JP6224488B2 - Electric vehicle charging system and charging control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric vehicle charging system and a charging control device, and more particularly to a charging system in which settings relating to charging can be changed during charging.

In recent years, the development of electric vehicles has been remarkable and is expected to spread in the future. On the other hand, a stand for charging electricity requires a long time to be filled from an empty state as compared with a conventional gas station. Furthermore, unlike gasoline, it is difficult for the user to grasp the replenishment amount, that is, the charge amount, for the electric energy that cannot be visually observed and cannot feel the weight. Furthermore, the user must continue to wait near the charger during charging in order to know the completion of charging.
Therefore, when charging an electric vehicle, a management system for a charger that can specify not only full charge and fixed charge but also fixed time charge as fueling information has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, charging is performed by setting at least one of a charging execution time period, a priority level, and a charging amount (a charging amount includes a charging time) for a plurality of vehicles to be charged, and sequentially switching charging to the target vehicle. An apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, what notifies the completion of charge by mail is proposed (for example, refer patent document 3).

JP 2012-221343 A JP 2012-90378 A JP 2012-244785 A

How much time is required for replenishment simply by specifying the replenishment amount, such as direct designation of replenishment amount (how many liters of refueling), replenishment to full tank or replenishment by specifying the amount of money, as in a conventional gas station It's hard to understand.
Specifically, for example, the following can be considered as a procedure for controlling charging of the electric vehicle based on the above-described conventional technology.
(1) The operation unit accepts selection of the type of charging by the user.
(2) The operation unit accepts designation of full charge or amount or charge time as a charge amount setting by the user.
(3) Based on the set charge amount, an estimated time until completion of charging is calculated and displayed on the display unit. This is to inform the user of the estimated time until charging is completed.
(4) Accepting a selection as to whether or not to send a notification of charging completion to the user's mobile terminal or the like at the end of charging. If the user's contact information (e-mail address or mobile number, etc.) is not yet registered despite the selection to send a notification, the user is prompted for the contact information.
(5) Start charging.
(6) The estimated time until the end of charging is calculated and displayed on the display unit. If it is selected to send a notification of charging termination, the registered contact may be notified of the expected time.
(7) When charging of the specified charge amount is completed, the charging is terminated and the end is displayed on the display unit. Note that the charging device includes an operation unit that accepts an operation by the user and a display unit that displays information related to charging.
The amount of charge (replenishment amount) is difficult for the user to understand compared to the amount of gasoline. In addition, the user wants to charge only the amount that he thinks is necessary to run a specific distance (for example, the distance traveled to his home, the distance traveled to another charging station, the distance planned to travel on the day). However, it is not easy for the user to recognize and specify the corresponding charge amount.
In connection with this, there are cases where charging of the initially specified amount of charge has been completed but there is room in time, or there is a need to perform additional charging due to the need for further charging after the start of charging or a change in thinking. It is done. For example, a charge time of 1000 yen was initially specified in monetary amount, but there is a time margin when a notification of charge completion is received, and it is desired to continue charging for another 15 minutes. In that case, it is necessary to wait for the end of charging or to stop charging and start a new charging.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a charging system that can easily change the amount of charge during charging and / or at the end of charging.

  The present invention includes a quick charging unit that charges a battery of a plurality of electric vehicles, an input operation unit that receives a setting related to a charging amount, a portable communication terminal that receives a notification related to charging and receives an instruction related to a change in the charging amount, The quick charge unit, the input operation unit, and the mobile communication terminal are communicable and start charging by the quick charge unit based on a setting accepted by the input operation unit, and during charging and / or at the end of charging A charge control unit that notifies the mobile communication terminal, and the mobile communication terminal that has received the notification accepts an instruction related to a change in the charge amount during charging and / or at the end of charging, and transmits the instruction to the charge control unit The charging control unit performs charging based on the instruction, and provides a charging system for an electric vehicle.

  Also, from a different point of view, the present invention includes (1) a quick charging unit that charges the batteries of a plurality of electric vehicles, (2) an input operation unit that accepts settings related to the charging amount, and (3) a notification related to charging and receiving and charging The portable communication terminal is capable of communicating with a portable communication terminal that accepts an instruction relating to a change in amount, starts charging by the quick charging unit based on a setting accepted by the input operation unit, and is charged and / or at the end of charging, the portable communication terminal A charge control unit that performs notification to the device, and the charge control unit starts charging based on the instruction in response to an instruction related to a change in a charge amount that the mobile communication terminal receives during charging and / or at the end of charging. An electric vehicle charging control device is provided.

