JP2013161107A - Charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging system capable of supporting accounting on the use of a charging apparatus and ensuring the safeness of a piece of information associating the charging apparatus with a user without causing deterioration of information for specifying the charging apparatus.SOLUTION: The charging system includes: a charging apparatus 20 for charging a rechargeable battery; and a charging management server 10 for managing the use of the charging apparatus 20, which can communicate with a mobile terminal 40 owned by a user via a first communication network NT1 and which can communicate with the charging apparatus 20 via a second communication network NT2. Receiving a request for the use of the charging apparatus 20 from the mobile terminal 40 via the first communication network NT1, the charging management server 10 determines permission/rejection. When it is determined as permission, the charging management server 10 transmits a piece of permission information to the mobile terminal 40 via the first communication network NT1. The charging apparatus 20 permits the charging when both the permission information obtained through a short distance communication from the mobile terminal 40 and the permission information obtained via the second communication network NT2 from the charging management server 10 satisfy a predetermined condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system including a charging device that mainly charges a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle.

  In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric cars and electric motorcycles have entered a stage of full-scale spread. These electric vehicles have a system design based on charging at home or in a parking lot. However, infrastructure for charging electric vehicles has not been developed, and the number and density of charging devices (charging stations) for charging electric vehicles on the road are not sufficient. is there.

  The reason why the use of charging devices does not progress is that charging devices for quick charging are expensive, and charging rules for using charging devices are not clear, and charging services using charging devices are established as a business. It is possible that it is not in the environment.

  As a technology for easily charging a usage fee for a charging device, a power feeding device (charging device), a terminal device owned by a user, and a power feeding server that communicates via a power supply device or a communication network with the terminal device are linked. A system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, the QR code (registered trademark) affixed to the power supply device is photographed by the terminal device and transmitted to the power supply server, whereby the user authentication of the terminal device and the identification of the power supply device are performed in the power supply server. The technologies that make it possible are described.

JP 2011-34500 A

  However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 uses a QR code (registered trademark) to identify a power supply device. Generally, in a power supply device installed outdoors, the QR code (registered trademark) is notated. It has a problem that it easily deteriorates due to contamination. Moreover, since the power supply apparatus is specified and the user is authenticated through the same route, there is a problem that information security is not sufficient.

  The present invention makes it possible to accurately grasp the situation in which the charging device is used, can support processing such as charging, and there is no deterioration of information for identifying the charging device, and the charging device It aims at providing the charge system which raised the safety of the information which matches with the user.

  The charging system according to the present invention is capable of communicating with a charging device for charging a storage battery, a mobile terminal held by a user via a first communication network, and via the charging device and a second communication network. A charging management server that manages the use of the charging device, and the charging management server is requested to use the charging device through the first communication network from the mobile terminal. The use permission information is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first communication network and is used for the charging device via the second communication network. A permission information management unit configured to transmit permission information; and the charging device includes a short-range communication interface unit that communicates with the mobile terminal through short-range communication, a charge management unit that manages a state of charge of the storage battery, and the storage battery. Charge An authentication processing unit that authenticates a user, wherein the authentication processing unit acquires usage permission information acquired from the mobile terminal by the short-range communication and the charging management server via the second communication network. The charging management unit is notified of the charging permission when the usage permission information satisfies a predetermined condition.

  In this charging system, the charging device includes a power measuring unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the storage battery, and the charging management unit receives usage information including the amount of power measured by the power measuring unit. It is preferable that the charging management server includes a billing information calculation unit that calculates a consideration for the use of the charging device based on the usage information acquired from the charging device.

  In this charging system, the charging management server is operated and managed by a first server that is operated and managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services by the mobile terminal, and a carrier that operates and manages the charging device. A second server, the second server comprising a billing information calculation unit for calculating a charge for the use of the charging device based on the usage information acquired from the charging device, the first server, It is preferable to provide a settlement processing unit that settles the consideration acquired from the second server together with the usage fee of the mobile terminal.

  In this charging system, the charging device is supplied with electric power for charging the storage battery from a commercial power source whose unit price of electric charge fluctuates according to a time zone, and the charging information calculation unit pays for the use of the charging device. When calculating, it is preferable to reflect the unit price of the electricity bill in the time zone when the storage battery is charged.

  In this charging system, the charging device includes a time management unit that measures a period in which the storage battery is connected and a period in which the storage battery is charged, and the charging information calculation unit is configured to complete charging of the storage battery. It is preferable to calculate the consideration by adding it as a facility usage fee for a period in which the charging device is occupied by continuously connecting the storage battery.

  In this charging system, the charging device includes a time management unit that measures a period during which the storage battery is connected and a period during which the storage battery is charged, and the charging information calculation unit includes the storage battery continuously connected. For the period when the charging device is occupied, the consideration is calculated as a facility usage fee, and the unit price of the facility usage fee is determined after the period when the storage battery is charged and the charging of the storage battery is completed. It is preferable to vary the period.

