JPWO2017145510A1 - Server apparatus, server apparatus control method, and storage battery pack utilization method - Google Patents

Abstract

The server device includes a communication device that communicates with the charging device or information terminal of the storage battery pack, and a controller. The controller uses the storage battery pack that the communication device has acquired from the charging device or information terminal. When the recommended usage conditions recommended to improve safety are satisfied, the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced compared to when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, and the user of the storage battery pack uses the usage fee Make adjustments that are at least one of increasing the available points.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a server device that communicates with an information terminal.

  Conventionally, systems, devices, and the like for lending storage battery packs have been proposed. The battery rental system server described in Patent Literature 1 and the usage amount setting device described in Patent Literature 2 are examples thereof.

JP 2011-118638 A JP2013-232129A

  However, the storage battery pack is not always used properly and may be used inappropriately.

  In view of the above circumstances, an exemplary embodiment provides a server device that can support appropriate use of a storage battery pack and a control method thereof.

  A server device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device that communicates with a charging device or an information terminal of a storage battery pack, and a usage status of the storage battery pack that is acquired from the charging device or the information terminal via the communication device. When the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack are satisfied, the usage charge of the storage battery pack is reduced compared to when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, and the storage battery A controller that performs adjustment that is at least one of increasing points that can be used by the user of the pack as the usage fee.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific body uses may be realized by a non-transitory recording medium such as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable CD-ROM. The present invention may be realized by any combination of an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

  The server device according to an aspect of the present disclosure supports appropriate use of the storage battery pack.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage battery management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the storage battery management system 100. FIG. 4 is a table illustrating recommended usage conditions for the storage battery pack. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining determination based on the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged in a low temperature environment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining determination based on the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment process performed according to the result of the recommended usage condition determination. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image displayed on the display device of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is compliance. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image displayed on the display device of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is violation.

(Knowledge that became the basis of this disclosure)
This inventor discovered the subject by examination regarding utilization of a storage battery pack. This will be specifically described below.

  In recent years, electrical devices using storage battery packs have become widespread. An electric assist bicycle is an example. For example, a user of an electrical device purchases a storage battery pack used for the electrical device, and operates the electrical device using the purchased storage battery pack. Recently, a storage battery pack lending system for allowing users of electrical equipment to borrow a storage battery pack used in the electrical equipment and operate the electrical equipment using the borrowed storage battery pack has begun to be examined.

  For example, in such a lending system, a user who is a borrower of a storage battery pack can use the rented storage battery pack within a predetermined usage amount or a predetermined usage period. On the other hand, it is prohibited to use the storage battery pack beyond the range of the predetermined usage amount or the predetermined usage period. Therefore, for example, the user returns the storage battery pack according to a predetermined usage amount or a predetermined usage period range. And a user newly borrows the returned storage battery pack or another storage battery pack in order to operate an electric equipment.

  Specifically, the procedure for newly borrowing a storage battery pack is performed at a service center where the storage battery pack is lent. Therefore, basically, an operation in which the user goes to the service center occurs in accordance with a predetermined usage amount or a predetermined usage period range. In order to omit this work, a procedure for enabling continuous use of the storage battery pack lent to the user may be performed via the communication network. Thereby, the work to go to the service center is omitted.

  However, the loaned battery pack may be used inappropriately. And since the procedure for enabling the continued use of the lent storage battery pack is performed via the communication network, the lent storage battery pack may be used inappropriately and continuously.

  Therefore, a server device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device that communicates with a storage battery pack charging device or an information terminal, and a controller, and the controller includes the charging device or the information. When the usage status of the storage battery pack obtained from the terminal satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, i) compared to when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, The adjustment is made at least one of reducing the usage fee of the storage battery pack and ii) increasing the points that the user of the storage battery pack can use as the usage fee.

  For this reason, an incentive can be given to a user who satisfies the recommended use condition, and the user can be encouraged to use the storage battery pack while satisfying the recommended use condition. Therefore, the server device can support the user's appropriate use of the storage battery pack.

  Further, the recommended use condition may be a condition for reducing occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack.

  For this reason, the use of the storage battery pack by the user can be supported so that the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack is reduced.

  Further, the recommended use condition may be a condition for reducing occurrence of a short circuit between single cells of the storage battery pack.

  For this reason, utilization of a storage battery pack by a user can be supported so that occurrence of a short circuit between single cells of the storage battery pack can be reduced.

  Further, the recommended use condition may be that the temperature of the storage battery pack is not charged below a predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.

  For this reason, it is possible to support appropriate use of the storage battery pack in which the storage battery pack is not charged at a predetermined temperature or lower.