  In the charging system for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the mobile communication terminal receives an instruction relating to the change of the charging amount during charging and / or at the end of charging, and transmits the instruction to the charging control unit. The charging control unit is based on the instruction. Since charging is started, the user can easily change the amount of charge during charging and / or at the end of charging.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the charging system of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the input device in FIG. (Charge amount setting) It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the input device in FIG. (Notification setting to customer terminal) It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on charge of the charger control part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on charge of the server control part in FIG. (From charge start to charge stop) It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on charge of the server control part in FIG. (Notification of end of charging) It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the additional charge of the terminal process part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the charge setting change of the terminal process part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the abnormal stop of the terminal process part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on charge of the server control part in FIG. (first half) It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on charge of the server control part in FIG. (Latter half) It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the abnormality monitoring of the server control part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the abnormality monitoring of the charger control part in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal in FIG. 1 with the event before and behind. (Charge complete and additional charge) It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal in FIG. 1 with the event before and behind. (Change charging settings) It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal in FIG. 1 with the event before and behind. (Continues to charge when abnormally stopped) It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal in FIG. 1 with the event before and behind. (Suspend charging when abnormally stopped) It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal in FIG. 1 with the event before and behind. (Notify the expected charging time when charging starts)

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It should not be interpreted as limiting this invention.
(Embodiment 1)
≪Charging system configuration≫
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a charging system according to the present invention. A charging system 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes a charger 13, an input device 15, a customer terminal 17, and a management server 19.
The charger 13 includes a charging unit 43 as a circuit that obtains electric power from a commercial power source or the like and charges the battery 23 of the electric vehicle 21, a computer that controls the operation of the charging unit, and a charger control unit 41 as a control circuit. . The charging unit 43 includes a charging plug connected to the battery 23.

  The input device 15 is a device that is placed beside the charger 13 and allows a user to perform instructions and settings regarding charging. The input device 15 includes an input control unit 45, a card reading unit 47, a display unit 49, and an input unit 51. The card reading unit 47 is a card reader that reads a member's card or a credit card of the charging station. The display unit 49 displays operation guidance, a setting screen, setting contents, and the like. The input unit 51 receives an input operation performed by the user while confirming the display on the display unit 49. The input control unit 45 controls the card reading unit 47, the display unit 49 and the input unit 51.

  Specific examples of the display unit 49 include a liquid crystal display device. Specific examples of the input unit 51 include a touch panel and operation buttons for detecting a touch on the display unit 49, for example. A specific example of the input control unit 45 is a microcomputer, for example. In FIG. 1, the input device 15 is a single device, but may be integrated with the charger 13, for example, and the charger 13, the management server 19, and the input device 15 may be integrated. Or the aspect which uses the hardware resource of the customer terminal 17 as an input device is also contained in the charging system of this invention. Thus, the number of devices constituting the charging system according to the present invention and the mode of function distribution are variously considered in addition to the mode shown in FIG. 1, and are not limited to FIG. However, it is preferable that at least the customer terminal 17 from which the customer is notified and the charger 13 that performs charging are separate devices.

The customer terminal 17 is assumed to be general-purpose hardware such as a smartphone or a tablet, but is not limited thereto. A general-purpose device may be used, but a dedicated device may be used. What is necessary is just to be able to receive the notification regarding charge and to notify a user.
As a specific aspect of the terminal processing unit 53, a processing circuit centering on a CPU mounted on a smartphone can be cited. Specific examples of the display / input unit 55 include a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL display panel, and a touch panel that detects a touch on the display panel.

  The management server 19 is a server connected to the charger 13, the input device 15, and the customer terminal 17 by wireless communication or wired communication. The management server 19 includes a large capacity memory 31. The memory 31 stores the information registered in the member card owned by the customer of the charging station as the member card table 33a. The member's card table 33a stores, for example, a card ID, a customer's name, an electric vehicle type, a nominal value of fuel consumption of the electric vehicle, a mobile phone number and mail address of a customer's notification destination, and other memos.

Furthermore, the memory 31 stores a charger table 33b. The charger table 33b stores, for example, names and IDs of a plurality of chargers managed by the management server 19, an abnormal stop flag indicating an abnormal stop state for each charger, and the like.
Further, the memory 31 stores charging history data 33c. The charging history data 33c stores the history of each vehicle for each vehicle ID sent from the electric vehicle 21 via the charging plug during charging. The charge history data stores, for example, the vehicle ID, the vehicle type, the date of charging, the amount of charge, and the cumulative travel distance during charging. The data of the vehicle type, the charge amount, and the cumulative travel distance are acquired from the electric vehicle 21 through the charging plug at the time of charging together with the vehicle ID.
The server control unit 35 is a CPU and peripheral circuits of the management server 19.

≪User interface for charging settings≫
2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a charge setting screen displayed on the display unit 49 of the input device 15 in FIG.
When the user causes the card reading unit 47 of the input device 15 to read the member's card or touches the display unit 49, the operation screen D11 shown in FIG. The operation screen D11 allows the user to select either fast charging or normal charging. Here, it is assumed that high-speed charging has a shorter charging time than low-speed charging, but the unit price per charging amount is set high. When the user touches either the fast charging button or the normal charging button to select the type of charging, the input control unit 45 that receives the operation via the input unit 51 displays the operation screen D13 on the display unit 49. The operation screen D13 is a screen for selecting a charging amount (purchase amount) designation method. Options include “full charge”, “specify amount”, “specify time”, “specify amount”, and “specify distance”.

