Information provision method and information provision control device

Abstract

An information provision method for providing charging information that relates to charging of an electric vehicle by using an information provision device mounted on the electric vehicle, the information provision method comprising: a charging state assessment step for assessing that charging of the electric vehicle is performed through rapid charging or normal charging; an approach assessment step for assessing whether a separation distance from a user of the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle is equal to or less than an approach detection distance; and an information provision control step for providing the charging information using the information provision device in cases where the separation distance is equal to or less than the approach detection distance during the rapid charging, and not providing the charging information using the information provision device in cases where the separation distance is equal to or less than the approach detection distance during the normal charging.

Description

Information providing method and information providing control device

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing method and an information providing control device.

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration for providing a charging state to a user during charging of an electric vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the angle of the door mirror is changed by an actuator according to the progress of charging.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-240008

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the actuator is driven until charging is completed regardless of whether the user can confirm the charging state, there is a possibility of consuming wasted power. Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the actuator is driven according to the progress of charging regardless of the charging method. In normal charging, the ratio of the power consumption of the actuator to the charging output is larger than that in rapid charging, so there is a possibility of reducing the charging efficiency.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information providing method and an information providing control device that can allow a user to confirm a charging state while suppressing consumption of wasted power and reduction of charging efficiency.

[0006] An information providing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information providing method for providing charging information related to charging of an electric vehicle by an information providing device mounted on the electric vehicle, the method including: a charging state determination step of determining whether the charging of the electric vehicle is being performed by rapid charging or normal charging; a proximity determination step of determining whether a separation distance from a user of the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle is equal to or less than a proximity detection distance; and an information providing control step of providing the charging information by the information providing device when the separation distance becomes equal to or less than the proximity detection distance during the rapid charging, and not providing the charging information by the information providing device when the separation distance becomes equal to or less than the proximity detection distance during the normal charging.

[0007] An information provision control device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information provision control device that provides charging information relating to the charging of an electric vehicle using an information provision device mounted on the electric vehicle, comprising: a charging state determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle is being charged by rapid charging or normal charging; a proximity determination unit that determines whether the distance from the user of the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle is less than or equal to the proximity detection distance; and an information provision control unit that controls the information provision device to provide the charging information when the distance becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during rapid charging, and not to provide the charging information when the distance becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during normal charging.

[0008] This is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of an electric vehicle. This is a schematic diagram showing the first display screen. This is a schematic diagram showing the second display screen. This is a schematic diagram showing the third display screen. This is a flowchart illustrating the display control process. This is a flowchart illustrating the display control process. This is a timing chart showing a first display example based on the display control process. This is a timing chart showing a second display example based on the display control process. This is a timing chart showing a third display example based on the display control process.

[0009] [Embodiment] <Configuration of the electric vehicle> One embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electric vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 runs by driving a motor with power supplied from a battery 11. The electric vehicle 1 is configured to be able to charge the battery 11 by rapid charging or normal charging which has a lower charging output than rapid charging. The electric vehicle 1 includes a BCM (Body Control Module) 2, a connector connection detection unit 3, a battery controller 4, an operation unit 5, a meter 6 as an information providing device, and a HEVC (Hybrid Electric Vehicle Controller) 7.

[0010] The BCM2 determines the state of the electric vehicle 1. The BCM2 includes a memory unit and a CPU, and the CPU executes a program stored in the memory unit to function as a startup detection unit 21, a lock / unlock detection unit 22, an open / close determination unit 23, and a proximity detection unit 24.

