Power supply facility and server

A charging stand is a power supply facility that is able to be housed underground. The charging stand includes a light emitting device and a control device. The light emitting device is configured to emit light to a space above the ground. The control device is configured to control the light emitting device. A first light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the charging stand is available and a second light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the charging stand is not available are different.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-138783 filed on Aug. 27, 2021, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a power supply facility and a server.

2. Description of Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-109807 (JP 2011-109807 A) discloses a power supply facility that can be housed underground. This power supply facility includes a base pole (a fixed unit) and a charging pole (a movable unit). The charging pole is configured to be raised or lowered such that it rises up from the ground or is housed underground. A lamp is provided in the charging pole. When the charging pole rises up from the ground, the lamp is turned on. On the other hand, when the charging pole is housed underground, the lamp is turned off.

SUMMARY

For example, a user may not be able to use a reserved power supply facility when another user has reserved the power supply facility. Accordingly, there is demand for a technique for enabling a user to easily recognize whether a power supply facility is available.

The present disclosure provides a power supply facility and a server that enable a user to easily recognize whether a power supply facility which can be housed underground is available.

A power supply facility according to the present disclosure is a power supply facility that is able to be housed underground. The power supply facility includes a light emitting device and a control device. The light emitting device is configured to emit light to a space above the ground. The control device is configured to control the light emitting device. A first light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the power supply facility is available and a second light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the power supply facility is not available are different.

With this configuration, a user can visually recognize whether the power supply facility is available depending on whether the light emission mode of the light emitting device is the first light emission mode or the second emission mode. As a result, a user can easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available.

An emission color of the light emitting device in the first light emission mode may be a first color, and the emission color of the light emitting device in the second light emission mode may be a second color.

With this configuration, a user can visually recognize whether the power supply facility is available depending on the emission color. As a result, a user can easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available.

The light emitting device may be turned on in the first light emission mode, and the light emitting device may be turned off in the second light emission mode.

With this configuration, when the power supply facility is not available, the light emitting device is turned off and thus the light emitting device does not consume electric power. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the light emitting device and to enable a user to easily recognize whether the power supply facility is available.

The case in which the power supply facility is available may include a case in which the power supply facility is not reserved and a case in which the power supply facility is reserved and a current time is earlier than a reference time a predetermined time prior to a start time of a reserved period of the power supply facility. The case in which the power supply facility is not available may include a case in which the power supply facility is reserved and the current time is in a time period between the start time and the reference time.

A server according to the present disclosure includes a control device and a storage device. The control device is configured to control a light emitting device which is provided in a power supply facility that is able to be housed underground. The storage device is configured to store reservation state information indicating a reservation state of the power supply facility. The light emitting device is configured to emit light to a space above the ground. The control device is configured to determine whether the power supply facility is available based on the reservation state information and to set a light emission mode of the light emitting device based on the result of determination. A first light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the power supply facility is available and a second light emission mode of the light emitting device for when the power supply facility is not available are different.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to enable a user to easily recognize whether a power supply facility which can be housed underground is available.

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.

Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of a charging system for a vehicle according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.1, vehicles9park in two parking spaces (parking spaces5C and5E in this example) among parking spaces5A to5E provided in a parking lot. The charging system10includes a plurality of vehicles9and a plurality of charging stands1(1A to1E).

Each vehicle9is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Each vehicle9may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that can be subjected to plug-in charging.

The plurality of charging stands1is installed in a space (a walkway20in this example) near the parking spaces5A to5E. Each charging stand1is a power supply facility that can perform plug-in charging on a vehicle9. The number of charging stands1installed is not particularly limited.

Each charging stand1is configured to switch between raised and lowered states. Specifically, each charging stand1is configured to switch between a “housed state” in which the charging stand is housed underground and an “exposed state” in which the charging stand is exposed from the ground (that is, rises up from the ground).

In this example, a charging stand1(1C and1E) in the exposed state is illustrated by a solid line. On the other hand, a charging stand1(1A,1B, and1D) in the housed state is illustrated by a dotted line. Each charging stand1cannot be used for plug-in charging of a vehicle9when it is in the housed state. On the other hand, each charging stand1can be used for plug-in charging of a vehicle9when it is in the exposed state.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a charging stand1in the housed state, a vehicle9, a user terminal200, and a server300.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a charging stand1in the exposed state, a vehicle9, a user terminal200, and a server300. The charging stand1, the vehicle9, and the user terminal200are configured to communicate with the server300.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the housed state of the charging stand1is a state in which the charging stand1has been lowered until the height of an upper end UL in the +Z direction is substantially equal to the height of the ground GR (FIG.2). The exposed state is a state in which the upper end UL in the +Z direction has been raised by a predetermined height Z0from the ground GR (FIG.3).

