POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER SUPPLY FACILITY, AND POWER SUPPLY METHOD

A power supply system includes charging stands capable of supplying electric power to an electrified vehicle on the ground and each including a power supply unit, a movable unit including the power supply unit and moving between a first position at which the power supply unit is housed underground and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground, an actuator moving the movable unit, and a control unit controlling the actuator. The control unit controls the actuator to lower the movable unit to the first position when supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle is not scheduled within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power and controls the actuator to maintain the movable unit at the second position when supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle is scheduled within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a power supply system, a power supply facility, and a power supply method and, more particularly, to a power supply system including a plurality of power supply facilities that can supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground, a power supply facility that can supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground, and a power supply method using a power supply facility that can supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground.

2. Description of Related Art

In the related art, a power supply facility having a configuration in which a charging pole is housed underground when supply of electric power is not performed is known (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 5475407 (JP 5475407 B)).

SUMMARY

In the power supply facility described in JP 5475407 B, it is conceivable that a movable unit such as a charging pole be automatically raised or lowered. In this case, from a point of view of energy saving and decrease of a risk of failure, it is preferable that a raising/lowering operation not be frequently performed.

The present disclosure provides a power supply system, a power supply facility, and a power supply method that can curb frequent execution of a raising/lowering operation.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply system comprising a plurality of power supply facilities that is able to supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground. Each power supply facility includes: a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the vehicle; a movable unit that includes the power supply unit and is configured to move between a first position at which the power supply unit is housed underground and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground; an actuator configured to move the movable unit; and a control unit configured to control the actuator. The control unit is configured to control the actuator such that the movable unit is lowered to the first position based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended and to control the actuator such that the movable unit is maintained at the second position based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended.

With this configuration, the power supply unit of the power supply facility is lowered to the position at which it is housed underground based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power to the vehicle has ended, and the power supply unit of the power supply facility is maintained at the position at which it is exposed from the ground based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power to the vehicle has ended. As a result, it is possible to provide a power supply system that can curb frequent execution of a raising/lowering operation.

The control unit may be configured to control the actuator such that the movable unit is raised to the second position based on the premise that a power supply request has been received.

With this configuration, when electric power is supplied to a vehicle, the power supply unit of the power supply facility can be automatically raised to a position at which it is exposed from the ground. As a result, it is possible to switch the power supply unit to a state in which it is exposed from the ground when it is necessary for supply of electric power and to switch the power supply unit to a state in which it is housed underground when it is unnecessary.

The control unit may be configured to control the actuator such that the movable unit is raised based on the premise that a vehicle to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated in addition to the receiving of the power supply request.

With this configuration, when a vehicle to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated, it is possible to switch the power supply unit of the power supply facility to a state in which it is exposed from the ground in order to supply electric power to the vehicle.

The power supply system may further include a server and a communication device of a user of the vehicle. The server may transmit authentication information to the communication device based on the premise that the power supply request has been received from the communication device. The control unit may be configured to determine that the power supply request has been received and the vehicle to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated by receiving the authentication information from the communication device.

With this configuration, it is possible to reliably authenticate a vehicle to be supplied with electric power in order to switch the power supply unit of the power supply facility to a state in which it is exposed from the ground for the purpose of supply of electric power to the vehicle.

The server may transmit guidance information on supply of electric power along with the authentication information to the communication device. The communication device may notify the user of the information on supply of electric power based on the received guidance information.

With this configuration, it is possible to reliably authenticate a vehicle to be supplied with electric power and to notify a user of information on supply of electric power.

The server may perform a process of settling a charge for supply of electric power based on the premise that the power supply request has been received from the communication device.

