Battery pack and method for controlling battery pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack and a control method for the battery pack. The battery pack (50) comprises: a battery (51); an input / output device (54) for stopping the use of the battery pack (50) including the battery (51); and a controller (55) for controlling the input / output device (54) to stop the use of the battery pack (50) when the use status of the battery pack (50) does not meet the use conditions of the battery pack lending service.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application filed on August 16, 2016, with application number 201610674310.0 and invention name: “Battery Pack and Method for Controlling Battery Pack”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a control method of the battery pack. Background Art

[0003] In the past, battery packs have been used to supply power to electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric vehicles, etc. In addition, a rental service has been proposed for renting battery packs to users. Patent document 1 discloses a battery pack charging system that charges according to the usage of the rented battery packs.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-288539 Summary of the invention

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the loaned storage battery packs are sometimes not used properly. If the storage battery packs are not used properly, it is difficult to effectively provide the storage battery pack loan service.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an exemplary embodiment provides a storage battery pack and a control method of the storage battery pack that can suppress inappropriate use of the storage battery pack.

[0009] A battery pack according to one technical solution of the present disclosure includes: a battery; a stopper that stops the use of the battery pack including the battery; and a controller that controls the stopper to stop the use of the battery pack when the use status of the battery pack does not satisfy the use conditions of the rental service of the battery pack.

[0010] In addition, these general or specific technical solutions can be implemented using systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, or can be implemented using any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0011] A storage battery pack and a control method of the storage battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure can suppress inappropriate use of the storage battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the overall picture of the lending service provided by the lending system in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a lending process of a storage battery pack in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the first management table in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the second management table in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a process of transmitting status information in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a utilization stop process of a storage battery pack in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing a utilization stop process in the storage battery pack according to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a process of returning a storage battery pack in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0021] Description of symbols

[0022] 10: Management Center 11: Server Device

[0023] 11a: First management table 11b: Second management table

[0024] 20: Service Center 21: Processing Device

[0025] 22: Card reader 23: Inspection device

[0026] 24: Relay device 30: Electrical equipment

[0027] 40: Information terminal 50: Battery pack

[0028] 51: Battery 52: Communicator

[0029] 53: Multiple terminals 53a: Discharge terminal

[0030] 53b: Charging terminal 53c: Communication terminal

[0031] 53d: ID terminal 53e: Ground terminal

[0032] 54: Input and output device 55: Controller

[0033] 56: Memory 57: Alarm

[0034] 100: Exploiter DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] A battery pack according to one technical solution of the present disclosure includes: a battery; a stopper that stops the use of the battery pack including the battery; and a controller that controls the stopper to stop the use of the battery pack when the use status of the battery pack does not satisfy the use conditions of the rental service of the battery pack.

[0036] According to this configuration, the use of the battery pack can be stopped when the use status of the battery pack does not satisfy the use conditions of the battery pack rental service. In other words, if the rules related to the use of the battery pack are not followed, the user can be punished. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use status of the battery pack from failing to satisfy the use conditions, and to prevent inappropriate use of the battery pack.

[0037] For example, the controller may control the stopper to stop the discharge during the discharge period of the storage battery group, and then not allow the storage battery group to start discharging even if there is a request to start discharging the storage battery group, thereby stopping the use of the storage battery group.

[0038] According to this configuration, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization conditions of the storage battery pack rental service, the discharge of the storage battery pack can be stopped during the discharge period, and the discharge start is not allowed even if there is a discharge start request. In other words, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack are not followed, the discharge of the storage battery pack during the discharge period can be stopped. The utilization of the electrical equipment equipped with the storage battery pack is strictly restricted, so that the improper utilization of the storage battery pack can be strongly suppressed.

[0039] For example, the controller may stop the use of the storage battery group by not allowing the storage battery group to start discharging even when there is a request to start discharging the storage battery group, and may not stop the discharging during the discharging period of the storage battery group.

[0040] According to this configuration, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization conditions of the storage battery pack lending service, it is possible to not allow the start of discharge even if there is a discharge start request for the storage battery pack, and not to stop the discharge during the discharge period of the storage battery pack. In other words, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack are not followed, the discharge of the storage battery pack from the next time can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user of the electric device from being in danger due to the stop of discharge during the discharge period of the storage battery pack, and to suppress the inappropriate use of the storage battery pack.

[0041] For example, even if there is a request to charge the storage battery pack, the controller may not permit charging of the storage battery pack, thereby stopping the use of the storage battery pack.