[0011] The startup detection unit 21 detects whether the ignition switch 12 of the electric vehicle 1 is turned on or off and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the HEVC 7. The lock / unlock detection unit 22 detects whether the doors of the electric vehicle 1 are locked or unlocked and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the HEVC 7. The doors are locked and unlocked using a wireless key 14 that uses wireless communication. If the key for the electric vehicle 1 is also equipped with a physical key, the doors can also be locked and unlocked using the physical key. The open / closed determination unit 23 determines whether the door is closed or open based on the detection result at the door switch 13 of the electric vehicle 1 and outputs a signal corresponding to the determination result to the HEVC 7. The proximity detection unit 24 detects that the distance from the user of the electric vehicle 1 to the electric vehicle 1 has changed from a state where it is longer than the proximity detection distance to a state where it is less than or equal to the proximity detection distance, that is, the user has approached the electric vehicle 1, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the HEVC 7. User proximity detection is performed, for example, by wireless communication with the wireless key 14 of the electric vehicle 1. The proximity detection distance is set to be shorter than the lock / unlock detection distance, but it may be longer or the same as the lock / unlock detection distance. The lock / unlock detection distance is the maximum distance at which the doors can be locked or unlocked using the wireless key 14.

[0012] The connector connection detection unit 3 detects the connection status between the charging port of the electric vehicle 1 and the connector of the fast charger or normal charger, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the HEVC 7.

[0013] The battery controller 4 is electrically connected to the battery 11. The battery controller 4 includes a memory unit and a CPU, and functions as a vehicle-side communication unit 41 and a charge control unit 42 by executing a program stored in the memory unit via the CPU.

[0014] The vehicle-side communication unit 41 communicates with the charger-side communication unit of the charger connected to the charging port. The vehicle-side communication unit 41 obtains information regarding the charging output from the charger-side communication unit and outputs a signal corresponding to that information to the HEVC 7. The charging control unit 42 charges the battery 11 with power from the charger connected to the charging port. The charging control unit 42 calculates the charge level of the battery 11 and outputs a signal corresponding to the calculation result to the HEVC 7.

[0015] The control unit 5 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and outputs signals corresponding to the operation of the touch panel to the HEVC 7. The charge limit during charging is set by operating the control unit 5. The charge limit is a target charge level that can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0016] The meter 6 displays various information about the electric vehicle 1 based on the control of the HEVC 7.

[0017] HEVC7 includes a memory unit and a CPU, and by executing a program stored in the memory unit, the CPU functions as an information provision control device that includes a charging state determination unit 71, an approach determination unit 72, a notification determination unit 73, and a display control unit 74 as an information provision control unit.

[0018] The charging state determination unit 71 determines whether a connector for a fast charger or a normal charger has been connected to the charging port, based on the detection result from the connector connection detection unit 3. The charging state determination unit 71 determines whether the charging method is fast charging or normal charging, based on information regarding the charging output from the vehicle-side communication unit 41. The charging state determination unit 71 determines the charging state of the battery 11, based on information regarding the charge rate from the charging control unit 42.

[0019] The proximity determination unit 72 determines whether or not the user has approached the electric vehicle 1 based on the detection result from the proximity detection unit 24.

[0020] The notification determination unit 73 determines whether the door has been unlocked based on the detection result from the lock / unlock detection unit 22. The notification determination unit 73 also determines whether the door has changed from a closed state to an open state based on the determination result from the open / closed determination unit 23. The unlocked state and the open state are examples of situations that occur in the electric vehicle 1 and are subject to notification.

[0021] The display control unit 74 controls the display state of the meter 6. When the startup detection unit 21 detects that the ignition switch 12 is off and the charging state determination unit 71 determines that charging is taking place, the display control unit 74 displays the first display screen P1 shown in Figure 2A or the second display screen P2 shown in Figure 2B on the meter 6.

[0022] The first display screen P1 shown in Figure 2A is displayed when either of the following conditions (A) or (B) is met, based on the determination results from the charging state determination unit 71 and the proximity determination unit 72: (A) Rapid charging has started (B) The user has approached the electric vehicle 1 while rapid charging is in progress The first display screen P1 displays only the first charging information Q1. The first charging information Q1 includes charge rate character information Q11, cruising range information Q12, charging output information Q13, charge rate graphic information Q14, default target charge rate information Q15, first remaining charging time information Q16, charge limit information Q17, and second remaining charging time information Q18.

