JP7424667B2 - Power control device, charging management system, power control method, charging management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power control device, a charging management device, a charging management system, a power control method, a charging management method, and a program.

In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, consideration has been given to installing charging equipment throughout the city. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a charge/discharge management device provided at a charging station controls a switch provided on a power system that supplies electric power to an electric vehicle. In this document, the charging/discharging management device receives charging/discharging reward information that defines the rewards that can be enjoyed by the charging/discharging behavior of the consumer and constraints regarding the implementation of charging/discharging from the charging management central server, and receives the charging/discharging reward information. Create a charging/discharging plan based on

Further, Patent Document 2 describes the following. First, the in-vehicle communication device communicates with the power supply device and the server device. The in-vehicle communication device then determines the success or failure of the process related to power feeding from the power feeding device to the vehicle, and transmits this determination result to the server device. The server device determines whether the failure of the process related to power supply is caused by the power supply device or the vehicle, based on the determination result transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device, and notifies the vehicle of this determination result.

Further, in Patent Document 3, when the end of charging control for a vehicle is detected and the end of charging control is determined to be an abnormal end, end factor data, which is data regarding the cause of the end of charging control, is transmitted. It is stated that the user of the vehicle is notified.

Further, Patent Document 4 describes that a management server communicating with a charger sends an email indicating the progress of charging to a customer terminal. Patent Document 4 describes, as an example of the timing of this notification, when 50%, 75%, and 90% of the expected charging time have passed, or 15 minutes before the predicted charging completion.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-081722 JP2020-127312A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-054163 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-167459

When charging a vehicle's rechargeable battery via charging equipment, the progress of the charging process is often repeatedly transmitted to an external device. Examples of this external device are a payment processing device that performs payment processing for charging, and a terminal of a vehicle manager. On the other hand, during charging, communication between this external device and the charging equipment may not be maintained. In this case, a problem arises in that the external device cannot accurately grasp the state of the charging process. However, none of the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 4 consider such a problem.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an example of the object of the present invention is a power control device that enables an external device to grasp the state of charging processing even if communication between the external device and charging equipment cannot be maintained. , a charging management device, a charging management system, a power control method, a charging management method, and a program.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result by the measurement means to an external device while the current is on;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained;
A power control device is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, communicating with a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
a first acquisition unit that repeatedly acquires power amount information that can specify the amount of power supplied to the rechargeable battery from the power control device;
confirmation means for repeating a first confirmation process for confirming that first communication, which is communication with the power control device, is maintained;
Transmitting means for transmitting charging completion information indicating that charging has ended to a terminal of a manager of the vehicle when the first communication is not maintained;
A charging management device is provided.

According to one aspect of the invention,
a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that can identify the measurement result of the measurement means to the power control device;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the charging management device is not maintained;
Equipped with
The charging management device includes:
a first acquisition unit that repeatedly acquires the power amount information from the power control device;
Settlement means for performing a settlement process for the amount of electricity charged in the rechargeable battery using the electricity amount information;
A charging management system is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that can identify the power amount to an external device;
A power control method is provided that turns off the current when the communication is not maintained.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a charging management device that communicates with a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
repeatedly acquiring power amount information that can specify the amount of power supplied to the rechargeable battery from the power control device;
repeating a first confirmation process to confirm that first communication with the power control device is maintained;
A charging management method is provided, which transmits charging completion information indicating that charging has ended to a terminal of a manager of the vehicle when the first communication is not maintained.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
A charging management method using
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the power amount to the charging management device;
causing the current to be turned off if the communication is not maintained;
The charging management device includes:
repeatedly acquiring the power amount information from the power control device;
A charge management method is provided that uses the power amount information to perform a settlement process for the power amount charged in the rechargeable battery.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle includes:
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
While the current is on, power amount information that can identify the power amount is repeatedly transmitted to an external device;
A program is provided that causes the current to be turned off when communication with the external device is not maintained.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a charging management device that communicates with a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle includes:
causing the power control device to repeatedly obtain power amount information that can specify the power amount supplied to the rechargeable battery;
repeating a first confirmation process to confirm that first communication with the power control device is maintained;
A program is provided that causes a terminal of a manager of the vehicle to transmit charging end information indicating that charging has ended when the first communication is not maintained.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a power control device, a charging management device, and a charging management device that enable an external device to grasp the state of charging processing even if communication between the external device and charging equipment cannot be maintained; A charging management system, a power control method, a charging management method, and a program can be provided.

1 is a diagram showing a usage environment of a power control device and a charging management device according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a power control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of an overview of a charging management device. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the outline of a charge management apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a detailed example of a charging management device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of main parts of a power control device. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the process which a charging management system performs. 8 is a flowchart showing a first detailed example of step S60 in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second detailed example of step S60 in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third detailed example of step S60 in FIG. 7. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in all the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage environment of a power control device 10 and a charging management device 20 according to the present embodiment. Power control device 10 and charging management device 20 are at least part of a charging management system and are used to manage charger 50. The charger 50 is installed at various locations around town and charges a rechargeable battery 62 mounted on a vehicle 60. Vehicle 60 is, for example, an electric vehicle, but may also be a so-called hybrid vehicle.

