JP7285445B2 - Notification system, notification method, and program - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a program, and more particularly to a notification system, a notification method, and a program for providing notification regarding a charging system that controls charging of a storage battery.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a charging system. The charging system of Patent Document 1 is a charging station capable of charging a plurality of electric vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles from a common power source (commercial power source). It is a system that charges electric vehicles.

JP 2017-93245 A

In the charging system, it is desired to appropriately perform maintenance such as replacement of parts or replacement of the charging system itself. However, as for the timing of maintenance, there is only a description such as one year after the start of use in the instruction manual or the like.

The problem is to provide a notification system, a notification method and a program that allow proper maintenance of the charging system.

A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a notification unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores power used as a power source for a mobile object. The notification unit is configured to notify maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition unit and the service life information regarding the charging system. The life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system. The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information regarding guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts when the number of uses of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value. When the number of times of use of the one or more specific portions is less than the one or more threshold and becomes equal to or more than one predetermined value less than the one or more threshold, the notification unit outputs the one or more as the maintenance information. It is configured to notify information about work to be performed prior to replacement of a specific part.
A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a notification unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores power used as a power source for a mobile object. The notification unit is configured to notify maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition unit and the service life information regarding the charging system. The life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system. The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information regarding guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts when the number of uses of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value. The charging system includes a charging cable having a plug connectable to the mobile body at one end thereof, and electrically connecting the charging system and the mobile body by connecting the plug to the mobile body; and a plug retainer for holding. The one or more specified portions include the plug retainer. The one or more thresholds include the threshold of the plug retainer. The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the plug holder when the number of uses of the plug holder reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the plug holder.

A notification method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step and a notification step. The obtaining step is a step of obtaining usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores electric power used as a power source for a mobile object. The notification step is a step of notifying maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information and the service life information regarding the charging system. The life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system. In the notification step, when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value or more, information relating to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts is notified as the maintenance information. In the notification step, when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts is less than the one or more threshold and becomes equal to or more than one predetermined value which is less than the one or more threshold, the one or more specified portions are sent as the maintenance information. Communicate information about work to be done prior to replacement of a particular part.
A notification method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step and a notification step. The obtaining step is a step of obtaining usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores electric power used as a power source for a mobile object. The notification step is a step of notifying maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information and the service life information regarding the charging system. The life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system. In the notification step, when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value or more, information relating to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts is notified as the maintenance information. The charging system includes a charging cable having a plug connectable to the mobile body at one end thereof, and electrically connecting the charging system and the mobile body by connecting the plug to the mobile body; and a plug retainer for holding. The one or more specified portions include the plug retainer. The one or more thresholds include the threshold of the plug retainer. In the notification step, when the number of times the plug holder has been used reaches or exceeds the threshold value of the plug holder, information regarding guidance for replacement of the plug holder is notified as the maintenance information.

A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the notification method.

Aspects of the present disclosure have the advantage of enabling proper maintenance of the charging system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a charging control system including a notification system and a charging system of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the overall system including the charging control system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the charging system. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the notification system.

1. Embodiment 1.1 Overview FIG. 1 shows a charging control system 10 . The charging control system 10 is installed, for example, in a residential facility such as a detached house or collective housing, or in a non-residential facility such as an office, a store, or a nursing care facility, and controls the vehicle 3, which is a mobile body in these facilities. It controls charging of the storage battery 31 for driving.

The charging control system 10 is a system that controls charging of the storage battery 31 . Charging control system 10 includes charging system 2 and notification system 18, as shown in FIG.

The notification system 18 includes an acquisition unit 181 and a notification unit 182 . The acquisition unit 181 is configured to acquire usage information from the charging system 2 that charges the storage battery 31 that stores electric power used as the power source of the vehicle 3 that is a moving object. The notification unit 182 is configured to notify maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit 181 and the life information regarding the charging system 2 .

The notification system 18 described above can reflect the usage information acquired from the charging system 2 to notify the maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 . Therefore, according to the notification system 18, appropriate maintenance of the charging system 2 can be performed as compared with simply describing the timing of maintenance in an instruction manual or the like.

1.2 Details 1.2.1 Charging Control System As shown in FIG. 2, the charging control system 10 is installed in a house H1, which is a detached house. The charging control system 10 is used to charge the storage battery 31 of the vehicle 3 parked in the garage attached to the house H1. The storage battery 31 is used to store electric power used as a power source for the vehicle 3 .

The vehicle 3 is a mobile body, and converts electric power (electrical energy) output from the storage battery 31 into mechanical energy (driving force) using an electric motor or the like, and uses this mechanical energy to move. In this type of moving object, the electric energy accumulated in the storage battery 31 is consumed as the moving object moves, so the storage battery 31 needs to be charged as needed in order to continue using the moving object. becomes. The vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle that has at least a storage battery 31 and runs using electrical energy stored in the storage battery 31 . An “electric vehicle” as used in the present disclosure is, for example, an electric vehicle that runs on the output of an electric motor, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs on a combination of the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor. Also, the electric vehicle may be a senior car, a two-wheeled vehicle (electric motorcycle), a tricycle, an electric bicycle, or the like. The vehicle 3 further has a charging circuit 32 in addition to the storage battery 31 . The charging circuit 32 is a circuit that receives power supply from the charging facility 2 and charges the storage battery 31 .