  In this charging system, the charge management server presents usage information that presents at least one of the amount of power acquired from the charging device and the consideration calculated by the charging information calculation unit to the mobile terminal through the first communication network. It is preferable to provide a management unit.

  In this charging system, it is preferable that when the charging management unit determines that the charging is completed, the use permission of the charging device is invalidated.

  In this charging system, when the charge management server is notified from the charge management unit that a termination process for terminating the charging of the storage battery has been performed on the charging device, the charge management server provides a privilege to the corresponding user. It is preferable to generate service information.

  In this charging system, the charge management server has confirmed from the charge management unit that a termination process has been performed for the charging device to finish charging the storage battery within a predetermined time after the charging of the storage battery is completed. When notified, it is preferable to generate privilege service information for the corresponding user's consideration.

  In this charging system, the charging device includes a storage unit that stores a charging nozzle that connects the storage battery, a lid unit that opens and closes the storage unit, and a lid state detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the lid unit. The charge management unit preferably notifies the charge management server that the termination process has been performed when the lid state detection unit detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the lid unit. .

  According to the configuration of the present invention, since it is possible to accurately grasp the situation where the charging device is used, it is possible to support processing such as charging, and to identify the charging device. There is an advantage that the information associated with the charging device and the user is more secure.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the charging device used for the same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd server used for the same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st server used for the same as the above.

(Constitution)
Hereinafter, the charging system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system includes a charging device 20 that charges a storage battery (not shown) mounted on the electric vehicle 30, and a charge management server that controls and monitors the charging device 20 when charging the storage battery. 10. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 40 held by the user is used to confirm the user who uses the charging device 20 and collect a charge associated with the use of the charging device 20 from the user.

  The mobile terminal 40 does not necessarily have a telephone function as long as it is a communication terminal that is a target for which a telecommunication carrier collects a value associated with communication. However, the telecommunications carrier providing the communication service by the mobile terminal 40 communicates with the service provided to the user of the mobile terminal 40 by the telecommunications carrier or another carrier through the mobile terminal 40. This is assumed to be collected together with the fee. In other words, the telecommunications carrier pays the usage fee for the charging device 20 on behalf of the carrier that manages the operation of the charging device 20.

  In addition, the mobile terminal 40 used in the following embodiments has a wireless communication function for performing short-range communication not using this communication network, in addition to performing communication using a communication network provided by a telecommunications carrier. Note that this communication network is not limited to a telephone line and may be the Internet. The wireless communication specifications are selected from IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard using infrared as a transmission medium, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc. using a low-power radio wave as a transmission medium. By wireless communication of these specifications, short-range communication is performed with a communication range limited to about several meters at most. However, the specification for near field communication is not limited to this. The mobile terminal 40 preferably has a wireless LAN function.

  The charge management server 10 communicates with the charging device 20 through a communication network different from the communication network provided by the telecommunications carrier. This communication network is preferably a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dedicated network. The charging device 20 has a function of performing communication with the mobile terminal 40 through a route through which the charge management server 10 is interposed, and a function of directly performing communication with the mobile terminal 40 by the above-described short-range communication by wireless communication. And have. Therefore, the telecommunications carrier charges for the use of the mobile terminal 40 with respect to the use of the charging apparatus 20 by the communication between the charging apparatus 20 and the mobile terminal 40 via the path through which the charge management server 10 is interposed. It becomes possible.

  The charging device 20 has a function of acquiring user information by short-range communication with the mobile terminal 40 and delivering this information to the charging management server 10. That is, when the charging device 20 acquires the information of the user of the mobile terminal 40, since communication with which a short distance is physically guaranteed is used one-to-one, impersonation by another device at a remote place is used. Risk can be eliminated. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 40 can transmit user information by limiting the communication range to approximately one charging device 20 by using short-range communication.

  Incidentally, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 40 is determined by the telecommunications carrier. Therefore, the mobile terminal 40 needs to be equipped with an appropriate program (so-called “mobile app”) in order to realize the functions described below. That is, the mobile terminal 40 executes a program for managing the state of charge of the storage battery in cooperation with the charge management server 10. The function described below is realized by this program.

  Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in more detail. The charge management server 10 of the present embodiment includes a first server 11 that communicates with the mobile terminal 40 through the first communication network NT1, and a second server 12 that communicates with the charging device 20 through the second communication network NT2. Is provided. The first server 11 and the second server 12 communicate with each other through the third communication network NT3. The first communication network NT1 uses a public network provided by a telecommunications carrier. The second communication network NT2 and the third communication network NT3 use a dedicated network or are virtually dedicated by VPN. It is preferable to make it.

  In addition, since the charge management server 10 is separated into the first server 11 and the second server 12, the management entities of the first server 11 and the second server 12 can be made different. . That is, by providing the second server 12 separately from the first server 11 that is operated and managed by the telecommunications carrier for communication with the mobile terminal 40, the carrier that is not the telecommunications carrier can charge the charging device. It will be possible to manage 20 operations. For example, the second server 12 may be operated and managed by an electric power company (electric power company).