With this configuration, when a vehicle is supplied with electric power using the power supply facility, it is possible to reliably settle a charge for supply of electric power with a user of the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply facility that is able to supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground, the power supply facility including: a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the vehicle; a movable unit that includes the power supply unit and is configured to move between a first position at which the power supply unit is housed underground and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground; an actuator configured to move the movable unit; and a control unit configured to control the actuator. The control unit is configured to control the actuator such that the movable unit is lowered to the first position based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended and to control the actuator such that the movable unit is maintained at the second position based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a power supply facility that can curb frequent execution of a raising/lowering operation.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply method using a power supply facility that is able to supply electric power to a vehicle on the ground. The power supply facility includes: a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the vehicle; a movable unit that includes the power supply unit and is configured to move between a first position at which the power supply unit is housed underground and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground; an actuator configured to move the movable unit; and a control unit configured to control the actuator. The power supply method includes: a step of causing the control unit to control the actuator such that the movable unit is lowered to the first position based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended; and a step of causing the control unit to control the actuator such that the movable unit is maintained at the second position based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next vehicle within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a power supply method that can curb frequent execution of a raising/lowering operation.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power supply system, a power supply facility, and a power supply method that can curb frequent execution of a raising/lowering operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings will be referred to by the same reference signs and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, a configuration of a charging stand300which is a charging facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be exemplified.FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electrified vehicle200and a charging stand300in a state in which a movable unit300a(which will be described later) is housed underground.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electrified vehicle200and a charging stand300in a state in which the movable unit300ais exposed from the ground.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the charging stand300is configured to be raised and lowered between a lowest state in which a position of an upper end thereof is substantially flush with the ground and the movable unit300ais housed underground (seeFIG.1) and a highest state in which the upper end is raised to a predetermined position on the ground and the movable unit300ais exposed (seeFIG.2).

The charging stand300includes, for example, a cylindrical housing and is installed on the bottom of a recessed portion formed in the ground. The recessed portion formed in the ground is formed to have a predetermined gap from an outer circumferential surface of the housing of the charging stand300. The depth of the recessed portion is substantially equal to a length in the vertical direction of the charging stand300in the lowest state.

The charging stand300includes a movable unit300aand a fixed unit300b. A housing space in which a connector302can be housed is formed in an upper part of the movable unit300a. One end of a cable304is connected to the connector302. The other end of the cable304is connected to a power supply circuit which is not illustrated. The power supply circuit is configured to be supplied with AC electric power from a power supply350and supply electric power to the movable unit300a(more specifically, the cable304). The power supply350is, for example, an AC power supply configured as a commercial power supply. The cable304has, for example, a formative extensible portion including a curled part or a structural extensible portion including a winding structure and is configured to extend to an inlet220of an electrified vehicle200parking in a parking space when the connector302is taken out.

A touch sensor310and an alarm lamp320are provided in the movable unit300a. The touch sensor310is a detection device that detects a touch of an object (for example, a person, a living thing, or a thing) with the movable unit300aof the charging stand300and is configured as, for example, an electrostatic sensor. The electrostatic sensor detects an object based on a change in capacitance when an object enters an electric field generated by the electrostatic sensor. A plurality of electrostatic sensors may be provided in parts of the movable unit300aaccording to necessity for detecting a touch of an object with a detection part (for example, a top surface or a side surface) of the movable unit300a. The touch sensor310includes one or more electrostatic sensors. That is, when it is detected that an object touches the movable unit300a, the touch sensor310transmits a signal indicating that the object touches the movable unit300ato a control device308. The touch sensor310is not limited thereto but may be another type of sensor as long as it is a sensor that can detect that an object touches the movable unit300a. The touch sensor310is provided to make it difficult to erroneously detect a touch of an object.

The alarm lamp320is configured as a light emitting device, for example, a multi-color light emitting diode (LED), and is controlled by the control device308such that it is turned on, made to blink, or turned off to be visible by persons near the charging stand300. For example, the alarm lamp320may be controlled such that it is flickered in green while charging is being performed or is turned on in blue when charging has been completed. The alarm lamp320may be controlled such that it is turned on or flickered in red when a touch of an object is detected.

The fixed unit300bis fixed to the bottom of the recessed portion formed in the ground. The fixed unit300bmay be fixed to any part of the recessed portion formed in the ground, but is not limited to fixation to the bottom of the recessed portion.

The fixed unit300bincludes a lifting device306that raises or lowers the movable unit300ain the vertical direction, a control device308that controls the operation of the lifting device306, and a movement sensor312.

The lifting device306includes an actuator that raises and lowers the movable unit300a. For example, the lifting device306may employ a rack-and-pinion type mechanism, a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, or a mechanism using a magnetic force. The rack-and-pinion type mechanism rotates a pinion gear engaging with a rack gear fixed to the movable unit300ausing an electric actuator to raise or lower the movable unit300a. The mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder fixes a rod connected to a piston to the movable unit300aand increases or decreases a hydraulic pressure or a pneumatic pressure supplied to a cylinder body fixed to the fixed unit300bto raise or lower the movable unit300a. The mechanism using a magnetic force generates a magnetic repulsive force between the movable unit300aand the fixed unit300bto raise or lower the movable unit300a.