The charging control system 10 includes a device control device 1 and a charging system 2, as shown in FIGS. In other words, the device control device 1 constitutes a charging control system 10 together with the charging system 2 . In this embodiment, the device control device 1 and the charging system 2 cooperate with each other to realize the function of the charging control system 10 .

Therefore, the device control device 1 and the charging system 2 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In the present disclosure, “communicable” means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like, by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. That is, the device control device 1 and the charging system 2 can exchange information with each other. In this embodiment, the device control device 1 and the charging system 2 can communicate bidirectionally with each other, and information is transmitted from the device control device 1 to the charging system 2 and from the charging system 2 to the device control device 1. information transmission is possible.

The device control device 1 is installed inside the house H1. The device control device 1 is a device that controls various controlled devices (including equipment) including at least the charging system 2 . The device control device 1 outputs, at least to the charging system 2, a "charging command" for instructing the start of charging and a "stop command" for instructing the stop of charging. to control charging of the storage battery 31 by the charging system 2 .

The charging system 2 is installed outside (outdoors) of the house H1 by being attached to an outer wall, a support, or the like of the house H1. The charging system 2 has a connecting portion 26 that can be connected to the storage battery 31 , and the charging cable 8 is electrically connected to the connecting portion 26 . The charging cable 8 has a plug 81 at its tip. Plug 81 is detachably connected to vehicle 3 . Since the charging system 2 is electrically connected to the vehicle 3 via the charging cable 8 while the plug 81 is connected to the vehicle 3 , power can be supplied to the vehicle 3 via the charging cable 8 . , the storage battery 31 can be charged.

In charging control system 10 , equipment control device 1 can control various equipment (including equipment) other than charging equipment 2 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the device control device 1 includes a distribution board 61 installed in the house H1, a load 62 including electric devices such as lighting fixtures and air conditioners, and a photovoltaic power generation facility 7. is configured to be able to communicate with Here, the equipment control device 1 is connected to the router 64 and communicates with the distribution board 61 and the load 62 directly or indirectly via the router 64 . As a result, the device control device 1 acquires information about the state of the load 62 (for example, turning on/off in the case of a lighting fixture) from the load 62, and transmits information for controlling the load 62 to the load 62. It is possible to

The distribution board 61 is electrically connected to the charging system 2 and further electrically connected to the load 62 . Further, the power distribution board 61 is electrically connected to a power system 63 such as a commercial power source and the photovoltaic power generation equipment 7 . Thereby, the distribution board 61 can supply the power supplied from the power system 63 or the solar power generation equipment 7 to the charging system 2 and other loads 62 .

The photovoltaic power generation facility 7 has a power storage device 72 and a power conditioner 73 in addition to the solar cell 71 . The solar cell 71 outputs power corresponding to the amount of solar radiation to the solar cell 71 as generated power. The power storage device 72 is configured to store power generated by the solar cell 71 and power supplied from the power system 63 . The power storage device 72 outputs power (electrical energy) accumulated in the power storage device 72 as discharged power. The power conditioner 73 converts the power generated by the solar cell 71 or the discharged power of the power storage device 72 into AC power and outputs the AC power to the distribution board 61 . As a result, power output from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 can be supplied to the charging system 2 and other loads 62 via the distribution board 61 .

The distribution board 61 detects the power supplied from the power system 63, the power supplied from the solar power generation equipment 7, and the power consumption of the load 62 and the like (including the charging equipment 2 and the solar power generation equipment 7). It has a function to measure by etc. Therefore, the device control device 1 communicates with the distribution board 61 to distribute information about the power supplied from the power system 63, the power supplied from the solar power generation equipment 7, and the power consumption of the load 62 and the like. It can be obtained from the board 61 as appropriate.

The device control device 1 is also connected to a network 65 such as the Internet via a router 64 . As a result, the device control device 1 can communicate with the information terminal 41 via the router 64 and can communicate with the information terminal 42 via the router 64 and the network 65 . The information terminal 41 is a terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal inside the house H1, and the information terminal 42 is a terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal outside the house H1. Hereinafter, when the information terminals 41 and 42 are not particularly distinguished, these information terminals 41 and 42 are simply referred to as "information terminal 4". A server 5 is further connected to the network 65 . As a result, the device control device 1 can communicate with the information terminal 4 and the server 5 .

1.2.2 Equipment Control Device The equipment control device 1 constitutes a charging control system 10 together with the charging system 2 and is a part of the charging control system 10 . As shown in FIG. 1, the device control device 1 includes a communication unit (first communication unit) 11, a setting unit 12, a control unit 13, a display control unit 14, an input interface 15, a display unit 16, an external communication unit 17, and It has a notification system 18 .