When “full charge” is selected by the user on the operation screen D13, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D15. On the operation screen D15, the estimated time until full charge takes "XX minutes. Are you sure?" Is displayed, and "Yes" and "No" options are displayed. Here, it is assumed that the predicted time until full charge is calculated by the input control unit 45 when the electric vehicle 21 and the input control unit 45 exchange information via the charging plug. Alternatively, the server control unit 35 may calculate through communication.
When “Yes” is selected by the user, the input control unit 45 displays the operation screen D33 on the display unit 49 and asks for confirmation of charging start. On the operation screen D33, a message “Start charging. Expected charging time: xx minutes” is displayed, and options “Yes” and “No” are displayed. When “No” is selected on the operation screen D15, the operation screen D13 is displayed again.

When “Specify Amount” is selected on the operation screen D13 described above, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D17. On the operation screen D17, buttons for predetermined amounts “1000 yen (xx minutes)” and “2000 yen (xx minutes)” and “specify amount” are displayed. When any one of the buttons “1000 yen (xx minutes)” and “2000 yen (xx minutes)” is selected by the user, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above. To confirm the start of charging. When the “specify amount” button is selected on the operation screen D17, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display an operation screen D19 for specifying the amount.
Displays an “Please specify amount” message, an area for inputting the amount, and a “Charge” button. The area for inputting the amount of money may be set, for example, by setting the unit as “yen” and illustrat- ing illustrations of 0 to 9 dials for each digit, and the user scrolling the dial of each digit up and down. Alternatively, a numeric keypad may be displayed in an empty area of the operation screen, and the user may touch the numeric keypad to set the numeric keypad. When the amount is specified on the operation screen D19 and then the “charge” button is pressed, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above.

Further, when “specify time” is selected on the operation screen D13 described above, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D21. On the operation screen D21, buttons for predetermined times “30 minutes (xx yen)”, “1 hour (xx yen)” and “specify time” are displayed. When any one of the buttons “30 minutes (xx yen)” and “1 hour (xx yen)” is selected by the user, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above. To confirm the start of charging. When the “designate time” button is selected on the operation screen D21, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display an operation screen D23 for designating time.
The operation screen D23 displays a message “Specify time”, a time input area, and a “charge” button. The area for inputting time may be set by the user scrolling the dial of each digit up and down. Alternatively, a numeric keypad may be displayed in an empty area of the operation screen, and the user may touch the numeric keypad to set the numeric keypad. When the time is specified and then the “charge” button is pressed, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above.

Alternatively, when “Specify amount” is selected on the operation screen D13 described above, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D25. On the operation screen D25, buttons of predetermined amounts “10% (xx circle)”, “50% (xxx circle)” and “designate amount” are displayed. When any one of the buttons “10% (xxx circle)” and “50% (xxx circle)” is selected by the user, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above. To confirm the start of charging. When the “designate amount” button is selected on the operation screen D25, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display an operation screen D27 for designating the amount.
The operation screen D27 displays a message “Specify amount”, an area for inputting the amount, and a “charge” button. The area for inputting the amount may be set by the user scrolling the dial of each digit up and down. Here, “%” is a ratio when the amount of energy stored in the battery 23 when fully charged is 100 and the ratio to the amount of energy is expressed in percentage.
The amount input may be set by the user scrolling the dial of each digit. The setting may be made by displaying a numeric keypad in an empty area of the operation screen and touching the numeric keypad by the user. When the amount is specified and then the “charge” button is pressed, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above.

When “designate distance” is selected on the operation screen D13 described above, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D29. On the operation screen D29, buttons of predetermined distances “10 km (xx circle)”, “20 km (xxx circle)” and “designate distance” are displayed. When any one of the buttons “10 km (xx circle)” and “20 km (xxx circle)” is selected by the user, the input control unit 45 displays the operation screen D33 on the display unit 49 and charges. Ask for confirmation of start. When the “designate distance” button is selected on the operation screen D29, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D31 for designating the distance.
The operation screen D31 displays a message “Please specify distance”, an area for inputting a distance, and a “Charge” button. The area for inputting the distance may be set, for example, by the user scrolling the dial of each digit up and down.

Alternatively, a numeric keypad may be displayed in an empty area of the operation screen, and the user may touch the numeric keypad to set the numeric keypad. When the distance is specified and then the “charge” button is pressed, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D33 described above.
As described above, when the user selects “No” on the operation screen D33 after the charge amount is designated by any one of “Full charge”, “Price”, “Time”, “Amount” or “Distance” The input control unit 45 displays the operation screen that was displayed immediately before on the display unit 49 and asks for re-designation of the charge amount.

On the other hand, when the user selects “Yes” on the operation screen D33, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the notification necessity setting operation screen D35 shown in FIG. On the operation screen D35, a message “Do you want to contact charging completion?” Is displayed, and “Yes” and “No” options are displayed.
When “Yes” is selected by the user on the operation screen D35 and the notification destination to the customer is registered in the member's card and known, the input control unit 45 displays the operation screen D39. Even when “No” is selected on the operation screen D35, the operation screen D39 is displayed on the display unit 49. However, when “Yes” is selected on the operation screen D35 and the notification destination to the customer is not registered, the input control unit 45 displays the operation screen D37 and requests input of the notification destination. On the operation screen D37, a message “Please enter your mobile phone number or e-mail address”, an input area, and a send button are displayed. The input area may accept handwritten character input, or when the input area is touched, a software keyboard (not shown) in FIG. 3 may be displayed and used to accept input. When the user finishes inputting the notification destination on the operation screen D37, the input control unit 45 causes the display unit 49 to display the operation screen D39.
On the operation screen D37, a message “charging has started” and an “end” button are displayed. When the “end” button is pressed by the user, the acceptance of the input operation is ended.

