WO2022168915A1

WO2022168915A1 - Storage device and charging device

Info

Publication number: WO2022168915A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/004265
Authority: WO
Inventors: 邦明生井; 秀史二川; 和裕山本; 勤高橋; 隆志松元; 博史小山
Original assignee: 本田技研工業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-02-04
Filing date: 2022-02-03
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: JPWO2022168915A1

Abstract

A storage device for storing an energy storage device that is removably installed on an electric power device using electric power, the storage device comprising a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing energy storage devices; and a second housing that has a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device, and is formed separately and independently of the first housing. The first housing may further have a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the energy storage device to/from the storage unit. The second housing may further have a second control unit that determines, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit to/from which the energy storage device is attached or detached, and transmits, to the first control unit, the determined storage unit as an attaching/detaching storage unit.

Description

Storage and charging equipment

The present invention relates to a storage device and a charging device.

Patent document 1 discloses that in a battery charging device provided with a plurality of charging units for charging a plurality of batteries having individual rental IDs, a battery charging unit and a battery ID reading unit are provided separately. It is
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2000-090348

General disclosure

A storage device is provided in a first aspect of the present invention. The above storage device stores, for example, a power storage device. In the above storage device, the power storage device is detachably attached to, for example, a power device that uses power. For example, the storage device includes a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing power storage devices. A second housing having a portion and formed independently of the first housing is provided.

In the storage device described above, the first housing may have a first control section that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage section. In the storage device described above, the second housing determines a storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached from among the plurality of storage units, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as the attachment/detachment storage unit. It may have two controls. In the storage device described above, the first control unit may have an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in the storage unit or in the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the storage device described above, when the storage unit determined as the detachable storage unit matches the storage unit from which the abnormality acquisition unit acquired the abnormality, the first control unit (i) performs Information indicating that attachment or detachment is prohibited and/or (ii) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the power storage device in the storage unit is prohibited may be transmitted to the second control unit.

In the storage device described above, the first housing may have a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal, which is an electrical terminal of the power storage device. In the storage device described above, the first control unit may control charging of the power storage device via the second terminal. In the storage device described above, the second control unit may determine a storage unit to charge the power storage device from among the plurality of storage units, and transmit the determined storage unit to the first control unit as the charging storage unit. In the storage device described above, the first control unit may have an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality in the storage unit or in the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the storage device described above, when the storage unit determined as the charging storage unit matches the storage unit from which the abnormality acquisition unit acquired the abnormality, (iii) the power storage device in the storage unit Information indicating that charging is prohibited and/or (iv) information indicating that the power storage device cannot be charged in the storage unit may be transmitted to the second control unit.

In the storage device described above, the first housing and the second housing may be installed separately from each other. In the storage device described above, the first housing and the second housing may be connected to each other by a communication line. In the storage device described above, the second housing may have an information providing unit that provides information to the user of the storage device. In the storage device described above, the second housing may have an identification section for identifying a user of the storage device. In the storage device described above, the second housing may have an input section for receiving input from a user of the storage device.

In the storage device described above, the first housing may include a state acquisition unit that acquires the state of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the storage device described above, the abnormality acquisition unit may acquire an abnormality related to the state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit. In the storage device described above, the abnormality may include that at least one of the temperature of the storage unit and the temperature of the power storage device stored in the storage unit is within a predetermined range.

In the storage device described above, the first housing may include a state acquisition unit that acquires the state of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit. In the storage device described above, the second control section may transmit a control signal for controlling the operation of the storage section to the first control section. The second control unit may transmit a control signal for controlling the operation of the storage unit to the first control unit based on a request from the external information processing device. In the storage device described above, the first control unit determines whether or not to execute an operation according to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit, based on the state of the storage unit or the power storage device acquired by the state acquisition unit. You can In the storage device described above, the first housing may include an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality related to the state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit. . In the storage device described above, the first control unit may determine not to perform an operation according to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit when the abnormality acquisition unit acquires the abnormality. In the storage device described above, the number of second housings may be less than the number of first housings.

A charging device is provided in a second aspect of the present invention. The charging device described above charges, for example, a power storage device. In the above charging device, the power storage device is detachably attached to, for example, a power device that uses power. The charging device includes, for example, (i) a plurality of charging units having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device, and (ii) a power storage device via the second terminal. A first housing having a first controller for controlling charging of the device is provided. The charging device includes, for example, (i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device arranged outside the charging device, and (ii) a charging unit among a plurality of charging units that charges the power storage device. and transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as the determined charging unit. In the charging device described above, the second housing is, for example, formed independently of the first housing.

A program is provided in a third aspect of the present invention. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the above program may be provided. The program may be a program for causing a computer to function as the first control section or the second control section according to the first aspect or the second aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method in the storage device according to the first aspect or the charging device according to the second aspect.

It should be noted that the above outline of the invention does not list all the necessary features of the present invention. Subcombinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

1 schematically shows an example of a system configuration of a battery management system 100; An example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20 is shown schematically. An example of the internal configuration of the battery station 120 is shown schematically. Another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120 is schematically shown. Another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120 is schematically shown. An example of the internal configuration of a control unit 336 and a control unit 376 is schematically shown. An example of the internal configuration of the on-board equipment 330 is schematically shown. An example of the internal configuration of the on-board equipment 370 is schematically shown. Here is an example of a command. 1 schematically shows an example of settings related to command execution propriety. 1 schematically shows an example of settings related to command execution propriety. An example of the internal configuration of the computer 3000 is shown schematically.

Although the present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description.

(Overview of battery management system 100)
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a system configuration of a battery management system 100. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 includes one or more (sometimes simply referred to as one or more) battery stations 120 and a management server 140 . In this embodiment, the battery station 120 has one or more storage units 122 and a communication unit 126 . In this embodiment, storage unit 122 includes one or more slots 124 . In this embodiment, communication unit 126 includes communication interface 128 . The number of communication units 126 may be less than the number of storage units 122 in a single battery station 120 . This may save space, cost and/or power consumption. And, by extension, it can contribute to energy efficiency.

In this embodiment, each part of the battery management system 100 consumes power received from the power grid 12 to operate. Also, each unit of the battery management system 100 can transmit and receive information to and from each other via the communication network 14 . The one or more storage units 122 and the communication unit 126 can send and receive information to and from each other via wired or wireless communication lines (not shown).

In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 manages one or more (sometimes referred to as one or more) mobile batteries 20 . For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, in the present embodiment, the case where the battery management system 100 provides the mobile battery 20 sharing service to the user 40 of the electric motorcycle 30 is taken as an example. Details are explained.

In this embodiment, each of the one or more slots 124 arranged in the storage unit 122 of the battery station 120 can store one or more mobile batteries 20 . Also, each of the one or more slots 124 arranged in the storage unit 122 of the battery station 120 can charge one or more mobile batteries 20 .

A user 40 who has subscribed to the mobile battery 20 sharing service accesses the battery management system 100 using, for example, the communication terminal 42 and requests the mobile battery 20 to be rented. The user 40 may reserve the rental of the mobile battery 20 by designating the desired date and time and the place to rent the mobile battery 20 and the number of the mobile batteries 20 to be rented. The communication terminal 42 may access the battery management system 100 via the communication network 14 and may access the battery management system 100 via the battery station 120 . Note that the user 40 may operate the battery station 120 to request the lending of the mobile battery 20 .

When the above request is accepted, the user 40 can take out the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 (sometimes referred to as taking out the mobile battery 20). This allows the user 40 to replace the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 with the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 .

