JP7663278B2 - Charging system, billing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a charging system, a status display method, and a program, and in particular to a charging system that includes a parking space where a vehicle can be parked and a charger that can charge an electric vehicle parked in the parking space.

Patent document 1 describes managing the occupancy status of parking spaces where vehicles are parked.

Patent document 2 describes how the billing server bills for the amount of electricity charged to the electric vehicle.

JP 2020-67823 A JP 2017-16547 A

If an electric vehicle is parked and not charged, the driver of the electric vehicle only needs to know whether the vehicle compartment is full or empty. However, there are times when the driver of an electric vehicle wants to charge the electric vehicle when it is parked. Simply managing the vehicle compartment full or empty, as described in Patent Document 1, cannot meet such needs.

As described in Patent Document 2, a billing server for charging an electric vehicle generally manages the amount of electricity being charged. However, the billing server does not usually manage the status of the charger or the vehicle interior.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a charging system suitable for displaying the status of a parking space where an electric vehicle can be charged.

The first aspect of the present invention is a charging system including a first parking space in which a vehicle can be parked, and a charger capable of connecting a charger-side connector to a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space to charge the first electric vehicle, the charging system including a status management server, the status management server including a status management unit, and the status management unit displays, on an information terminal, information indicating whether or not a vehicle is present in the first parking space and whether or not the charger-side connector is attached to a connector holder provided on the charger, corresponding to the first parking space.

The second aspect of the present invention is the charging system of the first aspect, in which the status management server includes a billing processor that determines the amount to be paid by a user who charges a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space, and the billing processor determines the amount based on the time from when the charger side connector is removed from the connector holder to when the charger side connector is attached to the connector holder, without using the amount of electricity charged to the first electric vehicle.

A third aspect of the present invention is the charging system of the first or second aspect, the charging system including a second parking space in which a vehicle can be parked, the charger side connector being connectable to the first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space and also connectable to a second electric vehicle parked in the second parking space, and the status management unit causing an information terminal to display information indicating whether or not a vehicle is present in the second parking space and whether or not the charger side connector is attached to the connector holder of the charger, corresponding to the second parking space.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a charging system including a first parking space where a vehicle can be parked, and a charger that can connect a charger-side connector to a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space to charge the vehicle, the charging system including a second parking space where a vehicle can be parked, the charger-side connector can be connected to the first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space, and can also be connected to a second electric vehicle parked in the second parking space, the charging system including a status management server, the status management server including a status management unit, and the status management unit displays, on an information terminal, information indicating whether a vehicle can be parked in at least one of the first parking space and the second parking space, corresponding to the first parking space and the second parking space, and whether the charger-side connector is attached to a connector holder provided on the charger.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a status display method in a charging system including a first parking space in which a vehicle can be parked and a charger capable of connecting a charger-side connector to a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space to charge the first electric vehicle, the charging system including a status management server, the status management server including a status management unit, and a display step in which the status management unit causes an information terminal to display information indicating whether a vehicle is present in the first parking space and whether the charger-side connector is attached to a connector holder provided in the charger, in correspondence with the first parking space.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is the status display method of the fifth aspect, in which the status management server includes a billing processing unit that determines the amount to be paid by a user who charges a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space, and the billing processing unit determines the amount based on the time from when the charger side connector is removed from the connector holder to when the charger side connector is attached to the connector holder, without using the amount of electricity charged to the first electric vehicle.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the status display method of the fifth or sixth aspect, in which the charging system includes a second parking space in which a vehicle can be parked, the charger side connector can be connected to the first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space, and can also be connected to a second electric vehicle parked in the second parking space, and the status management unit causes an information terminal to display information indicating whether or not a vehicle is present in the second parking space and whether or not the charger side connector is attached to the connector holder of the charger, corresponding to the second parking space.

The eighth aspect of the present invention is a status display method in a charging system including a first parking space where a vehicle can be parked and a charger that can connect a charger-side connector to a first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space to charge the first electric vehicle, the charging system including a second parking space where a vehicle can be parked, the charger-side connector can be connected to the first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space, and can also be connected to a second electric vehicle parked in the second parking space, the charging system including a status management server, the status management server including a status management unit, and a display step of the status management unit causing an information terminal to display information indicating whether a vehicle can be parked in at least one of the first parking space and the second parking space, corresponding to the first parking space and the second parking space, and whether the charger-side connector is attached to a connector holder provided in the charger.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a state management unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records the program of the ninth aspect.

According to each aspect of the present invention, in addition to displaying whether a parking space is full or empty, it is also possible to display whether charging is possible in that parking space.

Furthermore, as described in the second aspect of the present invention, billing can be performed based on the time the charger is occupied, rather than the amount of electricity charged. Such billing can be achieved by replacing the charger's connector holder.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1. (a) and (b) are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the first information terminal 11 of FIG. 1, and (c) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third information terminal 14 of FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of an operation of a vehicle detection unit 53 of FIG. 1. 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of an operation of a connector detection unit 55 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation of a state management unit 57 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a first diagram for explaining an example of a display process by a state management unit 57. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining an example of a display process by the state management unit 57. FIG. 3 is a third diagram for explaining an example of a display process by the state management unit 57. 2 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation of the billing processing unit 61 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of a process of the first information terminal 11 in a case where an application is installed (in the case of FIG. 2(a)). FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of a process of the first information terminal 11 when an application is not installed (the case of FIG. 2(b)). FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a charging system 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a first diagram for explaining an example of a display process by the state management unit 57 of FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a second diagram for explaining an example of a display process by the state management unit 57 of FIG. 12 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a charging system 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Below, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2(a) and (b) are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a first information terminal 11 of the charging system 1. Figure 2(c) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third information terminal 14.