≪Charging process by charge control unit≫
Then, the process which concerns on charge is demonstrated using a flowchart.
4 to 13 are flowcharts showing the charging task processing by the charging system of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of each part is demonstrated along a flowchart. In this embodiment, each task shown in FIGS. 4 to 13 is executed in a multitasking environment. However, it is only necessary to be able to perform substantially concurrent processing, and a multitasking environment is not an essential requirement.
First, the charging process by the input control unit 45 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. This process corresponds to the operations shown in FIGS.

The input control unit 45 monitors whether or not the member card has been read by the card reading unit 47 during standby (step S11). When the member's card is read (Yes in step S11), the input control unit 45 transmits the read information (member's card ID) to the management server (step S13). Upon receiving the ID, the server control unit 35 accesses the member's card table 33a and refers to registration information of the corresponding ID.
Thereafter, the routine proceeds to step S17 and accepts the charge setting.
If the member card is not recognized in step S11 (No in step S11), the input control unit 45 continues to monitor whether or not the user touches the display unit 49 (step S15). When the display unit 49 is touched (Yes in step S15), the routine proceeds to step S17 and accepts the charge setting. This corresponds to, for example, a case where a user who does not have a member's card performs charging.

On the other hand, if the touch on the display unit 49 is not detected, the routine returns to step S11 and loops.
In step S17, the input control unit 45 accepts the charging setting. While accepting the setting of the type of charge and the charge amount (step S17), the input control unit 45 waits for an instruction to end the charge setting and start the charge (step S19). The display and operation flow of the display unit 49 during this period corresponds to the operation screens D11 to D33 in FIG.

  When the setting of charging is completed (Yes in step S19), the input control unit 45 waits for selection of whether or not to notify the customer terminal of completion of charging (step S21). This corresponds to the operation screen D35 of FIG. When “Yes” is selected on the operation screen D35 (Yes in Step S21), the input control unit 45 checks whether or not the contact information of the user has been obtained (Step S23). If it has not been obtained (No in step S23), the input control unit 45 displays the operation screen D37 on the display unit 49 to accept the input of the user's contact information (step S25), and then the routine proceeds to step S27.

On the other hand, if the contact information of the user has been obtained (Yes in step S23), the routine proceeds to step S27, and transmits the contents of the charge setting accepted so far to the management server. And the input control part 45 displays the operation screen D39 on the display part 49, and notifies a user that charging was started (step S29).
If it is determined in step S21 that the user does not contact the customer terminal ("No" on the operation screen D35 is selected), the routine proceeds to step S27, and the input control unit 45 accepts the charge settings received so far. Is sent to the management server. Then, the operation screen D39 is displayed on the display unit 49 to inform the user that charging has started (step S29).

≪Charging process by server control part≫
Next, task processing relating to charging of the server control unit 35 will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing processing related to charging of the server control unit in FIG.
In FIG. 5, the server control unit 35 waits for the contents of the charge setting and the instruction to start charging (step S31). Here, the content of the charge setting and the instruction to start charging are sent when the input control unit 45 first executes the process of step S27 shown in FIG. There are other cases. One of them is when the user gives an instruction for additional charging at the customer terminal 17.

Furthermore, there is a case where the user changes the charging setting during charging at the customer terminal 17.
In addition, there is a case where charging is being performed because an abnormality has been detected by the charger 13 but the user terminal 17 has been switched to another mode in which the user can operate at the customer terminal 17 and instructed to continue charging.
The customer terminal 17 accesses a web page provided by the management server 19 or another server (not shown), and gives an instruction to perform additional charging or charge setting change using a user interface provided on the web page. When the instruction is sent to the management server 19, the server control unit 35 determines that the instruction for the charger setting and the charging start has been received.

  When the content of the charging setting and the instruction to start charging are sent (Yes in step S31), the server control unit 35 stores the content of the charging setting in the memory 31 (step S32), and then performs a monitoring process during charging. . That is, referring to the state of the abnormal stop flag (step S33), it is checked whether or not the abnormal stop flag is set (step S35). The abnormal stop flag is managed by another task executed by the server control unit 35 and monitoring whether or not the charger 13 is operating normally. When a notification of occurrence of an abnormality is received from the charger 13, the task sets an abnormal stop flag. If there is an executable charge mode, the charger 13 also notifies the mode. Details will be described later.