More specifically, the user 40 removes the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 from the electric motorcycle 30 . The user 40 returns the mobile battery 20 removed from the electric motorcycle 30 to the battery station 120 . When the user 40 returns the mobile battery 20 , the battery station 120 dispenses the charged mobile battery 20 stored in the battery station 120 . The user 40 receives the charged mobile battery 20 from the battery station 120 and mounts the charged mobile battery 20 on the electric motorcycle 30 . Thereby, the mobile battery 20 is exchanged between the electric motorcycle 30 and the battery station 120 .

(Overview of Each Unit Related to Battery Management System 100)
In this embodiment, communication network 14 conveys information. The communication network 14 may be a wired communication transmission line, a wireless communication transmission line, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission line and a wired communication transmission line. Communication network 14 may include wireless packet communication networks, the Internet, P2P networks, leased lines, VPNs, power line communication lines, and the like.

The communication network 14 may include (i) a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network, and (ii) a wireless MAN (eg, WiMAX®), a wireless LAN (eg, WiFi®). ), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), and other wireless communication networks. Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and NFC may be examples of short-range wireless communication.

In this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 stores electrical energy. The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable (also referred to as detachable) with respect to the electric motorcycle 30 . The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable from the battery station 120 . This allows the user 40 to replace the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 with the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 .

In one embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is attached to the electric motorcycle 30 and supplies electric power to the electric motorcycle 30 . As described above, mobile battery 20 can be detachably attached to electric motorcycle 30 . In another embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is charged by the battery station 120 while it is housed in the battery station 120 .

Note that the mobile battery 20 may supply power to the battery station 120 while it is housed in the battery station 120 . Thereby, the battery station 120 can use a part of the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 as, for example, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

In this embodiment, the electric motorcycle 30 is equipped with the mobile battery 20. The electric motorcycle 30 may be equipped with multiple mobile batteries 20 . The electric motorcycle 30 uses power stored in the mobile battery 20 . For example, the electric motorcycle 30 runs by consuming power supplied from the mobile battery 20 .

In this embodiment, the communication terminal 42 transmits and receives information to and from each unit of the battery management system 100 via the communication network 14 . The communication terminal 42 may function as a user interface when the user 40 accesses the battery management system 100 . The communication terminal 42 may be used for user authentication processing by the battery management system 100 .

Examples of the communication terminal 42 include a personal computer and a mobile terminal. Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, tablets, notebook or laptop computers, wearable computers, and the like.

In this embodiment, the battery station 120 accommodates the mobile battery 20 . The battery station 120 may accommodate multiple mobile batteries 20 . Thereby, the battery station 120 can store one or more mobile batteries 20 . In this embodiment, the battery station 120 charges at least one of the one or more mobile batteries 20 . The battery station 120 may charge the mobile battery 20 until the charging rate or voltage of the mobile battery 20 reaches a predetermined set value.

In the present embodiment, the battery station 120 puts the fully charged mobile battery 20 in a removable state (sometimes referred to as dispensing). In response to a request from the user 40, the battery station 120 may dispense the mobile battery 20 that meets the request. The battery station 120 acquires from the management server 140 information indicating the payout condition, which is the condition for the mobile battery 20 to be paid out, and determines the mobile battery 20 to be actually paid out of the mobile batteries 20 that meet the payout condition. You may

Note that in other embodiments, the battery station 120 may discharge at least some of the plurality of mobile batteries 20. The battery station 120 may use the power output by discharging the mobile battery 20 . For example, the battery station 120 operates by consuming power output by discharging the mobile battery 20 . The battery station 120 may stop or interrupt the charging operation of the other mobile batteries 20 when operating by consuming power output by discharging one mobile battery 20 . Even in this case, the battery station 120 may continue dispensing the mobile battery 20 .

As a result, the battery station 120 can use part of the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery station 120 as an uninterruptible power supply. According to the battery station 120 according to the present embodiment, for example, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power system 12 to the battery station 120, the power supply to the control device can be continued. As a result, for example, the dispensing of mobile batteries 20 by the battery station 120 can be continued. Therefore, even if the battery station 120 is installed in an area where power outages occur relatively frequently, an environment can be provided in which the batteries can be stably replaced.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 122 holds multiple slots 124 . In this embodiment, storage unit 122 is formed independently of communication unit 126 . The storage unit 122 may be installed separately from the communication unit 126 or may be installed in contact with the communication unit 126 .

Also, in this embodiment, the storage unit 122 is a process flow including one or more processes for controlling operation of at least one of the plurality of slots 124 based on a first command sent from the communication unit 126. to generate The storage unit 122 determines whether or not each process can be executed for each of the one or more processes. Storage unit 122 generates a second command for controlling the slot 124 targeted by the process determined to be executable. Storage unit 122 controls the operation of slot 124 based on the generated second command. This may restrict the execution of some of the instructions indicated by the first command.

For example, if the one or more processes described above include operations related to the safety of the mobile battery 20 or the safety of the user 40 or the maintenance personnel of the battery station 120, the storage unit 122 performs the operations related to the safety. It is determined whether or not a condition for permitting execution is satisfied. If it is determined that the above conditions are met, the storage unit 122 determines that the process is executable. This controls the operation of slot 124 based on the second command for the process described above. On the other hand, if it is determined that the above conditions are not met, the storage unit 122 determines that the process cannot be executed. In this case, no second command relating to the above process is sent to slot 124 .

As a result, even when the communication unit 126 outputs the first command based on a request from the management server 140, the safety of the mobile battery 20, the user 40, or the maintenance personnel can be ensured. For example, even if the status of battery station 120 changes after management server 140 has sent the above request, management server 140 may send the above request when the communication environment of battery station 120 is good. can be revoked. However, if the communication environment of the battery station 120 is not good, it may take some time for the management server 140 to cancel the above request. According to this embodiment, the storage unit 122 determines whether or not the second command can be executed according to the state of the battery station 120. Therefore, the battery station 120 can immediately It is possible to cancel or interrupt the execution of some processes.

In this embodiment, each of the multiple slots 124 stores one or more mobile batteries 20 . Also, each of the plurality of slots 124 includes an electrical terminal (not shown) electrically connected to one or more electrical terminals (not shown) of the mobile battery 20 . Thereby, each of the plurality of slots 124 can charge or discharge the mobile battery 20 stored in each slot.

It should be noted that "electrically connected" is not limited to the case where two elements are physically directly connected. A third element may intervene between the above two elements. Moreover, it is not limited to the case where the above two elements are physically connected. For example, the input and output windings of a transformer are not physically connected, but are electrically connected. This allows the slot 124 to support not only wired charging and discharging of the mobile battery 20 but also wireless charging and discharging of the mobile battery 20 .

Each of the plurality of slots 124 may have a communication terminal communicably connected to one or more mobile battery 20 communication terminals. The communication method between the communication terminal of the slot 124 and the communication terminal of the mobile battery 20 may be a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. As a result, each of the plurality of slots 124 can read information from or write information to the storage device (not shown) of the mobile battery 20 stored in each slot.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is in charge of information processing involving at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 among the information processing in the battery station 120 . For example, communication unit 126 receives and responds to requests from user 40 and/or management server 140 . The communication unit 126 issues instructions (referred to as commands) to the storage unit 122 when it determines that cooperation with the storage unit 122 is necessary to process a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140. may be.) is sent. The above first command may be an example of a command.

If communication unit 126 is capable of processing requests from user 40 and/or management server 140 without cooperating with storage unit 122, communication unit 126 sends commands to storage unit 122. It doesn't have to be. This simplifies information processing in the storage unit 122 . The communication unit 126 can execute, for example, communication control processing with the outside of the battery station 120 , authentication processing of the user 40 , selection processing of the slot 124 , etc. without cooperating with the storage unit 122 .