Charger 50 charges rechargeable battery 62 using the current flowing through electric wire 40 . The charger 50 may or may not have a function of measuring the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. Charger 50 does not have the function of communicating with an external device, but may have this function.

The power control device 10 controls on/off of the current flowing through the electric wire 40. In the direction of the current flowing through the electric wire 40, the power control device 10 is provided upstream of the charger 50. Therefore, when the power control device 10 turns off the current, the charger 50 cannot charge the rechargeable battery 62. Then, when the charger 50 charges the rechargeable battery 62, the power control device 10 turns on the current. The power control device 10 is installed, for example, upstream of the existing charger 50. In this embodiment, the power control device 10 cannot control the magnitude of the current supplied to the charger 50. The reason is that this control is performed by charger 50 or vehicle 60. However, the power control device 10 may perform this control.

Charging management device 20 communicates with power control device 10 . For example, the power control device 10 transmits information indicating the amount of power flowing to the charger 50 to the charging management device 20. The charging management device 20 performs various processes using the information acquired from the power control device 10. The power control device 10 is provided for each of the plurality of chargers 50. On the other hand, the charging management device 20 is, for example, a cloud server, and one charging management device 20 is provided for each of the plurality of chargers 50.

Furthermore, charging management device 20 communicates with terminal 30 . The terminal 30 is a terminal of a manager of the vehicle 60, for example, a mobile terminal of a user of the vehicle 60.

Note that although the power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 is normally consumed by the vehicle 60, it may also be used as power to charge a household storage battery.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the power control device 10. Power control device 10 is provided upstream of charger 50 in the direction of current flowing through electric wire 40 . No other devices are provided in the portion of the electric wire 40 located between the charger 50 and the power control device 10.

The power control device 10 includes a control section 110, a measurement section 120, a communication section 130, and a determination section 140. The control unit 110 controls on/off of the current flowing to the charger 50, that is, the current flowing through the electric wire 40. The measuring unit 120 repeatedly measures a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing through the charger 50, for example, the magnitude of the current. The communication unit 130 repeatedly transmits power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result by the measurement unit 120 to the external device while the current flowing through the electric wire 40 is on. The external device is, for example, the charging management device 20, but may also be the terminal 30. The determination unit 140 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current flowing through the electric wire 40 when communication between the power control device 10 and the external device is not maintained.

In this manner, the determination unit 140 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current flowing through the electric wire 40 when the amount of power flowing through the electric wire 40 cannot be communicated to an external device. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a difference between the amount of power known by the external device and the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. That is, even if communication between the external device and the power control device 10 cannot be maintained, the external device can accurately grasp the state of the charging process.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of an overview of the charging management device 20. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in this figure, the charging management device 20 includes a first acquisition section 210 and a settlement section 250. The first acquisition unit 210 repeatedly acquires power amount information from the power control device 10. The payment unit 250 performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 using the power amount information acquired by the first acquisition unit 210.

As described using FIG. 2, when the power control device 10 is used, it is possible to suppress a difference between the amount of power known by the charging management device 20 and the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. Therefore, the payment unit 250 can accurately calculate the payment amount for the amount of charge in the rechargeable battery 62.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of an overview of the charging management device 20. In the example shown in this figure, the charging management device 20 includes a first acquisition section 210, a confirmation section 220, and a transmission section 230. As described using FIG. 3, the first acquisition unit 210 repeatedly acquires power amount information that allows identification of the amount of power supplied to the charger 50. The confirmation unit 220 repeats the first confirmation process to confirm that the first communication with the power control device 10 is maintained. If the first communication is not maintained, the transmitter 230 transmits charging end information indicating that charging has ended to the terminal 30 of the administrator of the vehicle 60. Upon receiving the charging end information, the terminal 30 outputs an output indicating that charging has ended. This output is output to the screen, but may be output by other methods such as sound or vibration.

As described above, the power control device 10 turns off the current flowing to the charger 50 when the first communication, which is communication with the charging management device 20, is not maintained. Then, the transmitting unit 230 of the charging management device 20 transmits charging end information to the terminal 30 of the administrator of the vehicle 60 when the first communication is not maintained. Therefore, the administrator of the vehicle 60 can accurately grasp the state of the charging process.

Hereinafter, detailed examples of the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power control device 10 includes a control section 110, a measurement section 120, a communication section 130, and a determination section 140.

The control unit 110 controls on/off of the current flowing to the charger 50, that is, the current flowing through the electric wire 40. The control unit 110 includes, for example, a switch attached to the electric wire 40. This switch can be turned on and off by electrical control, and has a function of electrically cutting off the electric wire 40. Specifically, when this switch is turned on, the electric wire 40 can conduct electricity. On the other hand, when this switch is turned off, the electric wire 40 cannot conduct electricity.

The measuring unit 120 repeatedly measures at least one of the current flowing through the electric wire 40 and the amount of current. The measuring section 120 is connected to the electric wire 40. In the direction of the current flowing through the electric wire 40, the measuring section 120 may be located upstream or downstream of the control section 110.