The charging system 1 includes a first parking space 3 and a second parking space 5. In the following, a vehicle that cannot be charged is referred to as a conventional vehicle. A vehicle that can be charged is referred to as an electric vehicle. Vehicles include conventional vehicles and electric vehicles.

The first parking space 3 is a space that can accommodate one vehicle. In FIG. 1, an electric vehicle 29 is parked there. The electric vehicle 29 is equipped with a vehicle-side connector 33 for connecting a charger-side connector for charging.

The second parking space 5 is a space that can accommodate one vehicle. In FIG. 1, an electric vehicle 31 is parked there. The electric vehicle 31 is equipped with a vehicle-side connector 35 for connecting a charger-side connector for charging.

The first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are, for example, parking spaces shared by collective housing such as condominiums and apartments, or parking spaces for visitors to companies, etc., and can basically be used by visitors free of charge. Visitors park in the first parking space 3 or the second parking space 5. Visitors may visit in electric vehicles and charge their cars while parking, or they may park without charging because their cars are fully charged. Visitors may visit in conventional cars and not charge their cars while parking. The first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 may also be parking spaces that can be used for a fee, for example. They may also be spaces where only electric vehicles can be parked.

The charging system 1 includes a first information terminal 11, a second information terminal 13, and a third information terminal 14. The information terminals are, for example, information processing devices corresponding to a user, such as a smartphone, or information processing devices corresponding to a vehicle, such as an in-vehicle server. The information terminals can communicate with the state management server 8 in a wired and/or wireless manner.

The first information terminal 11 is an information terminal corresponding to the vehicle and/or its driver using the first parking space 3.

Fig. 2(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration when a program (app) corresponding to a service is installed in the first information terminal 11. The first information terminal 11 includes an app unit 63, a location information detection unit 65, and a touch panel unit 67. The first information terminal 11 may also include a camera, a browser, etc.

The application unit 63 can be realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program. The application unit 63 includes a payment processing unit 69, an unlock instruction unit 71, and a map display unit 73. The payment processing unit 69 is for performing payment processing according to instructions from the billing processing unit 61 of the state management server 8. The unlock instruction unit 71 is for issuing instructions to unlock the connector attachment unit 45 according to instructions from the state management server 8. The map display unit 73 is for displaying the status of the parking space and the charger managed by the state management unit 57 of the state management server 8.

The location information detection unit 65 is used to detect the location of the first information terminal 11, for example, using a global positioning system (GPS).

The touch panel unit 67 displays information to the user and allows the user to input information. For example, input/output processing may be performed by voice, or input/output processing may be performed by using separate devices for input and output, such as a display, keyboard, and mouse.

Fig. 2(b) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration when a program (app) corresponding to the service is not installed in the first information terminal 11. In this case, the first information terminal 11 includes a camera unit 75, a position information detection unit 77, a touch panel unit 79, a browser unit 81, and a message processing unit 82.

The camera unit 75 captures images in accordance with the user's operations to obtain image data. Image data can be obtained by capturing an image of the two-dimensional barcode in the identification information unit 39 of the charger 7.

The location information detection unit 77 is used to detect the location of the first information terminal 11, for example, using a GPS.

The touch panel unit 79 displays information to the user and allows the user to input information.

The browser unit 81 can be realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program. It accesses the state management server 8 and performs processes such as displaying information on the touch panel unit 79 according to instructions and transmitting information entered by the user to the state management server 8.

The message processing unit 82 transmits and receives messages input and output by the touch panel unit 79 in accordance with the identification information for identifying the first information terminal 11. The message processing unit 82 receives messages, such as short messages, transmitted based on the telephone number of the first information terminal 11 and displays them on the touch panel unit 79.

The second information terminal 13 is an information terminal corresponding to a vehicle and/or its driver using the second parking space 5. The second information terminal 13 has the same configuration and operation as the first information terminal 11. The second information terminal 13 has the same configuration as FIG. 2(a) when a program (app) corresponding to the service is installed. The second information terminal 13 has the same configuration as FIG. 2(b) when a program (app) corresponding to the service is not installed.

The third information terminal 14 is an information terminal corresponding to a vehicle and/or its driver that is not using either the first parking space 3 or the second parking space 5. FIG. 2(c) is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a program (app) corresponding to a service is installed in the third information terminal 14. The third information terminal 14 includes an application unit 83, a position information detection unit 85, and a touch panel unit 87. The application unit 83 includes a payment processing unit 89, an unlock instruction unit 91, and a map display unit 93. The application unit 83, the position information detection unit 85, the touch panel unit 87, the payment processing unit 89, the unlock instruction unit 91, and the map display unit 93 of the third information terminal 14 operate in the same manner as the application unit 63, the position information detection unit 65, the touch panel unit 67, the payment processing unit 69, the unlock instruction unit 71, and the map display unit 73 of the first information terminal 11 in FIG. 2(a), respectively.