The charging stand1includes, for example, a cylindrical housing. The charging stand1is installed on the bottom of a recessed portion16formed in the ground GR. The recessed portion16is formed to have a predetermined gap from an outer circumferential surface of the housing of the charging stand1. The depth of the recessed portion16is substantially equal to a length ZA in the +Z direction of the charging stand1in the housed state (FIG.2).

The charging stand1is controlled by the server300based on an operation which has been performed by a user using a human-machine interface (HMI) device204of the user terminal200or an HMI device98of the vehicle9(both of which will be described later). The charging stand1is configured to be reserved by a user. The charging stand1can be used by another user (a second user) when it is not reserved by a user (a first user). On the other hand, the charging stand1may not be used by another user when it is reserved by a user.

The charging stand1includes a light emitting device13, a movable unit11, and a fixed unit14. The light emitting device13is provided at an upper end UL of the movable unit11. The light emitting device13is configured to emit light to a space above the ground GR. The light emitting device13is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent lamp, or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) device. The light emitting device13may be provided in an area near the movable unit11in the +X direction or the −X direction. Specifically, the nearby area is an area on the ground GR which is separated a predetermined distance from the movable unit11in the +X direction or the —X direction.

The movable unit11is configured to be raised or lowered by a lifting device12(which will be described later) which is provided in the fixed unit14. The lifting direction of the movable unit11is the +Z direction or the −Z direction in this example. The lifting direction of the movable unit11may be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the directions. The movable unit11includes a charging connector111, a charging cable112, a charging start button17A, and a charging stop button17B.

The charging connector111is inserted into (connected to) an inlet91(which will be described later) of a vehicle9. The charging connector111is electrically connected to one end of the charging cable112. A power supply3is electrically connected to the other end of the charging cable112. The power supply3is an alternating-current power supply such as a commercial power supply. A power converter (not illustrated) may be provided between the charging cable112and the power supply3. A user can take the charging connector111out of a housing space115formed in the movable unit11and extend the charging cable112to the inlet91(FIG.3).

The housing space115is configured to house the charging connector111and the charging cable112. A sensor (not illustrated) is provided in the housing space115. This sensor detects whether the charging connector111and the charging cable112are housed at a predetermined position in the housing space115. A signal indicating a detection result from the sensor is output to the control device15and is transmitted to the server300after it has been received by the control device15.

The charging start button17A and the charging stop button17B are operated (pressed) by a user in a situation in which the charging connector111is inserted into the inlet91. When the charging start button17A or the charging stop button17B is operated, a signal indicating that the corresponding button has been operated is output to the control device15. When the charging start button17A is operated, the control device15starts plug-in charging of the vehicle9. On the other hand, when the charging stop button17B is operated while plug-in charging is being performed, the control device15stops (ends) plug-in charging.

The fixed unit14includes the lifting device12, the communication device153, and the control device15. The lifting device12raises and lowers the movable unit11in the +Z direction or the −Z direction such that the state of the charging stand1is switched between the housed state and the exposed state. The lifting device12may employ various mechanisms. Specifically, the lifting device12may employ a rack-and-pinion type mechanism, a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder, or a magnetic mechanism. The rack-and-pinion type mechanism rotates a pinion gear engaging with a rack gear fixed to the movable unit11using an electric actuator. The mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder increases or decreases a hydraulic pressure supplied to a cylinder body when a rod connected to a piston is fixed to the movable unit11. The magnetic mechanism generates a magnetic repulsive force between the movable unit11and the lifting device12.

The lifting device12preferably includes a mechanism (such as a stopper) for limiting excessive movement of the movable unit11in the +Z direction or the −Z direction. Accordingly, the lifting device12is configured such that the movable unit11is not lowered below a position corresponding to the housed state (that is, a position at which the upper end UL of the movable unit11is substantially flush with the ground GR). The lifting device12is configured such that the movable unit11is not raised above a position corresponding to the exposed state (that is, a position at which the upper end UL is higher a predetermined height Z0than the ground GR).

The communication device153communicates with an external device of the charging stand1(for example, the server300and a vehicle9) in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the communication device153receives a control command CC from the server300. The control command CC is used for the control device15to control the charging stand1. The communication device153is configured to receive a charging stop request CSR (FIG.3) from a vehicle9.

The control device15includes a processor151, a memory152, and a timer154. The processor151is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memory152includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM) (none of which are illustrated).

The control device15controls constituents of the charging stand1in accordance with information stored in the memory152and the control command CC housed from the server300via the communication device153. For example, the control device15controls the light emitting device13such that the light emitting device13emits light.