The communication unit 130 communicates with external measures. The external device is, for example, both the charging management device 20 and the terminal 30, but it may be either one of them. For example, while the switch of the control unit 110 is on, the communication unit 130 transmits at least one of the measurement results of the measurement unit 120 and the results of processing the measurement results to one or both of the charging management device 20 and the terminal 30. Send repeatedly. The information transmitted to the charging management device 20 may be the same as the information transmitted to the terminal 30, or may be partially different. An example of the information transmitted by the communication unit 130 is power amount information. The power amount information is at least one of the power amount from the start of charging the rechargeable battery 62 until the time of measurement by the measurement unit 120, and the power amount from the time of the previous transmission to the time of the current transmission. The transmission frequency by the communication unit 130 may be the same as the measurement frequency by the measurement unit 120, or may be less than this measurement frequency.

Upon receiving instruction information for starting charging by the charger 50, that is, charging start information, from the charging management device 20, the determining unit 140 causes the control unit 110 to turn on the current of the electric wire 40. Further, upon receiving information for terminating charging from the charging management device 20, the determining unit 140 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current in the electric wire 40.

Further, the determination unit 140 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current flowing through the electric wire 40 when communication with the external device is not maintained. The communication here is, for example, first communication between the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20.

The determining unit 140 further performs a process of checking whether the first communication is maintained. This process is performed according to, for example, IEEE802.1ag/ITU-T Y. This is the process specified in 1731. This confirmation process may use, for example, CC (Continuity check), LB (Loop Back), or LT (Link Trace).

Here, CC refers to mutually transmitting Hello packets in communication between two devices. Further, the LB sends a Loop Back Message to the other party, and determines that communication is being maintained when a Loop Back Response is returned. In this case, either one may transmit the Loop Back Message. Further, LT is a so-called link trace function.

Note that while the rechargeable battery 62 is being charged, the power control device 10 may maintain communication with the terminal 30. In this case, the determination unit 140 may perform a process of checking whether communication with the terminal 30 is maintained. An example of this process is, for example, IEEE802.1ag/ITU-T Y. CC, LB, or LT defined in 1731.

When the control unit 110 turns on the electric current of the electric wire 40, the determination unit 140 starts the above-described confirmation process. Thereafter, when the control unit 110 turns off the current in the electric wire 40, the determination unit 140 ends the above-described confirmation process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a detailed example of the charging management device 20. The charging management device 20 includes a first acquisition section 210, a confirmation section 220, a transmission section 230, a second acquisition section 240, a payment section 250, and a token provision section 260, and also functions as a payment processing device.

The first acquisition unit 210 repeatedly acquires power amount information from the power control device 10, as described using FIG. 3.

As described using FIG. 4, the confirmation unit 220 repeats the first confirmation process for confirming that the first communication with the power control device 10 is maintained. An example of the first confirmation process is the IEEE802.1ag/ITU-T Y. This means performing CC, LB, or LT as specified in 1731.

The confirmation unit 220 also repeats the second confirmation process to confirm that the second communication between the charging management device 20 and the terminal 30 is maintained. An example of the second confirmation process is also performed between the charging management device 20 and the terminal 30 using IEEE802.1ag/ITU-T Y. This means performing CC, LB, or LT as specified in 1731.

Note that it is preferable that the confirmation unit 220 starts the first confirmation process and the second confirmation process after transmitting information for starting charging of the rechargeable battery 62 to the power control device 10. Further, it is preferable that the confirmation unit 220 finishes the first confirmation process and the second confirmation process after charging the rechargeable battery 62 is finished. By doing so, the communication amount of the charging management device 20 can be reduced.

The transmitter 230 transmits information based on the power amount information acquired from the power control device 10 to the terminal 30. An example of the information that is transmitted is information that indicates the degree of progress in charging the rechargeable battery 62. This information is, for example, at least one of the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 and the ratio of the amount of charged power to the amount of power to be charged. The terminal 30 allows the administrator of the vehicle 60 to recognize the progress of charging the rechargeable battery 62 by outputting the information transmitted from the transmitter 230. An example of an output is a display.

The transmitter 230 further transmits charging end information indicating that charging has ended to the terminal 30 when the first communication is not maintained. Furthermore, even when the second communication is not maintained, the transmitter 230 transmits charging end information indicating that charging has ended to the terminal 30. Upon receiving the charging end information, the terminal 30 outputs an output indicating that charging has ended. As explained using FIG. 4, this output is output to the screen, but it may be output by other methods such as sound or vibration.

The transmitter 230 also transmits charging start information, that is, information for starting charging by the charger 50, to the power control device 10. As described above, upon receiving the charging start information, the control unit 110 of the power control device 10 turns on the current of the electric wire 40.

The second acquisition unit 240 acquires payment method information regarding the payment method from the terminal 30 before charging of the rechargeable battery 62 starts, that is, before the transmission unit 230 transmits charging start information to the power control device 10. . The payment method information includes information specifying the payment method. The information specifying the payment method is information for specifying the payment source when performing electronic payment, such as a credit card number or bank account number. Here, if the user's identification information is stored in association with a credit card number, bank account number, etc., the payment method information may be the user's identification information. The transmitting unit 230 then transmits the charging start information to the power control device 10 after the second acquiring unit 240 acquires the payment method information. As described using FIG. 2, the power control device 10 turns on the current of the electric wire 40 upon receiving the charging start information.