The device control device 1 can be realized by a computer system including one or more memories and one or more processors. That is, each unit (setting unit 12, control unit 13, display control unit 14, and notification system 18) of the device control device 1 executes a program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system by one or more processors. ) is realized. The program may be prerecorded in a memory, may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

The first communication unit 11 communicates with the charging system 2 directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like. As a communication method between the first communication unit 11 and the charging system 2, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication method between the first communication unit 11 and the charging system 2 is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). A communication protocol for communication between the first communication unit 11 and the charging system 2 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

The setting unit 12 has a function of setting a charging schedule. The charging schedule is a schedule that defines the operating state for each time slot. The charging schedule set by the setting unit 12 is stored in the memory of the device control device 1, the server 5, or the like. The setting unit 12 can select the operation state in at least a part of the time period of the charging schedule from among a plurality of states. A plurality of states here includes a charging state and a stop state. The charging state is a state in which the storage battery 31 is charged. The stopped state is a state in which the storage battery 31 is not charged.

The setting unit 12 also sets the charging schedule based on an operation signal from the input interface 15 that receives user's operation. That is, the setting unit 12 sets the charging schedule based on the operation signal output from the input interface 15, thereby allowing the user to manually set the charging schedule. A “user” in the present disclosure is a person who uses the charging control system 10 , and is, for example, a resident of the house H<b>1 and a user of the vehicle 3 . Here, the number of users is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, when there are multiple residents of the house H1 and only one user of the vehicle 3, the residents other than the user of the vehicle 3 among the multiple residents of the house H1 can also be users. Note that the setting unit 12 may automatically set the charging schedule according to information such as an electricity rate plan, a user's behavior pattern (including a lifestyle pattern), and a usage plan of the vehicle 3, for example.

The control unit 13 has a function of controlling charging of the storage battery 31 . The control unit 13 controls charging of the storage battery 31 according to the charging schedule set by the setting unit 12 . In other words, the control unit 13 operates in one of a plurality of states including a charging state and a stopped state for each time period specified in the charging schedule, and controls charging of the storage battery 31 . In other words, since one of the operation states is assigned to each time slot according to the charging schedule, the control unit 13 controls charging of the storage battery 31 according to the operation status assigned to each time slot. In this embodiment, since it is the charging system 2 that actually controls charging of the storage battery 31 , the control unit 13 indirectly controls charging of the storage battery 31 by controlling the charging system 2 .

Specifically, the control unit 13 outputs, to at least the charging equipment 2, a “charging command” for instructing the start of charging and a “stop command” for instructing the stop of charging. It controls the charging system 2 and controls charging of the storage battery 31 by the charging system 2 . For example, the control unit 13 outputs a charge command to charge the storage battery 31 during the charging state time period, and outputs a stop command to stop charging the storage battery 31 during the stop state time period.

The control unit 13 charges the storage battery 31 in the charging state. That is, the control unit 13 charges the storage battery 31 during the time periods in which the charging state is specified (selected) in the charging schedule. Also, the control unit 13 does not charge the storage battery 31 in the stopped state. That is, the control unit 13 does not charge the storage battery 31 during the time period when the stop state is specified (selected) in the charging schedule.

The display control unit 14 performs control for displaying various screens on the display unit 16 . That is, the display control unit 14 generates a screen to be displayed on the display unit 16 and controls the display unit 16 to display various screens on the display unit 16 . A “screen” as used in the present disclosure means an image (including various objects, characters, etc.) displayed on the display unit 16 . The display control unit 14 may cause the display unit of the external device such as the information terminal 4 to display these screens instead of the display unit 16 or together with the display unit 16 .

The input interface 15 receives a user's operation and outputs an operation signal according to the user's operation. A user's "operation" in the present disclosure includes operation on a touch panel, mechanical switch, or the like, voice input, gesture, or the like. Therefore, the input interface 15 is realized by, for example, a touch panel display, a mechanical switch, an audio input section, a camera, or the like. Alternatively, the input interface 15 may indirectly accept a user's operation on an external device such as the information terminal 4 through communication with the external device. Alternatively, the input interface 15 may be provided in an external device such as the information terminal 4 or the like.

The display unit 16 displays a screen generated by the display control unit 14 . The display unit 16 is implemented by a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 16 displays a screen according to the video signal output from the display control unit 14 .

In this embodiment, the device control device 1 is equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display functions as the input interface 15 and the display section 16 . However, the input interface 15 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, pointing device, mechanical switch, or the like.

The external communication unit 17 communicates with external devices such as the information terminal 4 and the server 5 directly or indirectly via a network or a relay device. The “external device” referred to in the present disclosure is a device that is not included in the components of the charging control system 10, and as an example, in addition to the information terminal 4 and the server 5, the distribution board 61, the load 62, and the solar power generation equipment Including 7. As a communication method between the external communication unit 17 and the external device, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the external communication unit 17 uses a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or a low-power radio that does not require a license (specified low-power radio). Adopt wireless communication that uses radio waves as a communication medium.

Since the charging control system 10 only controls charging of the storage battery 31, it is not essential that the storage battery 31 is charged according to the operating state. For example, in the charging state time period, the charging control system 10 performs control to charge the storage battery 31, but the storage battery 31 is in a state where the storage battery 31 cannot be charged in the first place, such as when the storage battery 31 is fully charged. In this case, of course, the storage battery 31 is not charged.