  Further, when the communication device receives from the charging device or the information terminal information indicating the charging temperature of the storage battery pack being charged detected by a temperature sensor provided in the storage battery pack, the controller It may be determined whether or not a charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and when the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, it may be determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

  Thereby, since it can determine more correctly whether the storage battery pack is charged below predetermined temperature, the appropriate utilization of a storage battery pack can be promoted more.

  The recommended use condition may be that an amount of impact detected by an impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than an upper limit value recommended for improving safety of the storage battery pack.

  For this reason, it is possible to support appropriate use of the storage battery pack so that the impact amount exceeding the upper limit value is not given to the storage battery pack.

  Further, when the communication device receives information indicating the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal, the controller causes the impact amount to improve the safety of the storage battery pack. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value that is a recommended upper limit value, and when the amount of impact is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage condition May be.

  Thereby, since it can determine more correctly whether the amount of impact given to the storage battery pack is more than an upper limit, appropriate use of a storage battery pack can be promoted more.

  The recommended use condition may be that the number of impacts detected by an impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than an upper limit recommended for improving safety of the storage battery pack.

  For this reason, it is possible to support an appropriate use of the storage battery pack in which the impact exceeding the upper limit value is not given to the storage battery pack.

  In addition, when the communication device receives information indicating the amount of impact and the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal, the controller determines whether the impact amount is safety of the storage battery pack. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is smaller than a first predetermined value that is an upper limit recommended for improvement, and the number of impacts of the impact that is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the first predetermined number or more which is an upper limit recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and when the number of shocks is equal to or more than the first predetermined number, It may be determined that the recommended use condition is not satisfied.

  Thereby, when the impact received by the storage battery pack is not a large impact that is an impact amount greater than or equal to the first predetermined value that threatens the safety of the storage battery pack, but is an intermediate impact that is an impact amount that is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value. In addition, it is possible to further promote the appropriate use of the storage battery pack so as not to give the storage battery pack a medium impact that exceeds the upper limit value.

  The controller may reduce the usage fee when the usage status satisfies the recommended usage condition.

  For this reason, an incentive can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status satisfies the recommended usage conditions.

  The controller may increase the usage fee when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

  For this reason, an incentive can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status satisfies the recommended usage conditions.

  The controller may give the points when the usage status satisfies the recommended usage condition.

  For this reason, a penalty can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

  The controller may decrease the points when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

  For this reason, a penalty can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. The present invention may be realized by any combination of a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional constituent elements.

  In the following description, charging / discharging means at least one of charging and discharging. The use of the storage battery pack may be charging of the storage battery pack or discharging of the storage battery pack. The use of the storage battery pack may be the use of the storage battery pack. Further, whether or not the storage battery pack can be used may correspond to whether or not the storage battery pack is used. For example, enabling use may correspond to permitting use, and disabling use may correspond to prohibiting use.

(Embodiment)
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage battery management system according to the embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a storage battery pack 200, a charging device 300, a router 400, a communication network 500, a server device 600, and an information terminal 700 are shown. For example, the storage battery management system 100 includes a storage battery pack 200, a charging device 300, and a server device 600 among these components.

  The storage battery management system 100 is a system for managing the storage battery pack 200. The storage battery management system 100 is used as a loan system for the storage battery pack 200 and the charging device 300, for example. In the following embodiment, it demonstrates as the battery pack 200 and the charging device 300 are lent to a user.

[Storage battery pack]
First, the storage battery pack 200 will be described. The storage battery pack 200 is a device to be charged and discharged, and is a device for storing electric energy. For example, the storage battery pack 200 is lent to a user from a lender, and is detachably connected to an electric device such as an electric assist bicycle. The electric device to which the storage battery pack 200 is connected operates with electric power obtained by discharging the storage battery pack 200. Storage battery pack 200 is detachably connected to charging device 300.

  The storage battery pack 200 includes a storage battery 201, a detector 202, a controller 203, a storage device 204, a communication device 205, a power terminal 206, a communication terminal 207, and a power terminal 208.

  The storage battery 201 is a component for storing electrical energy, and is also called a secondary battery or a rechargeable battery. The storage battery 201 may be composed of one single cell (cell, unit cell, battery block) or may be composed of a plurality of single cells.

  The detector 202 is a component for detecting the state of the storage battery 201. For example, the detector 202 detects the voltage, temperature, etc. of the storage battery 201. The detector 202 may detect the internal resistance of the storage battery 201. The detector 202 detects the magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200, the number of times the impact force is applied, and the like. Specifically, the detector 202 includes, for example, a voltmeter, a thermometer, an impact sensor, and the like.