The charging system 1 includes a first vehicle sensor 20. The first vehicle sensor 20 is a sensor that detects whether or not a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3. The first vehicle sensor 20 includes a first proximity sensor 21 and a first camera 23.

The first proximity sensor 21 is a sensor that can detect other objects that have entered the whole or part of the first parking space 3. The first proximity sensor 21 can communicate with the state management server 8 via wired or wireless communication, and when it detects an object in the target space, it transmits first object detection data indicating the detection of an object in the first parking space 3 to the state management server 8. The first proximity sensor 21 is, for example, a sensor that detects whether or not a part of a vehicle has entered the space above the car stop of the first parking space 3. The first proximity sensor 21 is also, for example, a sensor that can measure the distance between the vehicle and other objects that have entered the first parking space 3, and can detect whether or not the other object has entered the first parking space 3 based on the distance.

The first camera 23 photographs an object that enters the first parking space 3. For example, it photographs a part that can be used to determine whether the object is a vehicle, such as a vehicle license plate. The first camera 23 can communicate with the state management server 8 via wired or wireless communication, and photographs an object that has entered the first parking space 3 in response to a photographing instruction from the state management server 8, and transmits the photographed image data (which may be a video or a still image) to the state management server 8. The first camera 23 may also be configured to photograph the connector attachment portion 45 of the charger 7, and photograph the usage status of the connector attachment portion 45 to obtain evidence of, for example, unauthorized use.

The charging system 1 includes a second vehicle sensor 24. The second vehicle sensor 24 is a sensor that detects whether or not a vehicle is present in the second parking space 5. The second vehicle sensor 24 includes a second proximity sensor 25 and a second camera 27.

The second proximity sensor 25 and the second camera 27 operate in the same manner as the first proximity sensor 21 and the first camera 23.

The second proximity sensor 25 is a sensor that can detect other objects that have entered all or part of the second parking space 5. When the second proximity sensor 25 detects an object in the target space, it transmits second object detection data indicating the detection of an object in the second parking space 5 to the status management server 8.

The second camera 27 photographs an object that enters the second parking space 5. For example, it photographs a part that can be used to determine whether the object is a vehicle, such as a vehicle license plate. The second camera 27 can communicate with the state management server 8 via wired or wireless communication, and photographs an object that enters the second parking space 5 in response to a photographing instruction from the state management server 8, and transmits the image data obtained by photographing to the state management server 8.

The charging system 1 includes a charger 7. The charger 7 includes a charging processing unit 37, an identification information unit 39, a charger side connector 43, and a connector holder 41.

The identification information section 39 is information for identifying the charger 7. In the following, the identification information section 39 is assumed to be a two-dimensional barcode (such as a QR code (registered trademark)) that identifies information corresponding to the charger 7 and is attached to the charger 7 in the form of a sticker.

The charger side connector 43 is a connector that connects to the vehicle side connector of the electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle.

The charging processing unit 37 performs processing to charge the electric vehicle using the charger side connector 43 connected to the vehicle side connector of the electric vehicle. The charging processing unit 37 is connected to the charger side connector 43 by wire and/or wirelessly.

The connector holder 41 is a holder to which the charger side connector 43 is attached when the charger side connector 43 is not being used for charging. The charger 7 can be realized, for example, by basically using an existing charger, changing the connector holder portion from the existing one to the connector holder 41, and attaching a two-dimensional barcode sticker, which is the identification information section 39.

The connector holder 41 includes a connector attachment section 45, an attachment detection section 47, a holder communication section 49, and a holder control section 51.

The connector attachment section 45 is a section where the charger side connector 43 is attached and held. The connector attachment section 45 is equipped with a locking mechanism. The connector attachment section 45 can lock the attached charger side connector 43 to prevent the user from removing the charger side connector 43. The connector attachment section 45 can unlock the charger side connector 43 in accordance with an unlocking instruction from the holder control section 51 to enable the user to remove the charger side connector 43. The connector attachment section 45 is in a state where it can be locked by the locking mechanism when the user has removed the charger side connector 43, and is locked by the locking mechanism when the connector attachment section 45 is attached.

The connector attachment unit 45 unlocks the attached charger side connector 43 in response to an unlocking command from the holder control unit 51. When the charger side connector 43 is unlocked, the user can remove the charger side connector 43 from the connector attachment unit 45 and connect it to the vehicle side connector.

The connector attachment section 45 is placed in a lockable state by a lock command from the holder control section 51. When the user attaches the charger side connector 43 to the connector attachment section 45, the charger side connector 43 attached to the connector attachment section 45 is locked and held in place. When the charger side connector 43 is locked, the user cannot remove the charger side connector 43 from the connector attachment section 45.

The unlock command and/or lock command from the holder control unit 51 may be issued without an instruction from the state management server 8, or may be issued in response to an instruction from the state management server 8. In this example, the lock command is issued before the user attaches the charger side connector 43 to the connector attachment unit 45, so that the power consumption used to keep the lock in the unlocked state can be reduced while the user is using the charger side connector 43.