  When the abnormal stop flag is set (Yes in step S35), the server control unit 35 transmits a notification to the customer terminal 17 that the charger 13 has stopped abnormally (step S37). However, it is limited to the case where the transmission destination is already obtained. At this time, if there is another charge mode that can be executed, information on the charge mode is also transmitted. For example, this is a case where high-speed charging is not possible but normal charging is possible. Then, the abnormal stop flag is reset (step S39). Thereafter, the server control unit 35 stops the charging of the charger 13 (step S41).

  On the other hand, when the abnormal stop flag is not set in step S35 (No in step S35), the server control unit 35 next determines whether or not to notify the customer terminal of the progress of charging (step S43). When notification to the customer terminal 17 is not selected on the operation screen D35 of FIG. 3 or when notification to the customer terminal 17 is selected but the timing for sending the progress notification has not arrived (No in step S43) The routine proceeds to step S47 described later. When the notification timing has arrived (Yes in step S43), the server control unit 35 transmits a charging progress mail to the customer terminal 17 (step S45). The notification timing may be determined in advance, for example, when 50%, 75%, and 90% of the expected charging time have elapsed. Or what is necessary is just to predetermine 15 minutes before charge completion prediction. Then, the routine proceeds to step S47. Further, during charging, the user may operate the customer terminal 17 to access a charging confirmation web page so that the charging state at that time can be confirmed.

In step S47, the server control unit 35 determines whether or not an instruction to change the charge setting has been received. In the charging setting change, the customer terminal 17 accesses a web page provided by the management server 19 or another server (not shown) and changes the instruction and setting using the user interface provided on the web page. When the instruction is sent to the management server 19, the server control unit 35 determines that an instruction to change the charge setting has been received (Yes in step S47). In that case, the routine proceeds to step S41 described above, and stops the charging being executed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that there has been no instruction to change the charge setting (No in step S47), the routine then proceeds to step S49.

In step S49, the server control unit 35 determines whether or not charging has reached the designated charge amount. If it is determined that the specified amount of charge has been reached (Yes in step S49), the routine proceeds to step S41 described above, and stops the current charge.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S49 that there has been no instruction to change the charge setting (No in step S49), the routine returns to step S33 described above. This is the charging loop.
After stopping charging in step S41, the server control unit 35 determines whether or not to notify the customer terminal of the end of charging (step S51 in FIG. 6). When “Yes” is selected on the operation screen D35 of FIG. 3 (Yes in Step S51), the server control unit 35 transmits a charge end notification to the customer terminal 17 (Step S53), and ends the task. When “No” is selected on the operation screen D35 (No in Step S51), the server control unit 35 ends the task without notifying the end of charging.

≪Instructions for additional charging from customer terminals≫
Subsequently, when the user terminal 17 of the user receives a notification of the end of charging, the processing of the terminal processing unit 53 when the user selects an additional charging option included in the notification and starts the additional charging will be described.
In step S53 of FIG. 6, a notification is sent from the management server 19 to the customer terminal 17 when charging is completed. This notification may include an option for instructing additional charging in succession.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process related to additional charging of the terminal processing unit in FIG. In FIG. 7, the terminal processing unit 53 monitors whether a notification of charging completion is sent from the management server 19 (step S61). When the notification of the end of charging is received (Yes in step S61), the content of the notification is displayed on the display / input unit 55 (step S63).

The terminal processing unit 53 checks whether or not the display / input unit 55 has received an instruction for additional charging included as an option option in the notification (step S65). If not accepted (No in step S65), the routine returns to step S61 described above and waits for the next notification, but if an instruction for additional charging is accepted (Yes in step S65), the URL associated in advance is accessed. To do. The website specified by the URL is provided with a user interface for setting additional charging (step S67). The terminal processing unit 53 accepts that the user performs an operation related to the additional charging instruction on the website. The content of the instruction is sent to the server control unit 35 of the management server 19 and recognized (see step S31 in FIG. 5).
When the setting of additional charging is completed and the website is closed (Yes in step S69), the routine returns to step S61 described above and waits for the next notification.

≪Instructions for changing charging settings from customer terminals≫
Next, when the user's customer terminal 17 receives a notification of charging progress, the processing of the terminal processing unit 53 when the user selects an option for changing the charging setting included in the notification and changes the setting will be described.
In step S45 in FIG. 5, a notification is sent from the management server 19 to the customer terminal 17 when it is time to notify the charging progress. This notification may include an option for changing the charging setting.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process related to the charge setting change of the terminal processing unit in FIG. In FIG. 8, the terminal processing unit 53 monitors whether a notification of charging progress is sent from the management server 19 (step S71). When the charging progress notification is received (Yes in step S71), the content of the notification is displayed on the display / input unit 55 (step S73).

