can use the charger 210 in turn. In this situation, the electricity charges for charging using the charger 210 are borne by the resident, for example.

[0076] Several other embodiments will be described below. In the following, elements common to the embodiments already described and the embodiments to be described thereafter will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. The descriptions of the respective embodiments may be mutually applicable unless technically inconsistent. The respective embodiments may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent.

[0077] Second Embodiment FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a charge control device 220 according to a second embodiment.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the charging reservation is performed for a charging reservation period T RES Contains information indicating:

[0079] In the second embodiment, in step S101, the charger 210 RES Charging reservation period T RES If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process proceeds to step S201.

[0080] In step S201, the controller 223 RES The charger connection status of the charger 210 is determined. RES If it is determined that the charger 210 is connected to the electric vehicle 500, the process proceeds to step S106. RES If it is determined that the power supply 100 is not connected to the electric vehicle 500, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0081] In the second embodiment, if the answer is "NO" in step S104, the process proceeds to step S202. Also, in the second embodiment, the process proceeds to step S202 after step S105.

[0082] In step S202, the controller 223 RES After step S202, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0083] In step S203, the controller 223 RES The charger connection status of the charger 210 is determined. RES If it is determined that the charger 210 is connected to the electric vehicle 500, the process proceeds to step S101. RESIf it is determined that the power supply 100 is not connected to the electric vehicle 500, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0084] Steps S202 and S203 of the second embodiment can be interpreted as follows: RES The process waits for the connection of the electric vehicle 500 to the network (step S202), and after the establishment of this connection is confirmed (step S203), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0085] In the second embodiment, the flow chart of FIG. 3 continues with the status of "NO" in step S101 and "connected" in step S201 maintained, and the process can proceed from step S108 to step S107 without receiving a charging instruction again. RES Even if charging by the charging reservation period T RES and charger 210 RES If the connection of the electric vehicle 500 is maintained, the charger 210 is started without receiving a charging instruction again. RES This means that charging by the

[0086] In the second embodiment, the charging reservation period T RES In the charger 210 RES When an electric vehicle 500 connected to the charger 210 is replaced with another electric vehicle 500, the replaced electric vehicle 500 is connected to the charger 210. RES Step S201 can prevent the battery from being charged.

[0087] Third Embodiment FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a charge control device 220 according to a third embodiment.

[0088] In the third embodiment, the charging reservation is performed for a charging reservation period T RES In addition to the information indicating the target value S TAR Contains information indicating:

[0089] In the third embodiment, in step S101, the charger 210 RES Charging reservation period T RES If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process proceeds to step S301.

[0090] In step S301, the controller 223 RES The SOC (State Of Charge) of the electric vehicle 500 connected to the TAR It is determined whether the SOC is equal to or greater than the target value S TAR If it is determined that the SOC is equal to or greater than the target value S, the process proceeds to step S102. TAR If it is determined that the SOC is less than the full capacity of the power storage device of the electric vehicle 500, the process proceeds to step S201.

[0091] In the third embodiment, the electric vehicle 500 is configured to be able to indicate the SOC of its own power storage device. RES Information indicating the SOC of the electric vehicle 500, indicated by the electric vehicle 500 connected to the communication device 221, is transmitted from the electric vehicle 500 to the communication device 221 via the control device 230, and is thereby provided to the charging control device 220. The controller 223 makes the determination in step S301 using the SOC thus provided. As can be understood from the above description, this transmission may be via the external system 300 between the control device 230 and the communication device 221, or may not be via the external system 300. Furthermore, there are cases where an information management system including the electric vehicle 500 is configured such that information indicating the SOC of the power storage device of the electric vehicle 500 can be shared with various devices connected to a network within the information management system, but the information from the information management system cannot be extracted by an external terminal not connected to the network within the information management system. In this case, the information indicating the SOC may be transmitted to the communication device 221 via the external system 300 or another external system by a communication device in the information management system.

[0092] In the third embodiment, if "YES" in step S103, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0093] In step S302, the controller 223 RES A new charging reservation period T RESand the new target value S TAR If it is determined that at least one of these pieces of information has been received, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that none of these pieces of information has been received, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0094] In step S303, the controller 223 sets the charging reservation period T RES and the target value S TAR Update at least one of the following:

[0095] Specifically, in step S302, a new charging reservation period T RES If it is determined that the charge control device 220 has received information indicating the charge reservation period T RES As a result, the charging reservation period T RES , the new charging reservation period T RES Information indicating this will be used.

