WO2012160665A1

WO2012160665A1 - Charging support device

Info

Publication number: WO2012160665A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/061966
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雅信山下; 雅人遠藤
Original assignee: トヨタ自動車株式会社
Priority date: 2011-05-25
Filing date: 2011-05-25
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

In accordance with a search condition that has been set by the user of a vehicle (10) by using an information terminal device (20), a charging support center (30) searches for a charging stand (42) intended by the user. Specifically, if the user sets a search condition which intends to give higher priority to the prevention of performance degradation that accompanies the charging of a battery (11), the center (30) searches for a normal charging stand (42) with which performance degradation is inhibited although the time for charging the battery (11) is long. At this time, if the store (40) is crowded, the center (30) searches for a rapid charging stand (42) installed in the store (40) or for a normal charging stand (42) in another store (40). The center (30) also acquires gain information associated with the searched stand (42) and presents the searched stand (42) and the gain information to the user through the device (20).

Description

Charging support device

The present invention relates to a charging support device that supports charging of a battery mounted on a vehicle.

Conventionally, for example, a charging device for an electric vehicle as shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. The conventional electric vehicle charging apparatus includes a first charging circuit that charges a high-voltage battery with electric power supplied from an external power source via an in-vehicle charger, and directly increases electric power supplied from an external quick charger. A second charging circuit for supplying and charging the voltage battery is included. In this conventional electric vehicle charging apparatus, the first charging circuit is connected to the connection terminal for connection to the external power source, and the second charging circuit is connected to the quick charger for the first connection. The connection terminal connected to the charging circuit is connected to a connection terminal having a different shape. As a result, the high voltage battery is charged from only one of the two charging circuits, and is prevented from being charged simultaneously by both charging circuits.

Conventionally, for example, an information processing terminal, an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program as shown in Patent Document 2 below are also known. In this conventional information processing terminal, information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program, a charging station within the vehicle travelable range is searched based on the map information, and each charging station is provided. When the charging station candidate information including the presence / absence of use of the charging apparatus being used and the scheduled charging end time of the charging apparatus in use is received, the estimated arrival time at each searched charging station is calculated. It has become. Then, for each of the searched charging stations, the estimated charging completion time is calculated based on the presence / absence of use of the charging device, the estimated charging end time of the charging device in use, and the estimated arrival time of the charging station. The position of the charging station is distinguished and displayed based on the time.

Furthermore, conventionally, for example, a navigation device, a facility search method, and a facility search program as shown in Patent Document 3 below are also known. In this conventional navigation device, facility search method, and facility search program, facility data is searched based on an instruction from the user, and the searched facility is presented to the user. From the searched facilities, facilities equipped with battery charging facilities are narrowed down, and a normal charging station and a quick charging station which are charging facilities are identified and displayed. Furthermore, it is possible to set whether or not the electric vehicle can be applied to the quick charging stand, and display the corresponding facility by giving priority to this setting.

JP 2009-77557 A JP 2010-175492 A JP 2010-286449 A

In the conventional electric vehicle charging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the high-voltage battery is charged from only one of the on-vehicle charger (normal charger) and the quick charger. . In general, when charging a battery using a quick charger, the charging time is shortened, but it is said that there is a possibility that the burden on the battery accompanying charging will increase and affect the service life. When charging a battery using a battery charger (normal charger), it is said that although the charging time is long, the burden on the battery accompanying charging is small and the performance of the battery is unlikely to deteriorate. When charging a battery having such characteristics, it is difficult for the user to select which charger to use according to the situation in the conventional electric vehicle charging device disclosed in Patent Document 1. There is a possibility that the charger cannot be selected properly.

Further, in the conventional information processing terminal, information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program disclosed in Patent Document 2, the position of the charging station is displayed based on the expected charging completion time. By the way, in a store with a charging stand, even if the charging stand can be used, if the store is congested, there is a possibility that the original service cannot be provided to the user who came to the store for charging. There is.

Furthermore, in the conventional navigation device, facility search method, and facility search program disclosed in Patent Document 3, this setting is prioritized by setting whether or not the electric vehicle is applicable to a quick charging stand. The corresponding facility is displayed. By the way, even if it is an electric vehicle applicable to a quick charge stand, if the facility which has a quick charge stand is displayed preferentially and always using a quick charge stand, as mentioned above, to the battery accompanying charge There is a possibility that it will affect the life span.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a charging support device that allows a user to appropriately select a charging stand for normal charging and a stand for quick charging. There is.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and a user of the plug-in electric vehicle that is set by the user Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a search condition when searching for a charging station for charging a battery; information on the plug-in electric vehicle; search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on the search condition; A charging support device comprising: a presenting unit that presents to the user information related to the charging station candidate retrieved by the retrieval unit, wherein the retrieval condition acquired by the search condition acquiring unit is a performance associated with charging of the battery A search condition indicating whether or not priority is given to prevention of deterioration, and the search means includes the search condition acquisition means. When the search condition acquired by the above-mentioned search condition that prioritizes the prevention of performance deterioration due to the charging of the battery is included, the priority of the charging station for normal charging that increases the charging time of the battery is raised. Thus, the priority of the charging stations for rapid charging, which shortens the charging time of the battery, is lowered and the charging station candidates are searched.

According to this, when the user of the plug-in electric vehicle wants to suppress the performance deterioration due to the charging of the battery mounted on the electric vehicle, the search for whether to give priority to the prevention of the performance deterioration accompanying the charging of the battery. By setting a search condition that prioritizes prevention of performance degradation associated with battery charging, the charging station for normal charging is preferentially searched and presented. Thereby, since the charging station according to the user's intention of the plug-in electric vehicle can be searched and presented, the user can select the charging station appropriately and easily.

Another feature of the present invention is that vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and charging the battery set by a user of the plug-in electric vehicle. Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a search condition when searching for a charging station for the search, search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on information related to the plug-in electric vehicle and the search condition, and search by the search means A charging support device comprising: a presenting means for presenting information related to the charged charging station candidate to a user, wherein the charging stand is installed to park the plug-in electric vehicle and charge the battery Obtain congestion information indicating the congestion status of parking lots that have multiple parking spaces including charging parking spaces Miscellaneous information acquisition means, and the search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means includes a search condition as to whether or not priority is given to prevention of performance deterioration due to charging of the battery, When the search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means includes a search condition that prioritizes prevention of performance deterioration due to charging of the battery, the priority order of charging stations for normal charging that increases the charging time of the battery While the charging time of the battery is shortened, the priority of the charging station for quick charging is lowered and the charging station candidate is searched, and the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition means is used. Based on the congestion situation of the parking lot represented, the charging unit searched by the search unit and presented to the user by the presenting unit There is also the fact that an information changing means for changing the information about.