1.2.3 Charging System The charging system 2 is charging equipment and is used to charge the storage battery 31 of the vehicle 3 (electric vehicle). Charging facilities are roughly divided into two types of facilities: normal charging and quick charging. In this embodiment, the charging system 2 is a charging facility for normal charging that receives a supply of 200V (or 100V) single-phase alternating current to charge the storage battery 31 . Also, the normal charge mode is classified into "Mode 1", "Mode 2" and "Mode 3" according to the charge control method (IEC61851-1). "Mode 1" is a system in which power is supplied to the vehicle from a charging facility that does not have a control circuit. "Mode 2" is a system in which a control circuit is built into the charging cable. "Mode 3" is a system in which a control circuit is incorporated in the charging facility. It is assumed that the charging system 2 adopts the "Mode 3" method.

The charging system 2 constitutes a charging control system 10 together with the device control device 1 and is a part of the charging control system 10 . The charging system 2 includes a communication unit (second communication unit) 21, a control unit (energization control unit) 22, a relay 23, a protection circuit 24, a vehicle communication unit 25, and a connection unit 26, as shown in FIG. ing. Here, the energization control unit 22 , the relay 23 , and the protection circuit 24 constitute a charging unit 27 that is an electric circuit for charging the vehicle 3 . Furthermore, the charging system 2 comprises a charging cable 8 . The charging cable 8 has a plug 81 at one end that can be connected to the vehicle 3, which is a moving body, and is connected to the connecting portion 26 at the other end.

Connection portion 26 includes a connection terminal to which charging cable 8 having plug 81 is electrically connected. The connecting portion 26 is electrically connected to the storage battery 31 by electrically connecting the plug 81 of the charging cable 8 to the vehicle 3 . Thus, charging system 2 is electrically connected to vehicle 3 via charging cable 8 while plug 81 is connected to vehicle 3 . This enables the charging system 2 to supply power to the vehicle 3 (storage battery 31 ) and communicate with the vehicle 3 via the charging cable 8 .

The relay 23 is inserted in a power supply path to a connecting portion 26 connected to the storage battery 31 . Specifically, in the charging system 2, the connection terminal with the distribution board 61 (power supply connection part connected to the power supply) and the connection terminal with the charging cable 8 (connection part 26 connected to the storage battery 31) are connected. , and a relay 23 is inserted between them. As a result, when the relay 23 is on (conducting state), the distribution board 61 and the vehicle 3 are electrically connected, and the power supply source (the power system 63 or the solar power generation equipment 7) is connected to the vehicle 3 ( It becomes possible to supply power to the storage battery 31). On the other hand, if the relay 23 is off (disconnected state), the distribution board 61 and the vehicle 3 are electrically separated, and the vehicle 3 (storage battery 31) is no longer supplied. The relay 23 may be any one of a mechanical relay having a mechanical contact and a semiconductor relay having no mechanical contact as long as it can be controlled by the energization control unit 22 . In this embodiment, as an example, the relay 23 is realized by a mechanical relay.

The protection circuit 24 is, for example, a circuit that protects the vehicle 3 and the charging control system 10 by turning off the relay 23 when an abnormality such as a short circuit or overcurrent is detected. The protection circuit 24 may have an element that cuts off the power supply to the vehicle 3 in addition to the relay 23 .

The vehicle communication unit 25 communicates with the vehicle 3 directly or indirectly via a network, repeater, or the like. As a communication method between the vehicle communication unit 25 and the vehicle 3, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the vehicle communication unit 25 performs communication for confirming the connection between the charging facility 2 and the vehicle 3 and confirming the state of the vehicle 3 through the charging cable 8 by at least a CPLT (Control Pilot) signal. .

The second communication unit 21 communicates with the device control device 1 (the first communication unit 11) directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like. As a communication method between the second communication unit 21 and the device control device 1 (first communication unit 11), an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication method between the second communication unit 21 and the device control device 1 is wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). A communication protocol for communication between the second communication unit 21 and the device control device 1 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

The energization control unit 22 controls energization from the charging system 2 to the vehicle 3 . The energization control unit 22 has a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode (permission mode) that permits charging of the storage battery 31 connected to the connection unit 26 . In the first mode, the energization control unit 22 turns on the relay 23 (conducting state) and energizes the vehicle 3 from the charging facility 2 , thereby permitting charging of the storage battery 31 . The second mode is a mode in which charging of the storage battery 31 connected to the connection unit 26 is not permitted (non-permission mode). In the second mode, the energization control unit 22 does not permit charging of the storage battery 31 by turning off the relay 23 (interrupted state) and stopping energization from the charging system 2 to the vehicle 3 .

The energization control unit 22 also counts the number of opening/closing times (on/off times) of the relay 23 . In the present embodiment, the energization control unit 22 adds 1 to the opening/closing count of the relay 23 when the relay 23 is turned on from off and then turned off again. It should be noted that the timing of addition of the number of times the relay 23 is opened and closed may be when the relay 23 is turned off or when it is turned on. In other words, it can be said that the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23 is the number of times the charging of the storage battery 31 is permitted (the number of times of the permission mode).