[0042] According to this configuration, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization conditions of the storage battery pack lending service, charging of the storage battery pack can be prohibited even if there is a request to charge the storage battery pack. In other words, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack are not followed, charging of the storage battery pack can be prohibited. In other words, since the discharge of the power stored in the storage battery pack is allowed, it is possible to gradually guide the discharge of the storage battery pack to stop. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the convenience of the user from being reduced and to suppress the inappropriate use of the storage battery pack.

[0043] For example, the utilization condition may include that the storage battery pack has been returned by the return deadline of the storage battery pack.

[0044] According to this configuration, returning the storage battery pack before the return deadline of the storage battery pack can be used as a utilization condition. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the storage battery pack from not being returned before the return deadline.

[0045] For example, even if the battery pack is not returned before the return deadline of the battery pack, if the battery pack is used more than the recommended usage amount of the battery pack within a predetermined period, the controller may control the stopper so as not to stop the use of the battery pack.

[0046] According to this configuration, users who have used more than the recommended amount will not have their usage stopped even if the return deadline has expired, so that they can continue to use the battery pack without having to work for return, thereby promoting the use of the battery pack.

[0047] For example, the utilization condition may include transmitting information indicating the state of the battery pack to a server device at a time point when the battery pack is due for update.

[0048] According to this configuration, the following can be used as a utilization condition: the information indicating the state of the battery pack is transmitted to the server device before the update deadline of the battery pack. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the information indicating the state of the battery pack is not transmitted before the update deadline.

[0049] For example, the utilization condition may include that the storage battery pack is used in a predetermined period by an amount equal to or greater than a recommended usage amount of the storage battery pack.

[0050] According to this configuration, the battery pack can be used as a utilization condition by using more than the recommended usage amount of the battery pack within a predetermined period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lent battery pack from being used only slightly. In other words, the use of the battery pack can be promoted.

[0051] For example, the utilization condition may be that the user has points that are usable as usage fee for the storage battery pack and that the user has a number of points equal to or greater than a number of points required for utilizing the storage battery pack.

[0052] According to this configuration, the following situation can be used as a utilization condition: the user has more points than the number of points required for using the battery pack, which can be used as the usage fee of the battery pack. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation where the usage fee cannot be paid due to insufficient points when using points as the usage fee of the battery pack.

[0053] For example, the points may become invalid if the validity period of the points is exceeded.

[0054] According to this configuration, points can be invalidated when the expiration date of points has expired, and point management can be appropriately performed.

[0055] For example, the storage battery pack may further include a warning device for issuing a warning to the user; and the controller may control the warning device to issue a warning to the user before controlling the stopper to stop the use of the storage battery pack.

[0056] According to this configuration, a warning can be issued to the user before stopping the use of the battery pack. Therefore, the use of the battery pack can be improved before the use of the battery pack fails to meet the use conditions of the battery pack rental service, and inappropriate use of the battery pack can be suppressed.

[0057] For example, the warning may be to place the start of discharge in a standby state when there is a request to start discharge of the storage battery group.

[0058] According to this configuration, when there is a request to start discharging the storage battery pack, the state in which the start of discharging is put into a standby state can be used as a warning, and the warning can be more reliably communicated to the user.

[0059] For example, the battery pack may further include a first communicator for communicating with an information terminal; and if the controller obtains information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition from a server device via the information terminal and the first communicator, the controller controls the stopper to stop the utilization of the battery pack.

[0060] According to this configuration, information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition can be obtained from the server device via the information terminal and the first communicator. That is, the battery pack can obtain information from the server device using the communication function of the information terminal. As a result, compared with the case where the battery pack does not receive information from the server device via the information terminal, it is possible to obtain information from the server device with lower power consumption. The reason for this is that the power required for communication is less when communicating with the information terminal using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) than when directly communicating with the server device using long-range wireless communication such as LTE.

[0061] For example, the first communicator may communicate with the information terminal via short-range wireless communication.

[0062] According to this configuration, the first communicator can communicate with the information terminal via short-distance wireless communication. Therefore, by utilizing the short-distance wireless communication function generally provided by information terminals such as smartphones, it is possible to more easily obtain information from the server device.

[0063] For example, the battery pack may further include a second communicator for wirelessly communicating with a server device; if the controller obtains information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition from the server device via the second communicator, the controller controls the stopper to stop the utilization of the battery pack.

[0064] According to this configuration, information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition can be obtained from the server device via the second communicator. In other words, the battery pack can obtain information from the server device without using the information terminal. Therefore, the battery pack can obtain information from the server device even when it cannot communicate with the information terminal, and can more reliably obtain information from the server device.