According to this, when the parking lot that can be used by the user is congested, it is possible to change the information on the charging station according to the congestion situation and present an appropriate charging station to the user. That is, for example, in a store that owns a crowded parking lot, when the user charges the battery using a charging station for normal charging under crowded conditions, the charging time becomes longer. Therefore, it takes time until the congestion situation is resolved. As a result, new customers cannot visit the store, causing trouble for the store. In this case, for example, even when the user has set a search condition that prioritizes prevention of performance deterioration due to battery charging, the battery can be put in a short time by changing and presenting information on the charging station. It can be charged with a battery, or the battery can be reliably charged. As a result, the user can select the charging station appropriately and easily. For example, since the store can be visited by a new customer, both the user and the store can enjoy the benefits. .

In this case, the congestion information acquisition unit acquires a congestion level indicating a congestion state where the parking space including the charging parking space of the parking lot is used as congestion information, and the changing unit includes the congestion information. When the congestion level indicating the congestion level of the parking lot acquired by the acquisition unit is a congestion level that is greater than a preset congestion level, the parking unit searched by the search unit and presented to the user by the presenting unit. Information on the charging station for normal charging installed in the car park may be changed to information on the charging station for quick charging installed in the parking lot.

According to this, it is possible to preferentially present a charging station for quick charging instead of a charging station for normal charging to the user. Therefore, the user can select a charging station appropriately and easily. For example, since a store can be visited by a new customer, both the user and the store can enjoy the benefits.

Further, in this case, the congestion information acquisition unit acquires a congestion level indicating a congestion state where the parking space including the charging parking space of the parking lot is used as congestion information, and the search unit includes When the congestion level representing the congestion status of the parking lot acquired by the congestion information acquisition means is a congestion status that is greater than a preset congestion level, the charging station installed in the parking lot is searched for It is good to exclude from.

According to this, the charging stand installed in another parking lot can be promptly presented to the user. Therefore, the user can select a charging station appropriately and easily. For example, since a store can be visited by a new customer, both the user and the store can enjoy the benefits.

Another feature of the present invention is that vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and charging the battery set by a user of the plug-in electric vehicle. Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a search condition when searching for a charging station for the search, search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on information related to the plug-in electric vehicle and the search condition, and search by the search means A charging support apparatus comprising: a presenting unit that presents information regarding the charged charging station candidate to a user, the charging support apparatus being associated with the charging station candidate searched by the searching unit, and the user of the plug-in electric vehicle Is attached by charging the battery using the searched charging station candidates. Gain information acquisition means for acquiring the gain information to be performed, and the presenting means together with the information related to the searched charging station candidate, the gain associated with the charging station candidate acquired by the gain information acquisition means Sometimes presenting information to the user.

According to this, the user can also acquire gain information (for example, point grant information, coupon information, discount information, etc.) in addition to information on the stand candidates. Thereby, it is possible for the user to select the charging station appropriately and easily based on the information about the stand candidate and the gain information.

In this case, the search means searches for a charging station for normal charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes longer and a charging station for quick charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes shorter, as the charging station candidates, Of the gain information associated with the charging station candidate retrieved by the retrieval unit and acquired by the gain information acquisition unit, the gain information associated with the charging station for quick charging is It may be set by a store that owns a parking lot including a charging parking space where a charging stand is installed.

According to this, when a battery is charged using a charging station for quick charging installed in a parking lot owned by the store, gain information set by the store, for example, point grant information, coupon information, discount information, etc. Etc. can be used for shopping. On the other hand, for a store that owns a parking lot, since the battery of the plug-in electric vehicle used by the user is charged in a short time, the replacement of customers in the store is promoted, and sales can be increased, for example. Therefore, both the user and the store can enjoy the merit.

In this case, the search means searches for a charging station for normal charging in which the charging time of the battery is long and a charging station for quick charging in which the charging time of the battery is short as the charging station candidates. The gain information associated with the charging station for normal charging among the gain information associated with the charging station candidate retrieved by the retrieval unit and acquired by the gain information acquisition unit is the plug-in It may be set by a battery manufacturer that manufactures and manages a battery mounted on an electric vehicle.

According to this, when a battery is charged using a charging stand for normal charging, the battery information can be obtained at low cost by using, for example, point grant information, coupon information, discount information, etc., which are gain information set by the battery manufacturer 50. Can be exchanged. On the other hand, since it is possible for battery manufacturers to prevent battery performance deterioration due to charging as much as possible, for example, the collected battery can be easily reused, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Therefore, both users and battery manufacturers can enjoy the benefits.

Further, in these cases, the gain information associated with the charging station candidate searched by the searching unit and acquired by the gain information acquiring unit is set by a store located in the peripheral area of the searched charging station candidate. The gain information is good.

According to this, after the user using the charging station stops at one of the charging station candidates to charge, the gain information set by the stores located in the surrounding area of the charging station is used. For example, point grant information, coupon information, discount information, and the like are used. Thereby, activation of the surrounding area of a charging station can be promoted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a charging support system including a charging support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle that constitutes the charging support system of FIG. 1 and a configuration of a charging stand that is electrically connected to the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging support center of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the store of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the battery manufacturer in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a charging support program executed by the charging support center of FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining selection of a search condition for a charging station. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the search result according to the search condition.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram schematically showing a charging support system having a charging support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This charging support system includes an information terminal device 20 mounted on the vehicle 10, a charging support center 30 that provides information related to charging to the information terminal device 20, a store 40 that can be used by a user of the vehicle 10, and a vehicle And a battery manufacturer 50 that manufactures and manages the battery 11 mounted on the battery. The information terminal device 20, the charging support center 30, the store 40, and the battery manufacturer 50 each generate a network 60 (for example, the Internet network, a dedicated network, commercial power, and control the supply of power to the charging station 42. Connected to a smart grid network established by an electric power company.

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 constituting the charging support system is equipped with a large-capacity battery 11 and can be charged into the battery 11 from an external power source, for example, a battery. An electric vehicle (EV vehicle) that travels with 11 electric power, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV vehicle) that further includes an internal combustion engine, or a two-wheeled vehicle such as an electric bicycle, an assist bicycle, and an electric motorcycle. Here, as the configuration of the vehicle 10, a well-known configuration can be adopted, and since it is not directly related to the present invention, it will be briefly described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 is driven by an inverter 12 that converts DC power output from the battery 11 into three-phase AC power and a three-phase AC power output from the inverter 12 as a travel drive system. A traveling motor 13 that rotates the wheel W and a motor control unit 14 that controls the output of the inverter 12 (hereinafter referred to as “motor ECU 14”) are provided. Thus, the vehicle 10 can travel by the motor ECU 14 controlling the electric power supplied from the battery 11 to the traveling motor 13 via the inverter 12.