Further, the second acquisition unit 240 acquires the charging condition of the rechargeable battery 62 from the terminal 30 before the transmission unit 230 transmits the charging start information to the power control device 10. The charging conditions include charging stop conditions for stopping charging of the rechargeable battery 62. This condition may indicate, for example, the amount of power to be charged to the rechargeable battery 62, may be to fully charge the rechargeable battery 62, or may be to indicate the charging time to the rechargeable battery 62. good. Note that the amount of power to be charged into the rechargeable battery 62 may be expressed in kWh or may be expressed in monetary amounts.

The confirmation unit 220 also determines whether the charging stop condition is satisfied. In this determination, the confirmation unit 220 uses, for example, the power amount information acquired by the first acquisition unit 210. Note that the transmitter 230 transmits the charging stop condition to the power control device 10 as necessary.

When charging of the rechargeable battery 62 is completed, the payment unit 250 performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 using the power amount information acquired by the first acquisition unit 210. “When the charging of the rechargeable battery 62 is completed” means, for example, when the charging stop condition acquired by the second acquisition unit 240 is satisfied, when the maintenance of the first communication cannot be confirmed, and when the second communication Either when maintenance cannot be confirmed. Note that, if the first communication is not maintained, the payment unit 250 performs payment processing before the transmission unit 230 transmits the charging end information to the terminal 30.

A detailed example of the settlement process is as follows. First, the payment unit 250 uses the power amount information acquired by the first acquisition unit 210 to identify the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. Then, the settlement unit 250 calculates the settlement amount using this electric energy, and settles the settlement amount using the method indicated by the settlement method information acquired by the second acquisition unit 240.

Note that when calculating the payment amount, the payment unit 250 multiplies the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 by the unit price of the amount of power, for example. However, the settlement unit 250 may calculate the settlement amount as follows. First, while the amount of power per unit time (or the magnitude of the current flowing through the electric wire 40) detected by the power control device 10 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the settlement unit 250 adds the amount of power charged to the rechargeable battery 62 to the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. Calculate the settlement amount by multiplying by the unit price. If charging of the rechargeable battery 62 progresses and the amount of electric power per unit time (or the magnitude of the current flowing through the electric wire 40) detected by the power control device 10 becomes less than the reference value, the subsequent settlement amount will be , calculated by multiplying the charging time by the unit price.

In the latter payment method, the transmitting unit 230 may transmit information indicating that the method of calculating the payment amount has been switched to a method of multiplying the charging time by the unit price to the terminal 30. In this case, the terminal 30 displays information indicating this on the screen, and also displays an input area for stopping charging, for example, a charging stop button, on the screen. When information indicating that charging is to be stopped is input in this column, terminal 30 transmits information indicating this to charging management device 20 . Thereafter, the charging management device 20 and the power control device 10 perform, for example, the processes after step S606 in FIG. 8, which will be described later.

Note that when the payment unit 250 completes the payment process, the transmission unit 230 transmits information to that effect to the terminal 30. The terminal 30 outputs an output indicating that the payment process has been completed. An example of this output is a display on a screen, but is not limited to this.

The token granting unit 260 performs processing for granting, for example, a token to a wallet address to certify the power source of the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 or the type of the power source, and the amount of electric power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. . The wallet address may be linked to the administrator or owner of the rechargeable battery 62, or may be linked to the rechargeable battery 62 itself. Specifically, tokens are issued at the time of power generation in accordance with the amount of power generated. For example, a token issued for electricity generated using sunlight indicates the amount of electricity and also indicates that the energy source of that electricity is sunlight or that the energy source of that electricity is renewable energy. It is shown that. This token will then be linked to the wallet address mentioned above. Blockchain technology will be used to issue and manage tokens. In this way, if the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 is derived from renewable energy, this token proves it.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of main parts of the power control device 10. As shown in FIG. Power control device 10 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input/output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

The bus 1010 is a data transmission path through which the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input/output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 exchange data with each other. However, the method of connecting the processors 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

The processor 1020 is a processor implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

The memory 1030 is a main storage device implemented by RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a removable medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and has a recording medium. There is. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that implement each function of the power control device 10 (for example, the communication unit 130 and the determination unit 140). When the processor 1020 reads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them, each function corresponding to the program module is realized.

The input/output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the power control device 10 and various input/output devices.

Network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting power control device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. Power control device 10 may communicate with charging management device 20 and terminal 30 via network interface 1060.