The energization control unit 22 can be realized by a computer system including one or more memories and one or more processors. That is, the function of the energization control unit 22 is realized by one or more processors executing a program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system. The program may be prerecorded in a memory, may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

The charging system 2 further includes a housing 20 as shown in FIG. The housing 20 accommodates a second communication section 21 , an energization control section 22 , a relay 23 , a protection circuit 24 , a vehicle communication section 25 and a connection section 26 . In this embodiment, the housing 20 has a rectangular box shape. The housing 20 is attached to the construction surface W1 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the construction surface W1 is a wall surface of a building. Housing 20 further includes cable support 201 and plug retainer 202 . Cable support portion 201 is a member for supporting charging cable 8 . Plug holder 202 is a member for holding plug 81 of charging cable 8 . In short, when the charging cable 8 is not used, the plug 81 is held by the plug holder 202, and the charging cable 8 is wound around the cable support portion 201 and supported.

1.2.4 Notification System The notification system 18 is provided in the device control device 1 . In other words, the device control device 1 functions as the notification system 18 . The notification system 18 includes an acquisition unit 181 and a notification unit 182 .

The acquisition unit 181 is configured to acquire usage information from the charging system 2 that charges the storage battery 31 that stores electric power used as the power source of the moving object (vehicle 3). That is, the acquisition unit 181 executes an acquisition step of acquiring usage information from the charging system 2 that charges the storage battery 31 that stores power used as a power source of the moving body. In the case of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 181 communicates with the charging system 2 through the first communication unit 11 and acquires usage information from the power supply control unit 22 . The usage information includes information about the number of opening and closing times of the relay 23 of the charging system 2 . Examples of the information about the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23 include the current value of the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23 and the increased value of the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23 . Note that the acquisition unit 181 may acquire usage information from the charging system 2 on a regular basis. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 181 may acquire the usage information transmitted from the charging system 2 when the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23 is added.

The notification unit 182 is configured to notify maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit 181 and the life information regarding the charging system 2 . That is, the notification unit 182 executes a notification step of notifying maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 based on the usage information and the life information regarding the charging system 2 . The notification unit 182 may notify the user of the maintenance information by displaying it on the display unit 16 or may notify the user by transmitting it to the information terminal 4 or the server 5 through the external communication unit 17 .

The service life information is information for determining when to perform maintenance on the charging system 2 . Lifetime information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific portions of charging system 2 . Note that in the present embodiment, the threshold is determined based on whether replacement of the specific portion is recommended rather than continued use. As an example, the threshold is a value corresponding to the number of times the specific portion can be used.

In this embodiment, the one or more specific parts include charging portion 27 , charging cable 8 and plug retainer 202 . Therefore, the one or more thresholds include the threshold of charging portion 27 , the threshold of charging cable 8 , and the threshold of plug holder 202 . Here, the threshold value of the charging portion 27 is greater than both the threshold value of the charging cable 8 and the threshold value of the plug holder 202 . Also, the threshold for charging cable 8 is less than the threshold for plug holder 202 . As an example, the threshold value of charging unit 27 is 300000 times. The threshold value of the charging cable 8 is 10000 times. The threshold for the plug holder 202 is 20000 times. Here, the threshold value of the charging cable 8 is determined depending on the plug 81 rather than the electric wire of the charging cable 8 .

When the number of times of use of one or more specific parts determined based on the number of times of opening and closing reaches one or more threshold values, the notification unit 182 notifies information regarding guidance for replacement of one or more specific parts as maintenance information. That is, when the number of times charging unit 27 is used reaches or exceeds the threshold value of charging unit 27, notification unit 182 notifies information regarding guidance for replacement of charging unit 27 as maintenance information. In addition, when the number of times the charging cable 8 has been used reaches or exceeds the threshold value of the charging cable 8, the notification unit 182 notifies the user of information related to guidance for replacement of the charging cable 8 as maintenance information. In addition, when the number of uses of the plug holder 202 reaches or exceeds the threshold value of the plug holder 202, the notification unit 182 notifies information regarding guidance for replacement of the plug holder 202 as maintenance information. For example, information related to guidance on replacement of specific parts includes a message to the effect that replacement of specific parts is necessary, and contact information of the operator who will replace the specific parts (e.g., web page address, link, telephone number) can include

The notification unit 182 determines the number of uses of each of the charging unit 27, the charging cable 8, and the plug holder 202, based on the information on the number of openings and closings of the relay 23 included in the usage information. The notification unit 182 counts the number of uses of each of the charging unit 27, the charging cable 8, and the plug holder 202 individually. Based on information on the number of opening/closing times of relay 23 , notification unit 182 notifies each of charging unit 27 , charging cable 8 , and plug holder 202 of an increase (from the previous value) in the value indicating the number of opening/closing times of relay 23 . Add to the values indicating the number of uses and update these number of uses. Then, the notification unit 182 compares the number of times of use after updating with the corresponding threshold value, and determines whether or not to notify the maintenance information.