The lifting device306is configured such that the movable unit300ais not lowered below a position corresponding to the lowest state, for example, using a stopper mechanism and is configured such that the movable unit300ais not raised above a position corresponding to the highest state.

The movement sensor312detects a moving quantity of the movable unit300a. The movement sensor312detects, for example, a lifting quantity of the movable unit300ausing the lifting device306as the moving quantity of the movable unit300a. The movement sensor312transmits a signal indicating the detected moving quantity of the movable unit300ato the control device308. For example, the movement sensor312may detect a state quantity corresponding to the lifting quantity such as an amount of operation of the actuator, and the control device308may acquire the lifting quantity from the detected state quantity.

The control device308includes a central processing unit (CPU)308a, a memory308bincluding a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and a communication unit308cthat can communicate with an external device. The control device308controls electronic devices (for example, the lifting device306) provided in the charging stand300based on information stored in the memory308b, information received via the communication unit308c, information acquired from the touch sensor310, information acquired from the movement sensor312, and/or other information acquired from sensors which are not illustrated. This control is not limited to a configuration in which software processes are performed by the CPU308a, but may be performed by employing dedicated hardware (an electronic circuit).

The communication unit308cis configured to transmit and receive various types of information to and from an external device outside of the charging stand300. In this embodiment, the communication unit308cis configured to perform radio communication with a server600that manages a plurality of charging stands300. The communication unit308cis configured to communicate with a communication device100which is owned by a user of an electrified vehicle200. The communication device100is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. Communication between the communication unit308cand the communication device100may be, for example, short-range radio communication. That is, a communication-possible distance between the communication unit308cand the communication device100is shorter than a communication-possible distance between the communication unit308cand the server600.

For example, when execution conditions of raising control (hereinafter also referred to as “raising conditions”) are satisfied, the control device308performs raising control in the lifting device306such that the corresponding charging stand300is switched from the lowest state to the highest state. The execution conditions of raising control include, for example, a condition that the charging stand300is not in the highest state and a condition that an execution request for raising control (hereinafter also referred to as a “raising request”) is received from the server600. The server600transmits the raising request to the charging stand300, for example, when a start time included in a reservation for use of the charging stand300comes.

For example, when execution conditions of raising control are satisfied, the control device308performs lowering control in the lifting device306such that the charging stand300is switched from the highest state to the lowest state. The execution conditions of lowering control include, for example, a condition that the corresponding charging stand300is not in the lowest state and a condition that an execution request for lowering control (hereinafter also referred to as a “lowering request”) is received from the server600. A condition that charging of the electrified vehicle200(specifically a battery214which will be described later) has been completed may be employed instead of the condition that the lowering request is received. Completion of charging may mean, for example, a state in which the connector302and the inlet220of the electrified vehicle200are disconnected and the connector302has been returned to a predetermined position.

An example of a configuration of an electrified vehicle200parking in a parking space and being able to be charged by a charging stand300is additionally illustrated inFIGS.1and2. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, examples of the electrified vehicle200include vehicles in which a power storage device is mounted such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The electrified vehicle200is not limited to the vehicles described above as long as it has a configuration in which it can be supplied with electric power from a charging stand300, and may be, for example, a vehicle in which a power storage device for supplying electric power to the outside is mounted.

The electrified vehicle200includes an electronic control unit (ECU)202, a charger212, a battery214, an inverter216, a motor generator218, and an inlet220.

The ECU202includes a CPU and a memory including a ROM and a RAM. The ECU202controls electrical devices (for example, the charger212and the inverter216) that are provided in the electrified vehicle200based on information stored in the memory or information acquired from sensors which are not illustrated.

When AC electric power is supplied from the inlet220, the charger212converts the supplied AC electric power to DC electric power and supplies the DC electric power to the battery214. The battery214is charged by causing the charger212to operate. The charger212is controlled, for example, in accordance with a control signal from the ECU202.