  When an electric power company manages and manages the second server 12, a communication network used for remote meter reading can be used as the second communication network NT2. A communication network used for remote meter reading generally includes an optical communication network. The second server 12 is connected to this optical communication network. On the other hand, it is desirable for the charging device 20 to perform wireless communication or power line carrier communication that facilitates securing a communication path. Therefore, the second communication network NT2 is preferably configured by combining an optical communication network and a wireless communication path or a power line carrier communication path.

  In addition, when the electric power company manages and manages the second server 12, the second communication network NT2 uses an AMR (Automated Meter Reading) communication network which is a policy introduced to all dwelling units as a national policy. Is also possible. When this communication network is used, the amount of power used for charging in the charging device 20 can be measured with a so-called smart meter. That is, the cost of the charging device 20 is reduced.

  The third communication network NT3 is preferably a transmission line having a wide communication band so that the first server 11 and the second server 12 can be integrated and operate as the charge management server 10. Therefore, the third communication network NT3 is preferably an optical communication network.

  In this embodiment, instead of realizing the function of the charge management server 10 with one server, the first server 11 and the second server 12 are distributed to two, but charging is performed with one server. The management server 10 can also be realized. Further, the function of the charge management server 10 may be realized by being distributed to two servers, or may be realized by being distributed to three or more servers.

  The charging device 20 has a function of charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle 30, a function of confirming a user of the charging device 20, a function of acquiring information for charging as the storage battery is charged, Communication function between the server 12 and the mobile terminal 40. Below, the structure which implement | achieves each function of the charging device 20 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the charging device 20 includes a power supply unit 21 including a charging circuit that charges a storage battery that is fed from an external power source such as a commercial power source and mounted on the electric vehicle 30, in order to charge the storage battery. . Moreover, in order to charge, the electric power measurement part 22 which measures the electric energy used for charge of a storage battery is provided. The object of charging may include not only the charging of the storage battery but also the time that the electric vehicle 30 occupies the charging device 20 after the end of charging, as will be described later. Furthermore, the charging device 20 includes a charge control unit 23 having a function of controlling the operation of the power supply unit 21 and a function of notifying the second server 12 of the amount of power measured by the power measurement unit 22.

  The charge control unit 23 includes a device such as a microcomputer including a processor that operates according to a program, a device from which the processor obtains information, and a device controlled by the processor as hardware elements. That is, the charging control unit 23 implements the functions described below by acquiring information from peripheral devices when a processor (computer) executes a program and controlling the peripheral devices.

  The charging control unit 23 includes a network communication interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “network communication I / F”) 231 that communicates with the second server 12 and also includes a short-range communication interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “network communication interface”). , Called “Near Field Communication I / F”) 232. The network communication I / F 231 and the short-range communication I / F 232 give the charging device 20 a function of performing communication between the second server 12 and the mobile terminal 40.

  As described above, the charging control unit 23 is used together with the power measuring unit 22 to measure the power consumed by the load (charging device 20), and to communicate the measured value of the consumed power as will be described later. A function of notifying the second server 12 is provided. When the electric power company manages the operation of the second server 12, the power measuring unit 22 has a configuration similar to that of the power meter used for remote meter reading, and the charging control unit 23 is connected to the second server 12. Information regarding the use of the charging device 20 is transmitted together with the identification information of the user. Therefore, the second communication network NT2 is preferably used by diverting a remote meter reading or a communication network laid for a so-called smart meter.

  By the way, since it is not the operation manager of the charging device 20 but the user of the charging device 20 that consumes power to charge the storage battery, the consideration for the amount of power used for charging is the user of the charging device 20. Will pay. Therefore, in order to calculate the consideration for the use of the charging device 20, not only the amount of electric power used for charging the storage battery but also the charging device 20 and the user are required to be specified. In order to satisfy this requirement, the present embodiment has a function of performing near field communication between the charging device 20 and the mobile terminal 40. A technique for confirming the charging device 20 and the user of the charging device 20 using the mobile terminal 40 will be described later.

  A commercial power source is basically used as the external power source for supplying power to the charging device 20. The power supply unit 21 supplies AC power received from an external power source to the storage battery of the electric vehicle 30. The AC power supplied from the power supply unit 21 to the electric vehicle 30 is used for charging the storage battery through a charging device mounted on the electric vehicle 30. The power output from the power supply unit 21 is supplied to the storage battery through a charging nozzle 24 that is detachably connected to a connection unit (not shown) provided in the electric vehicle 30. The charging nozzle 24 is a connector connected to the connection part of the electric vehicle 30, and the charging device 20 detects whether or not the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connection part of the electric vehicle 30. It has. The charging device 20 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores the charging nozzle 24, a lid unit 25 that opens and closes the storage unit, and a lid state detection unit 233 that detects the open / closed state of the lid unit 25.

  When charging the storage battery of the electric vehicle 30, the lid 25 of the charging device 20 is opened and the charging nozzle 24 is taken out from the charging device 20. Opening of the lid 25 is detected by the lid state detector 233. If the connection state detection unit 234 detects that the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connection part of the electric vehicle 30 while the cover state detection part 233 detects the open state of the cover part 25, the storage battery Can be charged.