On the other hand, when the specific part is replaced, the notification unit 182 resets the number of uses of the replaced specific part. As an example, the user can use the input interface 15 of the device control device 1 to input that a specific part has been replaced. When the fact that the specific part has been replaced is input through the input interface 15, the notification unit 182 sets the value of the number of uses for the replaced specific part to an initial value (eg, 0). Also, the notification unit 182 does not reset the value of the number of times of use for the specific part that has not been replaced. As an example, when the number of uses of the charging unit 27, the number of uses of the charging cable 8, and the number of uses of the plug holder 202 are all 10000, when the charging cable 8 is replaced, the notification unit 182 , only the number of uses of the charging cable 8 is reset. As a result, the number of times of use of charging portion 27 and the number of times of use of plug holder 202 remain 10000, but the number of times of use of charging cable 8 returns to 0.

1.3 Operation Next, an example of operation of the notification system 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the notification system 18 acquires usage information (information on the number of opening/closing times of the relay 23) from the charging system 2 (S11). The notification system 18 determines the number of uses of the specific parts (in this embodiment, the charging section 27, the charging cable 8, and the plug holder 202) based on the acquired usage information (S12). Then, the notification system 18 determines whether or not the number of uses of the specific portion determined in step S12 is equal to or greater than a threshold (S13). If the number of times of use is equal to or greater than the threshold (S13: Yes), the notification system 18 notifies maintenance information of the charging system 2 (guidance for replacement of a specific part) (S14), and proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the number of times of use is less than the threshold (S13: No), the notification system 18 proceeds to step S15 without notifying maintenance information of the charging system 2 (guidance for replacement of a specific part). In step S15, the notification system 18 confirms whether or not the determination of step S13 has been performed for all the specific parts, and if there is a specific part for which the determination of step S13 has not been performed, the process returns to step S12.

Note that the flowchart in FIG. 4 is just an example of the operation of the notification system 18 . For example, in step S12, the number of times of use may be determined for all of the specific portions. In this case, if step S15 is "No", the process may return from step S15 to step S13 instead of step S12.

1.4 Summary As described above, the notification system 18 includes the acquisition unit 181 and the notification unit 182 . The acquisition unit 181 acquires usage information from the charging system 2 that charges the storage battery 31 that stores electric power used as the power source of the vehicle 3 that is a moving object. The notification unit 182 notifies maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit 181 and the life information regarding the charging system 2 . This notification system 18 enables proper maintenance of the charging system 2 .

In other words, it can be said that the notification system 18 executes the following method (notification method). The notification method includes an acquisition step and a notification step. The obtaining step is a step of obtaining usage information from the charging system 2 that charges the storage battery 31 that stores electric power used as the power source of the moving body (vehicle 3). The notification step is a step of notifying maintenance information regarding the charging system 2 based on the usage information and the life information regarding the charging system 2 . According to such a notification method, similar to the notification system 18, appropriate maintenance of the charging system 2 becomes possible.

Notification system 18 is implemented using a computer system. That is, the method (notification method) executed by the notification system 18 can be realized by the computer system executing the program. This program is a computer program for causing one or more processors to execute the notification method. Similar to the notification system 18 , such a program enables proper maintenance of the charging system 2 .

2. Modifications Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways according to design and the like, as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

In the above embodiment, the notification unit 182 compares the number of uses of the specific part with the threshold, but the invention is not limited to this. The notification unit 182 may compare the number of uses of the specific portion with a predetermined value smaller than the threshold. Here, when the number of uses of the specific portion is greater than or equal to the predetermined value and less than the threshold value, the notification unit 182 may notify, as maintenance information, information regarding work to be performed before replacement of the specific portion. Examples of activities to be performed prior to replacement of a particular part include inspection (inspection) of the particular part and preparation for replacement of the particular part. The predetermined value may be a value corresponding to 50% of the threshold value, or a value corresponding to 70% of the threshold value, and may be appropriately set according to the work of the maintenance information.

In a modified example, the one or more specific portions may not include all of the charging portion 27, the charging cable 8, and the plug holder 202, and may include at least one of them, and may include the charging portion 27. is preferred. In the above embodiment, the charging cable 8 and the plug 81 are collectively replaced, but the charging cable 8 and the plug 81 may be replaced separately. However, actually, it is easier to replace the plug 81 and the charging cable 8 together than to replace the plug 81 without replacing the charging cable 8 . Therefore, it is better to treat the plug 81 and the charging cable 8 as one.

In the above embodiment, the charging section 27 includes the energization control section 22, the relay 23, and the protection circuit 24, but is not limited to this. Charging unit 27 may include at least relay 23 . As an example, the charging unit 27 includes all of the electric circuits accommodated in the housing 20 of the charging system 2 (in the above embodiment, the second communication unit 21, the energization control unit 22, the relay 23, the protection circuit 24, the vehicle communication portion 25, and connection portion 26).

In a variant, the charging system 2 may have multiple connections 26 , which may control the charging of multiple storage batteries 31 .

In the above embodiment, the charging system 2 is a charging facility for normal charging. It may be equipment. In this case, power is supplied to the charging system 2 by, for example, 200V three-phase alternating current.

In the above embodiment, the charging cable 8 is connected to the charging system 2 , and the charging system 2 is connected to the vehicle 3 via the charging cable 8 . However, the charging system 2 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, an outlet type. In this case, the charging system 2 is connected to the vehicle 3 by connecting the plug of the vehicle-mounted cable to the outlet of the charging system 2 using the vehicle-mounted cable on the vehicle 3 side. That is, charging system 2 does not necessarily have to include charging cable 8 and plug 81 .