Moreover, the vehicle 10 includes a charging system 15 for charging the battery 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the charging system 15 converts the AC power supplied to the power receiving connector 15a to which the plug K1 of the connecting cable K for charging is connectable and the power receiving connector 15a into DC power to convert the battery 11 And an AC / DC converter 15b that outputs DC power and a vehicle-side charge control unit 15c that controls charging of the battery 11 (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle-side charge ECU 15c”). In the charging system 15, a charging control switch 15d is provided on the power supply line between the power receiving connector 15a and the AC / DC converter 15b. The charging control switch 15d can be switched between an on state and an off state by a control signal from the vehicle side charging ECU 15c.

Furthermore, the charging system 15 is provided with an SOC detector 15e that is provided in the battery 11 and detects an SOC (State Of Charge) that is a value (amount of power) indicating the state of charge of the battery 11. The SOC detection unit 15e outputs a signal representing the SOC to the vehicle side charging ECU 15c. As shown in FIG. 2, if necessary, a signal representing the SOC from the SCO detection unit 15 e can also be output to the information terminal device 20.

The information terminal device 20 assists the user of the vehicle 10 with various kinds of information (specifically, stand candidate information and gain information, which will be described later) useful for charging the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 when going out. It is acquired from the center 30 and provided. For this reason, the information terminal device 20 is installed near the driver's seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10, for example, and as shown in FIG. 22, an electronic control unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a current position detection unit 26 are provided as a minimum necessary configuration. The input unit 21 includes an operation switch provided in the vicinity of the display unit 22, a panel touch switch incorporated in the display unit 22 to detect a touch operation on the display panel, and the like, and inputs instructions from the driver and passengers. Is. The display unit 22 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays characters, figures, and the like on the display panel. The electronic control unit 23 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like as main components, and comprehensively controls the operation of the information terminal device 20 by executing various programs.

The storage unit 24 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a drive device for the storage medium, and stores various programs and various data in advance. The communication unit 25 enables wireless communication with the charging support center 30 connected to the network 60 via the relay station. The current position detection unit 26 includes, for example, a GPS device, and detects the current position of the information terminal device 20 (that is, the vehicle 10). The information terminal device 20 configured as described above executes various programs, thereby transmitting various instructions of the user and current position information to the charging support center 30, and the battery 11 provided from the charging support center 30. Various functions such as a function of receiving and displaying information related to charging in consideration of the performance degradation can be realized.

Here, when the user goes out using the vehicle 10, the information terminal device 20 only needs to be able to present information related to charging at the destination, so for example, the user can use the information terminal device mounted on the vehicle 10. Can be used. Moreover, the portable information terminal device (for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer etc.) which a user owns can also be utilized.

As shown in FIG. 4, the charging support center 30 includes a charging station candidate information providing server 31, a point management server 32, a database group 33, and a communication device 34 that are communicably connected to each other.

The charging station candidate information providing server 31 includes a control device 31a, a storage device 31b, and a communication interface 31c. The control device 31a has a microcomputer composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like as main components, and comprehensively controls the operation of the charging station candidate information providing server 31. The storage device 31b includes a storage medium such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory, and a drive device for the storage medium, and stores various programs and various data including programs to be described later. The communication interface 31 c is an interface for connecting to a communication line (for example, a LAN line or the like) built in the charging support center 30.

Similarly to the charging station candidate information providing server 31, the point management server 32 is also composed of a control device 32a, a storage device 32b, and a communication interface 32c. The control device 32a also has a microcomputer composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. as a main component, and comprehensively controls the operation of the point management server 32. The storage device 32b also includes a storage medium such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory, and a drive device for the storage medium, and stores various programs and various data including programs to be described later. The communication interface 32 c is also an interface for connecting to a communication line (for example, a LAN line or the like) built in the charging support center 30.

The database group 33 includes a user specifying information registration database 33a, a store information database 33b, a map information database 33c, a charging information database 33d, a point granting condition database 33e, and an acquisition point management database 33f. The database group 33 is connected to a communication line constructed in the charging support center 30 and is accessible from the charging information providing server 31 and the point management server 32.

The user identification information registration database 33a stores and registers user identification information given in advance to identify the user of the vehicle 10 so as to be searchable and updatable. Examples of the user specifying information include user name information (including a mail address), vehicle number information for identifying the vehicle 10, user ID information for accessing the charging support center 30, password information, and the like. The store information database 33b includes identification information for identifying the store 40, location information of the store 40, the type of charging stand 42 (for normal charging or quick charging) installed in the store 40, and the number of charging stands 42 installed. (That is, the number of charging parking spaces installed in the store 40) is stored so as to be searchable and updatable. The map information database 33c stores map information indicating positions of various facilities including the store 40 and road information around various facilities including the store 40 so as to be searchable and updatable. The charging information database 33d includes availability information indicating availability of the charging stand 42 installed in the store 40, and charging fee information indicating a charging fee when charging is performed using the charging stand 42 installed in the store 40. Is stored in a searchable and updatable manner.

The point granting condition database 33e is preset by the store 40 and the battery manufacturer 50, and points as gain information given when the user charges the battery 11 using the charging stand 42 installed in the store 40. The grant rate is stored so as to be searchable and updatable. The acquired point management database 33f is stored so as to be searchable and updateable points that are given and accumulated every time the user charges the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 using the charging stand 42 installed in the store 40. is doing.

Here, the points (point grant rate) preset by the store 40 and the battery manufacturer 50 will be specifically described. As will be described later, the charging stand 42 can reduce the burden on the battery 11 due to charging and suppress performance deterioration, while the charging time of the battery 11 is increased, and charging of the battery 11 There is a charging station 42 for rapid charging that can shorten the time while increasing the burden on the battery 11 due to charging.

In this case, in a situation where the charging station 42 for normal charging and the charging station 42 for quick charging are installed in the store 40, for example, when the user charges the battery 11 using the charging station 42 for normal charging. The charging time becomes longer, and the charging parking space will be occupied for a long time. In this case, for the store 40, if the charging parking space is occupied for a long time, the visit of another user (customer) may be impaired. I want to encourage usage. For this reason, the point grant rate set by the store 40 is set so as to give points at a high grant rate when the user uses the charging station 42 for quick charging at the store 40. The points given by the store 40 in this way are points that can be used when the user makes a purchase at the store 40 (including payment of a charging fee), for example.