[0023] The charge rate character information Q11 represents the charge rate of the battery 11 acquired by the charge state determination unit 71 in characters. The navigable distance information Q12 represents the distance that the electric vehicle 1 can navigate based on the power of the charge rate indicated in the charge rate character information Q11 in characters. The charging output information Q13 represents the charging output of the charger acquired by the charge state determination unit 71 in characters. The charge rate graphic information Q14 represents the charge rate indicated in the charge rate character information Q11 as a bar graph graphic including a scale. The default target charge rate information Q15 represents the default target charge rate as a triangle positioned at a location corresponding to the default target charge rate relative to the scale of the charge rate graphic information Q14. The default target charge rate is set to 80% because when the charge rate exceeds 80%, the charging speed decreases and charging becomes inefficient, and many users charge to 80% or less. The default target charge rate may be greater than 80% or less than 80%. The first remaining charge time information Q16 represents the charging time required to reach the default target charge rate in text. The charge limit information Q17 indicates the charge limit with text and a triangle and line positioned at the position corresponding to the charge limit relative to the scale of the charge rate graphic information Q14. The second remaining charge time information Q18 represents the charging time required to reach the charge limit in text.

[0024] The second display screen P2 shown in Figure 2B is displayed when any of the following conditions (C), (D), or (E) are met, based on the determination results from the charging status determination unit 71 and the notification determination unit 73: (C) The door is unlocked during rapid charging (D) The door is opened during rapid charging (E) The door is opened during normal charging The second display screen P2 displays the second charging information Q2 and the notification information R. The second charging information Q2 contains the same information as the first charging information Q1, except that it includes charging rate graphic information Q21 instead of charging rate graphic information Q14. The charging rate graphic information Q21 represents the charging rate shown in the charging rate character information Q11 with a graphic that resembles a battery, including a scale. The notification information R represents a warning that the door is unlocked or that the door is open with at least one of characters and a graphic. The notification information R for when the door is unlocked and the notification information R for when the door is open may have different designs or the same design.

[0025] The charge rate text information Q11, the remaining cruising range information Q12, the charge rate graphic information Q14, Q21, the first remaining charge time information Q16, and the second remaining charge time information Q18 are updated at predetermined intervals based on the charging progress while the first display screen P1 or the second display screen P2 is being displayed.

[0026] If the start detection unit 21 detects that the ignition switch 12 is off, the charge status determination unit 71 determines that charging is not taking place, and the notification determination unit 73 determines that the door has been opened, the display control unit 74 displays the third display screen P3 shown in Figure 2C on the meter 6. The third display screen P3 displays the third charge information Q3. The third charge information Q3 includes charge rate character information Q11 and charge rate graphic information Q31. The charge rate graphic information Q31 represents the charge rate indicated by the charge rate character information Q11 with a graphic that resembles a battery without scales.

[0027] When the ignition switch 12 is detected to be ON by the startup detection unit 21, the display control unit 74 displays information necessary for driving, such as the speedometer, on the meter 6. At this time, the display control unit 74 displays charging-related information similar to the first, second, and third charging information Q1, Q2, and Q3, along with the speedometer, etc., in a size smaller than the size on the first, second, and third display screens P1, P2, and P3.

[0028] <Display control processing in electric vehicles> When the HEVC 7 detects that the ignition switch 12 has been turned off by the start detection unit 21, it determines whether or not rapid charging has started, as shown in Figure 3 (step S1). If the HEVC 7 determines YES in step S1, it determines whether or not it is necessary to display the notification information R (step S2).

[0029] If the door is locked or closed, HEVC7 determines NO in step S2 and starts displaying the first display screen P1 on meter 6 (step S3: information provision control step). On the other hand, if the door is unlocked or opened, HEVC7 determines YES in step S2 and starts displaying the second display screen P2 on meter 6 (step S4: information provision control step). The second display screen P2 includes notification information R to warn of door unlocking if the door is unlocked, and notification information R to warn of door opening if the door is opened.

[0030] After performing the processing in step S3 or step S4, HEVC7 determines whether the door has been unlocked (step S5: notification determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S5, it starts displaying the second display screen P2 on the meter 6 (step S4). On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S5, it determines whether the door has been opened (step S6: notification determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S6, it starts displaying the second display screen P2 on the meter 6 (step S4). On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S6, it determines whether the set time Td has elapsed (step S7). The set time Td is set to 30 seconds, but it may be longer or shorter than 30 seconds. If HEVC7 determines YES in step S7, it terminates the display of the currently displayed first display screen P1 or second display screen P2 (step S8) and terminates the display control process. On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S7, it determines whether the door has been unlocked or not (step S5).