The control device15performs raising control and lowering control by controlling the lifting device12. Raising control is control for causing the lifting device12to raise the movable unit11in the +Z direction. Lowering control is control for causing the lifting device12to lower the movable unit11in the −Z direction. When raising control is performed in a situation in which the charging stand1is in the housed state, the charging stand1is changed to the exposed state.

In the exposed state, the charging stand1may serve as an obstacle for a pedestrian on a walkway20(FIG.1). Accordingly, a time period in which the charging stand1is in the exposed state is preferably as short as possible in a range in which plug-in charging using the charging stand1is possible.

Therefore, raising control is performed such that the charging stand1is switched from the housed state to the exposed state immediately (for example, in a predetermined time) before a reserved period of the charging stand1. Lowering control is performed when the charging connector111and the charging cable112are received in the housing space115in a situation in which plug-in charging of the vehicle9has ended. Accordingly, the charging stand1is switched from the exposed state to the housed state.

The vehicle9includes an inlet91, a charging device92, a battery93, an inverter94, a motor generator95, an HMI device98, a communication device120, and an ECU100.

The inlet91is configured such that the charging connector111of the charging stand1can be inserted thereinto. When the charging connector111is inserted into the inlet91, the inlet91and the charging connector111are electrically connected. Accordingly, electric power can be transmitted from the charging stand1to the vehicle9.

When AC electric power is supplied from the charging stand1to the inlet91, the charging device92converts the AC electric power to DC electric power and supplies the DC electric power to the battery93.

The battery93is a secondary battery such as a nickel-hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. A current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor (none of which are illustrated) are provided in the battery93. The current sensor, the voltage sensor, and the temperature sensor detect a current, a voltage, and a temperature of the battery93. Detection values from the sensors are output to the ECU100.

The inverter94converts DC electric power stored in the battery93to AC electric power and supplies the AC electric power to the motor generator95.

The motor generator95drives the vehicle9by applying a rotational force to driving wheels using electric power from the inverter94. Accordingly, the vehicle9travels.

The HMI device98includes an input device and a display device (none of which are illustrated). The input device receives a user operation (a reservation operation) for reserving the charging stand1. The display device displays various screens (including a screen for notifying a user whether reservation of the charging stand1is possible).

The communication device120is configured to communicate with the server300. For example, when the user operation is performed, the communication device120transmits a reservation request RR to the server300. The reservation request RR includes information indicating a charging stand1to be reserved (one of the charging stands1A to1E in the example illustrated inFIG.1) and a reserved period of the charging stand1. The communication device120is configured to communicate with the charging stand1and transmits, for example, a charging stop request CSR (FIG.3) to the charging stand1.

The ECU100includes a memory and a CPU (none of which are illustrated). The memory stores a program which is executed by the CPU. The CPU performs various operations in accordance with the program stored in the memory. Accordingly, the ECU100can control constituents of the vehicle9.

For example, the ECU100controls the communication device120such that a reservation request RR is transmitted from the vehicle9to the server300. When a state of charge (SOC) of the battery93reaches a predetermined charging threshold value while plug-in charging of the vehicle9is being performed, the ECU100transmits the charging stop request CSR to the charging stand1via the communication device120. Accordingly, plug-in charging ends. The ECU100can calculate the SOC of the battery93using a known technique based on detection values from the current sensor, the voltage sensor, and the temperature sensor.

The user terminal200includes an HMI device204, a communication device206, and a processing device202. The HMI device204has the same configuration and function as the HMI device98. Specifically, the HMI device204includes an input device and a display device (none of which are illustrated) and receives a user operation (a reservation operation) for a reservation request RR. A signal indicating that the reservation operation has been performed is transmitted from the HMI device204to the processing device202. The communication device206is configured to communicate with the server300.

The processing device202includes a CPU and a memory (none of which are illustrated). The processing device202controls the HMI device204and the communication device206. For example, when a user operation for a reservation request RR is performed on the HMI device204, the processing device202controls the communication device206such that the reservation request RR is transmitted from the user terminal200to the server300. In this way, the reservation request RR may be transmitted from one of the communication device120of the vehicle9and the communication device206of the user terminal200to the server300.

The server300is configured to manage and control a plurality of charging stands1. The server300includes a storage device304, a communication device306, a timer307, and a processing device302.

The storage device304stores a time table indicating various states of the charging stands1(including a reservation state of each charging stand1). Reservation state information indicating the reservation state is used to determine whether the corresponding charging stand1is available. Details of the time table will be described later in detail.

The communication device306is configured to communicate with the vehicle9, the user terminal200, and the charging stand1.

The processing device (control device)302generates a control command CC for controlling the charging stand1(specifically, the light emitting device13, the lifting device12, and the like). The processing device302transmits a control command CC to the charging stand1via the communication device306.