  The charge control unit 23 includes a charge management unit 235 that comprehensively manages the charging device 20 using information detected by the lid state detection unit 233 and the connection state detection unit 234 described above. After the charging of the storage battery is started, the charge management unit 235 determines that the charging is completed when the charging current detected by the power measuring unit 22 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. That is, the charge management unit 235 has a function of managing the state of charge of the storage battery using the charging current detected by the power measurement unit 22.

  The power measurement unit 22 may measure the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 21 to the storage battery. The amount of power measured by the power measurement unit 22 is periodically acquired so that an accurate measurement value can be obtained by the measurement data acquisition unit 236 provided in the charge control unit 23.

  The amount of power measured by the power measurement unit 22 is stored in the usage record storage unit 237 provided in the charge control unit 23 for each category sorted according to the conditions under which the power amount is measured. The classification corresponding to the electric energy is based on the connection state between the charging nozzle 24 detected by the connection state detection unit 234 and the connection unit in the electric vehicle 30 and the charging state of the storage battery detected by the charge management unit 235. That is, the period in which the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connecting part and the storage battery is charged, the period in which the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connecting part and the charging of the storage battery is completed, and the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connecting part It is divided into three periods, which are not performed.

  In the state where the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the connection portion, the amount of power supplied during the period when the storage battery is charged and the amount of power supplied during the period not contributing to the charging of the storage battery are sorted. In addition, the usage record storage unit 237 may store a period in which the charging device 20 is occupied by a specific user and the charging nozzle 24 cannot be used by other users.

  The charge required by the user of the charging device 20 for charging the storage battery basically corresponds to the amount of power supplied during the period of charging the storage battery. In addition, a charge for the amount of power supplied during a period that does not contribute to charging of the storage battery is paid by an operator who manages the operation of the charging device 20.

  However, if the electric vehicle 30 to which the charging nozzle 24 is connected occupies the charging device 20, other users cannot use the charging device 20. Therefore, the period in which the charging device 20 is occupied may be regarded as the use of equipment regardless of whether or not charging is performed. In addition, after charging is completed, only a period in which the charging device 20 is occupied may be regarded as use of equipment.

  If a facility usage fee is charged as a consideration for the occupation of the charging device 20, it is considered that a deterrent effect against the charging device 20 being occupied unnecessarily long occurs. The facility usage fee for the occupation of the charging device 20 may be a price for the time when the charging nozzle 24 is connected to the electric vehicle 30 after the completion of charging. Alternatively, regardless of whether or not charging is performed, the facility usage fee may be a value according to the period occupied by the charging device 20. Furthermore, when the equipment usage fee is charged as a consideration during the period in which the charging device 20 is occupied, the unit price per hour may be changed between the charging period and the period after the end of charging. In this case, if the unit price after the end of charging is set high, the charging device 20 can be prevented from being occupied unnecessarily.

  In order to manage the usage time of the charging device 20 as described above, the charging control unit 23 includes a time management unit 238 that measures time. The time management unit 238 has a function of measuring not only the time but also the current date and time. The current date and time counted by the time management unit 238 is recorded in the usage record storage unit 237 in association with the amount of power acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 236.

(Authentication)
By the way, in order to charge the usage fee of the charging device 20, it is necessary to identify the user of the charging device 20 and the charging device 20. The charging control unit 23 includes an authentication processing unit 239 for confirming the user. The authentication processing unit 239 uses the user identification information (use permission information) acquired from the mobile terminal 40 by performing short-range communication with the mobile terminal 40 through the short-range communication I / F 232. Further, the authentication processing unit 239 temporarily stores the use permission information received from the mobile terminal 40 until the use of the charging device 20 ends.

  As the user identification information, information uniquely set in the mobile terminal 40 such as a telephone number of the mobile terminal 40 registered in advance in the mobile terminal 40 is used. More preferably, information unique to the mobile terminal 40 may be transmitted to the first server 11 to request issuance of identification information used for communication. The first server 11 transmits an identification information issue request to the second server 12 via the third communication network NT3. In this case, it is preferable that the second server 12 transmits the common key encrypted using the public key to the mobile terminal 40, and thereafter performs communication using this common key.

  The second server 12 checks whether or not the user of the mobile terminal 40 can be charged. That is, the mobile terminal 40 inquires of the second server 12 via the first communication network NT1 and the first server 11 whether or not charging is possible ((2) and (3) in FIG. 1). Here, if the user is registered in the second server 12 and satisfies a predetermined condition such as no unpaid charges, the second server 12 to the first server 11 and the first communication network NT1. The usage permission information is notified to the mobile terminal 40 via (4 (5) in FIG. 1). The usage permission information obtained by the mobile terminal 40 is transmitted to the charging device 20 using near field communication ((1) in FIG. 1).