[0031] If HEVC7 determines NO in step S1, it determines whether or not rapid charging is in progress (step S9: charging state determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S9, it determines whether or not a user has approached the electric vehicle 1 (step S10: approach determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S10, it determines whether or not it is necessary to display the notification information R (step S2). On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S10, it determines whether or not the door has been unlocked (step S11: notification determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S11, it determines whether or not it is necessary to display the notification information R (step S2). On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S11, it determines whether or not the door has been opened (step S12: notification determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S12, it determines whether or not it is necessary to display the notification information R (step S2). On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S12, it terminates the display control process.

[0032] If HEVC7 determines NO in step S9, it determines whether or not it is charging normally, as shown in Figure 4 (step S13: charging state determination step). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S13, it determines whether or not the door has been opened (step S14: notification determination step). If HEVC7 determines NO in step S14, it terminates the display control process. On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines YES in step S14, it displays the second display screen P2 on the meter 6 for a set time Td (step S15: information provision control step) and terminates the display control process.

[0033] If HEVC7 determines NO in step S13, it determines whether the door has been opened or not (step S16). If HEVC7 determines YES in step S16, it displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for a set time Td (step S17) and terminates the display control process. On the other hand, if HEVC7 determines NO in step S16, it terminates the display control process as is. The above display control process is repeated until the ignition switch 12 is turned on.

[0034] <Display example based on display control processing> {First display example: When performing rapid charging} As shown in Figure 5, when the user arrives at the facility where the rapid charger is installed, the user turns off the ignition switch 12 (IGN) at time T1. The user unlocks the door at time T2 and opens the door at time T3.

[0035] HEVC7 determines that no charging has occurred between time T1 and time T3, and repeatedly processes to determine NO in steps S1, S9, S13, and S16, and determines that the door was opened at time T3 (determining YES in step S16). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td (step S17). Note that the period for which the display flag is turned on may be longer or shorter than 2 seconds.

[0036] The user gets out of the electric vehicle 1, closes the door at time T4, and then connects the fast charger connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle 1 at time T5. The fast charger does not automatically start charging even when the connector is connected to the charging port. At time T6, the user initiates the charging start operation on the fast charger and starts fast charging. At time T7, the user locks the door and leaves the electric vehicle 1, for example, to go shopping.

[0037] After the display of the third display screen P3 ends, HEVC7 determines that charging has not occurred, and repeats the process of determining NO in steps S1, S9, S13, and S16, and determines that rapid charging has started at time T6 (determined as YES in step S1). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and determines that the display of notification information R is unnecessary (determined as NO in step S2), and starts displaying the first display screen P1 on meter 6 (step S3). HEVC7 repeats the process of determining NO in steps S5, S6, and S7 until the set time Td has elapsed from time T6, and when the set time Td has elapsed (determined as YES in step S7), it ends the display of the first display screen P1 (step S8).

[0038] The user approaches electric vehicle 1 at time T8 to retrieve an item they forgot. The user unlocks the door at time T9, before the set time Td has elapsed from time T8, opens the door at time T10, and retrieves the item. The user closes the door at time T11, locks the door at time T12, and then returns to shopping.

[0039] After the display of the first display screen P1 ends, HEVC7 is in the process of rapidly charging, so it repeatedly determines NO in step S1, YES in step S9, and NO in steps S10, S11, and S12, and at time T8 it determines that the user has approached the electric vehicle 1 (determined as YES in step S10). HEVC7 turns on the approach flag and the display flag for only 2 seconds and determines that the display of the notification information R is unnecessary (determined as NO in step S2), and starts displaying the first display screen P1 on the meter 6 (step S3). The period for which the approach flag is turned on may be the same as or different from the period for which the display flag is turned on.