On the other hand, for the battery manufacturer 50, for example, when the battery 11 is provided by lease, there is a possibility that a large burden will be given if the battery 11 is charged by the charging station 42 for quick charging. Considering the characteristics, it is desired to promote the use of the charging stand 42 for normal charging in which the performance deterioration of the battery 11 is suppressed. For this reason, the point grant rate set by the battery manufacturer 50 is set so that points are given at a high grant rate when the user uses the charging stand 42 for normal charging. The points given by the battery manufacturer 50 are points that can be used for lease costs when the user replaces the battery 11 provided by the lease, for example.

The communication device 34 is communicably connected to the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 and the control device 32a of the point management server 32 via the communication interfaces 31c and 32c. The communication device 34 wirelessly communicates with the information terminal device 20 via the network 60 (including the relay station), receives various information (signals) from the information terminal device 20, and also charging station candidate information. Various provision information from the provision server 31 and the point management server 32 is appropriately integrated and transmitted to the information terminal device 20. The communication device 34 communicates with the store 40 and the battery maker 50 via the network 60, and various types of provision information from the charging station candidate information providing server 31 and the point management server 32 are sent via the network 60 to the store 40. Alternatively, it is provided to the battery manufacturer 50.

The store 40 is provided with a charging parking space 41 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, and a charging stand 42 as a charging facility is installed in the charging parking space 41. The charging stand 42 is provided outdoors, for example, in the outer wall of the store 40 or in the charging parking space 41. The charging outlet 43 provided in the stand 42 includes a plug insertion connector in a waterproof casing. . Thus, when charging the battery 11 of the vehicle 10, the plug K2 of the charging connection cable K is inserted into the charging outlet 43, and the plug K1 of the charging connection cable K is connected to the power receiving connector of the charging system 15 as described above. By being inserted into 15a, electric power is supplied from the charging stand 42 to the battery 11 of the vehicle 10. Here, the charging stand 42 includes a normal charging stand that supplies a low voltage (for example, 100 V) or a high voltage (for example, 200 V), and a quick charging stand that can supply a large current and shorten the charging time. And is distinguished.

The charging stand 42 includes a power supply control unit 44 (hereinafter referred to as “power supply ECU 44”) and a communication unit 45. The power supply ECU 44 includes a microcomputer as a main component. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply ECU 44 uses a communication unit 45 to communicate with the vehicle-side charging ECU 15c of the charging system 15 via a communication antenna. By communicating, an appropriate amount of power is supplied. That is, the power supply ECU 44 and the vehicle-side charging ECU 15c are mutually in a predetermined cycle, for example, various information (for example, request code and response code for charging, ID information for specifying the vehicle 10 (ie, user), SOC of the battery 11) Etc.), an appropriate amount of power is supplied, in other words, the battery 11 is appropriately charged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the store 40 includes a management server 46 connected to be communicable with each other. The management server 46 includes a control device 46a, a storage device 46b, a communication interface 46c, and a communication device 46d. The control device 46a also has a microcomputer composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. as a main component, and comprehensively controls the operation of the management server 46 (specifically, processing for paying a charge associated with charging). Control. The storage device 46b includes a storage medium such as a hard disk and a drive device for the storage medium, and stores various programs and various data used by the control device 46a. The communication interface 46c is an interface for connecting to a communication line (for example, a LAN line). As shown in FIG. 5, a charging stand 42 (more specifically, provided in the charging parking space 41 via the communication line). The unit communicates with the power supply ECU 44). The communication device 46d is connected to the network 60 and communicates with the charging support center 30.

As shown in FIG. 6, the battery manufacturer 50 includes a management server 51 and a communication device 52 that are communicably connected to each other. The management server 51 includes a control device 51a, a storage device 51b, and a communication interface 51c. The control device 51a also has a microcomputer composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like as main components, and comprehensively controls the operation of the management server 51. The storage device 51b includes a storage medium such as a hard disk and a drive device for the storage medium, and stores various programs and various data. The communication interface 51c is an interface for connecting to a communication line (for example, a dedicated line) constructed to communicate with the battery manufacturer 50 and a battery exchange facility (battery leasing company) (not shown). The communication device 52 is connected to the network 60 and communicates with the charging support center 40.

Next, the charging support by the charging support center 30 will be specifically described. In the charging support center 30, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 and the point management server 32 cooperate to execute the charging support program shown in FIG. 7, thereby providing useful information regarding charging to the user. . Specifically, the control device 31a (more specifically, the CPU) in the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 starts executing the charging support program in step S10 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In S11, it is determined whether search request information for requesting a search for the charging station 20 is received from the information terminal device 20, that is, whether there is a search request.

Specifically, when the user of the vehicle 10 goes out using the vehicle 10, the battery 11 is detected by the SOC detection unit 15e and displayed, for example, via the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 20. When the SOC of the battery 11 is reduced and the battery 11 needs to be charged, the input unit 21 of the information terminal device 20 is used to display the display unit 22, for example, as shown in FIG. Display the setting screen. Then, the user touches the display panel in accordance with the displayed input setting screen, and the search conditions for the charging station 40 existing around the vehicle 10 are, for example, “price priority”, “distance focus”, Or, select and input “Battery Longer Emphasis”. As described above, when the search condition for the charging station 40 is selected and inputted by the user, the electronic control unit 23 of the information terminal device 20 requests the search for the charging station 40 including information indicating the selected search condition. A search request signal is transmitted to the charging support center 30 via the communication unit 25. In the following description, in the transmission process by the electronic control unit 23 of the information terminal device 20, a current position signal indicating the current position of the vehicle 10 detected by the current position detection unit 26 and a predetermined value stored in the storage unit 24, for example. User identification information (for example, user name information, chassis number information, user ID information, and password information) stored in advance at the storage location is acquired, and a user identification signal that represents the user identification information together with a signal to be transmitted is supported for charging. It is assumed that the data is transmitted to the center 30.

In the charging support center 30, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 acquires the search request signal, the current position signal, and the user specifying signal received by the communication device 34 connected via the communication interface 31c. . Then, the control device 31a uses the user specifying information represented by the user specifying signal among the acquired signals, the user specifying information registered in the user specifying information registration database 33a constituting the database group 33, that is, the user Is identified. Further, since the control device 31a has acquired the search request signal from the electronic control unit 23 of the information terminal device 20, it determines “Yes” in step S11 and proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 has not acquired the search request signal and the user specifying signal, it determines “No” in step S11, proceeds to step S19, and proceeds to step S19. The execution of is temporarily terminated. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S10.