Note that the hardware configuration of the charging management device 20 is also similar to the hardware configuration of the main parts of the power control device 10. In this case, the storage device 1040 realizes each function of the charging management device 20 (for example, the first acquisition unit 210, confirmation unit 220, transmission unit 230, second acquisition unit 240, payment unit 250, and token provision unit 260). Stores program modules.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing performed by the charging management system shown in FIG. When charging the rechargeable battery 62, the administrator of the vehicle 60 connects the rechargeable battery 62 to the charger 50. The administrator of the vehicle 60 also inputs identification information of the charger 50, payment method information, and charging conditions into the terminal 30. Note that if a code (for example, a two-dimensional code) indicating identification information of the charger 50 is displayed on the charger 50, or if a sheet or paper indicating this code is pasted, the management of the vehicle 60 The person may input the identification information of the charger 50 by having the terminal 30 read this code. Further, if the identification information of the charger 50 is displayed on the charger 50, or if a sheet or paper showing this identification information is pasted, the administrator of the vehicle 60 can display this identification information on the terminal 30. The identification information of the charger 50 may be input by having the user photograph the image and performing character recognition processing.

Then, the terminal 30 transmits the identification information of the charger 50, payment method information, and charging conditions to the charging management device 20. The second acquisition unit 240 of the charging management device 20 acquires this information (step S10). Next, the second acquisition unit 240 performs an authentication process to determine whether the payment method indicated by the acquired payment method information is valid (step S20). If this authentication process is successful, the transmitter 230 transmits charging start information to the power control device 10 (step S30).

Upon receiving the charging start information from the charging management device 20, the determining unit 140 of the power control device 10 causes the control unit 110 to turn on the current of the electric wire 40. Then, the charger 50 starts charging the rechargeable battery 62. Further, the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10 and the confirmation unit 220 of the charging management device 20 start a first confirmation process to determine whether the first communication is maintained (step S40).

Furthermore, the measurement unit 120 repeatedly measures at least one of the current flowing through the electric wire 40 and the amount of current. The communication unit 130 then starts transmitting the power amount information to the charging management device 20. As explained using FIG. 2, the power amount information includes the power amount from the start of charging the rechargeable battery 62 to the time of measurement by the measurement unit 120, and the power amount from the time of the previous transmission to the time of the current transmission. amount (step S50). Note that the communication unit 130 repeatedly transmits the power amount information.

After that, the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 perform processing for terminating charging and payment processing (step S60). A detailed example of the process performed in step S60 will be described later using FIGS. 8 to 10. Note that the processes shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 are performed in parallel with each other.

Further, in step S60, the transmitting unit 230 of the charging management device 20 repeatedly transmits information indicating the degree of progress of charging the rechargeable battery 62, for example, the amount of electric power charged in the rechargeable battery 62, to the terminal 30. Then, the terminal 30 outputs the information transmitted from the transmitter 230, thereby making the administrator of the vehicle 60 aware of the degree of progress in charging the rechargeable battery 62. This output is performed, for example, by displaying on a screen. At this time, the terminal 30 may display on the screen an input field for information indicating to stop charging, for example, a charging stop button.

If the administrator wishes to stop charging the rechargeable battery 62, the administrator inputs information indicating that charging should be stopped into the terminal 30. This input may be by selecting a charging stop button displayed on the screen of the terminal 30. Then, the terminal 30 transmits information indicating this to the charging management device 20. Thereafter, the charging management device 20 and the power control device 10 perform processing from step S606 onwards, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first detailed example of step S60 in FIG. The example shown in this figure shows a case where charging is performed until the charging termination condition is satisfied. While the charger 50 is charging the rechargeable battery 62, the confirmation unit 220 of the charging management device 20 repeatedly determines whether the charging stop condition is satisfied. When the charging stop condition is satisfied (step S602), the transmitter 230 transmits information for terminating charging to the power control device 10 (step S606).

Thereafter, the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current in the electric wire 40, and also ends the confirmation process. The communication unit 130 also ends the transmission of the power amount information (step S608). Thereby, the amount of communication between the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 can be reduced.

Further, the payment unit 250 of the charging management device 20 performs payment processing. Then, the token granting unit 260 of the charging management device 20 performs a token granting process (step S610). Thereafter, the transmitter 230 of the charging management device 20 transmits charging end information indicating that charging has ended to the terminal 30 (step S612).

Note that the process shown in step S602 may be performed by the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10. In this case, the transmitting unit 230 of the charging management device 20 transmits the charging stop condition to the power control device 10. Then, the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10 causes the control unit 110 to turn off the current flowing through the electric wire 40 when this charging stop condition is satisfied. After that, the determination unit 140 causes the communication unit 130 to transmit information indicating that charging has ended to the charging management device 20. After that, the charging management device 20 performs the processing from step S610 onwards.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second detailed example of step S60 in FIG. The example shown in this figure shows a case where the first communication, that is, the communication between the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 is interrupted while the rechargeable battery 62 is being charged.

The confirmation unit 220 of the charging management device 20 detects that the first communication is not maintained (step S603). Then, the charging management device 20 performs the processing shown in step S610 and step S612. The processing performed here is as described using FIG. 8.

Furthermore, when the power control device 10 detects that the first communication is not maintained (step S604), it performs the process shown in step S608. The processing performed here is as described using FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third detailed example of step S60 in FIG. The example shown in this figure shows a case where the second communication, that is, the communication between the charging management device 20 and the terminal 30 is interrupted while the rechargeable battery 62 is being charged.