[0040] HEVC7 repeatedly processes to determine NO in steps S5, S6, and S7 from time T8 onward, and at time T9 determines that the door has been unlocked (determining YES in step S5). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and switches the display of meter 6 to the second display screen P2 which includes notification information R indicating that the door has been unlocked (step S4).

[0041] HEVC7 repeatedly processes to determine NO in steps S5, S6, and S7 from time T9 onward, and determines that the door has been opened at time T10 (determined as YES in step S6). HEVC7 switches the display of meter 6 to a second display screen P2 which further includes notification information R indicating that the door is open (step S4). HEVC7 repeatedly processes to determine NO in steps S5, S6, and S7 from time T10 onward, and when the set time Td has elapsed from time T10 (determined as YES in step S7), it terminates the display of the second display screen P2 (step S8).

[0042] The user approaches the electric vehicle 1 at time T13 to depart from the charging facility. At time T14, the user terminates the rapid charging by performing the rapid charger's end operation, and at time T15, after the set time Td has elapsed from time T13, the user disconnects the rapid charger's connector from the electric vehicle 1's charging port. At time T16, after the set time Td has elapsed from time T13, the user unlocks the door, opens the door at time T17, and sits in the driver's seat. At time T18, the user closes the door, and at time T19, the user locks the door. At time T20, the user turns on the ignition switch 12.

[0043] After the display of the second display screen P2 ends, HEVC7 repeatedly determines NO in step S1, YES in step S9, and NO in steps S10, S11, and S12 because it is in the process of rapid charging, and at time T13 it determines that the user has approached the electric vehicle 1 (determined as YES in step S10). HEVC7 turns on the approach flag and display flag for only 2 seconds and determines that the display of the notification information R is unnecessary (determined as NO in step S2), and starts displaying the first display screen P1 on the meter 6 (step S3).

[0044] HEVC7 repeats the process of determining NO in steps S5, S6, and S7 until the set time Td has elapsed since time T13. When the set time Td has elapsed (when it is determined YES in step S7), the display of the first display screen P1 ends (step S8). After the display of the first display screen P1 ends, since charging is not being performed, HEVC7 repeats the process of determining NO in steps S1, S9, S, and S16, and determines that the door is opened at time T17 (when it is determined YES in step S16). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td (step S17).

[0045] {Second display example: When performing normal charging} In the following description of performing normal charging, the description of the same operations as when performing rapid charging in HEVC7 will be simplified. As shown in FIG. 6, when the user arrives at home where a normal charger is installed, the user turns off the ignition switch 12 at time T31. The user unlocks the door at time T32 and opens the door at time T33.

[0046] Similar to the case of performing rapid charging, HEVC7 displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td from time T33 (step S17). <s

[0047] The user gets out of the electric vehicle 1, closes the door at time T34, and then connects the connector of the normal charger to the charging port of the electric vehicle 1 at time T35. When the connector is connected to the charging port, the normal charger automatically starts charging. The user locks the door at time T36 and returns home. For example, when the user goes to pick up something left behind in the electric vehicle 1, the user approaches the electric vehicle 1 at time T37. The user unlocks the door at time T38, opens the door at time T39, and retrieves the forgotten item. The user closes the door at time T40, locks the door at time T41, and then returns home.

[0048] Since HEVC7 is under normal charging after the display of the third display screen P3 ends, it repeatedly performs the process of determining NO in steps S1 and S9, YES in step S13, and NO in step S14, and determines that the door is opened at time T39 (determines YES in step S14). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and displays the second display screen P2 on the meter 6 for the set time Td (step S15).

[0049] For going out, the user approaches the electric vehicle 1 at time T42. The user ends the normal charging by removing the connector of the normal charger from the charging port of the electric vehicle 1 at time T43. The user unlocks the door at time T44, opens the door at time T45, and sits in the driver's seat. The user closes the door at time T46 and locks the door at time T47. The user turns on the ignition switch 12 at time T48.