In step S12, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 acquires the search conditions for the charging station 42 included in the search request signal received from the information terminal device 20 in the step S11. That is, the control device 31a obtains “charge-oriented”, “distance-oriented”, or “battery-oriented” that is a search condition of the charging station 42 that is input by the user using the input unit 21 of the information terminal device 20. To do. And the control apparatus 31a will progress to step S13, if a search condition is acquired.

In step S13, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 is input (set) by the user using the store information database 33b, the map information database 33c, and the charging information database 33d that construct the database group 33. The charging station 42 that matches the search conditions is extracted. Hereinafter, the extraction process of the charging station 42 will be specifically described.

First, in a situation where “charge-oriented” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31a uses the current position signal acquired in step S11 to store the store information database 33b and the map. The information database 33c is searched, and the charging station 42 installed in the store 40 existing around the current position of the vehicle 10 represented by the current position signal is selected as a candidate. Subsequently, the control device 31a searches the charging information database 33d for the charging station 42 selected as a candidate, and acquires charging fee information associated with the charging station 42 selected as a candidate. That is, in a situation where “charge-oriented” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31a selects the charging station 40 existing around the vehicle 10 as a candidate and the selected charging station. 40 charging charge information is acquired.

Also, in a situation where “distance emphasis” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31a searches the store information database 33b using the acquired current position signal. And the control apparatus 31a selects the charging stand 42 installed in the shop 40 which exists in the periphery of the current position of the vehicle 10 represented by the current position signal as a candidate. Next, the control device 31a searches the map information database 33c for the charging station 42 selected as a candidate (in other words, the store 40), and represents the distance between the charging station 42 selected as the candidate and the vehicle 10. Calculate and obtain distance information. In other words, in a situation where “distance emphasis” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31a selects the charging station 40 existing around the vehicle 10 as a candidate and the current position of the vehicle 10. To obtain the distance information when moving to the selected charging station 40.

Furthermore, in a situation where “important battery life” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31a uses the acquired current position signal to store the store information database 33b and the map information database 33c. Search is performed, and charging stations 42 installed in the store 40 existing around the current position of the vehicle 10 represented by the current position signal are selected as candidates. Subsequently, the control device 31a searches the store information database 33b for the charging station 42 selected as a candidate, and determines the type of charging station 42 selected as a candidate (that is, for normal charging or quick charging) and the charging station 42. Is installed (that is, the number of charging parking spaces installed in the store 40).

Also, the control device 31a searches the charging information database 33d for the charging station 42 selected as a candidate, and acquires charging fee information associated with the charging station 42 selected as a candidate. That is, in a situation where “battery lasting importance” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, the control device 31 a includes the charging station 42 for normal charging among the charging stations 40 around the vehicle 10. Is selected as a candidate, and charging charge information of the selected charging station 40 is acquired. In a situation where “battery lasting priority” is set as a search condition for the charging station 42 by the user, among the charging stations 40 existing around the vehicle 10, the charging station 42 for normal charging has a high priority. The charging station 42 for quick charging is selected as a low priority candidate.

Here, as the selection conditions for the charging station 42 selected by the user, in the present embodiment, three search conditions of “priority consideration”, “emphasis on distance”, and “emphasis on long battery life” are provided and implemented. In this case, it is needless to say that each of these search conditions can be selected independently as described above, and these search conditions can be selected (set) in combination. Specifically, the user can select, for example, two search conditions of “priority for charge” and “priority for battery life”.

On the other hand, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 communicates with the management server 46 installed in the store 40 via the network 60, and the charge parking space 41 regarding the parking lot currently provided in the store 40. A parking occupancy rate representing a degree of congestion in which a parking space including is used is acquired. That is, for example, the control device 46a of the management server 46 is parked including the charging parking space 41 where the vehicle 10 is parked and the charging stand 42 is used with respect to the total number of parking spaces installed in the store 40. A parking occupancy ratio representing a ratio of the number of parking spaces is calculated and acquired. And the control apparatus 46a transmits the occupation rate information showing the acquired parking occupation rate to the charge assistance center 30 via the communication apparatus 46 and the network 60. FIG.

The charging support center 30 receives the occupancy rate information transmitted from the store 40 via the communication device 34, and the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 acquires the received occupancy rate information. And the control apparatus 31a relates to the store 40 in which the charging station 42 selected as a candidate as described above is installed, and the parking occupancy rate (congestion degree) of the parking lot represented by the acquired occupancy rate information of the store 40 is in advance. If it is equal to or higher than the set occupation rate (congestion degree), the charging station 42 installed in the store 40 having this high parking occupation rate is not used, that is, the store having a high parking occupation rate. The charging station 42 installed in the store 40 is excluded from the search candidates, and the charging station 42 installed in the store 40 with a low parking occupancy rate is selected as a candidate with a high priority. Or the control apparatus 31a is the parking occupancy rate (congestion degree) of the parking lot represented by the occupancy rate information of the acquired store 40 regarding the store 40 in which the charging stand 42 selected as a candidate as mentioned above is installed, for example. Is equal to or higher than a preset occupancy rate (congestion degree), the quick charging charging station 42 installed in the store 40 having a high parking occupancy rate is set as a candidate with high priority. It is also possible to select.

Then, as described above, if there is a charging station 42 that matches the search condition set by the user and is finally selected as a candidate, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 performs steps. In S13, “Yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to Step S14. On the other hand, as described above, there is no charging station 42 that does not match the search condition set by the user and is finally selected as a candidate, or the parking occupancy rate in the store 40 is high and the charging station 42 is not used. In step S13, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 determines “No” and proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 matches the search condition set by the user in the information terminal device 20 through the network 60 and the relay station using the communication device 34. A notification that there is no charging station 42 to be transmitted is transmitted. Thereby, in the information terminal device 20, the notification is received via the communication unit 25 and is temporarily stored in a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 24. Then, the electronic control unit 23 displays the notification once stored in a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 24 via the display unit 22, and changes the search condition to the user, for example, to set it again. And the execution of the charging support program is terminated in step S19.