The attachment detection unit 47 is for detecting whether or not the charger side connector 43 is attached to the connector attachment unit 45. For example, if the connector attachment unit 45 has a concave shape, a part that is pressed when the charger side connector 43 is attached is provided at a location at the back of the connector attachment unit 45, and when the part is pressed, it detects that the charger side connector 43 is attached, and when the part is not pressed, it detects that the charger side connector 43 is not attached.

The holder communication unit 49 is for communicating with the state management server 8.

The holder control unit 51 is for controlling the operation of the connector holder 41.

The charging system 1 includes a status management server 8. The status management server 8 includes a vehicle detection unit 53, a connector detection unit 55, a status management unit 57, a server communication unit 59, and a billing processing unit 61. In the status management server 8, the first parking space 3 is managed in association with the charger 7, and the second parking space 5 is managed in association with the charger 7.

The server communication unit 59 is for communicating with other information processing devices.

The status management unit 57 manages whether or not a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, and whether or not the charger side connector 43 is being used. In this example, the status management unit 57 manages using a first vehicle flag, a second vehicle flag, and a connector flag. When the first vehicle flag is on, a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3, and when the first vehicle flag is off, no vehicle is present in the first parking space 3. When the second vehicle flag is on, a vehicle is present in the second parking space 5, and when the second vehicle flag is off, no vehicle is present in the second parking space 5. When the connector flag is on, the charger side connector 43 is being used, and when the connector flag is off, the charger side connector 43 is not being used. When the first vehicle flag and the second vehicle flag are described together, they are described as "vehicle flags".

The vehicle detection unit 53 can communicate with the first proximity sensor 21 and the first camera 23. When the vehicle detection unit 53 receives information from the first proximity sensor 21 that an object has entered the first parking space 3, it transmits a shooting instruction to the first camera 23 and receives image data from the first camera 23. The vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a vehicle has entered the first parking space 3 from the received image data. For example, the vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a license plate has been photographed in the image data, detects that a vehicle has entered, and identifies the vehicle that has entered, making it possible to identify the vehicle that has entered if any trouble occurs. The vehicle detection unit 53 turns on the first vehicle flag.

The vehicle detection unit 53 can communicate with the second proximity sensor 25 and the second camera 27. When the vehicle detection unit 53 receives information from the second proximity sensor 25 that an object has entered the second parking space 5, it transmits a shooting instruction to the second camera 27 and receives image data from the second camera 27. The vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a vehicle has entered the second parking space 5 from the received image data. For example, the vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a license plate has been photographed in the image data, detects that a vehicle has entered, and identifies the vehicle that has entered, making it possible to identify the vehicle that has entered if any trouble occurs. The vehicle detection unit 53 turns on the second vehicle flag.

The connector detection unit 55 communicates with the first information terminal 11, the second information terminal 13, and the holder communication unit 49 of the connector holder 41.

The connector detection unit 55 issues an unlock instruction to the holder control unit 51 in accordance with the operation on the first information terminal 11 and the second information terminal 13. The holder control unit 51 issues an unlock instruction to the connector attachment unit 45 in accordance with the unlock instruction from the connector detection unit 55. When the attachment detection unit 47 detects that the charger side connector 43 is not attached to the connector attachment unit 45, it notifies the state management server 8. The connector detection unit 53 turns on the connector flag. The holder control unit 51 issues a lock instruction to the connector attachment unit 45 a predetermined time after the attachment detection unit 47 detects that the charger side connector 43 is not attached to the connector attachment unit 45.

When the holder control unit 51 detects that the charger side connector 43 has been attached after being removed, it transmits connector attachment information indicating that the charger side connector 43 has been attached to the connector detection unit 55. The connector detection unit 53 turns off the connector flag.

The vehicle detection unit 53 instructs the first camera 23 and the second camera 27 to take pictures and receives image data from the first camera 23 and the second camera 27. The vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a vehicle has left the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 based on the received image data. The vehicle detection unit 53 turns off the vehicle flag corresponding to the parking space from which the vehicle has left.

The status management unit 57 can manage the status of the first parking space 3, the second parking space 5, and the charger 7 using the first vehicle flag, the second vehicle flag, and the connector flag. By using the first vehicle flag, it can be known whether or not a vehicle can be parked in the first parking space 3. By using the second vehicle flag, it can be known whether or not a vehicle can be parked in the second parking space 5. By using the connector flag, it can be known whether or not charging is possible.

Figure 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle detection unit 53 in Figure 1. The processing in Figure 3 is performed for each of the first vehicle flag and the second vehicle flag. Basically, the first vehicle flag will be explained, and the corresponding matters regarding the second vehicle flag will be written in parentheses.

The vehicle detection unit 53 turns off the first vehicle flag (second vehicle flag) as an initial setting (step STA1).

The vehicle detection unit 53 determines whether or not it has received a notification that the first proximity sensor 21 (second proximity sensor 25) has detected an object in the first parking space 3 (second parking space 5) (step STA2). The vehicle detection unit 53 waits until it receives a notification of object detection, and when it receives the notification, it proceeds to step STA3.

In step STA3, the vehicle detection unit 53 instructs the first camera 23 (second camera 27) to capture an image. The first camera 23 (second camera 27) transmits the captured image data to the vehicle detection unit 53.