  The controller 203 is a component for controlling the operation of the storage battery pack 200. For example, the controller 203 controls charging and discharging of the storage battery 201. Further, the controller 203 stores the voltage and temperature of the storage battery 201 detected by the detector 202, the magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200, the number of times the impact force is applied, and the like in the storage device 204. The voltage of the storage battery 201, internal resistance, etc. are memorize | stored as information which shows the state of the storage battery pack 200, for example. The temperature of the storage battery 201 is stored as temperature information, for example. The magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200 and the number of times the impact force is applied are stored as impact-related information. The magnitude of the impact force is an example of a value related to the impact force. Note that the information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200 may include temperature information, impact-related information, and the like.

  In addition, the controller 203 communicates with the charging device 300 by controlling the communication device 205. Specifically, when storage battery pack 200 is connected to charging device 300, controller 203 transmits information stored in storage device 204 to charging device 300 using communication device 205. Whether or not the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 can be detected based on whether or not the communication device 205 has received a notification from the communication device 301 of the charging device 300 via the communication terminal 207.

  Specifically, the controller 203 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but any controller having a control function may be used. The controller 203 may include, for example, an arithmetic processor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processor include an MPU and a CPU. An example of the memory is a memory. The controller 203 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  The storage device 204 stores the ID of the storage battery pack 200, information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200, temperature information, impact-related information, and the like. Specifically, the memory 204 is a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), but when the controller 203 includes a memory, the memory 204 is realized by the memory included in the controller 203. May be.

  The communication device 205 is a component for communicating with the charging apparatus 300. Specifically, the communication device 205 is a communication circuit or a communication module. The communication device 205 may include a communication terminal 207.

  More specifically, the communication device 205 uses the information stored in the storage device 204 when the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 based on the control of the controller 203, and the communication device 301 of the charging device 300. Send to. Communication between the communication device 205 and the communication device 301 included in the charging device 300 is performed in a state where the communication terminal 207 and the communication terminal 307 included in the charging device 300 are connected. A communication method between the communication device 205 and the communication device 301 is not particularly limited.

  The communication terminal 207 is a communication terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the communication terminal 307 of the charging device 300 that charges the storage battery pack 200. The communication terminal 207 may be electrically and mechanically connected to an electric device that consumes power discharged from the storage battery pack 200.

  Each of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 is a power terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the charging device 300 that charges the storage battery pack 200. The power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306 of the charging device 300, and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308 of the charging device 300. Each of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 may be connected to an electric device that consumes power discharged from the storage battery pack 200. The storage battery 201 is charged and discharged in a state where the power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308.

  Specifically, one of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 is a positive power terminal, and the other is a negative power terminal. For example, the power terminal 206 may be a positive power terminal and the power terminal 208 may be a negative power terminal.

[Charging device]
Next, the charging device 300 will be described. The charging device 300 is a device that charges the storage battery pack 200. The charging device 300 is lent to a user from, for example, a lender of the storage battery pack 200, and the user uses the battery pack 200 for charging. The charging device 300 may be configured to charge only one storage battery pack 200 or may be configured to charge a plurality of storage battery packs 200 simultaneously. The charging device 300 includes a communication device 301, a controller 302, a power supply device 303, a plug 305, a power terminal 306, a communication terminal 307, and a power terminal 308.

  The communication device 301 is a component for performing communication with the storage battery pack 200, the server device 600, and the like. The communication device 301 is specifically a communication circuit or a communication module. The communication device 301 may include a communication terminal 307.

  First, communication between the communication device 301 and the storage battery pack 200 will be described.

  When the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300, the communication device 301 communicates with the storage battery pack 200. Specifically, the communication device 301 communicates with the communication device 205 in a state where the communication terminal 207 of the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the communication terminal 307 of the charging device 300. In communication between the communication device 301 and the communication device 205, the communication device 301 receives information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200.

  Next, communication between the communication device 301 and the server device 600 will be described.

  For example, the communication device 301 communicates with the server device 600 via the communication network 500 or the like. The communication device 301 may communicate with the server device 600 via the router 400 and the communication network 500, or may communicate with the server device 600 via the information terminal 700 and the communication network 500. The communication between the communication device 301 and the router 400 is, for example, wireless communication, but may be wired communication.

  For example, the communication device 301 transmits information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 to the server device 600 via the communication network 500 or the like. The information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 is information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200. Specifically, information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200, temperature information, impact-related information, and the like. It is.

  The communication terminal 307 is a communication terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the communication terminal 207 of the storage battery pack 200.