Here, for example, since the occupancy rate of the charging parking space 41 in the store 40 where the charging station 42 selected as a candidate is installed as described above is equal to or higher than a preset occupancy rate, the charging station 42 cannot be used. In the situation where it is determined that there is no charging station 42 that matches the search condition set by the user, the control device 31a can be implemented so as to present only the charging station 42 for quick charging as a candidate. is there. In this way, by presenting only the quick charging charging station 42 to the user of the vehicle 10, the user charges the battery 11 using the quick charging charging station 42, thereby shortening the charging time. 40 congestion can be reduced.

In step S14, the point management server 32 in the charging support center 30 uses the database group 33 and uses the charging station 42 (that is, the store 40) selected as a candidate in the step S13 to replace the battery 11. Inquires and obtains gain information (specifically, a point grant rate) given with charging. More specifically, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 searches the point grant condition database 33e constituting the database group 33 using the store 40 (charging station 42) selected as a candidate in the step S13. To do. And the control apparatus 32a will set the point set with respect to this shop 40, if the point grant rate when the user charges using the charging stand 42 in the shop 40 selected as a candidate is set. The grant rate is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 sets the point grant rate among the stores 40 (ie, charging stations 42) selected as candidates in step S13 by the search process in step S14. It is determined whether or not there is a store 40 (charging station 42). That is, if there is a store 40 (charging station 42) for which a point grant rate is set, the control device 32a determines “Yes” and proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the store 40 (charging station 42) for which the point grant rate is set does not exist, the control device 32a determines “No” and proceeds to step S18.

Here, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 executes the determination process in step S16, so that there is a store 40 (charging station 42) in which the point grant rate is set (that is, in step S16, “ In the case of “Yes”, the gain information indicating the point grant rate set in the store 40 (charging station 42) is supplied to the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31. On the other hand, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 executes the determination process of step S16, so that the store 40 (charging station 42) in which the point grant rate is set does not exist (that is, “No” in step S16). ”), The control unit 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 is notified that there is no gain information indicating the point grant rate set in the store 40 (charging station 42). Yes.

In step S17, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 follows the determination process by the control device 32a of the point management server 32 in step S16, and the charging station 42 (store) selected as a candidate in step S13. 40) and the gain information acquired in step S14 are associated with each other and transmitted to the information terminal device 20. That is, the control device 31 a transmits stand candidate information and gain information to the information terminal device 20 using the communication device 34 and the network 60 (including the relay station).

Thereby, in the information terminal device 20, the electronic control unit 23 receives the stand candidate information and the gain information transmitted from the charging support center 30 via the communication unit 25. For example, as shown in FIG. If the charging station 42 (store 40) that matches the set search condition is associated with the gain information, the point grant rate (that is, the point information) represented by the gain information is the value of the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 20. Displayed on the display panel. Therefore, the user can select a desired charging station 42 (store 40) from the displayed candidates for each charging station 42 (store 40). For example, the route to the selected charging station 42 (store 40). Point service that is given at the store 40 by selecting the point information displayed in association with the charging station 42 (store 40) or the point service that is given by the battery manufacturer 50 You can check the details. As described above, when the stand candidate information and the gain information are transmitted, the control device 31a proceeds to step S19 and ends the execution of the charging support program. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S10.

On the other hand, in step S18, the control device 31a of the charging station candidate information providing server 31 follows the determination process by the control device 32a of the point management server 32 in step S16, and the charging station 42 selected as a candidate in step S13. Stand candidate information representing (store 40) is transmitted to the information terminal device 20. That is, the control device 31a transmits only the stand candidate information to the information terminal device 20 using the communication device 34 and the network 60 (including the relay station). Thereby, in the information terminal device 20, the electronic control unit 23 receives the candidate station information transmitted from the charging support center 30 via the communication unit 25, and the charging station 42 (matching the search condition set by the user) ( The store 40) is displayed on the display panel of the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 20. Therefore, the user can select a desired charging station 42 (store 40) from the displayed candidates for each charging station 42 (store 40). As described above, when the stand candidate information is transmitted, the control device 31a proceeds to step S19 and ends the execution of the charging support program. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S10.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the user of the vehicle 10 that has received the stand candidate information and the gain information from the charging support center 30 selects and sets the search condition of “emphasis on battery longevity”. For example, the vehicle 10 is parked in the “second parking lot” of “1”, and the battery 11 is charged using the charging station 42 for normal charging. As a result, the power supply ECU 44 of the charging stand 42 installed in this parking lot, that is, the charging parking space 41, charges the vehicle 10 to the management server 46 of the “second parking lot” corresponding to the store 40 for normal charging. Information indicating the amount of charge charged using the stand 42 is transmitted. Then, the management server 46 notifies the charge support center 30 connected to the network 60 using the communication device 46d of the charge amount charged by the vehicle 10 using the charging station 42 for normal charging. In this case, the management server 46 acquires user identification information (for example, user name information, chassis number information, user ID information, and password information) via the power supply ECU 44 and transmits it to the charging support center 30.

Thereby, in the charging support center 30, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 acquires the user specifying information and specifies the user of the vehicle 10. Then, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 is a point according to the amount of charge and can be used by the battery manufacturer 50 (for example, can be used as a replacement cost when replacing the battery 11). Update and memorize.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the user of the vehicle 10 that has received the stand candidate information and the gain information from the charging support center 30 selects and sets the search condition of “emphasis on battery longevity”. Even if there is, for example, the point information associated with “△△ shop” of “2” can be confirmed, and the battery 11 can be charged at the “△△ shop” using the charging station 42 for quick charging. it can. As a result, the power supply ECU 44 of the charging station 42 installed in the charging parking space 41 of the store 40 charges the vehicle 10 to the management server 46 of the “ΔΔ shop” using the charging station 42 for quick charging. Information indicating the amount of charge is transmitted. And the management server 46 notifies the charge amount which the vehicle 10 charged using the charging stand 42 for quick charge to the charge assistance center 30 connected to the network 60 using the communication apparatus 46d. Also in this case, the management server 46 acquires user identification information (for example, user name information, chassis number information, user ID information, and password information) via the power supply ECU 44 and transmits it to the charging support center 30. .

Thereby, in the charging support center 30, the control device 32a of the point management server 32 acquires the user specifying information and specifies the user of the vehicle 10. The control device 32a of the point management server 32 is a point according to the amount of charge and can be used at the store 40 (for example, “ΔΔ shop”) (for example, can be used as a charge for charging the battery 11). It is updated and stored in the acquisition point management database 33f.

As can be understood from the above description, according to the above-described embodiment, when the user of the vehicle 10 wants to suppress performance deterioration due to charging of the battery 11 mounted on the vehicle 10, the search condition is “emphasis on battery longevity”. ”Is preferentially searched for the charging station 42 for normal charging. Thereby, since the charging station 42 according to the intention of the user of the vehicle 10 can be searched and presented, the user can select the charging station 42 appropriately and easily.