As described above, the communication unit 126 is formed independently of the storage unit 122 in this embodiment. The storage unit 122 may be installed separately from the communication unit 126 or may be installed in contact with the communication unit 126 .

The communication interface 128 is configured to be able to communicate with an information processing device external to the battery station 120 . The communication interface 128 may support multiple communication schemes. The communication interface 128 may be compatible with a wired communication system or may be compatible with a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, communication interface 128 sends and receives information to and from communication terminal 42 utilized by user 40 . In other embodiments, communication interface 128 sends and receives information to and from management server 140 .

In this embodiment, the management server 140 is arranged outside the battery station 120 . The management server 140 can also transmit and receive information to and from the communication unit 126 of the battery station 120 via the communication network 14 .

In this embodiment, the management server 140 manages one or more mobile batteries 20. For example, the management server 140 manages each state of one or more mobile batteries 20 . The management server 140 may manage returning and dispensing of one or more mobile batteries 20 . The management server 140 may send various requests for managing the mobile battery 20 to at least one of the one or more battery stations 120 .

The management server 140 may manage one or more battery stations 120. Management server 140 may manage the status of each of one or more battery stations 120 . The state of the battery station 120 includes the external power supply state, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be accepted, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be dispensed, the presence or absence of mobile batteries 20 that can be used as an uninterruptible power supply, the number, or the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be dispensed. Examples include identification information and the state of charge of the mobile battery 20 described above. The management server 140 may send various requests for managing the battery stations 120 to at least one of the one or more battery stations 120 .

The management server 140 may determine, for at least some of the one or more battery stations 120, a payout condition regarding the mobile battery 20 to be paid out. The payout conditions include the order of payout priority for each of the plurality of mobile batteries 20 housed in the battery station 120, the identification information of the mobile battery 20 to be paid out preferentially, and the characteristics of the mobile battery 20 to be paid out preferentially. exemplified.

According to this embodiment, for example, a single battery station 120 may comprise multiple storage units 122 and a single communication unit 126 . This clarifies the user access point at the battery station 120 and improves the user experience. For example, user 40 can easily access communication unit 126 . The user's 40 user interface requirements may vary according to region and/or time. According to this embodiment, for example, the storage unit 122 and the communication unit 126 are arranged in different housings. This allows, for example, the operator of the battery station 120 to relatively easily meet the above requirements by adjusting or changing the communication unit 126 .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, when one or more of the above processes include the safety of the mobile battery 20 or safety-related operations of the user 40 or maintenance personnel of the battery station 120 , the storage unit 122 determines whether the conditions for permitting execution of the safety-related operation are satisfied. Accordingly, even if the combination of the storage unit 122 and the communication unit 126 is changed due to the change of the communication unit 126, electrical safety, mechanical safety, etc. can be sufficiently secured.

Also, according to the present embodiment, for example, the communication unit 126 transmits an operation command to the storage unit 122 in the form of a command. This makes the internal operations in the storage unit 122 clear. As a result, manufacturing, trial operation, operation check, etc. of the battery station 120 can be facilitated.

The mobile battery 20 may be an example of a power device. The electric motorcycle 30 may be an example of a power device. User 40 may be an example of a user. The communication terminal 42 may be an example of an external information processing device. Battery management system 100 may be an example of a storage device or charging device. Battery station 120 may be an example of a storage device, a charging device, or a power device. The management server 140 may be an example of an external information processing device. Storage unit 122 may be an example of a first housing or power device. Slot 124 may be an example of a storage or power device. Communication unit 126 may be an example of a second housing. Communication interface 128 may be an example of a communication unit. The first command may be an example of a control signal.

(An example of another embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 have been described by taking as an example the case where the battery management system 100 provides the mobile battery 20 sharing service. However, the services provided by the battery management system 100 are not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the battery management system 100 may provide the mobile battery 20 charging service to the user 40 of the mobile battery 20 .

In this embodiment, the details of the battery station 120 have been described by taking as an example the case where the battery station 120 operates using power received from the power system 12 . However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, battery station 120 may be stored in battery station 120, for example, if at least one of the one or more slots 124 disposed in battery station 120 includes a bi-directional DC/DC converter. At least one of the one or more mobile batteries 20 may operate using the discharged power.

In this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 have been described by taking as an example the case where the battery station 120 includes one or more storage units 122 and a single communication unit 126 . However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the battery station 120 may comprise multiple storage units 122 and multiple communication units 126 . In this case, the number of storage units 122 may be greater than the number of communication units 126 .

2 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20. FIG. In this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 includes a power connector 212 , a communication connector 214 , a power storage section 220 , a control section 230 , a sensing section 240 and a storage section 250 .

In this embodiment, the power connector 212 includes electrical terminals for transmitting power to and from the slot 124 or the electric bike 30 . In this embodiment, communication connector 214 includes a communication terminal for transmitting information to and receiving information from slot 124 or electric bike 30 . In this embodiment, the power storage unit 220 includes power storage cells that store power.

In this embodiment, the control unit 230 controls the operation of the mobile battery 20. Control unit 230 may transmit and receive information to and from storage unit 122 when mobile battery 20 is stored in slot 124 .

In this embodiment, the sensing unit 240 acquires information indicating the state of the mobile battery 20. The sense portion 240 may include multiple types of sensors. A temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and the like are exemplified as sensors included in the sensing unit 240 .

The storage unit 250 stores various information related to the mobile battery 20. For example, the storage unit 250 stores identification information of the mobile battery 20 . The storage unit 250 may store identification information of the electric motorcycle 30 electrically connected to the mobile battery 20, the battery station 120, or the slot 124. FIG. The storage unit 250 may store the operation history of the mobile battery 20 . For example, the storage unit 250 associates the time and the measurement result of the sensing unit 240 and stores them as the operation history of the mobile battery 20 .

The power connector 212 may be an example of a first terminal. The sense unit 240 may be an example of a state acquisition unit.

3 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the battery station 120. FIG. In this embodiment, the battery station 120 comprises one or more storage units 122 , a communication unit 126 , a communication line 310 , an uninterruptible power supply 312 and a router 314 . In this embodiment, each of the one or more storage units 122 has a housing 320 and an onboard equipment 330 . In this embodiment, the onboard equipment 330 includes one or more slots 124 , a sense unit 332 , a settings storage unit 334 and a control unit 336 . In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 has a housing 360 and an on-board device 370 . In this embodiment, onboard equipment 370 includes communication interface 128 , user interface 372 , user identifier 374 , and controller 376 .

In this embodiment, the communication line 310 connects each of the one or more storage units 122 and the communication unit 126 to each other. In this embodiment, uninterruptible power supply 312 is disposed between power system 12 and communication unit 126 . The uninterruptible power supply 312 supplies power to the communication unit 126 when, for example, an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 . In this embodiment, router 314 relays or forwards communications between communication unit 126 and communication network 14 .

In this embodiment, the housing 320 holds the mounted device 330 . The shape and material of the housing 320 are not particularly limited. The housing 320 may have a box shape, a plate shape, or a frame shape.

In this embodiment, the mounted equipment 330 is mounted on the housing 320 . The mounting mode of the mounting device 330 is not particularly limited. Mounted device 330 may be housed inside housing 320 or may be mounted on the surface of housing 320 .

In this embodiment, the sensing unit 332 acquires information indicating the state of the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 . The sense portion 332 may include multiple types of sensors. A temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and the like are exemplified as sensors included in the sensing unit 240 .