The battery214is, for example, a power storage element that is configured to be rechargeable and representatively employs a secondary battery such as a nickel-hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a liquid or solid electrolyte. Alternatively, the battery214has only to be a power storage device that can store electric power and, for example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the battery214.

For example, the inverter216converts DC electric power of the battery214to AC electric power and supplies the AC electric power to the motor generator218. For example, the inverter216converts AC electric power (regenerated electric power) from the motor generator218to DC electric power and supplies the DC electric power to the battery214to charge the battery214.

The motor generator218is supplied with electric power from the inverter216and applies a rotational force to driving wheels222. The driving wheels222rotate with the rotational force applied from the motor generator218and cause the electrified vehicle200to travel.

The inlet220is provided in an exterior part of the electrified vehicle200along with a cover such as a lid (not illustrated). The inlet220is a power receiving portion that is supplied with charging electric power from an external charging facility (for example, a charging stand300). The inlet220has a shape to which the connector302of the charging stand300can be attached. Contacts are incorporated into both the inlet220and the connector302, the contacts come into contact when the connector302is attached to the inlet220, and thus the inlet220and the connector302are electrically connected. At this time, the battery214of the electrified vehicle200can be charged with electric power supplied from the charging stand300.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of charging stands300and parking spaces400. Referring toFIG.3, in this example, a plurality of parking spaces400are set side by side by boundary lines402in a parking lot. A walkway500is provided in a lateral direction (a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction) of the parking spaces400. The walkway500is adjacent to the parking spaces400. Charging stands300are installed at positions of the walkway500adjacent to the parking spaces400. A charging stand300is provided for each parking space400. The charging stands300are arranged along the walkway500.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating another example of the layout of charging stands300and parking spaces400. Referring toFIG.4, in this example, a plurality of parking spaces410are set in a longitudinal direction by boundary lines412in a parking lot. A walkway510is provided in a longitudinal direction of the parking spaces410. The walkway510is adjacent to the parking spaces410. Charging stands300are installed at positions of the walkway510adjacent to the parking spaces410. A charging stand300is provided for each parking space410. The charging stands300are arranged along the walkway510.

A user parks an electrified vehicle200in a parking space400or a parking space410, and takes out the connector302from a nearest charging stand300and connects the connector302to the inlet220of the electrified vehicle200when the charging stand300is in the highest state. Accordingly, the electrified vehicle200can be charged with electric power from the charging stand300.

Referring back toFIGS.1and2, the server600includes a control device, a storage device, and a communication device (none of which are illustrated). The control device includes a processor and is configured to perform predetermined information processing. The storage device is configured to store various types of information. The communication device includes various communication I/F. The communication device is configured to communicate with the communication device100and the charging stands300, and the control device is configured to communicate with the communication device100and the charging stand300via the communication device. That is, the server600is configured to communicate with the communication device100and the charging stands300.

Users of a plurality of electrified vehicles200and a plurality of charging stands300are registered in the server600. Communication devices100of the users are also registered along with the users in the server600. The server600is configured to manage information of the registered users (hereinafter also referred to as “user information) and information of the registered charging stands (hereinafter also referred to as "stand information”). Information of the communication devices is included in the user information. The user information may include information of the electrified vehicles200owned by the user (for example, specification information associated with charging). The user information and the stand information are stored in the storage device of the server600.

Identification information for identifying each user (hereinafter also referred to as “user IDs”) is given to the corresponding users, and the server600manages the user information separately for each user ID. Each user ID also serves as information for identifying the corresponding communication device100(a device ID). For example, the user information includes a communication address of the communication device100owned by each user and information for identifying an electrified vehicle200belonging to the user (a vehicle ID).

The communication device100is a mobile terminal which is carried by a user of each electrified vehicle200. A smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device (for example, a smart watch) can be employed as the communication device100.

The communication device100is configured to perform radio communication with the charging stands300and the server600. Predetermined application software (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “application”) is installed in the communication device100. The communication device100is carried by a user of an electrified vehicle200and can exchange information with the charging stands300and the server600via the application. Each user can operate the application, for example, using a touch panel display of the communication device100.

A user can reserve a charging stand300by communicating with the server600using the application and inputting reservation information. The reservation information includes information for identifying the charging stand and a charging start time. The server600having received the reservation information from the communication device100transmits a raising request to the charging stand300. The server600may transmit the raising request to the charging stand300at a timing at which a time a predetermined time prior to the charging start time has come. The raising request includes the user ID of the user who has reserved the charging stand300(a device ID).