The vehicle detection unit 53 performs image analysis on the image data received from the first camera 23 (second camera 27) (step STA4). The vehicle detection unit 53 determines whether or not a vehicle is captured in the image data received from the first camera 23 (second camera 27) (step STA5). If the vehicle detection unit 53 detects that a license plate has been captured in the image data, for example, it determines that a vehicle has entered and proceeds to step STA6. If the vehicle detection unit 53 cannot determine that the object is a vehicle, it returns to step STA2.

In step STA6, the vehicle detection unit 53 turns on the first vehicle flag (second vehicle flag). The vehicle detection unit 53 judges whether 120 seconds have passed since the first camera 23 (second camera 27) took the image (step STA7). The vehicle detection unit 53 waits until 120 seconds have passed, and when 120 seconds have passed, the vehicle detection unit 53 instructs the first camera 23 (second camera 27) to take an image (step STA8). The first camera 23 (second camera 27) transmits the image data obtained by taking the image to the vehicle detection unit 53. The vehicle detection unit 53 performs image analysis on the image data received from the first camera 23 (second camera 27) (step STA9). The vehicle detection unit 53 judges whether a vehicle is taken in the image data received from the first camera 23 (second camera 27) (step STA10). If a vehicle is taken, the vehicle detection unit 53 judges that a vehicle is present and proceeds to step STA7. If the vehicle is not detected, the vehicle detection unit 53 turns off the first vehicle flag (second vehicle flag) (step STA11) and returns to step STA2.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the connector detection unit 55 in Figure 1.

As an initial setting, the connector detection unit 55 instructs the holder control unit 51 to lock (step STB1) and turns off the connector flag (step STB2). When instructed to lock, the holder control unit 51 locks the charger side connector 43 attached to the connector attachment unit 45.

The connector detection unit 55 determines whether or not an unlocking command has been received from the first information terminal 11 (step STB3). It waits until an unlocking command is received from the first information terminal 11, and if an unlocking command is received, it proceeds to step STB4.

In step STB4, the connector detection unit 55 instructs the holder control unit 51 to unlock. The holder control unit 51, which has been instructed to unlock, unlocks the charger side connector 43 attached to the connector attachment unit 45, allowing the user to remove the charger side connector 43 from the connector attachment unit 45.

The connector detection unit 55 determines whether the charger side connector 43 has been removed from the connector attachment unit 45 (step STB5). If it has been removed, proceed to step STB8. If it has not been removed, the connector detection unit 55 determines whether 60 seconds have passed since the instruction to unlock was given (step STB6). If 60 seconds have not passed, return to step STB5. If 60 seconds have passed, the connector detection unit 55 instructs the holder control unit 51 to lock (step STB7) and return to step STB3. The holder control unit 51 that has been instructed to lock locks the attached charger side connector 43 to the connector attachment unit 45.

In step STB8, the connector detection unit 55 turns on the connector flag. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the charger side connector 43 was removed from the connector attachment unit 45, the holder control unit 51 instructs the connector attachment unit 45 to lock, and makes the charger side connector 43 ready to be locked when the charger side connector 43 is attached (step STB9).

The connector detection unit 55 determines whether the charger side connector 43 has been attached to the connector attachment unit 45 (step STB10). The connector detection unit 55 waits until the charger side connector 43 has been attached to the connector attachment unit 45, and when the charger side connector 43 has been attached, it turns off the connector flag (step STB11) and returns to step STB3.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the status management unit 57 in Figure 1. A process for managing the status of the first parking space 3 is explained. A process for managing the status of the second parking space 5 can be similarly realized.

The status management unit 57 determines whether or not a display instruction to display the status of the first parking space 3 and the charger 7 has been received from the map display unit 93 of the application unit 83 of the third information terminal 14 (step STD1). The status management unit 57 waits until a display instruction is received, and if a display instruction is received, proceeds to step STD2.

In step STD2, the status management unit 57 determines whether the first vehicle flag is on or off. If the first vehicle flag is on, it determines that a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 (step STD3), and proceeds to step STD5. If the first vehicle flag is off, it determines that no vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 (step STD4), and proceeds to step STD5.

In step STD5, the status management unit 57 determines whether the connector flag is on or off. If the connector flag is on, it determines that the charger side connector 43 is in use (step STD6) and proceeds to step STD8. If the connector flag is off, it determines that the charger side connector 43 is not in use (step STD7) and proceeds to step STD8.

In step STD8, the status management unit 57 performs different display processing depending on whether or not a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 and whether or not the charger side connector 43 is in use.

For example, if there is no vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not in use, the status management unit 57 displays the location of the first parking space 3 on the map in blue on the touch panel unit 87. The user of the third information terminal 14 can see from the blue display that it is possible to park and charge in the first parking space 3.

For example, if a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not in use, the status management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in yellow on the touch panel unit 87. The user of the third information terminal 14 can understand from the yellow display that a vehicle is parked in the first parking space 3 but is not being charged.

For example, if a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is in use, the status management unit 57 displays the location of the first parking space 3 on the map in red on the touch panel unit 87. The user of the third information terminal 14 can see from the red display that a vehicle is parked in the first parking space 3 and is being charged.

For example, if there is no vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is in use, the status management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in green on the touch panel unit 87. The user of the third information terminal 14 can understand from the green display that there is no vehicle parked in the first parking space 3, but that charging is not possible even if the vehicle is parked there.