When the second communication is cut off (step S605), the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 perform the processes from step S606 onwards. These processes are as described using FIG. 8.

Note that in step S40 of FIG. 7, the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10 may start a process of checking whether communication between the power control device 10 and the terminal 30 is maintained. In this case, if this communication is no longer maintained, the determination unit 140 of the power control device 10 notifies the confirmation unit 220 of the charging management device 20 of this fact. Then, the power control device 10 performs the processing shown in step S608, and the charging management device 20 performs the processing shown in S610 and S612. This process is also performed in parallel with the processes shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the first communication between the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 cannot be maintained, that is, the power control device 10 transmits the amount of power flowing through the electric wire 40 to the charging management device 20. When the signal cannot be received, the current flowing through the electric wire 40 is turned off. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a difference between the amount of power known by the charge management device 20 and the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery 62. That is, even if communication between the charging management device 20 and the power control device 10 cannot be maintained, the charging management device 20 can accurately grasp the state of the charging process.

Furthermore, charging completion information is transmitted to the terminal 30 of the administrator of the vehicle 60. Therefore, the administrator of the vehicle 60 can know that charging has ended.

Furthermore, if the first communication between the power control device 10 and the charge management device 20 cannot be maintained, the charging management device 20 calculates the settlement amount using the power amount information received from the power control device 10 up to that point. do. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculated settlement amount becomes high.

(Second embodiment)
The power control device 10 and charging management device 20 according to the present embodiment are the same as the power control device 10 and charging management device 20 according to the first embodiment, except that they further have the following functions. .

First, the charger 50 can flow the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery 62 of the vehicle 60 to the electric wire 40 . For example, when the electric wire 40 is connected to the electric wire of a building or facility, the electrical equipment of this building or facility can operate using the rechargeable battery 62 as a power source. Then, the measuring unit 120 of the power control device 10 repeatedly measures a value that can specify the amount of power flowing from the rechargeable battery 62 to the electric wire 40. The communication unit 130 of the power control device 10 repeatedly transmits power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result by the measurement unit 120 to the charging management device 20.

The first acquisition unit 210 of the charging management device 20 repeatedly acquires power amount information. The payment unit 250 then calculates the amount to be paid to the administrator of the rechargeable battery 62 from the administrator of the electrical device that used the power of the rechargeable battery 62 . For example, the settlement unit 250 calculates this amount by multiplying the amount of power indicated by the amount of power information by a predetermined unit price. The predetermined unit price used here is a unit price per unit electric energy, for example, a price per 1 kWh.

It should be noted that there is a contract, etc. that states that the amount to be paid to the administrator of the rechargeable battery 62 from the administrator of the electrical device that uses the power of the rechargeable battery 62 is the amount of time the charger 50 is used multiplied by the unit price per unit time. It may be set in advance. In this case, the payment unit 250 calculates a value corresponding to the usage time of the charger 50 by multiplying the amount of electricity indicated by the amount of electricity information by a predetermined coefficient, and multiplies this value by the unit price per unit time. , calculate the above amount.

The settlement unit 250 then performs the above-mentioned amount settlement process using a predetermined settlement method.

Note that the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 may have only the functions shown in this embodiment.

According to this embodiment as well, even when communication between the charging management device 20 and the power control device 10 cannot be maintained, the charging management device 20 can accurately grasp the state of the charging process. Furthermore, when the electric power of the rechargeable battery 62 is used by an electrical device other than the vehicle 60, the charging management device 20 also handles the payment process from the administrator of the electric device that used the electric power of the rechargeable battery 62 to the administrator of the rechargeable battery 62. I can do it. Further, even if this settlement amount is preset as a value obtained by multiplying the usage time of the charger 50 by the unit price per unit time, the charging management device 20 sets the settlement amount according to the amount of power used. can.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above may also be adopted. For example, the first confirmation process for confirming whether communication between the power control device 10 and the charging management device 20 is maintained is not limited to the above example. Similarly, the second confirmation process for confirming whether communication between charging management device 20 and terminal 30 is maintained is not limited to the above example.

Further, the power control device 10 may also serve as the charging management device 20.

Further, in the plurality of flowcharts used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order of the description. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not affect the content. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as the contents do not conflict with each other.