[0096] In step S302, a new target value S TAR If it is determined that the charge control device 220 has received information indicating the target value S TAR As a result, the target value S in the next step S301 of the flowchart in FIG. TAR , the new target value S in the most recent step S302. TAR Information indicating this will be used.

[0097] As can be understood from the above description, in the third embodiment, when the determination in step S101 is "YES", the process may proceed to step S103 after executing step S102. In one example of this case, a new charging instruction in step S103 and a new charging reservation period T RES and the new target value S TARThe combination of information indicating the above is included in the new charging reservation. Here, the "new charging reservation" means the "charging reservation period T RES In the third embodiment, the external system 300 transmits a new charging reservation to the communication device 221 via the network 400. As a result, the charging control device 220 issues a new charging instruction and a new charging reservation period T RES and the new target value S TAR This leads to the acceptance of information indicating:

[0098] As can be understood from the above description, in the third embodiment, when the determination in step S301 is "YES", the process may proceed to step S103 after executing step S102. In this case, for example, the new charging instruction in step S103 may be received as a charging instruction based on a change in the state of the electric vehicle 500, as a charging instruction based on an operation by a user related to the electric vehicle 500, or as a charging instruction based on an operation by an application. In one specific example, the charger 210 RES The SOC of the electric vehicle 500 connected to TAR When the battery voltage drops below 100V, a charge instruction is transmitted from the electric vehicle 500 to the communication device 221 from a user or an application related to the electric vehicle 500, and the charge instruction is thereby given to the charge control device 220. This transmission is transmitted to the charger 210 RES The charge instruction may be transmitted from the control device 230 to the communicator 221 via the control device 230. As can be understood from the above description, this transmission may be transmitted between the control device 230 and the communicator 221 via the external system 300, or may not be transmitted via the external system 300. Such transmission of the charge instruction leads to the charge control device 220 accepting a new charge instruction. Furthermore, the operation by the user of the electric vehicle 500 or the application is transmitted via the S TAR The new S may include an update step (not shown). TARBy setting the above, a new charging instruction is given in preparation for a situation where additional charging is required. The charging instruction in this case may be a direct operation by the user of the electric vehicle 500 or may be linked to an application operation. TAR The determination may be made by detecting a change in S TAR The instruction may be from the external system 300 based on a change in the application program, or may be from another application.

[0099] In step S302, the charge control device 220 sets a new target value S TAR The manner in which the target value S of the electric vehicle 500 is received is not particularly limited. TAR When it becomes necessary to change the target value S, the external system 300 transmits a new target value S to the communicator 221 via the network 400. TAR As a result, the charge control device 220 transmits a new target value S TAR The target value S of the electric vehicle 500 is received. TAR The need to change the target value S may arise, for example, when the destination of the electric vehicle 500 is changed from the original destination. For example, when the user of the electric vehicle 500 decides to travel further than originally planned, the target value S TAR The external system 300 transmits the new target value S to the communicator 221 via the network 400 so that S is updated to a higher value. TAR The new target value S TAR The source of the new target value S is not limited to the external system 300. TAR may be provided by an operation by a user of the electric vehicle 500 or an application.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the flow chart of FIG. 4 continues with the status of "NO" in step S101, "NO" in step S301, and "connected" in step S201 maintained, and the process can proceed from step S108 to step S107 without receiving a charging instruction again. RES Even if charging by the charging reservation period T RES charger 210RES The connection of the electric vehicle 500 is maintained and the SOC of the electric vehicle 500 is equal to the target value S TAR If the time is less than the predetermined time, the charger 210 is turned off without receiving a charging instruction again. RES This means that charging by the

[0101] In the third embodiment, after step S301 is determined as "YES" and charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped, if the electric vehicle 500 uses power and the SOC decreases, the electric power can be compensated for and the SOC can be increased by step S103, etc. The use of power is, for example, due to the use of accessories of the electric vehicle 500 while the electric vehicle 500 is parked. The accessories are, for example, audio equipment, lamps, electrical devices connected to the external power supply port, etc.

[0102] (Technology Applicable to the First to Third Embodiments) Hereinafter, a description will be given of technology applicable to the first to third embodiments described above.