For example, a user may not use a reserved charging stand1when another user has reserved the charging stand1. Accordingly, there is demand for techniques for allowing a user to easily recognize whether a charging stand1is available. Particularly, when the charging stand1is in the housed state (FIG.2), a user has difficulty recognizing the charging stand1. Accordingly, a user has difficulty recognizing whether the charging stand1is available.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the processing device302of the server300sets first and second light emission modes such that a light emission mode (the first light emission mode) of the light emitting device13when the charging stand1is available and a light emission mode (the second light emission mode) of the light emitting device13when the charging stand1is not available are different. For example, the processing device302sets the first and second light emission modes such that an emission color of the light emitting device13in the first light emission mode is green (a first color) and the emission color of the light emitting device13in the second light emission mode is red (a second color).

With this configuration, a user can visually recognize whether the charging stand1is available based on whether the light emission mode of the light emitting device13is the first light emission mode or the second light emission mode (for example, based on whether the emission color is red or green). As a result, a user can easily recognize whether the charging stand1is available in comparison with a case in which it is recognized by audio notification. Particularly, even in a situation in which the charging stand1is in the housed state (FIG.2), the light emitting device13emits light to a space above the ground GR in the first or second light emission mode. Accordingly, a user can easily recognize whether the charging stand1is available.

The case in which the charging stand1is available is, for example, a case in which the charging stand1is not reserved. The case in which the charging stand1is available includes a case in which the charging stand1is reserved and a current time is earlier than a first reference time a first predetermined time prior to a start time of the reserved period of the charging stand1(for example, a time 30 minutes prior to the start time). In this case, the start time of the reserved period does not come soon. Accordingly, a user other than the user having reserved the charging stand is permitted to use the charging stand1.

The case in which the charging stand1is not available is a case in which the charging stand1is reserved and the current time is in a time period between the start time and the reference time. In this case, the start time of the reserved period comes soon. Accordingly, a user other than the user having reserved the charging stand is not permitted to use the charging stand1. The light emission modes of the light emitting device13will be described below in more detail.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating details of the time table400stored in the storage device304of the server300.

Referring toFIG.4, the time table400represents temporal changes of a reservation state, an availability state, a color state of the emission color of the light emitting device13, and the exposed/housed state for a representative charging stand1(for example, the charging stand1A inFIG.1).

Specifically, the time table400includes reservation state information RI, availability state information AUI, color state information CI, and exposed/housed state information EAI.

The reservation state information RI indicates a temporal change of the reservation state of the charging stand1((A) ofFIG.4). Reserved periods RP1, RP2, and RP3are periods which have been reserved by users U1, U2, and U3having performed an operation of a reservation request RR. Non-reserved periods NRP1, NRP2, and NRP3are periods different from the reserved periods RP1, RP2, and RP3.

The reservation state information RI is used to determine whether the charging stand1is available by a user other than the user having performed the reservation operation for a nearest reserved period. The nearest reserved period is a reserved period which is temporally closest to the current time out of at least one reserved periods after the current time. In the example illustrated inFIG.4, when the current time is assumed to be time t0, the nearest reserved period is the reserved period RP1out of the reserved periods RP1to RP3.

The availability state information AUI indicates a temporal change of the availability state of the charging stand1((B) ofFIG.4). The availability state information AUI is generated (determined) by the processing device302based on the reservation state information RI. Specifically, the charging stand1is not available in a period from a time (a first reference time) a predetermined time PT1prior to a start time of a reserved period to an end time of the reserved period. For example, the charging stand1is not available in an unavailable period UAP1from time t1to time t5. In other words, a user other than the user U1is not permitted to use the charging stand1in this period. Similarly, the charging stand1is not available in an unavailable period UAP2.

In a period (for example, an available period AP1and an available period AP2) other than the unavailable period UAP1and the unavailable period UAP2, the charging stand1is available. In this period, a user other than the user having performed the reservation operation is permitted to use the charging stand1.

The color state information CI indicates a temporal change of the emission color of the light emitting device13of the charging stand1((C) ofFIG.4). The color state information CI is generated by the processing device302based on the availability state information AUI. In this example, the emission color of the light emitting device13in an available period is green. On the other hand, the emission color of the light emitting device13in an unavailable period is red.

The exposed/housed state information EAI indicates a temporal change of the exposed/housed state of the charging stand1(more specifically, the raised/lowered state of the movable unit11) ((D) ofFIG.4). The exposed/housed state information EAI is generated by the processing device302based on the reservation state information RI. Specifically, the charging stand1is in the exposed state in a period from a time (a second reference time) a predetermined time PT2prior to a start time of a reserved period to a time at which the charging connector111and the charging cable112are returned (housed) in the housing space115after the reserved period has expired. In the other periods, the charging stand1is in the housed state.