In this embodiment, the setting storage section 334 stores various settings related to the storage unit 122 . The setting storage unit 334 may have a physical switch, and may have any type of storage medium such as memory and hard disk. The above settings may be (i) indicated by ON/OFF of a physical switch, and (ii) stored as electronic data in a storage medium. Examples of the above settings include settings related to the ID of the storage unit 122, settings related to the installation position of the storage unit 122, settings related to whether various operations in the storage unit 122 can be executed, and the like.

In this embodiment, the control section 336 controls the operation of the storage unit 122 . Examples of the above operations include attaching or detaching the mobile battery 20 to or from the slot 124, charging or discharging the mobile battery 20, and the like.

In one embodiment, the controller 336 controls attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 to or from the slot 124 . The above controls include lock control of the shutter (not shown) arranged in the slot 124, control of the pull-out prevention member (not shown) arranged in the slot 124, and mobile shutter arranged in the slot 124. Examples include control of a mechanism (not shown) for restraining the battery 20, control of a movable connector (not shown) arranged in the slot 124, and the like. The movable connector may be a mechanical connector or an electric connector.

In another embodiment, the control unit 336 controls charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Examples of the above control include confirmation of connection of electrical terminals, adjustment of charging voltage, adjustment of charging current, adjustment of discharging voltage, and adjustment of discharging current. Thereby, charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 via the electrical terminals can be controlled.

The controller 336 may control the operation of the storage unit 122 based on commands received from the controller 376 . Controller 336 generates a process flow including one or more processes for controlling operation of at least one of plurality of slots 124 based on instructions received from controller 376, for example. The control unit 336 determines whether each process can be executed for each of the one or more processes. Control unit 336 generates a command for the process determined to be executable, and transmits the command to slot 124 to be controlled. On the other hand, the above instructions are not generated and sent for processes that are determined to be non-executable.

The control unit 336 may transmit to the control unit 376 information indicating the execution result of the operation based on the command received from the control unit 376. For example, the controller 336 transmits information to the controller 376 indicating whether or not the storage unit 122 has performed the operation according to the command received from the controller 376 . Details of the control unit 336 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the housing 360 holds the mounted device 370 . The shape and material of the housing 360 are not particularly limited. The housing 360 may have a box shape, a plate shape, or a frame shape.

In this embodiment, the mounted equipment 370 is mounted on the housing 360 . The mounting mode of the mounting device 370 is not particularly limited. Mounted device 370 may be housed inside housing 360 or may be mounted on the surface of housing 360 .

In this embodiment, the user interface 372 provides various types of information to the user 40 who uses the battery station 120 . User interface 372 also accepts input from user 40 who uses battery station 120 . Examples of the user interface 372 include a display, speaker, keyboard, pointing device, touch panel, microphone, camera, voice input system, gesture input system, and the like.

In this embodiment, the user identification unit 374 identifies the user 40 who uses the battery station 120. A known method can be adopted as a method for identifying the user 40 . For example, the user identification unit 374 identifies the user 40 by analyzing the image of the user 40 and executing authentication processing for the user 40 . The user identification unit 374 may identify the user 40 by executing authentication processing for the user 40 using an ID card possessed by the user 40 . The user identification unit 374 may identify the user 40 by executing authentication processing for the user 40 using the communication terminal 42 possessed by the user 40 .

In this embodiment, the control unit 376 is in charge of information processing involving at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 among the information processing in the battery station 120 . For example, the control unit 376 receives a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 and responds to the request. When the control unit 376 determines that the storage unit 122 needs to process a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140, the control unit 376 issues a command (for example, the first command described above) to the storage unit 122. .).

If the controller 376 can process a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140 without cooperating with the storage unit 122, the controller 376 sends a command to the storage unit 122. It doesn't have to be. The control unit 376 can execute, for example, communication control processing with the outside of the battery station 120 , authentication processing of the user 40 , selection processing of the slot 124 , etc., without cooperating with the storage unit 122 .

More specifically, when the control unit 376 receives a request from at least one of the user 40 and the management server 140, the control unit 376 first creates a processing flow including one or more processes for processing the request. Generate. Next, the control unit 376 extracts processes including processing in the storage unit 122 from the above one or more processes. Control unit 376 generates a command indicating the content of processing in storage unit 122 for each of the extracted processes.

The above command may include information indicating the storage unit 122 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as a target unit). The above command may include information indicating the slot 124 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as a target slot). The above command may include identification information of the target slot and information indicating the content of the operation in the target slot.

After that, the control unit 376 transmits the above command to the storage unit 122 that is the target of the command. The control section 376 may acquire information indicating the result of execution of the above command from the storage unit 122 that received the above command. Details of the control unit 376 will be described later.

The housing 320 may be an example of the first housing. The sense unit 332 may be an example of a state acquisition unit. The controller 336 may be an example of a first controller. Housing 360 may be an example of a second housing. User interface 372 may be an example of an information provider or input. The user identification portion 374 may be an example of an identification portion. The controller 376 may be an example of a second controller. The target slot may be an example of a removable storage unit, a charging storage unit, or a deterministic charging unit.

4 schematically shows another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. FIG. In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is placed in abutment with one of the one or more storage units 122 . According to this embodiment, the battery station 120 described in connection with FIG. differ from

FIG. 5 schematically shows another example of the system configuration of the battery station 120. FIG. In this embodiment, communication unit 126 and storage unit 122 are held by a single holding member 510 . In this embodiment, the communication unit 126 is arranged between the two storage units 122 . The shape of the holding member 510 may be a box shape or a plate shape. According to this embodiment, the battery described in connection with FIG. It differs from station 120 .

6 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the control section 336 and the control section 376. FIG. In this embodiment, the control section 336 includes an abnormality detection section 632 , an attachment/detachment control section 634 , a charge/discharge control section 636 and a command response section 638 . In this embodiment, the control section 376 includes an attachment/detachment slot determination section 674 , a charge/discharge slot determination section 676 , and a command transmission section 678 . In the present embodiment, details of each part of the control unit 376 will be described first, and then details of each part of the control unit 336 will be described along the flow of information processing in the battery station 120 .

In this embodiment, the attachment/detachment slot determination unit 674 determines the slot 124 into which the mobile battery 20 is attached or removed from among the plurality of slots 124 . The attachment/detachment slot determination unit 674 may determine the slot 124 to attach or detach the mobile battery 20 based on a request or instruction from the management server 140 .

In this embodiment, the charge/discharge slot determination unit 676 determines the slot 124 for charging or discharging the mobile battery 20 among the plurality of slots 124 . The charge/discharge slot determination unit 676 may determine the slot 124 for charging or discharging the mobile battery 20 based on a request or instruction from the management server 140 .

In this embodiment, the command transmission section 678 transmits a command for controlling the operation of the storage unit 122 to the control section 336 of the storage unit 122 to be controlled. The command transmission section 678 may transmit a command including information indicating the slot 124 to be controlled (sometimes referred to as a target slot) to the control section 336 of the storage unit 122 to be controlled.

In one embodiment, the command transmission unit 678 transmits the slot 124 determined by the attachment/detachment slot determination unit 674 to the control unit 336 as the target slot. In another embodiment, the command transmission unit 678 transmits the slot 124 determined by the charge/discharge slot determination unit 676 to the control unit 336 as the target slot.

In this embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires an abnormality of the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124, for example. The anomalies may be state or action related anomalies. For example, the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires the abnormality based on the states acquired by the

sensing units

240 and 332 .