In addition, when the store 40 is congested, that is, when the parking occupancy rate is greater than or equal to a preset occupancy rate, an appropriate charging station 42 can be presented to the user in accordance with the congestion situation. That is, when the user charges the battery 11 using the charging stand 42 for normal charging in a situation where the store 40 is congested, the charging time becomes long, so that it takes time until the parking occupancy rate decreases. Take it. As a result, a new customer cannot visit the store, causing trouble to the store 40 side. In this case, for example, even when the user has set a search condition of “emphasis on battery life”, the charging stand 42 for quick charging is preferentially presented instead of the charging stand 42 for normal charging. Or, by presenting another store 40, that is, the charging stand 42, the battery 11 can be charged in a short time or the battery 11 can be reliably charged. As a result, the user can select the charging stand 42 appropriately and easily, and the store 40 can be visited by a new customer, so that both the user and the store 40 can enjoy the benefits. it can.

Furthermore, the user can acquire gain information in addition to stand candidate information. As a result, the user can select the charging station 42 appropriately and easily based on the stand candidate information. For example, when the battery 11 is charged using the charging station 42 for normal charging, the battery manufacturer 50 gives a point. The battery 11 can be exchanged inexpensively using this point. On the other hand, since it is possible for the battery manufacturer 50 to prevent the performance deterioration of the battery 11 due to charging as much as possible, for example, the collected battery 11 can be easily reused, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Therefore, both the user and the battery manufacturer 50 can enjoy the benefits.

Further, for the user, the charging station 42 can be selected appropriately and easily based on the stand candidate information. For example, when the battery 11 is charged using the charging station 42 for quick charging, points are given by the store 40. , You can use this point to shop. On the other hand, since the battery 11 is charged in a short time for the store 40, replacement of customers in the store is promoted, and for example, sales can be increased. Therefore, both the user and the store 40 can enjoy the merits.

The implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the object of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, when the user selects and sets the search condition for the charging station 42 using the information terminal device 20, the charging condition is transmitted to the charging support center 30 and matches the search condition. It carried out so that the stand candidate information etc. showing 42 candidates might be provided. Accordingly, the user can select the charging station 42 that matches the search condition represented by the provided station candidate information, and can guide the route to the selected charging station 42, for example. did.

In this case, when the information terminal device 20 includes a known navigation unit, the charging support center 30 searches for the charging station 42 that matches the search condition based on the search condition set by the user. It is possible for the terminal device 20 itself to search for the charging station 42 that matches the search condition and to guide the route to the charging station 42. In this case, the electronic control unit 23 of the information terminal device 20 acquires the occupancy rate of the store 40 from the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 via the communication unit 25, and also manages the point management. Gain information is acquired from the server 32. Thereby, similarly to the above embodiment, the information terminal device 20 can extract the charging station 42 that matches the search condition, and presents the gain information associated with the extracted charging station 42 to the user. Can do.

In this case, for example, when the information terminal device 20 does not include the communication unit 25 or the communication unit 25 cannot be used, the electronic control unit 23 is stored in the storage unit 24 in advance. Using the type of the charging stand 42, the charging stand 42 for normal charging can be extracted with priority over at least the selection of “emphasis on battery life” by the user. Thereby, although it is difficult to reflect the occupation rate in the store 40, the charging station 42 that matches the search condition intended by the user can be presented.

In the above embodiment, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 extracts the charging station 42 that matches the user search conditions. In this case, in particular, when “battery lasting importance” that suppresses performance deterioration of the battery 11 is set as a search condition by the user, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 matches the search condition. In place of or in addition to extracting the battery, the route to the store 40 (charging station 42) is searched for a route in which performance degradation of the battery 11 is unlikely to occur and is provided to the information terminal device 20. Is also possible. In this case, examples of the route in which the performance degradation of the battery 11 is less likely to occur include a route in which no traffic jam occurs, a route that does not travel at high speed, and a route that is not an uphill road. Even when the information terminal device 20 includes a navigation unit, it is possible to search and guide a route that is unlikely to cause performance deterioration of the battery 11 as a route to the store 40 (charging station 42).

Also in this manner, as in the above-described embodiment, the charging station 42 can be presented in accordance with the search conditions set by the user, and particularly when the user intends to suppress the performance deterioration of the battery 11. The charging stand 42 for normal charging that can effectively suppress the performance deterioration of the battery 11 can be extracted and presented. And in this case, since it can move to the charging stand 42 shown using the path | route which suppresses the performance deterioration of the battery 11, the performance deterioration of the battery 11 can be suppressed more.

In the above embodiment, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 uses the charging station 42 installed in the store 40 whose occupation rate is equal to or higher than the preset occupation rate for the user. It was carried out so as to be excluded from the candidates presented in. That is, in this case, since the occupation rate of the charging parking space 41 provided in the store 40 is high, the charging stand 42 cannot be used even if the user of the vehicle 10 comes to the store, and the store 40 is also congested. Will not be able to provide the original service of the store 40 to the user of the vehicle 10 who has been inconvenienced for a long time.

Incidentally, in order to effectively avoid such a situation, it is effective to reduce the number of users (customers) who will visit the store 40 from now on. Moreover, even if the user visits the store 40 to charge it, it is effective to complete the charging in a short time. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, instead of or in addition to excluding the charging station 42 installed in the crowded store 40 from the presentation candidates, for example, a crowded store The charging fee when charging using the charging stand 42 for normal charging installed in the 40 is shown in an increased manner, while the charging fee when charging using the charging stand 42 for quick charging is shown. It is also possible to present a reduced amount. Thus, by changing the charging fee and presenting it to the user of the vehicle 10, it is possible to suppress the user of the vehicle 10 from visiting the crowded store 40 and to shorten the staying time even if the user visits the store temporarily. can do. In this way, when changing the charging fee, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 of the charging support center 30 automatically changes, or according to a request from the management server 41 of the store 40, The charging station candidate information providing server 31 can be changed.

In the above-described embodiment, the point management server 32 of the charging support center 30 provides the points given when the user of the vehicle 10 charges the battery 11, more specifically, the charging stand 42 for normal charging. The points given by the battery manufacturer 50 when the battery 11 is charged using the battery 10 and the points given by the store 40 when the battery 11 is charged using the charging stand 42 for quick charging are Each user is stored and managed in a predetermined storage location in the acquisition point management database 33f so as to be updatable and searchable. In this case, instead of managing the acquired points by the point management server 32 of the charging support center 30, the store 40 and the battery manufacturer 50 can each manage the points acquired by the user. .