The temporal changes of the reservation state, the availability state, the color state, and the exposed/housed state will be more specifically described below.

At time t0, the charging stand1is in the housed state. In a period from time t0to time t1, time t is earlier than a time (the first reference time) t1the predetermined time PT1(for example, 30 minutes) prior to time t3which is the start time of the reserved period RP1. Accordingly, in this period, the charging stand1is available (the available period AP1). As a result, the emission color of the light emitting device13is green.

In the period from time t1(the first reference time) to time t3(the start time of the reserved period RP1), the charging stand1is not available (the unavailable period UAP1). Accordingly, the emission color of the light emitting device13is red.

At time t2(the second reference time), the lifting device12of the fixed unit14performs raising control such that plug-in charging is possible in the reserved period RP1. Accordingly, the charging stand1is switched from the housed state to the exposed state. Time t2is a time (that is, a time immediately before the start time) the predetermined time PT2(for example, 1 minute) prior to time t3(the start time of the reserved period RP1). When the raising control is performed in this way, it is possible to make a time period in which the charging stand1is in the exposed state as short as possible.

A period from time t3to time t5is the reserved period RP1. In this example, at time t3, a user takes out the charging cable112from the housing space115, inserts the charging connector111to the inlet91, and operates the charging start button17A. Accordingly, plug-in charging of the vehicle9is started.

At time t4, when the SOC of the battery93reaches a charging threshold value, the ECU100outputs a charging stop request CSR to the charging stand1via the communication device120. Accordingly, plug-in charging using the charging stand1ends. The plug-in charging may end when the charging stop button17B is operated. After the plug-in charging has ended, the user receives the charging connector111and the charging cable112in a predetermined position in the housing space115. When the charging connector111and the charging cable112are housed in the housing space115, the control device15performs lowering control. Specifically, the control device15controls the lifting device12such that the movable unit11is lowered in the −Z direction. Accordingly, the charging stand1is switched from the exposed state to the housed state.

In a period from time t5to time t6, time t is earlier than time t6(the first reference time) the predetermined time PT1prior to time t8which is the start time of the reserved period RP2. Accordingly, the charging stand1is available in this period (the available period AP2). The emission color of the light emitting device13is green.

In a period from time t6to time t11, similarly to the period from time t1to time t5, the charging stand1is not available (the unavailable period UAP2). Accordingly, the emission color of the light emitting device13is red.

At time t7, time t is a time (a time immediately before the start time) the predetermined time PT2prior to time t8(the start time of the reserved period RP2). Accordingly, similarly to time t2, the charging stand1is switched from the housed state to the exposed state.

The period from time t8to time t11is the reserved period RP2. In this example, plug-in charging of the vehicle9is started at time t8, and the plug-in charging is ended at time t11.

Time t11is an end time of the reserved period RP2and is in a time period between time t9(the first reference time) the predetermined time PT1prior to time t12which is the start time of the next reserved period RP3and time t12. In other words, time t12which is the start time of the reserved period RP3comes soon. Accordingly, a user other than the user U3is not permitted to use the charging stand1. Accordingly, in a period from time t11to time t13which is the end time of the reserved period RP3, the emission color of the light emitting device13is kept red.

Time t11is also in a time period between time t10(that is, the second reference time immediately before the start time of the reserved period RP3) the predetermined time PT2(for example, 1 minute) prior to time t12and time t12. Accordingly, lowering control is not performed at time t11such that plug-in charging is possible in the next reserved period RP3. Accordingly, the charging stand1is kept in the exposed state.

FIG.5is a flowchart schematically illustrating processes associated with plug-in charging of a vehicle9using a charging stand1. The processes in this flowchart are performed at intervals of a predetermined time when the user terminal200, the server300, and the charging stand1are operating.

Referring toFIG.5, the processes associated with plug-in charging are roughly classified into three processes. First, a pre-charging process is performed before the plug-in charging (Step S10). Subsequently, a charging process is performed in the plug-in charging (Step S20). Then, a post-charging process is performed after the plug-in charging has ended (Step S30). These processes will be described below in detail.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example of details of the pre-charging process (Step S10inFIG.5). When the process of the flowchart is started, the charging stand1is in the housed state in which the charging stand1is housed under the ground GR. The following description will be made with appropriate reference toFIGS.2to4.

Referring toFIG.6, the processing device202of the user terminal200determines whether a reservation operation for the charging stand1has been performed (Step S205). Specifically, the processing device202determines whether a signal indicating that a user operation for a reservation request RR has been performed has been received from the HMI device204.

When a reservation operation for the charging stand1has not been performed (NO in Step S205), the processing device202returns the process flow. On the other hand, when a reservation operation for the charging stand1has been performed (YES in Step S205), the processing device202transmits a reservation request RR to the server300via the communication device206(Step S210). Thereafter, the processing device202causes the process flow to proceed to Step S215.