An example of the above abnormality is that at least one of the temperature of the slot 124 and the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within a predetermined range. When the temperature of the slot 124 is within a predetermined range, (i) the temperature of the slot 124 is outside a predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as the normal range of the temperature of the slot 124). In the case (ii), the temperature of the slot 124 is within a predetermined numerical range (sometimes referred to as an abnormal range of the temperature of the slot 124). When the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within a predetermined range, (i) the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is within a predetermined numerical range (normal temperature of the mobile battery 20). (ii) the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is outside a predetermined numerical range (which is referred to as an abnormal temperature range of the mobile battery 20). There are cases where it is within the range of ).

Other examples of the above abnormalities include detection of entry of a foreign object into the slot 124, detection of opening of the shutter of the slot 124, detection of opening of the door arranged in the housing 320, For example, prohibition of driving of a movable connector arranged in the slot 124 is exemplified. For example, when a door arranged on housing 320 is open, driving of the movable connector is prohibited.

In this embodiment, the attachment/detachment control unit 634 controls attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 to/from the slot 124 . The above controls include lock control of the shutter arranged in the slot 124, control of the withdrawal prevention member arranged in the slot 124, control of the mechanism for restraining the mobile battery 20 arranged in the slot 124, Examples include control of arranged movable connectors.

In this embodiment, the charging/discharging control unit 636 controls charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Examples of the above control include confirmation of connection of electrical terminals, adjustment of charging voltage, adjustment of charging current, adjustment of discharging voltage, and adjustment of discharging current.

In this embodiment, the command response unit 638 receives commands transmitted by the command transmission unit 678 . Command responder 638 controls the operation of storage unit 122 based on the above commands. For example, command responder 638 controls operation of at least one slot 124 based on the commands described above.

The command response unit 638 may determine whether or not to perform an operation according to the command from the command transmission unit 678. In one embodiment, when the anomaly detector 632 detects an anomaly, the command responder 638 determines not to perform an operation according to the command from the command transmitter 678 . In another embodiment, when the abnormality detection unit 632 does not detect an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines to perform an operation according to the command from the command transmission unit 678 .

The command response section 638 may transmit to the control section 376 information indicating the execution result of the operation instructed by the command from the command transmission section 678 . For example, the command response section 638 transmits information to the control section 376 indicating whether or not the storage unit 122 has performed the operation according to the command received from the control section 376 . Command responder 638 may send information to controller 376 that indicates an operation that storage unit 122 failed to perform in accordance with a command received from controller 376 . Command response unit 638 transmits to control unit 376 information indicating whether or not each of the one or more operations instructed by the command received from control unit 376 has been executed. good too.

In one embodiment, when the slot 124 determined as the target slot by the attachment/detachment slot determination unit 674 in the above command matches the slot 124 from which the abnormality detection unit 632 acquired an abnormality, the command response unit 638 It is determined not to attach or detach the mobile battery 20 at 124 . In addition, the command response unit 638 may receive (i) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the mobile battery 20 to or from the specified slot 124 is prohibited, and/or (ii) mobile battery 20 is transmitted to the control unit 376.

According to the above embodiment, for example, the time difference between the detection of an abnormality and the selection of the slot 124 is extremely small, and even if the slot 124 in which the abnormality is detected is selected, the mobile battery 20 cannot be attached. or the detachment run is aborted. As a result, when the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires (sometimes referred to as detection of) an abnormality, the abnormality detection unit 632 notifies the control unit 376 in advance of the identification information of the slot 124 from which the abnormality has been acquired. The safety of the battery station 120 is also improved compared to the embodiment in which the battery station 120 is stored.

In another embodiment, when the slot 124 determined as the target slot by the charge/discharge slot determination unit 676 in the above command matches the slot 124 from which the abnormality detection unit 632 acquired an abnormality, the command response unit 638 determines not to charge or discharge the mobile battery 20 in the slot 124 of . In addition, the command response unit 638 may (iii) information indicating that the charging or discharging of the mobile battery 20 in the specified slot 124 is prohibited, and/or (iv) the mobile battery in the specified slot 124. 20 is transmitted to the control unit 376.

According to the above embodiment, for example, the time difference between the detection of an abnormality and the selection of the slot 124 is extremely small, and even if the slot 124 in which the abnormality is detected is selected, the mobile battery 20 can be charged. Or the execution of discharge is stopped. As a result, when the abnormality detection unit 632 acquires an abnormality, the abnormality detection unit 632 notifies the control unit 376 in advance of the identification information of the slot 124 from which the abnormality has been acquired. The safety of the battery station 120 is improved.

In yet another embodiment, the command response unit 638 performs an operation according to the command from the command transmission unit 678 based on the state of the storage unit 122, the slot 124, or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Decide whether to The command response section 638 may acquire information indicating the state of the storage unit 122 , the slot 124 , or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 from the sensing section 240 and the sensing section 332 .

As described above, the command responder 638 generates a processing flow including one or more processes for controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of slots 124 based on commands from the command transmitter 678 . The command response unit 638 determines whether or not each process can be executed for each of the one or more processes.

For example, if the process includes an operation related to the safety of the mobile battery 20 or the safety of the user 40 or the maintenance personnel of the battery station 120, the command response unit 638 is permitted to perform the operation related to the safety. Determine whether the conditions are met. If it is determined that the above conditions are satisfied, the command response unit 638 determines that the process can be executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the above conditions are not satisfied, the command response unit 638 determines that the process cannot be executed.

For example, the command response unit 638 generates a command for controlling the slot 124 targeted by the process determined to be executable. The command response unit 638 transmits the generated command to the slot 124 to be controlled by the control unit 336 to control the operation of the slot 124 described above.

For example, the command response unit 638 does not generate a command for controlling the slot 124 targeted by the process determined to be unexecutable. The command response unit 638 transmits information indicating that some processes related to the command are prohibited and/or information indicating that some processes related to the command cannot be executed to the control unit 376 .

The anomaly detection unit 632 may be an example of an anomaly acquisition unit. The command transmitted by the command transmitter 678 may be an example of a control signal. That the temperature of the slot 124 is outside the normal range and/or that the temperature of the slot 124 is within the abnormal range means that the temperature of the storage unit is outside the predetermined first numerical range. It can be an example of something. When the temperature of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 is outside the normal range and/or the temperature of the mobile battery 20 is within the abnormal range, the power storage stored in the storage unit It may be an example that the temperature of the device is outside the predetermined second numerical range.

(An example of another embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an example of the battery station 120 has been described by taking as an example the case where the control unit 376 generates a command based on a request or instruction from the management server 140 and transmits the command to the control unit 336. . Specifically, (i) the attachment/detachment slot determination unit 674 determines the slot 124 to attach or detach the mobile battery 20 based on a request or instruction from the management server 140, and the command transmission unit 678 determines the command response unit 638. or (ii) the charge/discharge slot determination unit 676 determines the slot 124 for charging or discharging the mobile battery 20 based on a request or instruction from the management server 140, and the command transmission unit 678 An example of the battery station 120 has been described with the example of sending a command to the command responder 638 .

However, the battery station 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, controller 376 may generate commands based on requests or instructions from controller 336 and send the commands to controller 336 .

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the on-board equipment 330. FIG. In this embodiment, for the purpose of simplifying the explanation, details of the on-board device 330 will be explained by taking as an example the case where the slot 124 does not have the function of discharging the mobile battery 20 . However, those skilled in the art who read the description of the present specification can understand that the slot 124 can be configured to charge and discharge the mobile battery 20 .