In the above-described embodiment, the charging system 2 adopts the "Mode 3" method, but is not limited to this example, and may adopt, for example, a method other than "Mode 3" such as "Mode 2".

The notification system 18 does not necessarily have to be provided in the device control device 1, and may be provided in the information terminal 4, the server 5, or other devices, for example.

The mobile object is not limited to the vehicle 3, and may be, for example, a drone, an aircraft, a ship, or the like. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the storage battery 31 is charged while being mounted on the mobile body (vehicle 3) has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the storage battery 31 can be removed from the mobile body (vehicle 3). may be In this case, the charging control system 10 is used to control charging of the storage battery 31 in the removed state.

The charge control system 10 may have a function of controlling discharge of the storage battery 31 . In this case, a V2H (Vehicle To Home) system can be constructed by outputting the discharged power of the storage battery 31 of the vehicle 3 to the distribution board 61 of the house H1.

Notification system 18 in the present disclosure includes, for example, a computer system. A computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The function of the notification system 18 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer system-readable memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. may be provided. A processor in a computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here is called differently depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). In addition, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partitions inside the LSI may also be adopted as the processor. can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed over a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices. A computer system, as used herein, includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Accordingly, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large scale integrated circuits.

In addition, it is not an essential configuration of the notification system 18 that a plurality of functions of the notification system 18 are aggregated in one housing, and the components of the notification system 18 are provided dispersedly in a plurality of housings. may be Furthermore, at least part of the functions of the notification system 18, for example, part of the functions of the notification unit 182, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

3. Aspects As is clear from the above embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are attached with parentheses only for the purpose of clarifying correspondence with the embodiments.

A first aspect is a notification system (18) comprising an acquisition unit (181) and a notification unit (182). The acquisition unit (181) is configured to acquire usage information from a charging system (2) that charges a storage battery (31) that stores power used as a power source for a mobile object (3). The notification unit (182) is configured to notify maintenance information regarding the charging system (2) based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit (181) and the service life information regarding the charging system (2). be done. This aspect enables proper maintenance of the charging system (2).

The second aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the first aspect. In a second aspect, the charging system (2) comprises a connection (26) connectable to the storage battery (31) and a relay (23) arranged in a power supply path to the connection (26). and a charging portion (27) comprising: The usage information includes information about the number of opening and closing times of the relay (23). This aspect enables more appropriate maintenance of the charging system (2).

A third aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the second aspect. In a third aspect, said service life information comprises one or more thresholds of one or more specific parts (27, 8, 202) of said charging system (2). When the number of times of use of the one or more specific portions (27, 8, 202) determined based on the number of times of opening and closing reaches the threshold value of one or more, the notification unit (182) outputs the one or more specified parts as the maintenance information. It is configured to notify the information regarding guidance of replacement of the above specific part (27, 8, 202). According to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately guide replacement of the specific part (27, 8, 202) in the charging system (2).

A fourth aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the notification unit (182), when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts (27, 8, 202) is less than the one or more threshold, the one or more less than the one or more threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, information relating to work to be performed before replacement of the one or more specific parts (27, 8, 202) is notified as the maintenance information. According to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately notify the work to be performed prior to replacement in the charging system (2).

A fifth aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the third or fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the one or more thresholds are values corresponding to the number of times the one or more specific parts (27, 8, 202) can be used. This aspect enables more appropriate maintenance of the charging system (2).

A sixth aspect is based on the notification system (18) of any one of the third to fifth aspects. In a sixth aspect, the one or more specific portions (27, 8, 202) include the charging portion (27). The one or more thresholds include the threshold of the charging section (27). When the number of uses of the charging unit (27) reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the charging unit (27), the notification unit (182) notifies information regarding guidance for replacement of the charging unit (27) as the maintenance information. do. This aspect enables more appropriate maintenance of the charging system (2).

A seventh aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the sixth aspect. In a seventh aspect, the charging system (2) includes a charging cable (8) having at one end a plug (81) connectable to the moving body (3) and having the other end connected to the connecting portion (26). and a plug holder (202) for holding the plug (81). The one or more specified parts (27, 8, 202) include at least one of the charging cable (8) and the plug retainer (202). The one or more thresholds include at least one of the charging cable (8) threshold and the plug holder (202) threshold. When the number of uses of the charging cable (8) reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the charging cable (8), the notification unit (182) notifies information regarding guidance for replacement of the charging cable (8) as the maintenance information. configured as When the number of times of use of the plug holder (202) reaches or exceeds the threshold value of the plug holder (202), the notification unit (182) outputs, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the plug holder (202). is configured to notify This aspect enables proper maintenance of the charging system (2).

The eighth aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, the threshold of the charging portion (27) is greater than both the threshold of the charging cable (8) and the threshold of the plug holder (202). This aspect enables more appropriate maintenance of the charging system (2).