In Step S305, the processing device302of the server300determines whether a reservation request RR has been received via the communication device306. When a reservation request RR has not been received (NO in Step S305), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S335. On the other hand, when a reservation request RR has been received (YES in Step S305), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S310.

Subsequently, the processing device302reads the time table400from the storage device304(Step S310). Then, the processing device302determines whether a reservation of the charging stand1is possible based on the time table400(Step S315). Specifically, the processing device302determines whether a reserved period indicated by the reservation request RR (a newly requested reserved period) and a reserved period previously registered in the time table400overlap.

When a reservation of the charging stand1is not possible (NO in Step S315), that is, when the newly requested reserved period and the previously registered reserved period overlap, the processing device302transmits reservation impossibility information to the user terminal200via the communication device306(Step S320). The reservation impossibility information is information indicating that a reservation of the charging stand1is not possible. After Step S320, the process flow proceeds to Step S335.

On the other hand, when a reservation of the charging stand1is possible (YES in Step S315), that is, when the newly requested reserved period and the previously registered reserved period do not overlap, the processing device302transmits reservation possibility information to the user terminal200via the communication device306(Step S325). The reservation possibility information is information indicating that a reservation of the charging stand1is possible. After Step S325, the processing device302updates the time table400such that the newly requested reserved time is registered in the time table400(Step S330). Specifically, the processing device302updates the reservation state information RI, the availability state information AUI, the color state information CI, and the exposed/housed state information EAI. After Step S330, the process flow proceeds to Step S335.

In Step S215, the processing device202of the user terminal200determines whether reservation impossibility information has been received via the communication device206. When reservation impossibility information has been received (YES in Step S215), the processing device202notifies a user that a reservation of the charging stand1is not possible (Step S220). Specifically, the processing device202displays a screen (not illustrated) indicating that a reservation is not possible on the display device of the HMI device204. On the other hand, when reservation impossibility information has not been received, that is, when reservation possibility information has been received (NO in Step S215), the processing device202notifies a user that a reservation of the charging stand1is possible (Step S225). Specifically, the processing device202displays a screen (not illustrated) indicating that a reservation is possible on the display device of the HMI device204.

In Step S335, the processing device302performs a process of setting a light emission mode of the light emitting device13. Details of this process will be described later with reference toFIG.7.

Subsequently, the processing device302transmits light emission information indicating the set light emission mode to the charging stand1via the communication device306(Step S340). The light emission information is transmitted as a part of the control command CC to the charging stand1.

In Step S105, the control device15of the charging stand1receives light emission information via the communication device153. Then, the control device15controls the light emitting device13such that the light emitting device13emits light in the light emission mode indicated by the light emission information (Step S110). Thereafter, the control device15causes the process flow to proceed to Step S115.

In Step S345, the processing device302of the server300reads the time table400(Step S345). Then, the processing device302acquires a current time with reference to the timer307(Step S350).

Subsequently, the processing device302determines whether the current time is in a time period within the predetermined time PT2(FIG.4) from the start time of the nearest reserved period (Step S355). When the current time is not in the time period within the predetermined time PT2from the start time of the nearest reserved period (that is, not a time immediately before the start time) (NO in Step S355), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S365. On the other hand, when the current time is in the time period within the predetermined time PT2from the start time of the nearest reserved period (that is, a time immediately before the start time) (YES in Step S355), the processing device302sets the position of the charging stand1(more specifically, the movable unit11) such that the charging stand1is in the exposed state (Step S360). A position signal S1indicating the position set in Step S360is transmitted from the server300to the charging stand1. The position signal S1is transmitted as a part of the control command CC to the charging stand1.

In Step S115, the control device15of the charging stand1determines whether the position signal S1has been received. When the position signal S1has not been received (NO in Step S115), the control device15repeatedly performs this determination process until the position signal S1is received. On the other hand, when the position signal S1has been received (YES in Step S115), the control device15controls the lifting device12in accordance with the position signal S1such that the charging stand1is in the exposed state (Step S120). Thereafter, the charging connector111of the charging stand1is taken out from the housing space115and is inserted into the inlet91of the vehicle9by the user.

Subsequently, the control device15determines whether the charging start button17A has been operated by to user (Step S125). Specifically, the control device15determines whether a signal indicating that the charging start button17A has been operated has been received.

When the charging start button17A has not been operated (NO in Step S125), the control device15returns the process flow. On the other hand, when the charging start button17A has been operated (YES in Step S125), the control device15starts plug-in charging of the vehicle9(Step S130) and transmits a charging start notification to the server300via the communication device153(Step S135). Thereafter, the process flow for the charging stand1proceeds to Step S150inFIG.8(which will be described later).