Part or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following additional notes, but are not limited to the following.
1. A power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result by the measurement means to an external device while the current is on;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained;
A power control device comprising:
2. In the power control device according to 1 above,
The external device is a power control device that is a payment processing device that performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery.
3. In the power control device according to 2 above,
A power control device, wherein the control means turns on the current when receiving a charging start instruction from the payment processing device.
4. In the power control device according to 2 or 3 above,
The power control device is configured such that, upon receiving information for terminating charging from the payment processing device, the determination device causes the control device to turn off the current.
5. It communicates with the power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle.
a first acquisition unit that repeatedly acquires power amount information that can specify the amount of power supplied to the rechargeable battery from the power control device;
confirmation means for repeating a first confirmation process for confirming that first communication, which is communication with the power control device, is maintained;
Transmitting means for transmitting charging completion information indicating that charging has ended to a terminal of a manager of the vehicle when the first communication is not maintained;
A charging management device comprising:
6. In the charging management device according to 5 above,
A charge management device comprising a payment unit that performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery using the power amount information when the first communication is not maintained.
7. In the charging management device according to 6 above,
The payment management device is configured to perform the payment processing before the transmission unit transmits the charging end information.
8. In the charging management device according to 6 or 7 above,
comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information regarding a payment method from a terminal of a manager of the vehicle before charging of the rechargeable battery starts;
The transmitting means is a charging management device, after acquiring the payment method information, transmitting information for causing the power control device to start charging the rechargeable battery.
9. In the charging management device according to any one of items 5 to 8 above,
The confirmation means is a charging management device that starts the first confirmation process after transmitting information for causing the power control device to start charging the rechargeable battery.
10. In the charging management device according to any one of items 5 to 9 above,
The confirmation means is a charging management device that terminates the first confirmation process after charging of the rechargeable battery is completed.
11. In the charging management device according to any one of items 5 to 10 above,
The confirmation means further repeats a second confirmation process for confirming that second communication, which is communication with the terminal, is maintained;
The transmitting means further transmits information for terminating charging of the rechargeable battery to the power control device when the second communication is not maintained.
12. In the charging management device according to 11 above,
A charging management device comprising a payment unit that performs payment processing for charging the rechargeable battery using the power amount information when the second communication is not maintained.
13. In the charging management device according to any one of items 5 to 12 above,
A charging management device comprising: a token providing means for providing the rechargeable battery with a token for certifying the power source of the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery or the type of the power source.
14. a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result of the measurement means to the charging management device;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the charging management device is not maintained;
Equipped with
The charging management device includes:
a first acquisition unit that repeatedly acquires the power amount information from the power control device;
Settlement means for performing a settlement process for the amount of electricity charged in the rechargeable battery using the electricity amount information;
A charging management system equipped with
15. In the charging management system described in 14 above,
A charging management system, wherein the power control device further has the configuration described in any one of items 2 to 4 above.
16. In the charging management system according to 14 or 15 above,
A charging management system, wherein the charging management device further has the configuration described in any one of items 6 to 13 above.
17. A power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle is
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that can identify the power amount to an external device;
A power control method that turns off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained.
18. In the power control method described in 17 above,
The power control method, wherein the external device is a payment processing device that performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery.
19. In the power control method described in 18 above,
A power control method, wherein the power control device turns on the current when receiving a charging start instruction from the payment processing device.
20. In the power control method according to 18 or 19 above,
A power control method, wherein the power control device turns off the current when receiving information for terminating charging from the payment processing device.
21. A charging management device that communicates with a power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle,
repeatedly acquiring power amount information that can specify the amount of power supplied to the rechargeable battery from the power control device;
repeating a first confirmation process to confirm that first communication with the power control device is maintained;
A charging management method that transmits charging completion information indicating that charging has ended to a terminal of a manager of the vehicle when the first communication is not maintained.
22. In the charging management method described in 21 above,
The charging management method is characterized in that the charging management device performs a settlement process for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery using the power amount information when the first communication is not maintained.
23. In the charging management method described in 22 above,
In the charging management method, the charging management device performs the payment processing before the transmitting means transmits the charging end information.
24. In the charging management method described in 22 or 23 above,
The charging management device includes:
Before charging the rechargeable battery starts, acquiring payment method information regarding the payment method from a terminal of a manager of the vehicle;
A charging management method comprising: transmitting information for starting charging of the rechargeable battery to the power control device after acquiring the payment method information.
25. In the charging management method according to any one of items 21 to 24 above,
A charge management method, wherein the charge management device starts the first confirmation process after transmitting information for starting charging of the rechargeable battery to the power control device.
26. In the charging management method according to any one of items 21 to 25 above,
In the charging management method, the charging management device ends the first confirmation process after charging of the rechargeable battery is completed.
27. In the charging management method according to any one of items 21 to 26 above,
The charging management device includes:
repeating a second confirmation process to confirm that second communication, which is communication with the terminal, is maintained;
A charging management method comprising transmitting information for terminating charging of the rechargeable battery to the power control device when the second communication is not maintained.
28. In the charging management method described in 27 above,
The charging management method includes, when the second communication is not maintained, the charging management device performs a payment process for charging the rechargeable battery using the power amount information.
29. In the charging management method according to any one of items 21 to 28 above,
The charging management device provides a charging management method in which the charging management device provides the rechargeable battery with a token for certifying the power source of the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery or the type of the power source.
30. a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
A charging management method using
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the power amount to the charging management device;
turning off the current when communication with the charging management device is not maintained;
The charging management device includes:
repeatedly acquiring the power amount information from the power control device;
A charging management method that uses the power amount information to perform a settlement process for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery.
31. In the charging management method described in 30 above,
A charging management method, wherein the power control device further performs the process described in any one of items 18 to 20 above.
32. In the charging management method described in 30 or 31 above,
A charging tube method, wherein the charging management device further performs the process described in any one of items 22 to 29 above.
33. In the power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle,
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
While the current is on, power amount information that can identify the power amount is repeatedly transmitted to an external device;
A program that causes the current to be turned off when communication with the external device is not maintained.
34. In the program described in 33 above,
The program, wherein the external device is a payment processing device that performs payment processing for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery.
35. In the program described in 34 above,
A program that causes the power control device to perform a process of turning on the current when receiving a charging start instruction from the payment processing device.
36. In the program described in 34 or 35 above,
The program causes a program to perform a process of turning off the current when information for terminating charging is received from the power control device and the payment processing device.
37. The charge management device communicates with the power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle.
causing the power control device to repeatedly obtain power amount information that can specify the power amount supplied to the rechargeable battery;
repeating a first confirmation process to confirm that first communication with the power control device is maintained;
Program 38. A program for causing a terminal of a manager of the vehicle to transmit charging end information indicating that charging has ended when the first communication is not maintained. In the program described in 37 above,
A program that causes the charge management device to perform a settlement process for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery using the amount of power information when the first communication is not maintained.
39. In the program described in 38 above,
A program that causes the charging management device to perform the payment processing before the transmitting means transmits the charging end information.
40. In the program described in 38 or 39 above,
The charging management device,
Before charging the rechargeable battery starts, payment method information regarding the payment method is acquired from a terminal of a manager of the vehicle;
A program that causes the power control device to transmit information for starting charging of the rechargeable battery after acquiring the payment method information.
41. In the program described in any one of 37 to 40 above,
A program that causes the charging management device to start the first confirmation process after transmitting information for causing the power control device to start charging the rechargeable battery.
42. In the program described in any one of 37 to 41 above,
A program that causes the charging management device to end the first confirmation process after charging the rechargeable battery is completed.
43. In the program described in any one of 37 to 42 above,
The charging management device includes:
Furthermore, repeating a second confirmation process to confirm that second communication, which is communication with the terminal, is maintained;
Furthermore, the program causes the power control device to transmit information for terminating charging of the rechargeable battery when the second communication is not maintained.
44. In the program described in 43 above,
A program that causes the charging management device to perform a settlement process regarding charging of the rechargeable battery using the power amount information when the second communication is not maintained.
45. In the program described in any one of 37 to 44 above,
A program that causes the charging management device to perform a process of providing the rechargeable battery with a token for certifying the power source of the electric power charged in the rechargeable battery or the type of the power source.
46. A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to any one of items 33 to 45 above.