As described above, when the movable unit300ais configured to be automatically raised and lowered in the charging stand300, it is preferable that the raising/lowering operation not be frequently performed from a point of view of energy saving and decrease of a risk of failure.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device308controls the actuator of the lifting device306such that the movable unit300ais lowered to a position at which the power supply unit (for example, the connector302connected to a vehicle and a connection port on the movable unit300aside to which the cable304is connected) is housed underground based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended, and controls the actuator of the lifting device306such that the movable unit300ais maintained at a position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended.

Accordingly, the movable unit is lowered to the position at which the power supply unit of the charging stand300is housed underground based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power to the electrified vehicle200has ended, and the movable unit is maintained at the position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended. As a result, it is possible to curb frequent execution of the raising/lowering operation.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processes for supply of electric power according to this embodiment. Among the processes for supply of electric power, a power supply managing process is called and executed at intervals of a predetermined cycle from a higher-level process by the control device of the server600. In the process for supply of electric power, a charging application is called and executed at intervals of a predetermined cycle from a higher-level process by a central processing unit (CPU) of the communication device100. In the process for supply of electric power, a charging stand handling process is called and executed at interval of a predetermined cycle from a higher-level process by the control device308of the charging stand300.

Referring toFIG.5, the charging application is executed in the communication device100. In the charging application, the CPU of the communication device100displays a request screen for reserving supply of electric power to an electrified vehicle200on a touch panel display (Step S111).

Then, the CPU of the communication device100determines whether an input of details associated with a charging reservation (for example, a user ID, a region in which charging is desired, and a time at which charging is desired) to the request screen has been detected by the touch panel display (Step S112). When it is determined that a charging reservation has been input (YES in Step S112), the CPU of the communication device100transmits reservation request information (for example, information including the user ID, the charging region, and the charging time) to the server600(Step S113).

In the power supply managing process, the control device of the server600determines whether reservation request information has been received from the communication device100(Step S611). When it is determined that reservation request information has been received (YES in Step S611), the control device of the server600performs a process of settling a charge for supply of electric power in the reservation request information (Step S612). For example, the control device of the server600requests an input of a credit card number for payment from a user and settles a charging for supply of electric power with a credit card company using the credit card number. Alternatively, the control device of the server600performs a process of withdrawing the charge for supply of electric power from a bank account of the user of which the account number is registered in advance in the storage device of the server600.

Then, the control device of the server600registers information on a reservation of a charging stand300(for example, information including the user ID, the charging start time, a scheduled charging end time, and an authentication key for the charging) corresponding to the region in which charging is desired and which is indicated by the reservation request information in the storage device (Step S613).

Then, the control device of the server600transmits reservation registration information (for example, information including the place of the reserved charging stand300, times associated with charging such as the charging start time and the scheduled charging end time, the authentication key, and guidance information) to the communication device100of the user who has performed the reservation (Step S614). The guidance information includes information including a moving image and a still image for guiding a user for a method of operating the charging stand and information for guidance to the reserved charging stand300using the navigation system.

The control device of the server600transmits reservation notification information (for example, information including the user ID, times associated with charging such as the charging start time and the scheduled charging end time, and the authentication key) to the reserved charging stand300(Step S615).

When it is determined that reservation request information has not been received (NO in Step S611) or after the process of Step S615, the control device of the server600returns the process flow to a higher-level process which is a call source of the power supply managing process.

When it is determined that a charging reservation has not been input to the charging application (NO in Step S112) or after the process of Step S113, the CPU of the communication device100determines whether reservation registration information has been received from the server600(Step S114). When it is determined that reservation registration information has been received (YES in Step S114), the CPU of the communication device100stores the received reservation registration information in the memory (Step S115).

Then, the CPU of the communication device100notifies the user of guidance such as the method of operating the charging stand300which is indicated by the guidance information or registers information for guiding the user to the charging stand300indicated by the guidance information in the navigation system (Step S116). The user of the electrified vehicle200can operate the charging stand300in accordance with the guidance. The user of the electrified vehicle200can reach the charging stand300in accordance with the guidance from the navigation system.