In Step S365, the processing device302of the server300determines whether the charging start notification has been received via the communication device306. When the charging start notification has not been received (NO in Step S365), the processing device302returns the process flow. On the other hand, when the charging start notification has been received (YES in Step S365), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S368inFIG.9(which will be described later).

In the example illustrated inFIG.6, a reservation operation of a charging stand is performed using the user terminal200, but may be performed using the HMI device98of the vehicle9. In this case, in the processes of Steps S205to S225, the processes performed by the processing device202, the HMI device204, and the communication device206of the processing device202of the user terminal200are performed by the ECU100, the HMI device98, and the communication device120of the vehicle9.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating details of a light emission mode setting process (the process of Step S335inFIG.6). The following description will be made with appropriate reference toFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.7, the processing device302reads the time table400(Step S3351). The time table400is an updated time table when the process of Step S330(the process of updating the time table400) has been performed.

In Step S3352, the processing device302acquires a current time with reference to the timer307.

Subsequently, the processing device302determines whether the charging stand1is reserved based on the reservation state information RI included in the time table400(Step S3353). Specifically, the processing device302determines whether a reserved period (at least one of the reserved periods RP1, RP2, and RP3in the example illustrated inFIG.4) is included in a period after the current time. When the charging stand1is not reserved (NO in Step S3353), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S3355. On the other hand, when the charging stand1is reserved (YES in Step S3353), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S3354.

Subsequently, the processing device302determines whether the current time is earlier than the first reference time of the nearest reserved period (Step S3354). The first reference time is a time (time t1, time t6, or time t9in the example illustrated inFIG.4) the predetermined time PT1(for example, 30 minutes) prior to the start time of a next reserved period. When the current time is earlier than the first reference time (YES in Step S3354), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S3355.

In Step S3355, the processing device302determines that the charging stand1is available. Then, the processing device302sets the emission color of the light emitting device13to green based on the determination result (Step S3356). Accordingly, the light emission mode (the emission color in this example) is set. The emission color corresponds to a color indicated by the color state information CI. The light emitting device13emits light according to the light emission mode (a state in which the emission color is green in this example) (Step S110inFIG.6). As a result, a user can visually recognize that the charging stand1is available. After the process of Step S3356, the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S340inFIG.6.

On the other hand, when the current time is later than the first reference time (NO in Step S3354), the processing device302determines that the current time is in a time period between the start time of the nearest reserved period and the nearest first reference time (Step S3357). Accordingly, the processing device302determines that the charging stand1is not available (Step S3358). The processing device302sets the emission color of the light emitting device13to be red based on the determination result (Step S3359). This emission color corresponds to the color indicated by the color state information CI. The light emitting device13emits light based on the light emission mode (a state in which the emission color is read in this example) (Step S110inFIG.6). As a result, a user can visually recognize that the charging stand1is not available. After the process of Step S3359, the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S340inFIG.6.

In the processes of the flowchart illustrated inFIG.7, the processing device302may determine whether the charging stand1is available based on the availability state information AUI included in the time table400instead of performing the processes of Steps S3353and S3354. Then, the processing device302may cause the process flow to branch to Step S3355or S3358(S3357) based on the determination result.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating details of a charging process (Step S20inFIG.5).

Referring toFIG.8, the control device15of the charging stand1determines whether the SOC of the battery93of the vehicle9has reached a charging threshold value. Specifically, the control device15determines whether a charging stop request CSR has been received from the ECU100via the communication device153. When the SOC has reached the charging threshold value (YES in Step S150), the control device15causes the process flow to proceed to Step S160. On the other hand, when the SOC has not reached the charging threshold value (NO in Step S150), the control device15causes the process flow to proceed to Step S155.

Subsequently, the control device15determines whether the charging stop button17B has been operated (Step S155). When the charging stop button17B has not been operated (NO in Step S155), the control device15returns the process flow to Step S150. On the other hand, when the charging stop button17B has been operated (YES in Step S155), the control device15causes the process flow to proceed to Step S160.

Subsequently, the control device15transmits a charging end notification to the server300via the communication device153(Step S160). Thereafter, the control device15causes the process flow to proceed to Step S170inFIG.9.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating details of a post-charging process (Step S30inFIG.5).

Referring toFIG.9, the processing device302of the server300determines whether the charging end notification transmitted in Step S160inFIG.8has been received via the communication device306(Step S368). When the charging end notification has not been received (NO in Step S368), the processing device302repeatedly performs this determination process until the charging end notification is received. On the other hand, when the charging end notification has been received (YES in Step S368), the processing device302causes the process flow to proceed to Step S370.