10 Power control device 20 Charging management device 30 Terminal 40 Wire 50 Charger 60 Vehicle 62 Rechargeable battery 110 Control section 120 Measurement section 130 Communication section 140 Judgment section 210 First acquisition section 220 Confirmation section 230 Transmission section 240 Second acquisition section 250 Payment Section 260 Token granting section

Claims (9)

A power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle,
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result by the measurement means to an external device while the current is on;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained;
Equipped with
The external device is a payment processing device that calculates a payment amount for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery and performs payment processing for the payment amount , and is a power control device that communicates with a plurality of the power control devices. The power control device according to claim 1 ,
A power control device, wherein the control means turns on the current when receiving a charging start instruction from the payment processing device. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The power control device is configured such that, upon receiving information for terminating charging from the payment processing device, the determination device causes the control device to turn off the current. a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
A control means for controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger;
Measuring means for repeatedly measuring a value capable of specifying the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
communication means for repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the measurement result of the measurement means to the charging management device;
determining means for causing the control means to turn off the current when communication with the charging management device is not maintained;
Equipped with
The charging management device includes:
a first acquisition unit that repeatedly acquires the power amount information from the power control device;
Settlement means that uses the electricity amount information to calculate a settlement amount for the amount of electricity charged in the rechargeable battery and performs settlement processing for the settlement amount;
A charging management system equipped with The charging management system according to claim 4 ,
comprising a plurality of the power control devices,
The charging management device is a charging management system that communicates with the plurality of power control devices. A power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle is
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that can identify the power amount to an external device;
turning off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained;
The external device is a payment processing device that calculates a payment amount for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery and performs payment processing for the payment amount, and the external device communicates with a plurality of the power control devices . a power control device provided upstream of a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle;
a charging management device communicating with the power control device;
A charging management method using
Equipped with
The power control device includes:
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
Repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing to the charger,
While the current is on, repeatedly transmitting power amount information that allows identification of the power amount to the charging management device;
turning off the current when communication with the charging management device is not maintained;
The charging management device includes:
repeatedly acquiring the power amount information from the power control device;
A charging management method that uses the power amount information to calculate a payment amount for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery and performs a payment process for the payment amount. In the charging management method according to claim 7 ,
The charging management method, wherein the external device communicates with a plurality of the power control devices. In the power control device installed upstream of the charger that charges the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle,
controlling on/off of the current flowing to the charger,
repeatedly acquiring a value that can specify the amount of electric power flowing through the charger;
While the current is on, power amount information that can identify the power amount is repeatedly transmitted to an external device;
performing a process of turning off the current when communication with the external device is not maintained;
The external device is a payment processing device that calculates a payment amount for the amount of power charged in the rechargeable battery and performs payment processing for the payment amount, and communicates with a plurality of the power control devices .

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