When it is determined that reservation registration information has not been received (NO in Step S114) or after the process of Step S116, the CPU of the communication device100determines whether a pre-charging operation has been detected in the touch panel display (Step S121). When it is determined that a pre-charging operation has been detected (YES in Step S121), the CPU of the communication device100transmits a raising request of the movable unit300aincluding the authentication key, the user ID, and the like stored in the memory to the charging stand300(Step S122).

When it is determined that a pre-charging operation has not been detected (NO in Step S121) or after the process of Step S122, the CPU of the communication device100returns the process flow to the higher-level process which is a call source of the charging application.

In the charging stand handling process, the CPU308aof the control device308of the charging stand300determines whether reservation notification information has been received from the server600(Step S311). When it is determined that reservation notification information has been received (YES in Step S311), the CPU308astores the received reservation notification information in the RAM of the memory308b(Step S312).

When it is determined that reservation notification information has not been received (NO in Step S311) or after the process of Step S312, the CPU308adetermines whether a raising request has been received from the communication device100(Step S321). When it is determined that a raising request has been received (YES in Step S321), the CPU308adetermines whether the reservation notification information including an authentication key corresponding to the authentication key included in the received raising request is stored in the memory308b(Step S322).

When it is determined that reservation notification information including the authentication key corresponding to the received authentication key is stored (YES in Step S322), the CPU308acontrols the lifting device306such that raising control of the movable unit300ais started (Step S323). When the power supply unit for supplying electric power to the electrified vehicle200(for example, the connector302connected to the electrified vehicle200, which may be the connection port of the movable unit300aside to which the cable304is connected) in the movable unit300areaches the position corresponding to the highest state which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground, the lifting device306is controlled such that the raising control of the movable unit300aends.

When the raising control of the movable unit300aends, the user connects the connector302of the charging stand300to the inlet220of the electrified vehicle200and operates the charging stand300such that supply of electric power to the electrified vehicle200is started. When the charging ends, supply of the electric power to the electrified vehicle200is stopped. When stopping of the supply of electric power is ascertained, the user detaches the connector302from the inlet220and returns the connector302to the charging stand300.

The CPU308adetermines whether the charging has ended by determining whether the connector302has been detached from the inlet220and returned to the charging stand300(Step S331). When it is determined that the charging has ended (YES in Step S331), the CPU308adetermines whether there is no reservation notification information including a charging start time within a predetermined period (for example, a period of about several minutes to several hours, specifically, 10 minutes or 1 hour) from the time at which the charging had ended in the reservation notification information stored in the memory308b(Step S332). When it is determined that there is no next reservation within the predetermined period (NO in Step S332), the CPU308acontrols the lifting device306such that lowering control of the movable unit300ais started (Step S333). When the power supply unit of the movable unit300areaches the position corresponding to the lowest state in which it is housed underground, the lifting device306is controlled such that the lowering control of the movable unit300aends.

When it is determined that the charging has not ended (NO in Step S331) or when it is determined that there is next reservation within the predetermined period (YES in Step S332), the lifting device306is controlled such that the movable unit300ais maintained at the position corresponding to the highest state. Thereafter or after Step S333, the CPU308areturns the process flow to the higher-level process which is a call source of the charging stand handling process.

Modified Examples

(1) In the aforementioned embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.1, the cable304of the charging stand300is normally connected to the power supply circuit of the charging stand300. Not limited thereto, a connection portion for connection to the cable304may be provided in the movable unit300aof the charging stand300, and one end of the cable304having the connector302at the other end may be able to be connected to the connection portion.

(2) In the aforementioned embodiment, as illustrated in Steps S331to S333inFIG.5, when charging has ended and there is a next reservation within the predetermined period, lowering control of the movable unit300aof the charging stand300is not started in Step S333and the actuator of the lifting device306is controlled such that the movable unit300ais maintained at the position corresponding to the highest state. However, when charging to a next electrified vehicle200is not started at a next reserved start time, lowering control of the movable unit300amay be started.

(3) In the aforementioned embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.5, a charging reservation for a charging stand300is performed on the server600by a user’s communication device100. Not limited thereto, the user’s communication device100may directly perform a charging reservation for a charging stand300.

(4) In the aforementioned embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.5, payment of a charging for supply of electric power is performed before charging of an electrified vehicle200is started. Not limited thereto, payment for a charge for supply of electric power may be performed after charging of an electrified vehicle200has been performed.