In this embodiment, onboard equipment 330 includes one or more slots 124, breakers 710, power lines 712, AC/DC power supplies 714, splitters 716, power lines 718, main control board 730, and communication hub 732. , a communication line 734 , a temperature control section 742 , a buzzer 744 , a sensing section 746 and a maintenance door 748 . In this embodiment, the slot 124 includes an AC/DC charger 760, a power connector 762, a slot control board 770, a communications connector 772, a driver 774, a shutter 776, a lock 778, and a temperature controller. 782 , a state display section 784 and a sense section 786 .

In this embodiment, the breaker 710 receives power from the power grid 12 . Breaker 710 supplies power received from power grid 12 via power line 712 to AC/DC chargers 760 in each of one or more slots 124 . Breaker 710 supplies power received from power grid 12 to AC/DC power supply 714 . Examples of the breaker 710 include a circuit breaker and a residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection.

In this embodiment, the AC/DC power supply 714 functions as a power supply that supplies control power. For example, AC/DC power supply 714 converts AC power received from breaker 710 to DC power having an appropriate voltage. AC/DC power supply 714 provides converted DC power to each slot control board 770 of one or more slots 124 via distributor 716 and power line 718 . AC/DC power supply 714 also supplies converted DC power to main control board 730 .

In this embodiment, the main control board 730 controls the operation of each part of the storage unit 122. The main control board 730 is connected to the CPU board 820 via the communication line 310 . Main control board 730 may function as controller 336 . Main control board 730 may function as controller 336 in cooperation with slot control board 770 .

The main control board 730 sends and receives information to and from slot control boards 770 of each of the one or more slots 124 via communication hubs 732 and communication lines 734 . Main control board 730 may control the operation of temperature control unit 742 , buzzer 744 , sense unit 746 and maintenance door 748 . The main control board 730 may acquire information indicating the states of the temperature control section 742 , the buzzer 744 , the sensing section 746 and the maintenance door 748 .

For example, the main control board 730 acquires information indicating the measurement result of the sensing section 746 from the sensing section 746 . The main control board 730 also acquires information indicating the open/closed state of the maintenance door 748 from the maintenance door 748 .

In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment section 742 adjusts the temperature inside the housing 320 of the storage unit 122 . Examples of the temperature control unit 742 include a fan and a water-cooled cooler.

In this embodiment, the buzzer 744 notifies the user 40 of the state of the storage unit 122 . Buzzer 744 may output a warning sound. The buzzer 744 may output a warning specified by the main control board 730 among a plurality of warning sounds with different warning patterns.

In the present embodiment, the sensing section 746 acquires information indicating the state of the storage unit 122 . Sense portion 746 may include multiple types of sensors. A temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, an electric leakage sensor, and the like are exemplified as sensors included in the sensing unit 746 . Sense portion 746 may form at least a portion of sense portion 332 .

In this embodiment, the maintenance door 748 is arranged in an opening (not shown) of the housing 320 and used for maintenance and management of the battery station 120 by maintenance personnel of the battery station 120 . The maintenance door 748 may output information indicating its open/closed state to the main control board 730 . For example, when the maintenance door 748 is opened, the maintenance door 748 outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance door 748 has been opened.

In this embodiment, AC/DC charger 760 charges mobile battery 20 electrically connected to power connector 762 . AC/DC charger 760 adjusts at least one of voltage and current applied to mobile battery 20 electrically connected to power connector 762 according to instructions from slot control board 770 .

In this embodiment, the power connector 762 includes electrical terminals that are electrically connected to the power connector 212 of the mobile battery 20 when the mobile battery 20 is accommodated in the slot 124 . In this embodiment, power connector 762 is configured to be movable by drive portion 774 . However, in other embodiments, power connector 762 may be secured within slot 124 .

In this embodiment, the slot control board 770 controls the operation of each section of the slot 124 . Slot control board 770 may control the operation of slot 124 according to instructions from main control board 730 . Slot control board 770 may function as controller 336 . Slot control board 770 may function as controller 336 in cooperation with main control board 730 .

The slot control board 770 may transmit and receive information to and from the controller 230 of the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 via the communication connector 772 . For example, the slot control board 770 can read information stored in the storage unit 250 of the mobile battery 20 . Also, the slot control board 770 can write information to the storage unit 250 of the mobile battery 20 .

In this embodiment, the communication connector 772 includes a communication terminal communicably connected to the communication connector 214 of the mobile battery 20 when the mobile battery 20 is accommodated in the slot 124 . In this embodiment, the communication connector 772 is configured to be movable by the drive section 774 . However, in other embodiments, communication connector 772 may be secured within slot 124 .

In this embodiment, the driving section 774 drives various movable members arranged in the slot 124 . The drive section 774 may drive the movable member according to instructions from the slot control board 770 . Examples of movable members include the power connector 762, the communication connector 772, the shutter 776, the locking portion 778, the withdrawal prevention member arranged in the slot 124, the mechanism for restraining the mobile battery 20 arranged in the slot 124, and the like. .

In this embodiment, the shutter 776 is arranged at the opening (not shown) of the slot 124 and controls whether or not the user 40 can use the mobile battery 20 . Shutter 776 may control opening and closing according to instructions from slot control board 770 .

For example, when the shutter 776 is open, the user 40 can insert the mobile battery 20 into the slot 124 or remove the mobile battery 20 from the slot 124 . On the other hand, when the shutter 776 is closed, the mobile battery 20 cannot be inserted into the slot 124 or removed from the slot 124 .

In this embodiment, the lock portion 778 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state of the shutter 776 . The lock section 778 may switch between the locked state and the unlocked state of the shutter 776 according to instructions from the slot control board 770 .

In this embodiment, the temperature control section 782 controls the temperature inside the slot 124 . In this embodiment, the temperature adjuster 782 may adjust the temperature inside the slot 124 according to instructions from the slot control board 770 . Examples of the temperature control unit 782 include a fan, a water-cooled cooler, and the like.

In this embodiment, the state display unit 784 notifies the user 40 of the state of the slot 124 . Examples of the state of the slot 124 include the presence or absence of the mobile battery 20 and the presence or absence of an abnormality. The state display unit 784 notifies the user 40 of the state of the slot 124 by, for example, a lighting pattern, a blinking pattern, or a display pattern designated by the slot control board 770 among a plurality of lighting patterns, blinking patterns, or display patterns. good. Examples of the status display unit 784 include an LED and a display.

In this embodiment, the sense unit 786 acquires information indicating the state of the slot 124 . The sense portion 786 may include multiple types of sensors. A temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and the like are exemplified as sensors included in the sense unit 786 . For example, the sensing unit 786 may include (i) a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the slot 124, the mobile battery 20, or near the mobile battery 20, (ii) a voltage sensor that measures the voltage at the power connector 762, and (iii) ) includes at least one current sensor that measures the current flowing through the power connector 762 . Sense portion 786 may form at least part of sense portion 332 .

The main control board 730 may be an example of the first control unit. The sense unit 746 may be an example of a state acquisition unit. Power connector 762 may be an example of a second terminal. The slot control board 770 may be an example of a first controller. The sense unit 786 may be an example of a state acquisition unit.

FIG. 8 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the on-board equipment 370. FIG. In this embodiment, the on-board device 370 includes an AC/DC power supply 814, a service outlet 816, a CPU board 820, an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication interface 830, an NFC reader 842, and a camera 844. , a touch panel 852 , a display 854 , and a speaker 856 .