[0065] In addition, these general or specific technical solutions can be implemented using systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, or can be implemented using any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0066] (Implementation Method)

[0067] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0068] In addition, the embodiments described below all represent general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, configuration positions of constituent elements, connection methods, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0069] In addition, each figure is only a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numeral is given to the substantially same structure, and the repeated description may be omitted or simplified.

[0070] [Overview of the rental service]

[0071] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall picture of the lending service provided by the lending system in the embodiment.

[0072] The management center 10 manages the rental service of the storage battery pack 50 for the user 100. The management center 10 includes a server device 11.

[0073] The server device 11 communicates with a processing device 21 of a service center 20 described later and the battery pack 50 via a network, and manages data of the user 100 and the battery pack 50. The server device 11 is, for example, a cloud server.

[0074] The service center 20 lends the battery pack 50 to the user 100 and returns the lent battery pack 50. The service center 20 also inspects and charges the battery pack 50. The service center 20 includes a processing device 21, a card reader 22, an inspection device 23, and a relay device 24.

[0075] The processing device 21 communicates with the server device 11 of the management center 10 via the network and performs data processing for the lending service. For example, the processing device 21 sends the identifier of the user 100 and the identifier of the battery pack 50 to the server device 11 when the battery pack 50 is lent or returned.

[0076] The card reader 22 reads the identifier of the user 100 from the membership card and outputs it to the processing device 21. The membership card and the card reader 22 are, for example, an IC card and an IC card reader.

[0077] The member card stores an identifier for identifying the user 100 who is a member of the lending service. The operator operating the lending service provides the member card to the user 100 by registering the user 100 as a member. Hereinafter, the identifier stored in the member card is expressed as a member ID.

[0078] The inspection device 23 obtains the identifier of the battery pack 50 from the battery pack 50, and outputs it to the processing device 21. Hereinafter, the identifier of the battery pack is expressed as a battery pack ID.

[0079] The inspection device 23 also inspects the storage battery pack 50 returned by the user 100 and outputs the inspection result to the processing device 21. For example, the inspection device 23 inspects the discharge capability and the charge capability of the storage battery pack 50.

[0080] The relay device 24 relays the communication between the processing device 21 and the server device 11. The relay device 24 is, for example, a router.

[0081] The electric device 30 is a load device that consumes electric power and to which the battery pack 50 can be mounted. Specifically, the electric device 30 is, for example, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, or an electric car. In addition, the electric device 30 is not limited to a transport device. The battery pack 50 loaned out at the service center 20 is mounted on the electric device 30. Thus, the battery pack 50 supplies electric power to the electric device 30.

[0082] The information terminal 40 relays the communication between the battery pack 50 and the server device 11. The information terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone. The information terminal 40 transmits the data received from the battery pack 50 to the server device 11. In addition, the information terminal 40 transmits the data received from the server device 11 to the battery pack 50.

[0083] The battery pack 50 supplies electric power to the electric device 30 by discharging when mounted on the electric device 30. In addition, the battery pack 50 stores electric power by charging when connected to a charger (not shown).

[0084] [Battery pack composition]

[0085] Here, refer to Figure 2 , the detailed structure of the battery pack involved in the embodiment is specifically described. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack 50 according to the embodiment. The battery pack 50 includes a battery 51 , a communicator 52 , a plurality of terminals 53 , an input / output device 54 , a controller 55 , a memory 56 , and an alarm 57 .

[0086] The storage battery 51 is also called a secondary battery and is a battery that can be charged and discharged. The storage battery 51 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0087] The communicator 52 is an example of a first communicator that communicates with the information terminal 40. In the present embodiment, the communicator 52 communicates with the information terminal 40 by short-distance wireless communication. Specifically, the communicator 52 is, for example, a communication adapter for performing short-distance wireless communication.

[0088] The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the short-distance wireless communication does not need to be particularly limited, and may be, for example, a wireless LAN, infrared communication, or the like.

[0089] The multiple terminals 53 are electrical connection points with external devices, and are provided in a connector (not shown) that physically and electrically connects the battery pack 50 to the external device. The multiple terminals 53 include a discharge terminal 53a, a charge terminal 53b, a communication terminal 53c, an ID terminal 53d, and a ground terminal 53e. The external device refers to a device outside the battery pack 50, such as the electrical device 30, the inspection device 23, a charger (not shown), etc. The above-mentioned connector may not have all of the above-mentioned multiple terminals 53, but may at least have the discharge terminal 53a and the charge terminal 53b. In addition, the above-mentioned connector is detachably connected to the external device.