[0050] After the display of the second display screen P2 ends, until time T43 when the normal charging ends, since HEVC7 is under normal charging, it repeatedly performs the process of determining NO in steps S1 and S9, YES in step S13, and NO in step S14. After time T43, since no charging is being performed, HEVC7 repeatedly performs the process of determining NO in steps S1, S9, S13, and S16, and similar to the case of performing rapid charging, displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td from time T45 (step S17).

[0051] When the user approaches the electric vehicle 1 at times T37 and T42 during normal charging, unlike the case of rapid charging, HEVC7 does not display the first display screen P1 on the meter 6. When the door is unlocked at time T38 during normal charging, unlike the case of rapid charging, HEVC7 does not start displaying the second display screen P2 on the meter 6.

[0052] {Third display example: When charging is not performed} In the following explanation of when charging is not performed, the same operations as when fast charging is performed in HEVC7 will be explained in a simplified manner. As shown in Figure 7, when the user arrives at home where a normal charger is installed, the user turns off the ignition switch 12 at time T51. The user unlocks the door at time T52 and opens the door at time T53. The user gets out of the electric vehicle 1, closes the door at time T54, locks the door at time T55, and returns home.

[0053] The HEVC7 displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td, starting from time T53, similar to when performing rapid charging (step S17).

[0054] For example, the user approaches electric vehicle 1 at time T56 to retrieve an item they forgot. The user unlocks the door at time T57, opens the door at time T58, and retrieves the item. The user closes the door at time T59, locks the door at time T60, and then returns home.

[0055] After the display of the third display screen P3 ends, HEVC7 determines that charging has not occurred, and repeats the process of determining NO in steps S1, S9, S13, and S16, and determines that the door was opened at time T58 (determining YES in step S16). HEVC7 turns on the display flag for only 2 seconds and displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td (step S17).

[0056] The user approaches the electric vehicle 1 at time T61 to go out. The user unlocks the door at time T62 and opens the door and sits in the driver's seat at time T63. The user closes the door at time T64 and locks the door at time T65. The user turns on the ignition switch 12 at time T66.

[0057] After the display of the third display screen P3 ends, HEVC7 determines that charging has not occurred, so it repeats the process of determining NO in steps S1, S9, S13, and S16, and displays the third display screen P3 on the meter 6 for the set time Td from time T63, similar to when performing rapid charging (step S17).

[0058] <Effects of the Embodiment> When a user approaches the electric vehicle 1 during rapid charging, the HEVC 7 displays the first charging information Q1 on the meter 6, but does not display the second charging information Q2 on the meter 6 when a user approaches the electric vehicle 1 during normal charging. In this way, the first charging information Q1 is displayed when a user approaches the electric vehicle 1 and can check the rapid charging status, thus suppressing the consumption of unnecessary power. When performing normal charging, users often continue charging until the next time they use the electric vehicle 1. Therefore, there are cases where a user who has no intention of using the electric vehicle 1 or checking the charging status approaches the electric vehicle 1 during normal charging. In such cases, the second charging information Q2 is not displayed, thus suppressing the consumption of unnecessary power. During normal charging, the ratio of the power consumption of the meter 6 to the charging output is larger than during rapid charging, so the decrease in charging efficiency during normal charging is suppressed.

[0059] When the HEVC7 is fast-charging or normal-charging, if a situation requiring notification occurs in the electric vehicle 1, it displays a second display screen P2 containing second charging information Q2 and notification information R. This allows the user to confirm the charging status along with the situation requiring notification.

[0060] The HEVC7 displays the second display screen P2 if the doors are unlocked, which is one example of a situation that triggers notification during rapid charging. This helps prevent users from forgetting to lock the doors after checking the charging status. During rapid charging, users who are near the electric vehicle 1 for a while can be allowed to check the charging status. If a user who is located at a distance from the electric vehicle 1 that is shorter than the lock / unlock detection distance and longer than the proximity detection distance unlocks the doors, an acquaintance of the user who is near the electric vehicle 1 can be allowed to check the charging status.

[0061] The HEVC7 displays the second display screen P2 when a door is opened, which is one example of a situation that triggers notification, during rapid charging or normal charging. This helps prevent users from forgetting to close the door after checking the charging status. Users who are near the electric vehicle 1 for a while during charging, or users who have returned to the electric vehicle 1 from, for example, shopping, can check the charging status. Users who are inside the electric vehicle 1 during charging can also check the charging status when they get out of the vehicle.