In this embodiment, the AC/DC power supply 814 and the AC/DC power supply 714 function as power supplies that supply power for control. AC/DC power supply 814 receives power from power grid 12 , eg, via uninterruptible power supply 312 . AC/DC power supply 814 converts AC power received from power grid 12 to DC power having a suitable voltage. AC/DC power supply 814 supplies converted DC power to CPU board 820 .

In this embodiment, the service outlet 816 supplies power to equipment external to the communication unit 126 . A router 314 is exemplified as an external device.

The service outlet 816 receives power from the power grid 12 via the uninterruptible power supply 312, for example. The service outlet 816 may control power supply to external devices according to instructions from the CPU board 820 . Service outlet 816 may send information to CPU board 820 regarding power supplied to external equipment.

The CPU board 820 controls the operation of each part of the communication unit 126. CPU board 820 is connected to main control board 730 via communication line 310 . The CPU board 820 may function as the controller 376 .

In this embodiment, the Ethernet interface 830 is connected to the communication network 14 via the router 314. Ethernet interface 830 may function as communication interface 128 .

In this embodiment, the NFC reader 842 transmits and receives information to and from the communication terminal 42 via short-range wireless communication. NFC reader 842 may function as communication interface 128 . NFC reader 842 may function as user identifier 374 .

In this embodiment, the camera 844 images the user 40 . Camera 844 may function as user interface 372 . Camera 844 may function as user identifier 374 .

In this embodiment, the touch panel 852 receives touch input from the user 40 . Touch panel 852 may function as user interface 372 . In this embodiment, display 854 presents information to user 40 by outputting images. Display 854 may function as user interface 372 . In this embodiment, speaker 856 presents information to user 40 by outputting audio. Speaker 856 may function as user interface 372 .

The CPU board 820 may be an example of the second control unit. Ethernet interface 830 may be an example of a communication unit. NFC reader 842 may be an example of a communication or identification portion. Camera 844 may be an example of an identifier or input. The touch panel 852 may be an example of an input unit. Display 854 may be an information provider. Speaker 856 may be an information provider.

An example of information processing in the control unit 336 and the control unit 376 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of commands output by the control unit 376 . According to FIG. 9, the name of each command and the contents of each command are shown.

As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the control section 336 controls the operation of each section of the storage unit 122 based on the contents indicated by the commands sent from the control section 376. FIG. Also, the control unit 336 transmits to the control unit 376 information indicating whether or not the operation indicated by the above command has been executed.

In one embodiment, upon receiving a command from the control unit 376, the control unit 336 determines whether the operation indicated by the command can be executed. Control unit 336 transmits information indicating whether or not the operation indicated by the command has been executed to control unit 376 based on the determination result.

In another embodiment, the control unit 336 determines whether or not the operation indicated by the command has been performed based on the output of at least one of the sense unit 746 and the sense unit 786. Control unit 336 transmits information indicating whether or not the operation indicated by the command has been executed to control unit 376 based on the determination result.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of settings regarding whether or not commands can be executed when no abnormality (including failure) is detected in the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124 . According to FIG. 10, a data table 1000 used for the above determination is taken as an example in which it is determined whether or not each command can be executed according to the state of the slot 124 and the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120. An example of is described. The data table 1000 is stored in the setting storage unit 334, for example.

Similarly, FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of settings regarding whether commands can be executed when an abnormality (including failure) is detected in the slot 124 or the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. According to FIG. 11, a data table 1100 used for the above determination is taken as an example in which it is determined whether or not each command can be executed according to the state of the slot 124 and the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120. An example of is described. The data table 1100 is stored in the setting storage unit 334, for example.

In the data table 1000 and data table 1100, "permission" indicates that command execution is permitted or possible. Similarly, "ignore" indicates that command execution is prohibited or impossible. "Conditional" indicates that execution of the command is permitted or possible if a predetermined condition is met.

In this embodiment, the criteria for determining whether each command can be executed differ depending on the state of the slot 124 . The "no battery" column of the data table 1000 and the data table 1100 indicates whether or not each command can be executed when the slot 124 does not store the mobile battery 20 . The “battery storage (locked)” column of the data table 1000 and the data table 1100 indicates whether or not each command can be executed when the mobile battery 20 is stored in the slot 124 .

In this embodiment, the criteria for determining whether each command can be executed differ depending on the maintenance level or operation mode of the battery station 120 . The "Normal Operation" column of the data table 1000 and the data table 1100 indicates whether or not each command can be executed when maintenance work is not performed (that is, when normal commercial operation is performed). show. The "external control" column of data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether or not each command can be executed when maintenance work is being performed with maintenance door 748 closed. The "control prohibited" column in data table 1000 and data table 1100 indicates whether or not each command can be executed when maintenance work is being performed with maintenance door 748 open.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, according to this embodiment, (i) commands that are meaningless considering the state of the storage unit 122, and (ii) commands that are prohibited from being executed in advance for safety considerations. Preferred commands are "ignored". On the other hand, commands that are safely executed given the status of storage unit 122 are "allowed."

As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 closed, the power connector 762 is inserted and removed from the mobile battery 20 stored in the slot 124. Even so, workers can safely perform maintenance work. Therefore, even in the case of "external control", "CMD_PLUG_MOT" is "permitted". Also, for example, if the specific slot 124 does not store the mobile battery 20, the command to control charging in the specific slot 124 is highly likely to be a meaningless command. Therefore, if the specific slot 124 does not store the mobile battery 20, the "CMD_MPP_CHARGE" command for the specific slot 124 is "ignored". Furthermore, for example, when maintenance work is being performed with the maintenance door 748 open, the command is basically "ignored" in consideration of worker safety. Even in this case, commands relating to devices with relatively low operating voltages, such as LEDs, displays, etc., may be "allowed."

In this embodiment, FIG. 11 shows settings when an abnormality or failure occurs in the mobile battery 20 or the slot 124 during normal operation of the battery station 120 . Therefore, in another embodiment, the setting regarding command execution propriety may not have the columns of "external control" and "control prohibition". As shown in FIG. 11, when an abnormality or failure of the mobile battery 20 or the slot 124 occurs, basically commands relating to the slot 124 related to the abnormality or failure are "ignored". Even in this case, fan driving, memory reading/writing, memory erasing, etc. may be conditionally "allowed." For example, when the detected abnormality is that the temperature of the mobile battery 20 is higher than a predetermined value, fan driving, memory reading/writing, memory erasing, etc. are permitted.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example computer 3000 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. At least part of battery management system 100 may be implemented by computer 3000 . For example, the control unit 230 or part thereof is implemented by the computer 3000 . For example, controller 336 or part thereof may be implemented by computer 3000 . For example, controller 376 or part thereof may be implemented by computer 3000 .

Programs installed on the computer 3000 cause the computer 3000 to function as one or more "parts" of operations or apparatus associated with the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, or to and/or cause computer 3000 to perform a process or steps of a process according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by CPU 3012 to cause computer 3000 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

A computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 3012, a RAM 3014, a GPU 3016, and a display device 3018, which are interconnected by a host controller 3010. Computer 3000 also includes input/output units such as communication interface 3022 , hard disk drive 3024 , DVD-ROM drive 3026 and IC card drive, which are connected to host controller 3010 via input/output controller 3020 . The computer also includes legacy input/output units such as ROM 3030 and keyboard 3042 , which are connected to input/output controller 3020 via input/output chip 3040 .

The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. The GPU 3016 retrieves image data generated by the CPU 3012 into itself, such as a frame buffer provided in RAM 3014 , and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 3018 .

A communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. Hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by CPU 3012 within computer 3000 . DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from DVD-ROM 3001 and provides programs or data to hard disk drive 3024 via RAM 3014 . The IC card drive reads programs and data from IC cards and/or writes programs and data to IC cards.

ROM 3030 stores therein programs such as a boot program executed by computer 3000 upon activation and/or programs dependent on the hardware of computer 3000 . Input/output chip 3040 may also connect various input/output units to input/output controller 3020 via parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, and the like.

A program is provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The program is read from a computer-readable storage medium, installed in hard disk drive 3024 , RAM 3014 , or ROM 3030 , which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by CPU 3012 . The information processing described within these programs is read by computer 3000 to provide coordination between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing information operations or processing according to the use of computer 3000 .

For example, when communication is performed between the computer 3000 and an external device, the CPU 3012 executes a communication program loaded into the RAM 3014 and sends communication processing to the communication interface 3022 based on the processing described in the communication program. you can command. Under the control of the CPU 3012, the communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 3014, the hard disk drive 3024, the DVD-ROM 3001, or an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data. Data is transmitted to the network, or received data received from the network is written in a receive buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

In addition, the CPU 3012 causes the RAM 3014 to read all or necessary portions of files or databases stored in external recording media such as the hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), IC card, etc. Various types of processing may be performed on the data in RAM 3014 . CPU 3012 may then write back the processed data to an external recording medium.

Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored in recording media and subjected to information processing. CPU 3012 performs various types of operations on data read from RAM 3014, information processing, conditional decisions, conditional branching, unconditional branching, and information retrieval as specified throughout this disclosure and by instruction sequences of programs. Various types of processing may be performed, including /replace, etc., and the results written back to RAM 3014 . Also, the CPU 3012 may search for information in a file in a recording medium, a database, or the like. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 3012 selects the first attribute from among the plurality of entries. search for an entry that matches the specified condition of the attribute value of the attribute, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby determine the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition An attribute value of the associated second attribute may be obtained.

The programs or software modules described above may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 3000 . In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, whereby the above program can be transferred via a network. provided to the computer 3000;

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. In addition, matters described with respect to a specific embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not technically inconsistent. Also, each component may have features similar to other components with the same name but different reference numerals. It is clear from the description of the scope of the claims that forms with such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The execution order of each process such as actions, procedures, steps, and stages in devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in claims, specifications, and drawings is etc., and it should be noted that they can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, specification, and drawings, even if explanations are made using "first," "next," etc. for the sake of convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. is not.

12 power system, 14 communication network, 20 mobile battery, 30 electric motorcycle, 40 user, 42 communication terminal, 100 battery management system, 120 battery station, 122 storage unit, 124 slot, 126 communication unit, 128 communication interface, 140 management server , 212 power connector, 214 communication connector, 220 power storage unit, 230 control unit, 240 sense unit, 250 storage unit, 310 communication line, 312 uninterruptible power supply, 314 router, 320 housing, 330 installed equipment, 332 sense unit, 334 setting storage unit, 336 control unit, 360 housing, 370 installed device, 372 user interface, 374 user identification unit, 376 control unit, 510 holding member, 632 abnormality detection unit, 634 attachment/detachment control unit, 636 charge/discharge control unit, 638 command response unit, 674 attachment/detachment slot determination unit, 676 charge/discharge slot determination unit, 678 command transmission unit, 710 breaker, 712 power line, 714 AC/DC power supply, 716 distributor, 718 power line, 730 main control board, 732 communication hub , 734 communication line, 742 temperature control unit, 744 buzzer, 746 sense unit, 748 maintenance door, 760 AC/DC charger, 762 power connector, 770 slot control board, 772 communication connector, 774 drive unit, 776 shutter, 778 lock 814 AC/DC power supply, 816 service outlet, 820 CPU board, 830 Ethernet interface, 842 NFC reader, 844 camera, 852 touch panel, 854 display, 856 speaker, 1000 data table, 1100 data table, 3000 computer, 3001 DVD-ROM, 3010 host controller, 3012 CPU, 3014 RAM, 3016 GPU, 3018 display device, 3020 input/output controller, 3022 communication interface, 3024 hard disk drive, 3026 DVD-ROM Drive, 3030 ROM, 3040 input/output chip, 3042 keyboard

Claims

A storage device that stores a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses power,
a first housing having a plurality of storage units for storing the power storage device;
a second housing formed independently of the first housing, the second housing having a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external information processing device disposed outside the storage device;
A storage device, comprising:
The first housing further includes a first control unit that controls attachment or detachment of the power storage device to or from the storage unit,
The second housing determines the storage unit to which the power storage device is to be attached or detached from among the plurality of storage units, and transmits the determined storage unit to the first control unit as a detachable storage unit. 2 further having a control unit,
The storage device according to claim 1.
The first control unit has an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit,
When the storage unit determined as the attachment/detachment storage unit matches the storage unit from which the abnormality acquisition unit acquired the abnormality, the first control unit controls (i) the power storage device in the storage unit. (ii) transmitting to the second control unit information indicating that attachment or detachment is prohibited and/or (ii) information indicating that attachment or detachment of the power storage device in the storage unit is not possible;
The storage device according to claim 2.
The first housing further has a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device,
The first control unit controls charging of the power storage device via the second terminal,
The second control unit determines, from among the plurality of storage units, the storage unit for charging the power storage device, and transmits the determined storage unit as a charging storage unit to the first control unit.
The storage device according to claim 2 or 3.
The first control unit has an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit,
When the storage unit determined as the charging storage unit matches the storage unit from which the abnormality acquisition unit acquired the abnormality, the first control unit controls (iii) the power storage device in the storage unit. (iv) transmitting information indicating that charging is prohibited and/or (iv) information indicating that the power storage device cannot be charged in the storage unit to the second control unit;
The storage device according to claim 4.
The first housing and the second housing are installed separately from each other,
Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The first housing and the second housing are connected to each other by a communication line,
The storage device according to claim 6.
The second housing further has an information providing unit that provides information to the user of the storage device,
Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The second housing further has an identification unit that identifies a user of the storage device,
Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The second housing further has an input unit that receives input from a user of the storage device,
Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The first housing further includes a state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit,
The abnormality acquisition unit acquires the abnormality related to the state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit, based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit.
The storage device according to claim 3 or 5.
The abnormality includes that at least one of the temperature of the storage unit and the temperature of the power storage device stored in the storage unit is within a predetermined range,
Storage device according to claim 11 .
The first housing further includes a state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit,
The second control unit transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the storage unit to the first control unit,
The first control unit determines whether to execute an operation according to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit based on the state of the storage unit or the power storage device acquired by the state acquisition unit. do,
The storage device according to claim 2.
The second control unit transmits the control signal to the first control unit based on a request from the external information processing device.
14. Storage device according to claim 13.
The first housing further includes an abnormality acquisition unit that acquires an abnormality related to the state or operation of the storage unit or the power storage device stored in the storage unit based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit,
The first control unit determines not to perform an operation according to the control signal transmitted by the second control unit when the abnormality acquisition unit acquires the abnormality.
15. Storage device according to claim 13 or claim 14.
The number of the second housings is less than the number of the first housings,
Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
A charging device that charges a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that uses power,
(i) a plurality of charging units having a second terminal electrically connected to a first terminal that is an electrical terminal of the power storage device; and (ii) controlling charging of the power storage device via the second terminal. a first housing having a first control unit for
(i) a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external information processing device arranged outside the charging device; a second housing having a second control unit that transmits the determined charging unit to the first control unit as a determined charging unit;
with
The second housing is formed independently of the first housing,
charging device.