  In addition, the authentication processing unit 239 of the charging device 20 receives the identification information (or key data) of the user from the mobile terminal 40 by the short-range communication, and receives the permission application information including the identification information through the network communication I / F 231. 2 server 12 ((6) in FIG. 1). Here, when the second server 12 issues use permission information corresponding to the identification information included in the permission application information, the use permission information is transmitted to the charging device 20 that is the transmission source of the identification information (FIG. 1). (7)). The authentication processing unit 239 compares the usage permission information received from the mobile terminal 40 with the usage permission information received from the second server 12, and determines that the authentication has been established when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The charge management unit 25 is notified of permission to charge.

  The usage permission information received from the mobile terminal 40 by the charging device 20 and the usage permission information received from the second server 12 may be the same. Further, as described above, a common key encrypted and sent with a public key may be used.

  When the charging device 20 notifies the second server 12 of permission application information, information for specifying the charging device 20 is notified to the second server 12. Therefore, the second server 12 can specify the charging device 20, and the second server 12 acquires information for specifying the user and information for specifying the charging device 20.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the first server 11 includes a first communication interface unit 111 that communicates with the mobile terminal 40 through the first communication network NT1, and a second server through the third communication network NT3. A second communication interface unit 112 that communicates with the second communication interface unit 12. Hereinafter, the first communication interface unit 111 is referred to as “first communication I / F”, and the second communication interface unit 112 is referred to as “second communication I / F”.

  The first server 11 includes an authentication unit 113 that collates the user identification information notified from the second server 12 through the authentication processing unit 239 of the charging device 20. The authentication unit 113 collates the identification information of the user notified from the charging device 20 with the identification information registered as a user who can use the charging device 20, and sends the collation result to the second server 12. Notice. Here, the authentication unit 113 also stores the credit information of the user according to the payment status of the fee together with the identification information about the user, and when the charging device 20 is used based on the credit information, the charge is collected. Check if it is possible. The authentication unit 113 sets an affirmative response as a result of the collation if the collated identification information is registered and the collection of the consideration is possible, and gives a negative response if the identification information does not exist or the collection of the compensation is impossible. The result of matching.

  Furthermore, the first server 11 includes a settlement processing unit 114 that settles a fee associated with the use of the charging device 20. As will be described later, the settlement processing unit 114 receives the usage fee for the charging device 20 from the second server 12 and charges the usage fee for the mobile terminal 40 when charging the usage fee for the mobile terminal 40. It has a function to do. This function is well known as a function that realizes a service in which a telecommunications carrier collects charges for services performed by other carriers using the mobile terminal 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second server 12 communicates with the first server 11 through the second communication network NT2 and the first communication interface unit 121 that communicates with the charging device 20 through the second communication network NT2, and with the first server 11 through the third communication network NT3. And a second communication interface unit 122. Hereinafter, the first communication interface unit 121 is referred to as “first communication I / F”, and the second communication interface unit 122 is referred to as “second communication I / F”.

  The second server 12 receives the permission application information described above from the charging device 20 and transfers it to the first server 11, and the verification result in the authentication unit 113 for the transferred permission application information from the first server 11. A permission information management unit 123 having a receiving function. If the verification result of the permission application information transferred to the first server 11 is an affirmative response, the permission information management unit 123 transmits the use permission information to the first server 11.

  The permission information management unit 123 provided in the second server 12 notifies the use permission information to the mobile terminal 40 and simultaneously transmits the use permission information to the authentication processing unit 239 of the charging device 20 through the second communication network NT2. To do. When the charging device 20 receives the usage permission information from the second server 12, the charging device 20 stores the usage permission information in the authentication processing unit 239.

  When the verification result of the permission application information in the first server 11 is a negative response, the permission information management unit 123 in the second server 12 does not notify the mobile terminal 40 of the usage permission information. The permission information management unit 123 may not notify the mobile terminal 40 of anything when the verification result of the permission application information is a negative response, but preferably notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the refusal of use. . In addition, when the response from the first server 11 is a negative response, the permission information management unit 123 notifies the charging device 20 of use prohibition information that prohibits the supply of power to the storage battery. When the charging apparatus 20 receives the use prohibition information from the second server 12, the charge apparatus 20 stores the use prohibition information in the authentication processing unit 239 in the same manner as the use permission information.

(Billing process)
The second server 12 includes a usage information management unit 124 that manages information necessary to calculate the price for charging the storage battery for each user of the charging device 20. Information necessary to calculate the price is the amount of power used for charging the storage battery, the occupation time of the charging device 20, and the like.

  The usage information management unit 124 has a function of acquiring usage information including the amount of power recorded in the usage record storage unit 237 of the charging device 20 and delivering the usage information to the billing information calculation unit 125 provided in the second server 12. Since the amount of power used for charging the storage battery can be known from the usage information recorded in the usage record storage unit 237, the usage information management unit 124 includes the amount of power and the time of charging from the usage record storage unit 237. The usage information is acquired, and the charging information calculation unit 125 calculates the charging amount. Here, the charging device 20 transmits the usage information stored in the usage record storage unit 237 for the user to the second server 12. Therefore, the charge amount of the charging device 20 by the user is calculated. Note that the second server 12 includes a timer 126 that measures the current date and time. In addition, information related to the charge amount calculated by the charge information calculation unit 125 is notified to the mobile terminal 40 through the charge information transmission unit 127.