Subsequently, the processing device302determines whether the charging connector111and the charging cable112(FIGS.2and3) are housed in the housing space115(Step S370). Specifically, the processing device302performs the determination process of Step S370based on a signal indicating a detection result from a sensor that senses whether the charging connector111and the charging cable112are housed in the housing space115.

When the charging connector111and the charging cable112are not housed in the housing space115(NO in Step S370), the processing device302repeatedly performs the determination process of Step S370until the charging connector111and the charging cable112are housed in the housing space115. On the other hand, when the charging connector111and the charging cable112are housed in the housing space115(YES in Step S370), the processing device302acquires a current time with reference to the timer307(Step S375) and causes the process flow to proceed to Step S380.

Subsequently, the processing device302determines whether the current time is in a time period between a start time of a next reserved period and the second reference time (Step S380). The second reference time is a time the predetermined time PT2(for example, 1 minute) prior to the start time of the next reserved period.

When the current time is not in the time period between the start time of the next reserved period and the second reference time (NO in Step S380), the processing device302sets the position of the charging stand1(more specifically the movable unit11) such that the charging stand1is in the housed state (Step S385). This case corresponds to a case in which the current time immediately after the plug-in charging has ended is not a time immediately before the start time of the next reserved period. A position signal S2indicating the position set in Step S385is transmitted from the server300to the charging stand1. The position signal S2is transmitted as a part of the control command CC to the charging stand1.

On the other hand, when the current time is in the time period between the start time of the next reserved period and the second reference time (YES in Step S380), the processing device302returns the process flow to Step S360inFIG.6. This case corresponds to a case in which the current time immediately after the plug-in charging has ended is a time immediately before the start time of the next reserved period. Accordingly, the charging stand1is kept in the exposed state such that plug-in charging is possible in the next reserved period. This case corresponds to a case in which the current time is in the time period from time t11to time t12in the example illustrated inFIG.4.

In Step S170, the control device15of the charging stand1determines whether the position signal S2has been received via the communication device153. When the position signal S2has not been received (NO in Step S170), the control device15repeatedly performs this determination process until the position signal S2is received. On the other hand, when the position signal S2has been received (YES in Step S170), the control device15controls the lifting device12based on the position signal S2such that the charging stand1is in the housed state. Specifically, the control device15performs lowering control. Thereafter, the control device15ends the process flow ofFIG.9.

Modified Example 1 of Embodiment

In the aforementioned embodiment, the processing device302sets (changes) the emission color of the light emitting device13based on whether the charging stand1is available.

On the other hand, the processing device302may set the light emission pattern of the light emitting device13based on whether the charging stand1is available. For example, the processing device302may generate the control command CC such that the light emitting device13is turned on in the first light emission mode and the light emitting device13is turned off in the second light emission mode.

With this configuration, when the charging stand1is not available, the light emitting device13is turned off and thus electric power of the light emitting device13is not consumed. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the light emitting device13and to enable a user to easily recognize whether the charging stand1is available.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating details of the process of setting the light emission mode of the light emitting device13according to this modified example. This flowchart is different from the flowchart illustrated inFIG.7, in that Steps S3356and S3358in the flowchart ofFIG.7are replaced with Steps S3356A and S3358A.

Referring toFIG.7, when it is determined that the charging stand1is available (when Step S3355is performed), the processing device302sets the light emission mode such that the light emitting device13is turned on (Step S3356A). On the other hand, when it is determined that the charging stand1is not available (when Step S3358is performed), the processing device302sets the light emission mode such that the light emitting device13is turned off (Step S3359A).

Modified Example 2 of Embodiment

In the aforementioned embodiment and Modified Example 1, the processing device302of the server300sets the light emission mode of the light emitting device13. On the other hand, the control device15of the charging stand1may set the light emission mode of the light emitting device13.

For example, the processing device302of the server300transmits a copy of the time table400stored in the storage device304to the charging stand1via the communication device306in real time.

The control device15receives the copy via the communication device153. Then, the control device15determines whether the charging stand1is available at a current time based on the availability state information AUI included in the copy and the current time indicated by the timer154. The control device15sets the light emission mode of the light emitting device13based on the determination result. Specifically, the control device15performs the processes of Steps S3351to S3359inFIG.7(or Steps S3351to S3355, S3356A, S3357, S3358, and S3359A inFIG.10). Accordingly, the light emission mode (for example, the emission color or a light emission pattern) is set. The control device15controls the light emitting device13such that the light emitting device13emits light according to the set light emission mode.

Other Modified Examples

The movable unit11may be configured to be manually raised or lowered by a user. In this case, a handle which is grasped by a user is provided at the upper end UL of the movable unit11(FIGS.2and3).

The “power supply facility” according to the present disclosure is not limited to a charging stand1and may be a power supply facility which is used for usage other than plug-in charging of a vehicle9.

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.