The terminal processing unit 53 checks whether or not the display / input unit 55 has received an instruction to change the charge setting included as an option option in the notification (step S75). If not accepted (No in step S75), the routine returns to the above-described step S71 and waits for the next notification, but if an instruction to change the charging setting is accepted (Yes in step S75), the routine is linked to the URL associated in advance. to access. The website specified by the URL is provided with a user interface for changing the charging setting (step S77). The terminal processing unit 53 accepts that the user performs an operation related to the additional charge setting change on the website. The content of the instruction is sent to the server control unit 35 of the management server 19 and recognized (see steps S31 and S47 in FIG. 5).
When the charging setting change is completed and the website is closed (Yes in step S79), the routine returns to the above-described step S71 and waits for the next notification.
The notification of charging progress may be sent at a predetermined timing during charging. For example, a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply of the charger 13 and charging by the charger 13 is stopped for 20 minutes. Notification may be made when charging is resumed after recovery. The server control unit 35 determines that the expected charging completion time has changed due to a power failure, and sends a notification of charging progress to the customer terminal 17.

≪Instruction to continue charging at abnormal stop≫
Next, when the user's customer terminal 17 receives a notification of abnormal stop of the charger 13, the terminal processing when the user selects the option to continue charging in a different charging mode included in the notification and continues charging. The processing of the unit 53 will be described.
In step S37 of FIG. 5, when the abnormal stop flag is set, the management server 19 notifies the customer terminal 17 of the abnormal stop of the charger 13. This notification may include an option to switch to a different charging mode if charging can be continued by switching to a different charging mode.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process when the terminal processing unit in FIG. 1 stops abnormally. In FIG. 9, the terminal processing unit 53 monitors whether an abnormal stop notification is sent from the management server 19 (step S81). If a notice of abnormal stop is received (Yes in step S81), the contents of the notice are displayed on the display / input unit 55 (step S83).

The terminal processing unit 53 checks whether or not the display / input unit 55 has received an instruction to continue charging included in the notification as an option option (step S85). If not accepted (No in step S85), the routine returns to step S81 described above and waits for the next notification, but if an instruction to change the charge setting is accepted (Yes in step S85), the routine is linked to the URL associated in advance. to access. The website specified by the URL is provided with a user interface for switching to a continuable mode and continuing charging (step S87). The terminal processing unit 53 accepts that the user performs an operation related to the additional charge setting change on the website. The content of the instruction is sent to the server control unit 35 of the management server 19 and recognized (see step S31 in FIG. 5).
When the charging setting change is completed and the website is closed (Yes in step S89), the routine returns to the above-described step S81 and waits for the next notification.

≪Storing charging settings in memory≫
As shown in FIG. 5, when the charge setting content and the charge start instruction are sent, the server control unit 35 stores the received charge setting content in the memory 31 (see step S <b> 32 in FIG. 5).
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing details of processing in which the server control unit 35 stores the content of the charge setting in the memory 31. A description will be given along the flowchart.
The server control unit 35 stores the set contents at the memory address corresponding to each item of the received charge setting. First, if fast charging is selected as the charging mode (Yes in step S101, see operation screen D11 in FIG. 2), data indicating selection of fast charging is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S103). If normal charging is selected (No in step S101), data indicating selection of normal charging is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S105).

Next, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not full charge is selected as the charge amount designation method (see step S107, operation screens D13 and D15 in FIG. 2). If full charge is selected (Yes in step S107), data indicating selection of full charge is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S109).
Furthermore, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not the amount designation is selected as the charge amount designation method (see step S111, operation screens D13, D17, and D19 in FIG. 2). If the amount designation power is selected (Yes in step S111), the designation of the amount designation and the data indicating the designated amount are stored in the corresponding memory address (step S113).
Subsequently, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not the time designation is selected as the charge amount designation method (see step S115, operation screens D13, D21, and D23 in FIG. 2). If the time designation power is selected (Yes in step S115), the time designation selection and data indicating the designated time are stored in the corresponding memory address (step S117).

Next, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not the amount designation is selected as the charge amount designation method (see step S119, operation screens D13, D25, and D27 in FIG. 2). If the quantity designation is selected (Yes in step S119), the data indicating the quantity designation selection and the designated quantity is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S121).
Further, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not distance designation is selected as the charge amount designation method (see step S123, operation screens D13, D29, and D31 in FIG. 2). If the distance designation power is selected (Yes in step S123), data indicating the distance designation selection and the designated distance is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S125). Then, referring to the charge history data 33c, the charge amount necessary for traveling the specified distance is calculated, and the calculated charge amount is stored in the memory 31 (step S127).
When the charge amount is stored in the memory 31 as described above, the server control unit 35 checks whether or not to notify the customer terminal of the charge progress and the charge end (see step S129, operation screen D35 in FIG. 3). If notification to the customer terminal is selected (Yes in step S129), data indicating selection of notification is stored in the corresponding memory address (step S131).

≪Monitoring of abnormal shutdown of chargers≫
A process for monitoring the abnormal stop of the charger 13 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of the server control unit 35 related to the abnormality monitoring in FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of the charger control unit 41.
First, the processing of the server control unit 35 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The server control unit 35 sequentially transmits a status request so as to return a normal / abnormal state to the charger 13 (step S141). It is checked whether or not a status is sent from the charger 13 in response to the status request (step S143). If no response has been received yet (No in step S143), it is checked whether or not a predetermined response time limit has elapsed after the transmission of the status request (step S145). If the response time limit has not elapsed, the routine returns to step S143 and waits for a response. When the response time limit has elapsed (Yes in step S145), the routine proceeds to step S149, which will be described later, and sets an abnormal stop flag.