  The billing information transmission unit 127 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the billing amount and information about the user through a route that passes through the first server 11. The billing information transmitting unit 127 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the billing amount when the use of the charging device 20 is completed, and may notify the billing amount in the middle of the storage battery charging every certain time. Good. In this case, it is necessary to acquire the amount of power required for charging the storage battery from the charging device 20 at regular intervals.

  In addition, a display device may be provided in the charging control unit 23 so that the charging amount is displayed on the mobile terminal 40 and the charging amount is displayed on the charging device 20 from the second server 12 through the second communication network NT2. .

  As described above, if the configuration for presenting the billing amount or the like to the mobile terminal 40 is adopted, the charging device 20 does not need to be provided with a display, and thus the configuration of the charging device 20 is simplified. Further, when the notification to the mobile terminal 40 is performed through the first server 11, it is possible to notify information such as completion of charging regardless of the location of the user. In general, since it takes a relatively long time to charge the storage battery, even if the user leaves the charging device 20, information such as the completion of charging can be notified to the user through the mobile terminal 40.

  The charging information calculation unit 125 does not calculate the charging amount using the information acquired during charging of the storage battery from the usage information management unit 124 but uses the information stored in the user information management unit 124 to calculate the charging amount. You may make it calculate. Furthermore, it is preferable that the billing information calculation unit 125 also calculates a billing amount based on the occupation time of the charging device 20.

  The user information management unit 124 preferably delivers the unit price per hour and the unit price per electric energy to the billing information calculator 125 as information necessary for calculating the consideration. The unit price per hour and the unit price per electric energy include the unit price for the occupation of the charging device 20 in addition to the unit price for the electric charge. Moreover, you may set the unit price according to the performance of the charging device 20. For example, for the charging device 20 capable of rapid charging, the unit price per hour may be set higher than that of the charging device 20 that cannot perform rapid charging. Thus, if the unit price is varied according to the performance of the charging device 20, it is possible to suppress concentration of use with respect to the charging device 20 capable of rapid charging.

  By the way, the start instruction information output from the second server 12 is notified to the charge management unit 235 of the charge control unit 23, and the charge management unit 235 permits the power supply unit 21 to charge the storage battery. Further, when the charge management unit 235 allows the power supply unit 21 to charge the storage battery, the connection state detection unit 234 indicates that the charging nozzle 24 is correctly connected to the electric vehicle in order to ensure safety. Is confirmed.

  Here, the charging control unit 23 initializes the amount of power stored in the usage record storage unit 237 in order to measure the amount of power used by the user for charging before starting the charging of the storage battery (initialization). Remember the value). When measuring the amount of power with a counter, clear the counter. Thereafter, when charging of the storage battery is started, the measurement data acquisition unit 236 acquires the power amount value measured by the power measurement unit 22. Furthermore, the usage record storage unit 237 stores the electric energy value acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 236 while the storage battery is continuously charged.

  The usage record storage unit 237 records the time of the start and end of charging of the storage battery in association with the electric energy value by using the current date and time counted by the time management unit 238. In addition, when the unit price of the electricity charge is switched during charging of the storage battery, it is desirable to divide and record the electric energy before and after the time when the unit price switches. Thus, since the usage record storage unit 237 stores the power amount value used for charging the storage battery in association with the time, it is possible to accurately calculate the compensation for the used power amount.

  When the electric energy value used in the usage record storage unit 237 is recorded, the charging time zone may be used instead of the charging start time and the charging end time. Note that the usage record storage unit 237 may record the power amount value for every 30 minutes instead of the used power amount value for each time zone.

  In the above-described example, the unit price is considered in the second server 12 when calculating the consideration for the use of the charging device 20, but when the charging device 20 includes information on the unit price, the charging device The unit price may be reflected in the amount of power stored in the 20 usage record storage units 237. In this case, the usage record storage unit 237 stores the amount of power obtained by weighting the amount of power used for charging the storage battery according to the unit price.

  Since the user may leave the charging device 20 while charging the storage battery by the charging device 20, the usage information management unit 124 provided in the second server manages the expected end time of charging, and the first server 11 to notify the mobile terminal 40.

  In the above-described operation, the authentication unit 113 collates the user identification information received from the charging device 20 through the second server 12 with the user information registered in the first server 11. Instead of this processing, in the authentication processing unit 239 of the charging device 20, usage permission information including user identification information notified from the mobile terminal 40 through a route passing through the first communication network NT1, and the mobile terminal 40 You may collate with the use permission information notified by near field communication. That is, as described above, the authentication processing unit 239 permits the charging device 20 only when the use permission information notified through different routes matches.