  Each of the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 is a power terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the storage battery pack 200. The power terminal 306 is connected to the power terminal 206, and the power terminal 308 is connected to the power terminal 208. The storage battery 201 is charged and discharged in a state where the power terminal 306 is connected to the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 308 is connected to the power terminal 208.

  One of the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 is a positive power terminal, and the other is a negative power terminal. For example, the power terminal 306 may be a positive power terminal and the power terminal 308 may be a negative power terminal.

  The controller 302 is a component that performs control of the communication device 301, charge control of the storage battery pack 200, and the like. Specifically, the controller 302 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but may have any control function. The controller 302 may include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processor include an MPU and a CPU. An example of the memory is a memory. The controller 302 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  The power supply 303 is a component used for charging the storage battery pack 200. Power supply 303 includes a charging circuit that charges storage battery pack 200 connected to charging apparatus 300 using power supplied from an external power source such as a power system. Specifically, the power supply 303 converts AC power supplied from the power system through the plug 305 into DC power suitable for charging the storage battery pack 200. The power supply 303 is realized by, for example, an AC / DC converter, a DC / AC inverter, and a DC / DC converter.

  The plug 305 is an example of a power receiver, and is a component that is detachably connected to a power supply device such as an outlet.

[Router]
The router 400 is a device for relaying communication. The router 400 can communicate with the charging device 300. The router 400 can communicate with the server device 600 via a communication network 500 such as the Internet. Then, the router 400 communicates with the charging device 300 and relays communication between the charging device 300 and the server device 600 by communicating with the server device 600 via the communication network 500. For example, the router 400 performs wireless communication with the charging device 300 and performs wired communication with the server device 600.

  The router 400 can communicate with the information terminal 700. For example, the router 400 performs wireless communication with the information terminal 700.

[Communication network]
Communication network 500 is a communication network for charging device 300, router 400, server device 600, and information terminal 700 to communicate with each other. The communication network 500 may be a general-purpose network such as the Internet or a dedicated network for the storage battery management system 100.

[Server device]
Server device 600 is a server device for supporting appropriate use of storage battery pack 200. The server apparatus 600 may be an information processing apparatus such as a computer. Further, the server device 600 may be composed of a plurality of devices.

  Specifically, the server device 600 includes a communication device 601, a controller 602, and a storage device 603. Note that the storage device 603 may not be a component of the server device 600 and may be provided in another device that is connected to the server device 600 for communication.

  The communication device 601 is a component for performing communication with the charging device 300 and the information terminal 700. The communication device 601 is specifically a communication circuit or a communication module.

  The communication device 601 communicates with the router 400 via a communication network 500 such as the Internet. The communication device 601 communicates with the charging device 300 via the router 400 or the like. The communication between the communication device 601 and the router 400 is, for example, wired communication, but may be wireless communication. Further, the communication device 601 may directly communicate with the charging device 300 without using the router 400 or the like.

  Specifically, the communication device 601 receives information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 from the charging device 300 that charges the storage battery pack 200 via the communication network 500. The communication device 601 may receive information indicating the usage status from the information terminal 700 via the communication network 500.

  On the other hand, the communication device 601 can also communicate with the information terminal 700. Communication between the communication device 601 and the information terminal 700 includes wireless communication. For this wireless communication, a communication standard used in a mobile communication system such as the third generation mobile communication system (3G), the fourth generation mobile communication system (4G), or LTE (registered trademark) is used.

  Specifically, the communicator 601 is information that the user of the storage battery pack 200 possesses notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process (see below) performed by the controller 602 using the usage status of the storage battery pack 200. Transmit to terminal 700.

  Whether the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 acquired from the charging device 300 or the information terminal 700 via the communication device 601 satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200. Judgment is made. Then, the controller 602 reduces the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200 when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies the recommended usage conditions as compared to when the usage status does not satisfy, and the usage of the storage battery pack 200. The user performs adjustment (adjustment process) that is at least one of increasing points that can be used as the usage fee. The recommended use condition may be a condition for reducing the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack 200, or a condition for reducing the occurrence of a short circuit between a plurality of single cells included in the storage battery pack 200. Good. Details of the recommended usage conditions will be described later.

  Specifically, the controller 602 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but may have any control function. The controller 602 may include, for example, an arithmetic processor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processor include an MPU and a CPU. An example of the memory is a memory. The controller 203 may be configured by a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be configured by a plurality of controllers 602 that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  The storage device 603 stores usage conditions for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200. The storage device 603 stores information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 received via the communication device 601. The storage unit 603 stores the result of the adjustment process performed by the controller 602. Storage of information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in the storage device 603, update of the information, storage of the result of adjustment processing by the controller 602, and update of the result are performed by the controller 602.