[0103] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the external system 300 is a vehicle dispatch system. The external system 300 may be another system such as a vehicle operation system, a system for social infrastructure, or an inter-business collaboration platform.

[0104] In the first to third embodiments described above, the number of electric vehicles 500 compatible with the charging system 200 is plural. However, the number of electric vehicles 500 compatible with the charging system 200 may be one.

[0105] In the first to third embodiments described above, the charging system 200 includes a plurality of chargers 210. However, the charging system 200 may include only one charger 210.

[0106] The concept of a charger encompasses a charger / discharger. When the charger 210 is a charger / discharger, it is connected to the electric vehicle 500 and can receive power from the electric vehicle 500. This allows power to be discharged from the electric vehicle 500. The charger 210 may or may not be a charger / discharger.

[0107] In the first example of the first to third embodiments described above, the external system 300 is, for example, a server. In a specific example of the first example, the external system 300 is a vehicle dispatch system or a vehicle operation system. In another example, the external system 300 is an information terminal of a user of the electric vehicle 500.

[0108] The electric vehicle 500 may be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The electric vehicle may be a private vehicle or a commercial vehicle. The electric vehicle 500 may also be an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle).

[0109] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the electric vehicle (electric moving body) is the electric vehicle 500. However, the electric moving body is not limited to the electric vehicle 500. Other examples of the electric moving body include drones, electric ships, electric aircraft (commonly known as "flying cars"), fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, etc. In the above-described first to third embodiments, the term "electric vehicle 500" may be replaced with "electric moving body."

[0110] The power storage device included in the electric vehicle 500 is not particularly limited. The power storage device may include a storage battery or a capacitor. The storage battery is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power storage device may include only one of a storage battery and a capacitor, or may include both.

[0111] The order and content of the steps in the above-described flowchart can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the order of step S201 and step S301 can be reversed, or the determinations in step S201 and step S301 can be performed simultaneously and in a composite manner. Furthermore, it is not essential that the above-described control be performed according to the flowchart. The above-described control can be implemented, for example, by a state transition machine.

[0112] As can be understood from the above description of "Charging Instruction," there is no particular limitation on the method by which the charging control device 220 and the charger 210 acquire the charging instruction. This also applies to the "new charging instruction" in step S103.

[0113] In the above-described first to third embodiments, each charger 210 includes a meter. In step S106, the controller 223 controls the charger 210 by the meter. RES 1 to 4, the measuring instrument is the current sensor 215. The electrical output is the charging current.

[0114] However, it is not essential that the electrical output be a current and that the measuring instrument be a current sensor. In a variant, the electrical output is charging power and the measuring instrument is a wattmeter. In this variant, the wattmeter may measure the current and voltage and calculate the charging power based on the measured current and voltage. In this calculation, the phase difference between the current and voltage may be taken into account.

[0115] The measuring device may be an internal measuring device that is physically built into the charger 210, or an external measuring device that is not physically built into the charger 210. In one configuration example of the external measuring device, an electric structure including a power supply line is connected to the charger 210. The external measuring device measures the electric output from outside the electric structure and transmits the obtained measurement value to the control device 230.

[0116] The charge control device 220 is configured to RES The method of acquiring the information indicating the charging reservation period T RES An example of a source of the charge instruction to the charge control device 220 can be given as an example of a source of the "new charge reservation period T RES The same applies to the information indicating the charging reservation period T RES The source of the charge command may be the same as or different from the source of the charge command.

[0117] In addition, "charging reservation" and "charging reservation period T RES " may also occur when updating a charging reservation. In this case, the "charging reservation period T RES " can be changed to be longer or shorter than the original period.RES When a change occurs in the charging reservation period T RES (corresponding to step S105) and the charging reservation period T RES The process of checking the validity of the parameter (corresponding to step S101) may be executed, and the routine flow chart may be resumed.

[0118] Charging reservation period T RES The charging reservation including the information indicating RES That is, the charge control device 220 may be provided with the charge reservation period T RES After receiving the information indicating the charging reservation period T RES Specifically, after the charge control device 220 accepts the charge reservation, the charge reservation period T RES , it may become possible for the charging control device 220 to transmit a charging instruction to the charger 210 via the control device 230 and for the charger 210 to charge the electric vehicle 500 .