In this case, the user of the vehicle 10 charges the battery 11 using the charging stand 42 installed in the store 40. At this time, when the power supply ECU 44 of the charging station 42 transmits information indicating that the vehicle 10 is charging using the charging station 42 for normal charging to the management server 46 of the store 40, The management server 46 notifies the management server 51 of the battery manufacturer 50 connected to the network 60 using the communication device 46d that the user of the vehicle 10 is charging using the charging station 42 for normal charging. Thereby, the management server 51 of the battery manufacturer 50 stores and manages the points acquired for each user in a predetermined storage position of the storage device 51b so as to be updateable and searchable. On the other hand, when the power supply ECU 44 of the charging station 42 transmits information indicating that the vehicle 10 is charging using the charging station 42 for quick charging to the management server 46 of the store 40, the management is performed. For example, the server 46 stores and manages the points acquired for each user in a predetermined storage position of the storage device 46b so as to be updateable and searchable.

Thus, even when the management server 46 of the store 40 and the management server 51 of the battery manufacturer 50 manage points, the user uses the acquired points in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. can do. Therefore, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the charging support center 30 is provided with two servers, that is, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 and the point management server 32. In this case, the

servers

31 and 32 are integrated, and the charging support center 30 can be implemented as a single server having the functions of two servers, the charging station candidate information providing server 31 and the point management server 32. Needless to say. Even in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above embodiment, the gain information is assumed to be the point grant rate. Thereby, for example, the user of the vehicle 10 acquires a point corresponding to the charging fee, and uses the acquired point at the store 40 or when the leased battery 11 is replaced. . In this case, the gain information is a coupon or discount information obtained with charging, or discounts at other stores located in the vicinity of the charging stand 42 (that is, the store 40) to be used, in other words, at stores in the surrounding area. It can also be implemented as information. Also by this, it is possible to provide useful information accompanying charging to the user, and as a result, the user can appropriately select the charging station 42 for normal charging and the charging station 42 for quick charging. .

Claims

Search when searching for vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information about a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and a charging station set by the user of the plug-in electric vehicle to charge the battery Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a condition, search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on the information about the plug-in electric vehicle and the search condition, and information about the charging station candidate searched by the search means A charging support device comprising a presenting means for presenting to
The search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means is:
Including a search condition as to whether or not to give priority to prevention of performance deterioration due to charging of the battery,
The search means includes
When the search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means includes a search condition that prioritizes prevention of performance deterioration due to the charging of the battery, the charging stand for normal charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes long A charging support device that searches for the charging station candidate by lowering the priority level of the charging station for quick charging while increasing the priority level while shortening the charging time of the battery.
Search when searching for vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information about a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and a charging station set by the user of the plug-in electric vehicle to charge the battery Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a condition, search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on the information about the plug-in electric vehicle and the search condition, and information about the charging station candidate searched by the search means A charging support device comprising a presenting means for presenting to
Congestion information acquisition for acquiring congestion information indicating a congestion situation of a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces including a charging parking space for parking the plug-in electric vehicle and charging the battery by installing the charging stand With means,
The search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means is:
Including a search condition as to whether or not to give priority to prevention of performance deterioration due to charging of the battery,
The search means includes
When the search condition acquired by the search condition acquisition means includes a search condition that prioritizes prevention of performance deterioration due to charging of the battery, priority is given to a charging stand for normal charging that increases the charging time of the battery. While increasing the ranking, lowering the priority of the charging station for quick charging that shortens the charging time of the battery, and searching for the charging station candidate,
Information that changes information on the charging station that is retrieved by the retrieval unit and presented to the user by the presentation unit based on the congestion status of the parking lot represented by the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit. A charging support apparatus comprising a changing unit.
In the charging support device according to claim 2,
The congestion information acquisition means
The degree of congestion indicating the congestion situation where the parking space including the charging parking space of the parking lot is used is acquired as congestion information,
The information changing means includes
When the congestion level indicating the congestion status of the parking lot acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit is a congestion status that is greater than a preset congestion level, the search unit searches and presents the presenting unit to the user The charging support apparatus characterized by changing information on a charging station for normal charging installed in the parking lot into information on a charging station for quick charging installed in the parking lot.
In the charging support device according to claim 2,
The congestion information acquisition means
The degree of congestion indicating the congestion situation where the parking space including the charging parking space of the parking lot is used is acquired as congestion information,
The search means includes
When the congestion level representing the congestion status of the parking lot acquired by the congestion information acquisition means is a congestion status that is greater than a preset congestion level, the charging station installed in the parking lot is searched for The charging support device is characterized by being excluded from the above.
Search when searching for vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information about a plug-in electric vehicle equipped with a battery that can be charged from the outside, and a charging station set by the user of the plug-in electric vehicle to charge the battery Search condition acquisition means for acquiring a condition, search means for searching for the charging station candidate based on the information about the plug-in electric vehicle and the search condition, and information about the charging station candidate searched by the search means A charging support device comprising a presenting means for presenting to
Gain information that is associated with the charging station candidate searched by the searching means and is given by the user of the plug-in electric vehicle charging the battery using the searched charging station candidate is acquired. Gain information acquisition means for
The presenting means is
The charging support apparatus, wherein the gain information associated with the charging station candidate acquired by the gain information acquisition unit is presented to the user together with the information about the searched charging station candidate.
The charging support apparatus according to claim 5,
The search means includes
As the charging station candidates, a charging station for normal charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes longer and a charging station for quick charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes shorter are searched.
Of the gain information associated with the charging station candidate retrieved by the retrieval unit and acquired by the gain information acquisition unit, the gain information associated with the charging station for quick charging is:
A charging support apparatus, which is set by a store that owns a parking lot including a charging parking space where the charging station for quick charging is installed.
The charging support apparatus according to claim 5,
The search means includes
As the charging station candidates, a charging station for normal charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes longer and a charging station for quick charging in which the charging time of the battery becomes shorter are searched.
Among the gain information associated with the charging station candidate retrieved by the retrieving unit and acquired by the gain information acquiring unit, the gain information associated with the charging station for normal charging is:
A charging support apparatus, which is set by a battery manufacturer that manufactures and manages a battery mounted on the plug-in electric vehicle.
The charging support device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The gain information associated with the charging station candidate searched by the search means and acquired by the gain information acquisition means is:
The charging support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging support apparatus is gain information set by a store located in an area surrounding the searched charging station candidate.