  Specifically, the storage device 603 is a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). When the controller 602 includes a storage device, the storage device 603 may be realized as the storage device. Further, the storage device 603 may be realized as a storage device separate from the server device 600.

[Information terminal]
The information terminal 700 is a device that communicates with the server device 600 via the communication network 500 by communication connection with the router 400 or communication connection with the base station 510 of the mobile communication system. The information terminal 700 is specifically an information terminal possessed by the user of the storage battery pack 200. The information terminal 700 may be an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Wired communication may be applied to these communications, and wireless communication may be applied.

  For example, for the communication connection between the information terminal 700 and the base station 510 of the mobile communication system, for example, the third generation mobile communication system (3G), the fourth generation mobile communication system (4G), or LTE (registration) A communication standard used in a mobile communication system such as a trademark is used.

  The communication connection between the information terminal 700 and the router 400 is performed wirelessly, for example, but may be performed wired. Instead of router 400, information terminal 700 may relay communication between charging device 300 and server device 600.

  The information terminal 700 receives notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process from the server device 600. The notification information is display information for displaying a notification image. The information terminal 700 may receive the notification information directly from the server device 600, or may receive the notification information via the communication network 500 and the router 400.

  In the first embodiment, the information terminal 700 includes a display device 710. The display device 710 displays a notification image indicating an incentive or penalty given to a user based on notification information transmitted from the server device 600. Is displayed.

[Overall operation]
Next, the operation of the storage battery management system 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the storage battery management system 100.

  First, the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 by the user (S11). Specifically, the power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306, the communication terminal 207 is connected to the communication terminal 307, and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308. Then, in charging device 300, a voltage is applied between power terminal 306 and power terminal 308 (S12).

  The controller 302 of the charging device 300 recognizes that the storage battery pack 200 is connected by detecting that a voltage is applied between the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 (S13). When recognizing that the storage battery pack 200 is connected, the controller 302 causes the communication device 301 to notify that the connection of the storage battery pack 200 is completed (S14). This notification is transmitted to the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200.

  When the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200 receives the notification (S15), the controller 203 causes the communication device 205 to transmit the battery information of the storage battery pack 200 (S16). The battery information may include at least the ID of the storage battery pack 200. The battery information may include temperature information, impact-related information, and the like. Such information may be included in the battery information when necessary as information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in step S20. .

  When receiving the battery information from the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200 (S17), the communication device 301 of the charging device 300 transmits the received battery information to the communication device 601 of the server device 600 (S18).

  When the communication device 601 of the server device 600 receives battery information from the communication device 301 of the charging device 300, the controller 602 confirms information indicating the usage status stored in the storage device 603, that is, the usage status of the storage battery pack 200. (S19). When information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 such as temperature information and impact related information is included in the battery information, the controller 602 displays information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 stored in the storage device 603. Update. Specifically, when the battery information includes information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200, the controller 602 indicates the usage status stored in the storage device 603 in association with the ID of the storage battery pack 200. Update information.

  Then, the controller 602 determines whether the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 having the ID included in the battery information satisfies the recommended usage condition (S20). The controller 602 adjusts the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200 and the points that can be used as the usage fee by the user of the storage battery pack 200 (adjustment process) according to the result of the determination (S21). . Thereby, the controller 602 gives an incentive or a penalty to the user of the storage battery pack 200. The controller 602 causes the communication terminal 601 to notify the information terminal 700 of notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process (S22). The controller 602 may not notify the information terminal 700 of the notification information in step S22.

  For this reason, the server apparatus 600 can give an incentive to a user who satisfies the recommended use condition, and can prompt the user to use the storage battery pack 200 while satisfying the recommended use condition. Therefore, the server apparatus 600 can support appropriate use of the storage battery pack 200 by the user.

[Recommended use conditions]
Here, the recommended use condition of the storage battery pack 200 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a table illustrating recommended usage conditions for the storage battery pack.

As shown in FIG. 4, the recommended usage conditions are the following three conditions.
(1) The storage battery pack 200 is not charged at a low temperature.
(2) A large impact is not given to the storage battery pack 200.
(3) Do not give a medium impact to the storage battery pack 200 more than a predetermined number of times.

  First, condition (1) will be described.

  When the storage battery pack 200 is charged at a low temperature, an accident such as breakage may easily occur. For example, when the storage battery 201 is a lithium ion battery, if charging is performed at a low temperature, precipitation of lithium metal is promoted to cause an internal short circuit, which may easily cause an accident such as breakage. That is, it is one of the recommended usage conditions that the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is not charged at a low temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200.