  When authentication is successful in the authentication processing unit 239, a notification of success is sent to the second server 12 through the second communication network NT2. When the authentication processing unit 239 fails in authentication, the charging device 20 is not used, and the permission information management unit 123 of the second server 12 invalidates the use permission information. When the use of the charging device 20 is not permitted, the mobile terminal 40 is notified that the use is not permitted through the first communication network NT1 or the second communication network NT2.

  The mobile terminal 40 used in the present embodiment is premised on executing a program for using the charging device 20. With this program, the mobile terminal 40 realizes a function of receiving use permission information through the first communication network NT1 and a function of temporarily storing the received use permission information for authentication. The usage permission information stored in the mobile terminal 40 is transmitted to the charging device 20 by short-range communication by operating the mobile terminal 40 when using the charging device 20.

(Use of charging device completed)
Completion of use of the charging device 20 may be notified to the charging device 20 using short-range communication by the user operating the mobile terminal 40. By instructing the mobile terminal 40 to complete the charging, it becomes possible to stop the charging of the storage battery in the middle, and even if the charging is stopped before the charging of the scheduled amount of power is completed, the charging by another person is prevented. Will do. In addition, by instructing completion of charging from the mobile terminal 40, the usage period of the charging device 20 becomes clear, and calculations for points and services are facilitated.

  Completion of charging may be notified to the charging device 20 by an operation of storing the charging nozzle 24 in the storage unit of the charging device 20 or an operation of closing the lid 25 provided on the charging device 20. Thus, when notifying completion of charge by the cover part 25, the structure which ensures that charging by the charging device 20 cannot be performed when the cover part 25 is closed is required.

  Furthermore, when the storage battery is being charged, when the power supply from the external power supply to the charging device 20 is stopped, or when the connection state detection unit 234 detects that the charging nozzle 24 is disconnected from the electric vehicle 30, the charge management unit 235 preferably terminates charging. When the charging nozzle 24 is detached, the charging current detected by the power measuring unit 22 becomes equal to or less than a specified value (actually 0), so that the charging management unit 235 determines that the charging is completed as in the case of full charging. . That is, the charging can be terminated by the user removing the charging nozzle 24. Also in this case, the usage amount from the start of charging is notified to the second server 12 in association with the corresponding user.

  In addition, upon completion of charging, the charging management unit 235 notifies the second server 12 that the usage permission information has become invalid, and further stores the user information temporarily stored in the authentication processing unit 239. It is preferable to erase.

  As described above, the charging device 20 is prevented from being illegally used by other users by terminating the charging when the charging nozzle 24 is detached from the electric vehicle 30. In addition, when charging is interrupted or completed during charging of the storage battery, it is preferable to notify the mobile terminal 40 of the user who has been charging.

  In the configuration described above, a technique has been described in which it is considered that charging is completed when the charging nozzle 24 is housed in the charging device 20 or the lid portion 25 is closed. However, when these configurations are employed, a configuration for detecting the state of the charging nozzle 24 and the lid 25 is required. On the other hand, the charge management unit 235 may monitor the charging current measured by the power measuring unit 22, and may be regarded as being completed when the charging current is stopped after the start of charging. Also in this case, the charging management unit 235 notifies the second server 12 that the usage permission information has become invalid, and the user information temporarily stored in the authentication processing unit 239 can be deleted. preferable.

  The permission information management unit 123 in the second server 12 invalidates the use permission information when notified from the charging device 20 that the use permission information has become invalid. With this process, it is possible to grasp the time from the start of charging to the stop of charging for the user who has charged the storage battery, and the charging information calculation unit 125 can perform calculations for charging.

  As described above, since the user who uses the charging device 20 is authenticated by using the mobile terminal 40, the charging device 20 can easily confirm the user without authenticating the electric vehicle 30. Is possible. That is, since the mobile terminal 40 uses the mobile terminal 40 to confirm the user based on the use by the user, it is possible to suppress unauthorized use of the charging device 20.

  By the way, if the charging nozzle 24 remains connected to the connection part of the electric vehicle 30 even after the charging of the storage battery is completed, the charging device 20 cannot be used by another electric vehicle 30, and the average of the charging device 20 The service rate will decrease. Therefore, it is preferable to take measures so that the user (electric vehicle 30) who has completed the charging of the storage battery occupies the charging device 20 is reduced. The countermeasure will be exemplified below.

  The state in which the charging device 20 is occupied after the completion of charging can be detected by the connection state detection unit 234 that confirms the connection state between the charging nozzle 24 of the charging device 20 and the connection portion of the electric vehicle 30. Therefore, the charging management unit 235 of the charging device 20 confirms the connection state of the charging nozzle 24 by the connection state detection unit 234 after the charging is completed, and sets the time for which the connection continues for a specified time (for example, 10 minutes). If it exceeds, it is preferable to notify the second server 12. In this case, the charging information calculation unit 125 of the second server 12 charges the charging nozzle 24 that is connected to the electric vehicle 30 over a specified time even when charging is completed and power is not supplied. An occupancy fee corresponding to the occupancy time of the device 20 is added and charged. In addition, when performing charging associated with the occupation of the charging device 20, it is preferable to notify the user in advance that charging will occur through the mobile terminal 40. Note that the end of use of the charging device 20 is not the time when the charging nozzle 24 is removed from the electric vehicle 30, but the lid state detection unit 233 causes the charging unit 20 to shift the lid 25 from the open state to the closed state. It is good also as the time of detecting.