[0119] Charging reservation period T RES may be set on demand. That is, when the charge control device 220 sets the charge reservation period T RES After receiving the information indicating RES Specifically, the charge control device 220 may start the charge reservation period T RES At the same time as receiving the information indicating the charging reservation period T RES This may result in a situation where the charging instruction can be transmitted from the charging control device 220 to the charger 210 via the control device 230 and the charger 210 can charge the electric vehicle 500 .

[0120] The charge control device 220 sets the target value S TAR The method for acquiring the information indicating the target value S TAR An example of a source of the charge instruction to the charge control device 220 can be given as an example of a source of the new target value S TAR The same applies to the information indicating the target value S TARThe source of the charge command may be the same as or different from the source of the charge command.

[0121] It is not essential that the charging system 200 operates in cooperation with the external system 300. The technology according to the present disclosure can also be used in the case where the charging system 200 operates independently.

[0122] (Method and System Understood from the Above Description) As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses a charging control method. Specifically, the charging control method is performed by the charging control device 220.

[0123] In one example of a charge control method, when a charge instruction for the electric vehicle 500 during a first charge reservation period is received, charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 is permitted. When the first charge reservation period ends, the charger 210 is set to a stopped state. If charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped during the first charge reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle 500 can be resumed even without a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500. This configuration is suitable for respecting the right of the electric vehicle 500 to be charged by the charger 210 during the reserved period.

[0124] In the above configuration, the "first charging reservation period" is the charging reservation period T RES The "first charging reservation period" may be the charging reservation period T updated in step S105 or step S303 of the flowcharts of FIGS. RESAs can be understood from the above description, the "charging instruction" according to the above configuration can take various forms. In the above configuration, "permitting charging of electric vehicle 500 by charger 210" can correspond to setting charger 210 to a charging permitted state in steps S107 and S108 of the flowcharts in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. In the above configuration, "re-instruction to charge" can correspond to a new charging instruction, the acceptance of which is determined in step S103 of the flowcharts in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. "Resuming charging" can correspond to a transition from step S108 to S107 of the flowcharts in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

[0125] The "charging instruction" in the above configuration will be further described. An operation unit operated by a user to input a charging instruction may be provided in a device different from the charging control device 220. The operation unit may be a user interface, an input device (e.g., an operation panel, a switch, etc.), etc. The device different from the charging control device 220 may be, for example, the control device 230, the charger 210, the external system 300, or the electric vehicle 500. A configuration may be employed in which a charging instruction is provided to the charging control device 220 by a user operating an operation unit provided in a device different from the charging control device 220, and this charging instruction is provided from the charging control device 220 to the charger 210 via the control device 230. In this configuration, the "charging instruction" provided to the charging control device 220 may correspond to the "charging instruction" in the above configuration in which "upon receiving a charging instruction for the electric vehicle 500 in the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 is permitted."

[0126] Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which a physical switch for causing charger 210 to start charging is provided on charger 210, and when a user operates the switch to start charging, charging control device 220 receives a signal indicating that this operation has been performed as a charging instruction, modifies the received charging instruction, and provides the modified charging instruction to charger 210 via control device 230. The "signal" in this configuration may correspond to the "charging instruction" in the above configuration in which "when a charging instruction for electric vehicle 500 in the first charging reservation period is received, charging of electric vehicle 500 by charger 210 is permitted." In one example of this configuration, the modification includes processing the charging instruction to include a command for controlling charger 210.

[0127] Also, a configuration can be adopted in which the charger 210 can independently permit charging, and when this permission is granted, the charging control device 220 receives a signal indicating that this permission is granted as a charging instruction, modifies the received charging instruction, and provides the modified charging instruction to the charger 210 via the control device 230. The "signal" in this configuration may correspond to the "charging instruction" in the above configuration in which "when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle 500 in the first charging reservation period is received, charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 is permitted." In one example of this configuration, the modification includes processing the charging instruction to include an instruction to change the charger 210 back to an appropriate state.

[0128] In one example, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is disconnected while the electric vehicle 500 is being charged, and then the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 are reconnected, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed even without a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500.

[0129] In the above configuration, a "re-instruction to charge" may correspond to a new instruction to charge, the acceptance of which is determined in step S103 of the flowchart in Fig. 2. Resumption of charging of electric vehicle 500 without a re-instruction to charge may correspond to a transition from step S108 to S107 of the flowchart in Fig. 2.

[0130] In one example, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is disconnected after charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped and then the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 are reconnected, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary even if there is no further instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500.