  More specifically, the condition (1) is that the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature lower than the standard environmental temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined number of times. Good. The standard environmental temperature is, for example, 25 ° C., the predetermined temperature is, for example, 5 ° C., and the predetermined number of times is, for example, 10 times. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining determination based on the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged in a low temperature environment.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the recommended use condition is violated when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is higher than 0 ° C. and the number of times of charging is performed in a low temperature environment of 5 ° C. or less becomes 10 times or more. It is determined that Further, when the battery pack 200 is charged once in a low temperature environment where the temperature is 0 ° C. or less, it may be determined that the recommended use condition is violated. In addition, the storage battery pack 200 and the charging device 300 may have specifications that cannot be charged when the temperature of the storage battery 201 is 0 ° C. or less.

  As described above, the usage condition for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 is that the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature lower than the standard environmental temperature is predetermined. It may be less than the number of times.

  Thereby, the appropriate utilization of the storage battery pack which does not charge a storage battery pack below a predetermined temperature can be supported.

  In the above description, it is determined whether or not it is in a low temperature environment based on the temperature at the start of charging, but it is determined whether or not it is in a low temperature environment based on the temperature at the end of charging. May be performed, or an average temperature during charging may be used. In this case, the temperature information may be provided from the storage battery pack 200 as necessary. Further, when the temperature becomes 5 ° C. or less even once during charging, it may be determined that the temperature is low. In this case, for example, information indicating that the temperature has once decreased to 5 ° C. or less during charging may be transmitted from the charging device 300 to the server device 600.

  In addition, charging in a high temperature environment may be dangerous. Therefore, the usage condition for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 is that the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature higher than the standard environmental temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined number of times. It may be.

  Next, conditions (2) and (3) will be described.

  In the storage battery pack 200 to which a large impact force exceeding the first predetermined value (hereinafter also referred to as a large impact) is applied even once, the relationship between the positive electrode or the negative electrode and the separator has changed due to deformation of the storage battery 201, and an internal short circuit has occurred. There is a possibility. Specifically, when the storage battery 201 is deformed, the separator may be damaged and the positive electrode and the negative electrode may be short-circuited. Moreover, when a large impact is applied, the sealing body provided in the electrode terminal part of the container of the storage battery 201 may be loosened, and the electrolyte contained in the container may leak. Thereby, the some storage battery 201 which comprises the storage battery pack 200 may short-circuit. That is, it is one of the recommended usage conditions that the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack 200 is smaller than the upper limit value for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 (no significant impact).

  More specifically, the condition (2) may be that a value related to the impact force received by the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. The value relating to the impact force is, for example, a value indicating the magnitude of the impact force. The first predetermined value may be appropriately determined experimentally or empirically, and is not particularly limited.

  Moreover, even if the impact force is smaller than the first predetermined value, charging the storage battery pack 200 to which a moderate impact force (hereinafter also referred to as medium impact) greater than or equal to the second predetermined value is applied many times, Similar to the condition (2), there is a possibility that an internal short circuit or a short circuit between storage batteries may occur. That is, the recommendation of the storage battery pack 200 is that the number of impacts (medium impact) detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack 200 is smaller than the upper limit value (less than a predetermined number) that improves the safety of the storage battery pack. This is one of the usage conditions.

  More specifically, the condition (3) may be that the number of times the value related to the impact force received by the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value is less than the predetermined number. The second predetermined value may be appropriately determined experimentally or empirically, and is not particularly limited. The predetermined number is, for example, 1000 times.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining determination based on the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. The vertical axis in FIG. 6 indicates the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. Such an impact force is detected by the detector 202 and transmitted as battery-related information as impact-related information in step S16 of FIG. Note that the impact related information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200 is reset each time the content of the impact related information is reflected in the storage device 603 of the server device 600, for example.

[Adjustment process]
Next, the adjustment process performed by the controller 602 after the determination of the recommended use condition will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment process performed according to the result of the recommended usage condition determination.

  When the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies all the above-described three recommended usage conditions in the adjustment process (the determination result is “Compliance”), the controller 602 reduces the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200. You may adjust. For example, the controller 602 may reduce a monthly rental fee for the storage battery pack 200 in the adjustment process, or a fee (apparatus fee) for another new storage battery pack 200 required when the storage battery pack 200 is replaced. May be reduced, or a fee (apparatus fee) applied to the other storage battery pack 200 when the user of the storage battery pack 200 newly adds another storage battery pack 200 may be reduced.

  Conversely, the controller 602 increases the usage fee when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the three recommended usage conditions described above (the determination result is “violation”). You may adjust as follows. For example, the controller 602 may increase the monthly rental fee for the storage battery pack 200 in the adjustment process, or a fee (equipment fee) for another new storage battery pack 200 required when the storage battery pack 200 is replaced. May be increased, or a fee (apparatus fee) applied to the other storage battery pack 200 when the user of the storage battery pack 200 newly adds another storage battery pack 200 may be increased.