  In addition to charging the occupancy fee of the charging device 20, in addition to charging the user device such as giving points or cashback when the use of the charging device 20 is completed within a specified time. A privilege service may be provided. In particular, when it is detected by the lid state detection unit 233 that the lid 25 is closed after the completion of charging is detected, this indicates that the charging nozzle 24 has been stored in the charging device 20. It can be determined that the user did not leave 20 in use and was cleaned up. When it can be determined that the equipment has been contributed to the maintenance and management of the equipment as in the case where the rearranging is performed in this way, a privilege service such as giving points may be provided.

  As described above, the charge management unit 235 notifies the second server 12 of the detection result by the lid state detection unit 233 and the connection state detection unit 234, performs additional charging, provides a service, etc. It is possible to take measures so that the charging device 20 is not unnecessarily occupied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Charge management server 11 1st server 12 2nd server 20 Charging apparatus 22 Electric power measurement part 24 Charging nozzle 25 Cover part 40 Mobile terminal 114 Payment processing part 123 Authorization information management part 124 Usage information management part 125 Charge information calculation part 232 Short-range communication interface unit 233 Lid state detection unit 235 Charge management unit 238 Time management unit 239 Authentication processing unit NT1 first communication network NT2 second communication network

Claims (11)

  A charging device for charging a storage battery, and a mobile terminal held by a user can communicate with the mobile terminal via a first communication network, and can communicate with the charging device via a second communication network, A charge management server for managing the use of the charging device, wherein the charge management server determines whether or not the mobile device can be used when the use of the charging device is requested through the first communication network; Permission information management for transmitting usage permission information to the mobile terminal via the first communication network and transmitting the usage permission information to the charging device via the second communication network when available The charging device authenticates a user who charges the storage battery, a short-range communication interface unit that communicates with the mobile terminal by short-range communication, a charge management unit that manages a charge state of the storage battery, and Authentication processing section The authentication processing unit includes a use permission information acquired from the mobile terminal by the short-range communication and a use permission information acquired from the charge management server via the second communication network. A charging system that notifies charging permission to the charging management unit when the charging is satisfied.   The charging device includes a power measurement unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the storage battery, and the charge management unit has a function of notifying the charge management server of usage information including the amount of power measured by the power measurement unit. 2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the charging management server includes a charging information calculation unit that calculates a consideration for the use of the charging device based on usage information acquired from the charging device.   The charging management server includes a first server that is operated and managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides communication services by the mobile terminal, and a second server that is operated and managed by a carrier that operates and manages the charging device. The second server includes a billing information calculation unit that calculates a charge for using the charging device based on the usage information acquired from the charging device, and the first server is acquired from the second server. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising: a settlement processing unit that settles the consideration paid together with a usage fee for the mobile terminal.   The charging device is supplied with electric power for charging the storage battery from a commercial power source whose unit price of electric charge varies according to a time zone, and the billing information calculation unit calculates the consideration for using the charging device, 4. The charging system according to claim 2, wherein a unit price of an electricity bill in a time zone in which the storage battery is charged is reflected.   The charging device includes a time management unit that measures a period during which the storage battery is connected and a period during which the storage battery is charged, and the charging information calculation unit continues the storage battery after the charging of the storage battery is completed. The charge system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charge is calculated as a facility usage fee for a period in which the charging device is occupied by being connected.   The charging device includes a time management unit that measures a period during which the storage battery is connected and a period during which the storage battery is charged, and the charging information calculation unit is configured so that the storage battery is continuously connected. The consideration is calculated as the equipment usage fee for the period when the charging device is occupied, and the unit price of the equipment usage fee is different between the period during which the storage battery is charged and the period after the charging of the storage battery is completed. The charging system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein:   The charging management server includes a usage information management unit that presents at least one of the amount of power acquired from the charging device and the consideration calculated by the charging information calculation unit to the mobile terminal through the first communication network. The charging system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein:   The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the charging management unit determines that charging is complete, the charging management unit invalidates use permission of the charging device.   When the charge management server is notified by the charge management unit that a termination process for terminating the charging of the storage battery has been performed on the charging device, the charge management server generates information on a privilege service for the corresponding user. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:   When the charge management server is notified from the charge management unit that a termination process for terminating the charging of the storage battery is performed for the charging device within a predetermined time after the charging of the storage battery is completed, The charge system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein information on a privilege service is generated for a corresponding user's consideration.   The charging device includes: a storage unit that stores a charging nozzle that connects the storage battery; a lid unit that opens and closes the storage unit; and a lid state detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the lid unit. The unit notifies the charge management server that the termination process has been performed when the lid state detection unit detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the lid unit. Or the charging system of 10.

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