[0062] The HEVC7 displays the first display screen P1 when rapid charging begins. This allows the user to check the charging status before leaving the electric vehicle 1.

[0063] The HEVC7 does not display the first display screen P1 or the second display screen P2 when normal charging begins. As mentioned above, when users perform normal charging, they often continue charging until the next use and do not pay attention to the charge level when normal charging begins. Therefore, this helps to suppress wasted power consumption and a decrease in charging efficiency.

[0064] The HEVC7 does not display the second display screen P2 even if the door is unlocked during normal charging. As mentioned above, when users perform normal charging, they often continue charging until the next use. Therefore, when a user unlocks the door, they often open the door again and use the electric vehicle 1. Also, users may unlock the door at a distance from the electric vehicle 1. The HEVC7 starts displaying the second display screen P2 when the door is opened, not when the door is unlocked, so the display of the second display screen P2 can be started at a time when the user can see it, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0065] [Variation] HEVC7 may display a first display screen P1 containing only the first charging information Q1 if the door is unlocked or opened while fast charging or normal charging is in progress.

[0066] HEVC7 does not need to display the first display screen P1 or the second display screen P2 at at least one of the following timings: when rapid charging starts, when the doors are unlocked during rapid charging, or when the doors are opened during rapid charging. HEVC7 may display the first display screen P1 or the second display screen P2 on the meter 6 at at least one of the following timings: when normal charging starts, or when the doors are unlocked during normal charging. HEVC7 does not need to display the second display screen P2 if the doors are opened during normal charging. HEVC7 may accept changes to at least one of the above-mentioned timing settings for displaying the first display screen P1 or the second display screen P2, and the setting time Td, from the operation unit 5 or a mobile terminal. Such a configuration improves the convenience of the electric vehicle 1.

[0067] As an example of an information-providing device, a meter 6 that displays the first and second charging information Q1 and Q2 has been shown, but a speaker that outputs the charging status by sound, or a door mirror or wiper that indicates the rotation angle may also be used.

[0068] 1...Electric vehicle, 6...Meter (information providing device), 7...HEVC (information providing control device), 71...Charging status determination unit, 72...Approach determination unit, 74...Display control unit (information providing control unit), Q1...First charging information, Q2...Second charging information, R...Notification information.

Claims

1. An information provision method for providing charging information relating to the charging of an electric vehicle using an information provision device mounted on the electric vehicle, comprising: a charging state determination step of determining whether the electric vehicle is being charged by rapid charging or normal charging; a proximity determination step of determining whether the distance between the user of the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle is less than or equal to the proximity detection distance; and an information provision control step of providing the charging information using the information provision device if the distance between the user and the electric vehicle becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during rapid charging, and not providing the charging information using the information provision device if the distance between the user and the electric vehicle becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during normal charging.

2. An information provision method according to claim 1, further comprising a notification determination step of determining whether or not a situation to be notified has occurred in the electric vehicle, wherein the information provision control step provides notification information and charging information to the information provision device if the situation to be notified occurs during rapid charging or normal charging.

3. The information provision method according to claim 2, wherein the situation to be notified includes at least one of the following situations: the situation in which the door of the electric vehicle is unlocked and the situation in which the door is open.

4. An information provision method according to claim 1, further comprising a setting change acceptance step for accepting a setting change of the timing for providing the charging information, wherein the information provision control step, when a setting change of the provision timing is accepted, provides the charging information at the provision timing after the setting change using the information provision device.

5. An information provision control device that provides charging information relating to the charging of an electric vehicle using an information provision device mounted on the electric vehicle, comprising: a charging state determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle is being charged by rapid charging or normal charging; a proximity determination unit that determines whether the distance from the user of the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle is less than or equal to the proximity detection distance; and an information provision control unit that controls the information provision device to provide the charging information when the distance becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during rapid charging, and not to provide the charging information when the distance becomes less than or equal to the proximity detection distance during normal charging.

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