When a response is received from the charger 13 in step S143 (Yes in step S143), the server control unit 35 checks the state of the charger 13 included in the response (step S147). When the state included in the response indicates the occurrence of an abnormality (Yes in step S147), the routine proceeds to step S149 and sets an abnormal stop flag. This abnormal stop flag is referred to in step S35 of the task shown in FIG. Thereafter, the routine proceeds to step S151.
When it is determined in step S147 that the state included in the response is normal (No in step S147), the routine proceeds to step S151.
In step S151, the server control unit 35 waits for the elapse of a predetermined period after transmitting the status request (step S151). This period is a period predetermined as an interval for transmitting the status request. It is set longer than the response time limit in step S145. When the period has elapsed (Yes in step S151), the routine returns to step S141 and transmits the next status request.
The above is the process of the server control unit 35.

Then, the process of the charger control part 41 shown in FIG. 13 is demonstrated. The charger control unit 41 waits for a status request from the server control unit 35 (step S161). When the state request is received (Yes in step S161), the charger control unit 41 checks the state of the charger 13 and returns a normal or abnormal state. In the case of an abnormality, charging is stopped for safety, and if there is a continuable charging mode, information on the charging mode is returned to the management server 19 together with the state (step S163). If the abnormal state is to be dealt with by the user, details of the abnormal state or information indicating the countermeasure may be returned. For example, when it is detected that the contact between the charging plug and the electric vehicle 21 is not normal, information requesting the user to confirm the connection of the charging plug is returned.
The above is the process of the charger control unit 41.

≪Customer terminal screen display≫
14-18 is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the notification displayed on the customer terminal of this embodiment with the flow of the event before and behind. FIG. 14 shows a notification when charging is completed and additional charging. FIG. 15 shows a setting change during charging. FIG. 16 shows a case where the charger 13 stops abnormally and performs continuous charging. FIG. 17 shows a case where the charger 13 stops abnormally and stops charging. FIG. 18 shows a case where the expected charging time is notified at the start of charging.
In both cases, the flow of events is indicated by parenthesized numbers (1), (2), etc., and branch numbers are assigned when the selection is divided.

Event (3) in FIG. 14 corresponds to step S63 in FIG. 7, and events (4-2) and (5) in FIG. 14 correspond to step S67 in FIG.
Event (3) in FIG. 15 shows an example of a charging confirmation web page that the user can access from the customer terminal 17 during charging. The event (4-2) in FIG. 15 corresponds to step S77 in FIG.
Event (3) in FIG. 16 corresponds to step S83 in FIG. Event (5) in FIG. 16 corresponds to step S87 in FIG.
Event (3) in FIG. 17 corresponds to step S83 in FIG.
In addition, event (4) in FIG. 18 is a modification of FIG. 4, when charging is started when not only the completion of charging is selected in step S 21 in FIG. 4 but also the expected charging time is sent to the customer terminal 17. The mode which sends the notification of the expected charging time to the customer terminal 17 is shown.

As mentioned above,
(I) A charging system for an electric vehicle according to the present invention includes a quick charging unit that charges a battery of a plurality of electric vehicles, an input operation unit that receives a setting related to a charging amount, and a notification related to charging for changing a charging amount. The mobile communication terminal that accepts such an instruction, and the quick charging unit, the input operation unit, and the mobile communication terminal can communicate with the mobile communication terminal and start charging by the quick charging unit based on a setting received by the input operation unit A charging control unit that notifies the mobile communication terminal during charging and / or when charging ends, and the mobile communication terminal that has received the notification issues an instruction related to changing the amount of charge during charging and / or when charging ends It receives and transmits to the said charge control part, The said charge control part performs charge based on the said instruction | indication.

In this invention, the quick charging unit is installed in a public place such as a charging station or a parking lot and charges the battery of the electric vehicle. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and charging for an electric vehicle used in a home or company may be included. The charger in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the quick charging unit of the present invention.
The input operation unit receives an instruction related to charging using the quick charging unit. A specific aspect thereof is, for example, an input device that is provided integrally or separately from the quick charging unit and is installed at a place where the quick charging unit is located. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, hardware resources common to the mobile communication terminal of the present invention may be used. Customer Terminal The input unit of the input device in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the input operation unit of the present invention.

The mobile communication terminal is communicable with the charging control unit, receives a notification related to charging, and receives an instruction related to changing the charging amount. As a specific mode, for example, an application according to the present invention is installed in a smartphone or tablet that can be carried by the user. The customer terminal in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the mobile communication terminal of the present invention.
The charge control unit is communicable with the quick charge unit, the input operation unit, and the mobile communication terminal, and controls charging. The management server in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the charge control unit of the present invention. However, the charge control unit is not necessarily limited to the server form. For example, a device integrated with the quick charging unit may be used, or a device integrated with the input operation unit may be used. When the charging control unit receives an instruction related to the change in the replenishment amount from the mobile communication terminal, the charging control unit interrupts the charging if charging is in response to the instruction, and performs charging based on the changed replenishment amount. You may make it start.