  In the adjustment process, the controller 602 may not only adjust the usage fee but also adjust the points.

  When the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies all the three recommended usage conditions described above in the adjustment process (the determination result is “Compliance”), the controller 602 determines points that can be used as usage fees for the storage battery pack 200. You may give to a user. For example, in the adjustment process, the controller 602 may give a usage point that can be used when paying a monthly rental fee to the user next time, or a loan period for which the storage battery pack 200 has already been determined. You may give the point which can be extended. In other words, the points referred to here are points that can be used by the user to pay the rental charge of the storage battery pack 200, pay the replacement battery, extend the loan period of the storage battery pack, and the like.

  On the contrary, the controller 602 uses the storage battery pack 200 when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the three recommended usage conditions described above in the adjustment process (the determination result is “violation”). It may be reduced from the points associated with the person. For example, the controller 602 may reduce the use points that can be used when paying a monthly rental fee to the user next time in the adjustment process, or the loan period for which the storage battery pack 200 has already been determined. You may reduce the points that can be extended.

  In addition, if the controller 602 reduces the usage fee or gives points when all three recommended usage conditions are satisfied, the system is used when any one of the three recommended usage conditions is not satisfied. It is not necessary to perform adjustment processing to increase the fee or reduce the points. Conversely, if any one of the three recommended usage conditions is not satisfied, the controller 602 increases the usage fee or reduces the points, and if all three recommended usage conditions are satisfied. In addition, it is not necessary to perform adjustment processing for reducing the usage fee or adding points.

[Notification Information]
Next, the notification information notified from the server apparatus 600 to the information terminal 700 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image displayed on the display device of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is compliance. Specifically, (a) in FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image 711 indicating that an incentive has been granted, and (b) in FIG. 8 is a predetermined period indicating the basis for the incentive being granted. It is a figure which shows the detailed image 714 of the utilization condition of the storage battery pack 200 in.

  In server device 600, when controller 602 determines that the usage status of storage battery pack 200 satisfies the recommended usage conditions, notification indicating the determination result is sent to information terminal 700 possessed by the user of storage battery pack 200. Information is notified. And as shown to (a) of FIG. 8, the notification image showing that 100 points were given to the user of the said storage battery pack 200 as an incentive on the indicator 710 of the information terminal 700 based on the said notification information. 711 is displayed.

  In the notification image 711 shown in FIG. 8A, when the user selects (tap) the “details” button, as shown in FIG. 8B, a predetermined period ( For example, a detailed image 712 of the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in the last one month) is displayed on the display 710. In the detailed image 712, the reference value of the recommended use condition and the actual value of the storage battery pack 200 for the most recent month, which show the reason for the incentive being given, are shown. Further, the detailed image 712 also shows a check mark corresponding to each of the three recommended usage conditions and indicating that the recommended usage conditions are satisfied. As described above, the user can know that the standard of the recommended usage condition is not satisfied by looking at the notification image 711 and the detailed image 712. Therefore, the server device 600 can effectively support the user so that the storage battery pack 200 is used so as to satisfy the recommended usage condition.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image displayed on the display device of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is violation. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification image 713 indicating that the recommended usage conditions are violated, and FIG. 9B is a basis for violation of the recommended usage conditions. It is a figure which shows the detailed image 714 of the utilization condition of the storage battery pack 200 in a predetermined period.

  As shown in (a) of FIG. 9, when the controller 602 determines in the server device 600 that the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the three recommended usage conditions, the storage battery pack. Notification information indicating the determination result is notified to the information terminal 700 possessed by 200 users. Then, the display image 710 of the information terminal 700 displays a notification image 713 for notifying that the recommended use condition is violated based on the notification information and that the usage is unsafe.

  In the notification image 713 shown in FIG. 9A, when the user selects (tap) the “detail” button, as shown in FIG. 9B, a predetermined period indicating the basis for violation of the recommended usage conditions A detailed image 714 of the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 during the last month (for example, for the last one month) is displayed on the display 710. In the detailed image 714, the reference value of the recommended use condition and the actual value of the storage battery pack 200 for the last one month, which indicate the basis for violation of the recommended use condition, are shown. Further, the detailed image 714 also shows a warning mark corresponding to each of the three recommended usage conditions and a check mark indicating that the recommended usage conditions are not satisfied in addition to a check mark indicating that the recommended usage conditions are satisfied. Has been. As described above, the user can know the condition that satisfies the criterion and the condition that does not satisfy the criterion among the three recommended usage conditions by viewing the notification image 713 and the detailed image 714. For this reason, the server apparatus 600 can more effectively support the user so that the storage battery pack 200 is used so as to satisfy the recommended usage condition.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to an embodiment in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like are appropriately performed. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each component demonstrated in the said embodiment and it can also be set as a new embodiment.