Figures 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of display processing by the state management unit 57.

Figure 6 (a) shows a state where there are no vehicles in the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag and the second vehicle flag are off, and the connector flag is also off, so the state management unit 57 displays blue on the touch panel unit 87 at the positions on the map of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, they are both blue, so they are displayed in blue.

Figure 6 (b) shows a state where an electric vehicle 29 is in the first parking space 3, there is no vehicle in the second parking space 5, and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag is on, the second vehicle flag is off, and the connector flag is off, so the state management unit 57 displays the position on the map of the first parking space 3 in yellow and the position on the map of the second parking space 5 in blue on the touch panel unit 87. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, blue is displayed because a vehicle can be parked in the second parking space 5 and charged there.

Figure 7 (a) shows a state where an electric vehicle 29 is present in the first parking space 3, the charger side connector 43 is in use, and no vehicle is present in the second parking space 5. In this case, the first vehicle flag is on, the second vehicle flag is off, and the connector flag is on, so the state management unit 57 displays the position on the map of the first parking space 3 in red and the position on the map of the second parking space 5 in green on the touch panel unit 87. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, the second parking space 5 is displayed in green because a vehicle can be parked there but the charger cannot be used.

Figure 7 (b) shows a state where an electric vehicle 29 is present in the first parking space 3, an electric vehicle 31 is in the second parking space 5, and the charger side connector 43 is being used. In this case, the first vehicle flag and the second vehicle flag are on, and the connector flag is on, so the state management unit 57 displays the positions of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 on the map in red on the touch panel unit 87. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed in red because neither the first parking space 3 nor the second parking space 5 can be used to park or charge a vehicle.

Figure 8 (a) shows a state where electric vehicles are present in the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag and the second vehicle flag are on, and the connector flag is off, so the state management unit 57 displays the positions of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 on the map in yellow on the touch panel unit 87. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, yellow is displayed because neither the first parking space 3 nor the second parking space 5 allows vehicles to be parked there, but allows charging.

Figure 8 (b) shows a state where a vehicle has left the first parking space 3, an electric vehicle is present in the second parking space 5, and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag is off, the second vehicle flag is on, and the connector flag is off, so the state management unit 57 displays blue on the touch panel unit 87 at the location on the map of the first parking space 3, and yellow at the location on the map of the second parking space 5. Note that when the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 are displayed together, blue is displayed because a vehicle can be parked and charged in the first parking space 3.

In this way, the state management unit 57 can display, on the information terminal, information indicating whether or not a vehicle is present in the first parking space 3 and whether or not the charger side connector 43 is attached to the connector holder 41 of the charger 7, corresponding to the first parking space 3. For example, if there is no vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is attached, blue is displayed. For example, if there is a vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is attached, yellow is displayed. For example, if there is no vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not attached, green is displayed. For example, if there is a vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not attached, red is displayed. Similarly, the state management unit 57 can display, on the information terminal, information indicating whether or not a vehicle is present in the second parking space 5 and whether or not the charger side connector 43 is attached to the connector holder 41 of the charger 7, corresponding to the second parking space 5.

The status management unit 57 can display, on the information terminal, a case where a vehicle exists in both the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, corresponding to the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, in a manner that distinguishes the case where a vehicle does not exist in at least one of the spaces, and can display information indicating whether the charger side connector 43 is attached to the connector holder 41 of the charger 7. If a vehicle exists in both the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, a new vehicle cannot be parked. On the other hand, if a vehicle does not exist in at least one of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5, a new vehicle can be parked. Here, the display when a vehicle does not exist in at least one of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 may be the same or different for a case where a vehicle exists in one space and no vehicle in the other and a case where no vehicle exists in either space.

For example, if there is no vehicle in at least one of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 and the charger side connector 43 is attached, blue is displayed. For example, if there is a vehicle in both the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 and the charger side connector 43 is attached, yellow is displayed. For example, if there is no vehicle in at least one of the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 and the charger side connector 43 is not attached, green is displayed. For example, if there is a vehicle in both the first parking space 3 and the second parking space 5 and the charger side connector 43 is not attached, red is displayed.

Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the billing processing unit 61 in Figure 1.

The billing processing unit 61 determines whether the charger side connector 43 has been removed from the connector attachment unit 45 (step STC1). The billing processing unit 61 waits until it has been removed. If it has been removed, the billing processing unit 61 determines whether the charger side connector 43 has been attached to the connector attachment unit 45 (step STC2). The billing processing unit 61 waits until it has been attached. If it has been attached, the billing processing unit 61 proceeds to step STC3.

In step STC3, the billing processing unit 61 determines the time when the charger side connector 43 is removed from the connector attachment unit 45 and the time when the charger side connector 43 is subsequently attached to the connector attachment unit 45. The amount is calculated based on the time between these. The billing processing unit 61 causes the first information terminal 11 to display a payment screen on the touch panel unit 67 (or the touch panel unit 79 if the app is not installed) (step STC4). When a payment instruction is given on the first information terminal 11, the billing processing unit 61 performs payment processing (step STC5) and returns to step STC1.