[0131] In the above configuration, a "re-instruction to charge" may correspond to a new instruction to charge, the acceptance of which is determined in step S103 of the flowchart in Fig. 2. Resumption of charging of electric vehicle 500 without a re-instruction to charge may correspond to a transition from step S108 to S107 of the flowchart in Fig. 2.

[0132] Here, the situation where "charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary" in the above-described configuration will be described. "Charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary" specifically refers to "the charging state of the electric vehicle 500 becoming a state where charging is necessary." "The charging state of the electric vehicle 500 becoming a state where charging is necessary" refers, for example, to the charging rate of the electric vehicle 500 becoming lower than a target value. The charging rate and the target value are respectively the above-described SOC and target value S TAR The case where the charging rate of the electric vehicle 500 becomes lower than the target value after charging is stopped includes when the power storage device of the electric vehicle 500 naturally discharges, when the target value is changed to a higher value, and the like.

[0133] Furthermore, the expression "when charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed" in the above configuration will be explained. This expression does not intend that it is essential to determine that charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary when resuming charging of the electric vehicle 500. Specifically, this expression explains a phenomenon that occurs when charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed. Typically, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed by a charge control function unique to the electric vehicle 500 that is not related to the charging system 200. Charging of the electric vehicle 500 may be resumed when it is determined that charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary.

[0134] In one example, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is maintained after charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary even if there is no further instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500.

[0135] In the above configuration, the "re-instruction to charge" may correspond to a new instruction to charge, the acceptance of which is determined in step S103 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4. The "restart of charging" may correspond to a transition from step S108 to step S107 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4.

[0136] In one example, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is disconnected while the electric vehicle 500 is being charged, and then the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 are reconnected, charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed when a new instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500 is received.

[0137] In the above configuration, the acceptance of a re-instruction to charge may correspond to the acceptance of a new instruction to charge, the presence or absence of which is determined in step S103 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4. "Resuming charging" may correspond to the transition from step S108 to S107 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4.

[0138] In one example, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is disconnected after charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped, and then the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 are reconnected, a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500 is accepted, and charging of the electric vehicle 500 is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary.

[0139] In the above configuration, the acceptance of a re-instruction to charge may correspond to the acceptance of a new instruction to charge, the presence or absence of which is determined in step S103 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4. "Resuming charging" may correspond to the transition from step S108 to S107 of the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4.

[0140] In one example, if the charging state of the electric vehicle 500 reaches the target state during the first charging reservation period and charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped, even if the connection between the electric vehicle 500 and the charger 210 is maintained, unless a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500 is received, charging of the electric vehicle 500 will not resume even if charging of the electric vehicle 500 becomes necessary.

[0141] In the above configuration, the acceptance of a re-instruction to charge may correspond to the acceptance of a new instruction to charge, the presence or absence of which is determined in step S103 of the flowchart in Fig. 4. "Restarting charging" may correspond to the transition from step S108 to step S107 of the flowchart in Fig. 4.

[0142] In the above configuration, "the state of charge of the electric vehicle 500 reaches the target state" means, for example, that the SOC of the electric vehicle 500 reaches the target value S TAR It means that it is more than this.

[0143] In one example, if charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 is stopped due to the end of a first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle 500 by the charger 210 is permitted when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle 500 is received during a second charging reservation period that is after the first charging reservation period.

[0144] In the above-described configuration, the "first charging reservation period" is, for example, the charging reservation period T before the update in step S105 or step S303 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. RES The "second charging reservation period" is, for example, the charging reservation period T after updating in step S105 or step S303 in the flowcharts of FIGS. RES The reception of the charge instruction may correspond to the reception of a new charge instruction, the presence or absence of which is determined in step S103 of the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0145] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses a charging control device 220 .

[0146] The charging control device 220 includes a communicator 221 and a controller 223 .

[0147] In one example, when the controller 223 receives a charge instruction for the electric vehicle 500 during the first charge reservation period via the communicator 221, the controller 223 permits the charger 210 to charge the electric vehicle 500. When the first charge reservation period ends, the controller 223 sets the charger 210 to a stopped state. If charging of the electric vehicle 500 is stopped during the first charge reservation period, the controller 223 enables charging of the electric vehicle 500 to be resumed even without receiving another instruction to charge the electric vehicle 500 via the communicator 221.