(5) In the aforementioned embodiment, electric power supplied from the charging stand300to the electrified vehicle200is AC electric power as illustrated inFIG.1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto and it may be DC electric power.

(6) The aforementioned embodiment can be understood as disclosure of a power supply facility such as a charging stand300, can also be understood as disclosure of a power supply system including power supply facilities and the server600or a power supply system including power supply facilities, the server600, and communication devices100, or can also be understood as disclosure of a control method or a control program for a power supply facility or a power supply system.

Conclusion

(1) As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the power supply system is a power supply system including a plurality of charging stands300that is able to supply electric power to an electrified vehicle200on the ground. Each charging stand300includes the power supply unit (for example, the connector302to be connected to a vehicle and a connection port of the movable unit300aside to be connected to the cable304) for supplying electric power to the electrified vehicle200, the movable unit300athat includes the power supply unit and is able to moves between a first position in which the power supply unit is housed underground (for example, a position corresponding to the lowest state) and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground (for example, the position corresponding to the highest state), the actuator that moves the movable unit300a(for example, the actuator of the lifting device306), and the control device308that controls the actuator. As illustrated inFIG.5, the control device308controls the actuator such that the movable unit is lowered to the first position based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended (for example, Step S333), and controls the actuator such that the movable unit300ais maintained at the second position based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended (for example, execution of the process of Step S333is prohibited).

Accordingly, the power supply unit of the charging stand300is lowered to the position at which the power supply unit is housed underground based on the premise that there is no schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of charging to the electrified vehicle200has ended, and the power supply unit is maintained at the position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground based on the premise that there is a schedule for supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle200within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power has ended. As a result, it is possible to curb frequent execution of the raising/lowering operation.

(2) As illustrated inFIG.5, the control device308may control the actuator such that the movable unit300ais raised to the second position (for example, Step S323) based on the premise that a power supply request has been received (for example, Step S321).

Accordingly, when an electrified vehicle200is supplied with electric power, the power supply unit of the charging stand300can be automatically raised to the position at which it is exposed from the ground. As a result, it is possible to switch the power supply unit to the state in which it is exposed from the ground when it is necessary for supply of electric power and to switch the power supply unit to the state in which it is housed underground when it is unnecessary.

(3) As illustrated inFIG.5, the control device308may control the actuator such that the movable unit300ais raised based on the premise that an electrified vehicle200to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated in addition to the receiving of the power supply request (for example, Step S322).

Accordingly, when an electrified vehicle200to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated, it is possible to switch the power supply unit of the charging stand300to the state in which it is exposed from the ground in order to supply electric power to the electrified vehicle200.

(4) As illustrated inFIG.1, the power supply system may further include the server600and the communication device100of a user of the electrified vehicle200. As illustrated inFIG.5, the server600may transmit authentication information to the communication device100(for example, Step S614) based on the premise that the power supply request has been received from the communication device100. The control device308may determine that the power supply request has been received and the electrified vehicle200to be supplied with electric power has been authenticated (for example, Step S321) by receiving the authentication information from the communication device100.

Accordingly, it is possible to reliably authenticate an electrified vehicle200to be supplied with electric power in order to switch the power supply unit of the charging stand300to the state in which it is exposed from the ground for the purpose of supply of electric power to the electrified vehicle200.

(5) As illustrated inFIG.5, the server600may transmit guidance information on supply of electric power along with the authentication information to the communication device100(for example, Step S614). The communication device100may notify the user of the information on supply of electric power based on the received guidance information (for example, Step S116).

Accordingly, it is possible to reliably authenticate an electrified vehicle200to be supplied with electric power and to notify a user of the information on supply of electric power.

(6) As illustrated inFIG.5, the server600may perform a process of settling a charge for supply of electric power based on the premise that the power supply request has been received from the communication device100(for example, Step S612).

Accordingly, when an electrified vehicle200is supplied with electric power using the charging stand300, it is possible to reliably settle a charge for supply of electric power with a user of the electrified vehicle200.

Parts or all of the aforementioned embodiments may be appropriately combined for realization. It should be noted that the embodiment described above is exemplary and is not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the aforementioned description, and is intended to include all modifications within meanings and ranges equivalent to the claims.