In this way, the billing processing unit 61 determines the amount to be paid by the user who charges the electric vehicle. The billing processing unit 61 in FIG. 1 determines the amount based on the time from when the charger side connector 43 is removed from the connector holder 41 to when the charger side connector 43 is attached to the connector holder 41, without using the amount of electricity charged to the electric vehicle. Therefore, billing can be performed based on the charger occupancy time rather than the amount of electricity charged.

Conventional charging based on the amount of charged electricity was natural in relation to the distance traveled, as with gasoline. However, while the supply speed of gasoline is determined by the supplier, the receiving speed of electric vehicles is determined according to the situation. For example, some electric vehicles simply have a receiving limit set, and not all electric vehicles can receive the maximum output of the charger. In addition, high-performance electric vehicles may be adjusted based on the remaining battery level and temperature. Furthermore, there are types of electric vehicles where the charger is locked and cannot be removed while the electric vehicle is locked. Electric vehicles can occupy the charger even after charging. If the vehicle does not leave, the next car cannot be parked, and charging may not be possible due to reasons such as the cord not reaching. In this way, electric vehicles have many problems when they occupy the charger for a long time. If the amount of charged electricity is the same, the evaluation will not be the same regardless of whether the charger is occupied for a short or long time. Therefore, a charging process suitable for electric vehicles is required. And such charging based on the charger's occupancy time can be realized by replacing the charger's connector holder.

Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the first information terminal 11 when the app is installed (as in Figure 2 (a)).

The user of the first information terminal 11 launches the app (step STE1).

The user of the first information terminal 11 instructs the map display unit 73 to display one or more chargers and selects the charger to be used (step STE2). The map display unit 73 transmits information identifying the selected charger and the location information of the first information terminal 11 identified by the location information detection unit 65 to the status management unit 57.

The state management unit 57 compares the location information of the selected charger with the location information of the first information terminal 11 identified by the location information detection unit 65, and determines whether the first information terminal 11 is present within a certain range of the selected charger (step STE3). If the first information terminal 11 is present, the process proceeds to step STE4. If the first information terminal 11 is not present, the state management unit 57 performs error processing (step STE5) and returns to step STE2.

In step STE4, the status management unit 57 instructs the unlock instruction unit 71 to display an unlock instruction screen on the touch panel unit 67. The user issues an unlock instruction in accordance with the unlock instruction screen (step STE6).

The payment processing unit 69 waits until it is instructed by the billing processing unit 61 to display the payment screen. When it is instructed by the billing processing unit 61 to display the payment screen, the payment processing unit 69 displays the payment screen on the touch panel unit 67 (step STE7), and when the user performs a payment operation, it transmits the operation to the billing processing unit 61 (step STE8), and returns to step STE2.

Figure 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the first information terminal 11 when the app is not installed (as in the case of Figure 2 (b)).

The user of the first information terminal 11 uses the camera unit 75 to photograph and input the two-dimensional barcode in the identification information unit 39 (step STF1). The browser unit 81 accesses the state management server 8 according to the information in the two-dimensional barcode (step STF2). The browser unit 81 transmits the location information of the first information terminal 11 identified by the location information detection unit 77.

The status management unit 57 compares the location information of the charger identified by the two-dimensional barcode with the location information of the first information terminal 11 identified by the location information detection unit 77, and determines whether the first information terminal 11 is present within a certain range of the selected charger (step STF3). If it is present, proceed to step STF4. If it is not present, the status management unit 57 performs error processing (step STF14) and ends the process.

In step STF4, the user of the first information terminal 11 operates the touch panel unit 79 on which the screen is displayed by the browser unit 81 to input a telephone number into the browser unit 81. The browser unit 81 transmits the telephone number to the state management unit 57. The state management unit 57 generates a password (step STF5) and transmits a short message containing the generated password to the first information terminal 11 identified by the telephone number (step STF6). The state management unit 57 determines whether the short message containing the password has arrived (step STF7). If the short message has arrived within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step STF8. If the short message has not arrived within the predetermined time, the state management unit 57 performs error processing (step STF14) and ends the process.

In step STF8, the message processing unit 82 receives the short message and displays it on the touch panel unit 79. The user of the first information terminal 11 operates the touch panel unit 79 on which the screen is displayed by the browser unit 81 to input the password stated in the short message to the browser unit 81. The browser unit 81 transmits the input password to the state management unit 57. The state management unit 57 determines whether the input password is appropriate (step STF9). If the password is appropriate, the process proceeds to step STF10. If the password is inappropriate, the state management unit 57 performs error processing (step STF14) and ends the process.

In step STF10, the status management unit 57 sends the unlock URL to the first information terminal 11 and causes the unlock URL to be displayed. The user taps the unlock URL to issue an instruction to unlock (step STF11).

The browser unit 81 waits until it receives an instruction from the billing processing unit 61 to display the payment screen. When the browser unit 81 receives an instruction from the billing processing unit 61 to display the payment screen, it displays the payment screen on the touch panel unit 79 (step STF12), and when the user performs a payment operation, it transmits the operation to the billing processing unit 61 (step STF13), and ends the process.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging system 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The charging system 101 is the same as the components of the charging system 1 in Figure 1 except that the second information terminal 13, the second vehicle sensor 24, and the second parking space 5 are removed. In this case, for example, image capture in step STA8 in Figure 3 may be prevented while charging is being performed by the charger 7.

Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining an example of display processing by the state management unit 57 of Figure 12.

Figure 13 (a) shows a state where there is no vehicle in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag is off and the connector flag is also off, so the state management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in blue on the touch panel unit 87.

Figure 13 (b) shows a state where an electric vehicle 29 has entered the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is not in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag is on and the connector flag is off, so the state management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in yellow on the touch panel unit 87.

Figure 14 shows a state where an electric vehicle 29 is present in the first parking space 3 and the charger side connector 43 is in use. In this case, the first vehicle flag is on and the connector flag is also on, so the state management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in red on the touch panel unit 87.

When the electric vehicle 29 is no longer charging and the user returns the charger side connector 43 to the connector holder, the situation shown in FIG. 13(b) is reached. In this case, the first vehicle flag is on and the connector flag is off, so the status management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in yellow on the touch panel unit 87.

When the electric vehicle 29 leaves the first parking space 3, the situation shown in FIG. 13(a) is reached. In this case, the first vehicle flag is off and the connector flag is also off, so the state management unit 57 displays the position of the first parking space 3 on the map in blue on the touch panel unit 87.

In this way, the number of parking spaces may be one or more. Also, the number of charger connectors may be one or more.

Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging system 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the charging system 111, the charger 7 includes a charging processing unit 37 in each configuration of the charging system 1 in Figure 1. Furthermore, the state management server 8 does not include a billing processing unit 61, and the billing server 9 includes a billing processing unit 62.

The charging processing unit 37 transmits the amount of charged electricity (the amount of electricity used for charging by the charger side connector 43) to the billing server 9. The billing processing unit 62 in FIG. 15 performs billing processing according to the amount of charged electricity, as in the conventional case. The present invention can be realized by changing the connector holder of a conventional charger, and can realize display processing suitable for electric vehicles without substantially changing the billing processing.

1 Charging system 3 First parking space 5 Second parking space 7 Charger 8 Status management server 9 Billing server 11 First information terminal 13 Second information terminal 14 Third information terminal 20 First vehicle sensor 21 First proximity sensor 23 First camera 24 Second vehicle sensor 25 Second proximity sensor 27 Second camera 29 Electric vehicle 31 Electric vehicle 33 Vehicle side connector 35 Vehicle side connector 37 Charging processing unit 39 Identification information unit 41 Connector holder 43 Charger side connector 45 Connector attachment unit 47 Attachment detection unit 49 Holder communication unit 51 Holder control unit 53 Vehicle detection unit 55 Connector detection unit 57 Status management unit 59 Server communication unit 61 Billing processing unit 62 Billing processing unit 63 Application unit 65 Position information detection unit 67 Touch panel unit 69 Payment processing unit 71 Unlock instruction unit 73 Map display unit 75 Camera unit 77 Position information detection unit 79 Touch panel unit 81 Browser unit 82 Message processing unit 83 Application unit 85 Position information detection unit 87 Touch panel unit 89 Payment processing unit 91 Unlock instruction unit 93 Map display unit 101 Charging system 111 Charging system

Claims (3)

A charging system including a charger that can charge a first electric vehicle parked in a first parking space by connecting a charger-side connector to the first electric vehicle,
The charger includes a connector holder;
The connector holder includes a connector attachment portion and an attachment detection portion,
the connector attachment portion includes a lock mechanism that locks the charger-side connector attached to the connector attachment portion,
the connector attachment portion is in a state where it can be locked by the locking mechanism when the charger-side connector is detached from the connector attachment portion, and is locked by the locking mechanism when the charger-side connector is attached to the connector attachment portion,
The attachment detection unit detects whether or not the charger-side connector is attached to the connector attachment unit,
The charging system includes a state management server ,
the state management server includes a billing processing unit that determines an amount to be paid by a user who charges the first electric vehicle parked in the first parking space,
The billing processing unit determines the amount of charge based on the time from when the attachment detection unit detects that the charger side connector has been removed from the connector attachment unit to when the attachment detection unit detects that the charger side connector has been attached to the connector attachment unit, without using the amount of electricity charged to the first electric vehicle. 1. A billing method for a charging system including a charger capable of charging a first electric vehicle by connecting a charger-side connector to the first electric vehicle,
The charger includes a connector holder;
The connector holder includes a connector attachment portion and an attachment detection portion,
the connector attachment portion includes a lock mechanism that locks the charger-side connector attached to the connector attachment portion,
the connector attachment portion is in a state where it can be locked by the locking mechanism when the charger-side connector is detached from the connector attachment portion, and is locked by the locking mechanism when the charger-side connector is attached to the connector attachment portion;
The attachment detection unit detects whether or not the charger-side connector is attached to the connector attachment unit,
The charging system includes a state management server,
the state management server includes a billing processing unit that determines an amount to be paid by a user who charges the first electric vehicle;
The billing method includes a step in which the billing processing unit determines an amount of money based on the time from when the attachment detection unit detects that the charger side connector has been removed from the connector attachment unit to when the attachment detection unit detects that the charger side connector has been attached to the connector attachment unit, without using the amount of electricity charged to the first electric vehicle. A program for causing a computer to function as the state management server according to claim 1.

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