  Further, the communication between the devices described in the above embodiments may be wireless communication or wired communication. Also, the communication standard is not particularly limited. For wireless communication between devices, the IEEE 802.15.1 standard, which is an international standard for short-range wireless communication represented by Bluetooth (registered trademark), may be used. For wireless communication between devices, IEEE802.11 standard, which is an international standard for wireless communication represented by wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), may be used. Further, the IEEE 802.3 standard, which is an international standard for wired communication typified by a wired LAN, may be used for wired communication between apparatuses.

  In the above-described embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  In the above embodiment, each component may be a circuit. A plurality of components may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may constitute separate circuits. Each circuit may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

  The server device control method and the server device according to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art have been made in this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments are also within the scope of one or more aspects. May be included.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a process executed by a specific component may be executed by another component instead of the specific component. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

  The present disclosure can be used in a server device that manages storage battery packs, and can be applied to a storage battery pack lending system, a storage battery pack management system, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Storage battery management system 200 Storage battery pack 201 Storage battery 202 Detector 203,302,602 Controller 204,603 Memory | storage device 205,301,601 Communication device 206,208,306,308 Power terminal 207,307 Communication terminal 300 Charging device 303 Power supply Device 305 Plug 400 Router 500 Communication network 510 Base station 600 Server device 700 Information terminal 710 Display device 711, 713 Notification image 712, 714 Detailed image

Server device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage battery comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the charging equipment of the storage battery pack, and a controller, wherein the controller, wherein the communication device is the charging instrumentation Okarato give When the usage status of the pack satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, i) The usage fee of the storage battery pack compared to when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions the cheaper, and, ii) the user of the battery pack increases the points that can be used as the fee, intends line adjusted is at least one of.

Claims (15)

A communication device that communicates with a storage battery pack charging device or information terminal;
A controller, and
When the usage status of the storage battery pack acquired by the communication device from the charging device or the information terminal satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, i) the controller Compared to when the usage conditions do not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced, and ii) at least the points that the user of the storage battery pack can use as the usage fee are increased. Make some adjustments,
Server device. The recommended use condition is a condition for reducing the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to claim 1. The recommended use condition is a condition for reducing occurrence of a short circuit between single cells of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to claim 1. The recommended use condition is that the temperature of the storage battery pack is not charged below the predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack,
The server device according to claim 1 or 2. When the communication device receives, from the charging device or the information terminal, information indicating a charging temperature of the storage battery pack being charged detected by a temperature sensor provided in the storage battery pack,
The controller determines whether the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and determines that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions when the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.
The server device according to claim 4. The recommended use condition is that an impact amount detected by an impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than an upper limit value recommended for improving safety of the storage battery pack.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5. When the communicator receives information indicating the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal,
The controller determines whether or not the impact amount is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value that is an upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and the impact amount is the first predetermined value. When it is above, it is determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to claim 6. The recommended use condition is that the number of impacts detected by an impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than an upper limit value recommended for improving safety of the storage battery pack.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-7. When the communicator receives information indicating the amount of impact and the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal,
The controller determines whether or not the impact amount is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is smaller than a first predetermined value that is an upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack;
Determining whether the number of impacts of the impact that is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value is greater than or equal to a first predetermined number that is an upper limit recommended for improving safety of the storage battery pack;
When the number of impacts is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times, the usage status is determined not to satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to claim 8. The controller reduces the usage fee when the usage condition satisfies the recommended usage condition.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-9. The controller increases the usage fee when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-10. The controller gives the point when the usage condition satisfies the recommended usage condition.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11. The controller reduces the point when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server apparatus of any one of Claims 1-12. Obtaining the usage status of the storage battery pack from the charging device or information terminal of the storage battery pack,
When the usage status of the storage battery pack acquired from the charging device or the information terminal satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions In comparison with the above, making the adjustment that is at least one of reducing the usage fee of the storage battery pack and increasing the points that the user of the storage battery pack can use as the usage fee,
A method for controlling a server device. Sends information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack to the server device,
When the usage status satisfies the recommended usage conditions recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced compared to when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions And receiving from the server device information indicating that an adjustment that is at least one of increasing points that can be used as the usage fee by the user of the storage battery pack is performed.
How to use the battery pack.

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