[0148] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0149] (Technology 1) A charging control method comprising: a step of permitting charging of an electric vehicle by a charger when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle during a first charging reservation period is received; and a step of setting the charger to a stopped state when the first charging reservation period ends, wherein if charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle can be resumed even if a charging instruction for the electric vehicle is not given again.

[0150] (Technology 2) The charging control method according to Technology 1, wherein, if the connection to the charger is disconnected and reconnected during the first charging reservation period while the electric vehicle is being charged, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed even if a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle is not given.

[0151] (Technology 3) The charging control method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection to the charger is disconnected after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped and then reconnected, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary even if there is no re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

[0152] (Technology 4) The charging control method according to Technology 1, wherein, during the first charging reservation period, if a connection with the charger is maintained after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary even if there is no re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

[0153] (Technology 5) The charging control method according to Technology 4, wherein, if the connection to the charger is disconnected and reconnected during the first charging reservation period while the electric vehicle is being charged, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed upon receiving a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

[0154] (Technology 6) The charging control method according to Technology 4 or 5, wherein, during the first charging reservation period, if the connection to the charger is disconnected after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped and then reconnected, a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle is accepted, and charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary.

[0155] (Technology 7) The charge control method according to any one of Technologies 4 to 6, wherein, during the first charge reservation period, if the charging state of the electric vehicle reaches a target state and charging is stopped, even if connection with the charger is maintained, charging of the electric vehicle will not resume even if charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary unless a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle is received.

[0156] (Technology 8) The charge control method according to any one of technologies 1 to 7, wherein, when charging by the charger is stopped due to an end of the first charge reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle by the charger is permitted when a charge instruction for the electric vehicle is received during a second charge reservation period that is after the first charge reservation period.

[0157] (Technology 9) A charging control device comprising: a communication device; and a controller, wherein the controller, upon receiving a charge instruction for an electric vehicle during a first charge reservation period via the communication device, permits charging of the electric vehicle by a charger; sets the charger to a stopped state upon completion of the first charge reservation period; and, if charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charge reservation period, enables resumption of charging of the electric vehicle without receiving a new charge instruction for the electric vehicle via the communication device.

[0158] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, when linking a charging system with a vehicle dispatching system.

[0159] 100 Environment 200 Charging system 210, 210 RESCharger 215 Current sensor 220 Charging control device 221 Communication device 222 Storage device 223 Controller 230 Control device 300 External system 400 Network 500 Electric vehicle

Claims

1. A charging control method comprising: a step of permitting charging of an electric vehicle by a charger when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle during a first charging reservation period is received; and a step of setting the charger to a stopped state when the first charging reservation period ends, wherein if charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle can be resumed without a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

2. The charging control method according to claim 1, wherein, if the connection to the charger is disconnected and reconnected during the first charging reservation period while the electric vehicle is being charged, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed even without receiving a new instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

3. A charging control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if the connection to the charger is disconnected after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped and then reconnected during the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary even without receiving a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

4. The charging control method according to claim 1, wherein, during the first charging reservation period, if a connection with the charger is maintained after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary even without a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

5. The charging control method according to claim 4, wherein if the connection to the charger is disconnected and reconnected during the first charging reservation period while the electric vehicle is being charged, charging of the electric vehicle is resumed upon receiving a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle.

6. A charging control method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, if the connection to the charger is disconnected and reconnected after charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle is accepted and charging of the electric vehicle is resumed when charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary.

7. A charge control method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, during the first charge reservation period, if the charging state of the electric vehicle reaches a target state and charging is stopped, even if connection with the charger is maintained, charging of the electric vehicle will not resume even if charging of the electric vehicle becomes necessary unless a re-instruction to charge the electric vehicle is received.

8. A charging control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when charging by the charger is stopped due to the end of the first charging reservation period, charging of the electric vehicle by the charger is permitted when a charging instruction for the electric vehicle is received during a second charging reservation period that is after the first charging reservation period.

9. A charging control device comprising: a communication device; and a controller, wherein the controller, upon receiving a charging instruction for an electric vehicle during a first charging reservation period via the communication device, permits charging of the electric vehicle by a charger; sets the charger to a stopped state upon completion of the first charging reservation period; and, if charging of the electric vehicle is stopped during the first charging reservation period, enables charging of the electric vehicle to be resumed without receiving another instruction for charging the electric vehicle via the communication device.

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