A ninth aspect is based on the notification system (18) of the seventh or eighth aspects. In a ninth aspect, the threshold of the charging cable (8) is less than the threshold of the plug retainer (202). This aspect enables proper maintenance of the charging system (2).

A tenth aspect is a notification method including an acquisition step and a notification step. The acquisition step is a step of acquiring usage information from a charging system (2) that charges a storage battery (31) used as a power source for a mobile object (3). The notification step is a step of notifying maintenance information regarding the charging system (2) based on the usage information and the service life information regarding the charging system (2). This aspect enables proper maintenance of the charging system (2).

An eleventh aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the notification method of the tenth aspect. This aspect enables proper maintenance of the charging system (2).

18 notification system 181 acquisition unit 182 notification unit 2 charging system 23 relay 26 connection unit 27 charging unit 202 plug holder 3 moving object 31 storage battery 8 charging cable 81 plug

Claims (12)

an acquisition unit that acquires usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores power used as a power source for a mobile object;
a notification unit that notifies maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit and the service life information regarding the charging system;
with
the life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system;
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts when the number of uses of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value,
When the number of times of use of the one or more specific portions is less than the one or more threshold and becomes equal to or more than one predetermined value less than the one or more threshold, the notification unit outputs the one or more as the maintenance information. configured to notify information about work to be performed prior to replacement of a particular part;
notification system. an acquisition unit that acquires usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery that stores power used as a power source for a mobile object;
a notification unit that notifies maintenance information regarding the charging system based on the usage information obtained by the obtaining unit and the service life information regarding the charging system;
with
the life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system;
,
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts when the number of uses of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value,
The charging system is
a charging cable that has a plug connectable to the mobile body at one end thereof, and electrically connects the charging system and the mobile body by connecting the plug to the mobile body;
a plug holder that holds the plug;
with
the one or more specified portions include the plug retainer;
the one or more thresholds include the threshold of the plug retainer;
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the plug holder when the number of uses of the plug holder reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the plug holder.
notification system. The one or more specific parts include the charging cable,
The one or more thresholds include the threshold of the charging cable,
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information related to guidance for replacement of the charging cable when the number of uses of the charging cable reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the charging cable.
3. The notification system of claim 2. the threshold of the charging cable is less than the threshold of the plug retainer;
4. The notification system of claim 3. The charging system is
a connecting portion connectable to the storage battery;
a charging unit including a relay arranged on a power supply path to the connection unit;
has
The one or more specific portions include the charging portion,
The one or more thresholds include a threshold of the charging unit,
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information regarding guidance for replacement of the charging unit when the number of uses of the charging unit reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the charging unit;
the threshold of the charging unit is greater than the threshold of the charging cable and the threshold of the plug holder;
5. The notification system of claim 4. The charging system is
a connecting portion connectable to the storage battery;
a charging unit including a relay arranged on a power supply path to the connection unit;
has
The one or more specific portions include the charging portion,
The one or more thresholds include a threshold of the charging unit,
The notification unit is configured to notify, as the maintenance information, information regarding guidance for replacement of the charging unit when the number of uses of the charging unit reaches or exceeds a threshold value of the charging unit.
The notification system according to any one of claims 1-4 . The charging system is
a connecting portion connectable to the storage battery;
a charging unit including a relay arranged on a power supply path to the connection unit;
has
The usage information includes information about the number of times the relay is opened and closed,
The number of uses of the one or more specific parts is determined based on the number of openings and closings,
The notification system according to any one of claims 1-4. The usage information includes information about the number of times the relay is opened and closed,
The number of uses of the one or more specific parts is determined based on the number of openings and closings,
Notification system according to claim 5 or 6. The one or more thresholds are values corresponding to the number of times the one or more specific parts can be used,
Notification system according to any one of claims 1-8. an acquisition step of acquiring usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery used as a power source for a mobile object;
a notification step of notifying maintenance information about the charging system based on the usage information and the service life information about the charging system;
including
the life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system;
In the notification step, when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value or more, information relating to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts is notified as the maintenance information;
In the notification step, if the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts is less than the one or more threshold and becomes equal to or more than one predetermined value that is less than the one or more threshold, the one or more specified portions are sent as the maintenance information. to inform you about the work to be done prior to the replacement of a particular part;
Notification method. an acquisition step of acquiring usage information from a charging system that charges a storage battery used as a power source for a mobile object;
a notification step of notifying maintenance information about the charging system based on the usage information and the service life information about the charging system;
including
the life information includes one or more thresholds for one or more specific parts of the charging system;
In the notification step, when the number of times of use of the one or more specific parts reaches the one or more threshold value or more, information relating to guidance for replacement of the one or more specific parts is notified as the maintenance information;
The charging system is
a charging cable that has a plug connectable to the mobile body at one end thereof, and electrically connects the charging system and the mobile body by connecting the plug to the mobile body;
a plug holder that holds the plug;
with
the one or more specified portions include the plug retainer;
the one or more thresholds include the threshold of the plug retainer;
In the notification step, when the number of times the plug holder has been used reaches or exceeds a threshold value for the plug holder, information relating to guidance for replacement of the plug holder is notified as the maintenance information.
Notification method. for causing one or more processors to execute the notification method of claim 10 or 11,
program.

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