Furthermore, the preferable aspect of this invention is demonstrated.
(Embodiment 2)
The input operation unit accepts setting of a charge amount according to designation of at least one of a charge time, a charge amount, a battery remaining amount, and a travel distance, and the mobile communication terminal changes a set charge amount to a charge time. It may be accepted by specifying at least one of the charge amount, the remaining battery level, and the travel distance.
The amount of charge (replenishment amount) is a concept that is difficult for the user to understand compared to the amount of gasoline supplied. In this way, the charging time, amount of charge, and remaining battery charge can be easily understood by the user according to the amount of gasoline supplied. The charge amount can be set by specifying either the amount or the travel distance.

(Embodiment 3)
The input operation unit accepts selection of one charging mode among a plurality of charging modes having different charging speeds, the mobile communication terminal accepts a change of the selected charging mode, and an abnormality occurs in the quick charging unit during charging. When charging in the set charging mode occurs and cannot be continued, the charging control unit notifies the mobile communication terminal to that effect, and when there is an executable charging mode, the charging mode is sent to the mobile communication terminal. You may be notified.
If it does in this way, even if it will become abnormal and the charge in the set charge mode cannot be continued, charge can be continued in the charge mode which can be performed.

(Embodiment 4)
When there is an executable charge mode, the charge control unit may switch to the charge mode.
If it does in this way, even if it will become abnormal and the charge in the set charge mode cannot be continued, it will switch to the charge mode which can be performed and charge will be continued.

(Embodiment 5)
A history storage unit for storing a history of charging and traveling of each electric vehicle is further provided, and when the input operation unit and / or the mobile communication terminal accepts designation of a travel distance, the charge control unit stores the history in the history storage unit. You may make it calculate the charge amount corresponding to the said travel distance with reference to the said log | history stored.
In this way, the setting of the charging amount is accepted by specifying the driving distance that is easy for the user to grasp, and the charging amount corresponding to the driving distance set based on the charging and driving history of each electric vehicle is calculated. Can do.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the plurality of embodiments described above.
In addition to the embodiments described above, there can be various modifications of the present invention. These modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

11: charging system, 13: charger, 15: input device, 17: customer terminal, 19: management server, 21: electric vehicle, 23: battery, 31: memory, 33a: member card table, 33b: charger table, 33c: Charging history data 35: Server control unit 41: Charger control unit 43: Charging unit 45: Input control unit 47: Card reading unit 49: Display unit 51: Input unit 53: Terminal processing Section, 55: Display / input section

Claims (7)

A rapid charging section for charging a plurality of electric vehicle batteries;
An input operation unit that accepts settings related to the charge amount;
A mobile communication terminal that receives a notification relating to charging and receives an instruction relating to a change in the charging amount;
The quick charge unit, the input operation unit, and the mobile communication terminal are communicable and start charging by the quick charge unit based on a setting accepted by the input operation unit, and during charging and / or at the end of charging A charging control unit for notifying the mobile communication terminal,
The mobile communication terminal that has received the notification receives an instruction related to a change in the amount of charge during charging and / or at the end of charging, and transmits it to the charging control unit,
The charge control unit is a row intends charging system charging based on the instruction,
The input operation unit accepts selection of one charging mode among a plurality of charging modes,
The mobile communication terminal accepts a change of the selected charging mode,
The charging system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the quick charging unit cannot continue charging in the set charging mode, the charging control unit notifies the mobile communication terminal to that effect . The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging modes are a plurality of charging modes having different charging speeds. 3. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein when there is an executable charging mode, the charging control unit notifies the mobile communication terminal of the charging mode. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when there is an executable charging mode, the charging control unit switches to the charging mode. The input operation unit accepts the setting of a charge amount by specifying at least one of a charge time, a charge amount, a remaining battery amount, and a travel distance.
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mobile communication terminal accepts a change in the set charge amount by specifying at least one of a charge time, a charge amount, a remaining battery level, and a travel distance. It further includes a history storage unit that stores a history of charging and traveling of each electric vehicle,
When the input operation unit and / or the mobile communication terminal accepts the specification of a travel distance, the charge control unit refers to the history stored in the history storage unit and calculates a charge amount corresponding to the travel distance The charging system according to claim 5 . (1) a quick charging unit for charging a plurality of electric vehicle batteries;
(2) An input operation unit that accepts a setting related to a charge amount, and (3) A setting that is communicable with a mobile communication terminal that receives a notification related to charge and accepts an instruction related to a change in charge amount, and is accepted by the input operation unit A charging control unit that starts charging by the quick charging unit based on the, and notifies the mobile communication terminal during charging and / or at the end of charging,
Said portable communication terminal in response to an instruction of a change in the amount of charge accepted during during and / or charge termination charge, a charge control device to start charging the charge control unit based on the instruction,
The input operation unit accepts selection of one charging mode among a plurality of charging modes,
The mobile communication terminal accepts a change of the selected charging mode,
The charge control unit when said rapid charging unit is no longer able to continue charging the set charge mode, the charge control device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that notifies to the mobile communication terminal.