[0090] The discharge terminal 53a is connected to the storage battery 51 via the input / output device 54, and is a terminal for discharging the storage battery 51. That is, the storage battery pack 50 supplies electric power to external equipment via the discharge terminal 53a.

[0091] The charging terminal 53b is connected to the storage battery 51 via the input / output device 54, and is a terminal for charging the storage battery 51. That is, the storage battery pack 50 stores electric power in the storage battery 51 via the charging terminal 53b.

[0092] The communication terminal 53 c is a terminal for communicating with an external device. For example, the battery pack 50 transmits the battery pack ID stored in the memory 56 to the inspection device 23 via the communication terminal 53 c.

[0093] The ID terminal 53d is a terminal for identifying the type of the external device. For example, when a terminal of the external device is connected to the ID terminal 53d, the battery pack 50 determines whether the external device is a load device based on whether the ID terminal 53d is grounded.

[0094] The ground terminal 53e is a terminal connected to the ground.

[0095] The input / output device 54 is an example of a stopper that stops the use of the battery pack 50. The input / output device 54 switches the on / off of the electrical connection between the external device and the battery 51. Specifically, the input / output device 54 includes a switch that switches the conduction and non-conduction of the path between the discharge terminal 53a and the battery 51. The input / output device 54 also includes a switch that switches the conduction and non-conduction of the path between the charging terminal 53b and the battery 51. The switch is implemented by, for example, a field effect transistor (FET).

[0096] The controller 55 controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery 51 by controlling the input / output device 54. In addition, the controller 55 controls the communication with the information terminal 40 by controlling the communicator 52.

[0097] In addition, the controller 55 only needs to have a control function, and it can be implemented in any way. For example, the controller 55 can also be composed of dedicated hardware. In addition, for example, the controller 55 can also be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. In this case, the controller 55 can also have, for example, an operation processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) for storing a control program. As the operation processing unit, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be exemplified. As the storage unit, a memory can be exemplified. In addition, the controller 55 can be composed of a single controller for centralized control, or it can be composed of a plurality of controllers that cooperate with each other for distributed control.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the usage conditions of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to stop the usage of the storage battery pack 50. Stopping the usage of the storage battery pack 50 means prohibiting at least one of the charging and discharging of the storage battery pack 50. In other words, the controller 55 punishes the user 100 by prohibiting charging and / or discharging according to the usage status of the storage battery pack 50. The details of this processing will be described later. Figure 8 Provide explanation.

[0099] The memory 56 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, etc., and stores data and information. In the present embodiment, the memory 56 stores the battery pack ID. Furthermore, the memory 56 stores information indicating the state of the battery pack 50. Hereinafter, the information indicating the state of the battery pack 50 is referred to as state information. The state information of the battery pack 50 is transmitted to the server device 11 via the communicator 52 and the information terminal 40.

[0100] Examples of the battery pack 50 status information include usage, charge count, discharge count, learned capacity, and usage temperature of the battery pack 50. The battery pack 50 status information may also include abnormality history information such as temperature abnormality, current abnormality, voltage abnormality, and impact abnormality.

[0101] The warning device 57 warns the user 100. For example, the warning device 57 may be a speaker that warns the user 100 by emitting sound. For another example, the warning device 57 may be a lamp that warns the user 100 by emitting light. For another example, the warning device 57 may warn by setting the start of discharge to a standby state when there is a request to start discharge of the storage battery pack 50.

[0102] [Handling of the rental system]

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 9 , the processing of the lending system constructed as above is explained in detail.

[0104] [Battery loan handling]

[0105] First, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 5 , the lending process of the battery pack 50 is described. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a lending process of the storage battery pack 50 in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0106] When using the rental service, the user 100 presents the membership card at the service center 20. The processing device 21 reads the membership ID from the membership card with the help of the card reader 22 (S11). Furthermore, the processing device 21 reads the battery pack ID from the rental battery pack 50 with the help of the inspection device 23 (S12). At this time, the inspection device 23 may also inspect the battery pack 50.

[0107] Then, the processing device 21 sends the lending data to the server device 11 (S13). The lending data includes at least the member ID and the battery pack ID. The processing device 21 may also send point data related to points that can be used as a usage fee for the battery pack 50. The point data includes, for example, the member ID and the number of points for increasing the points corresponding to the member ID. The number of points corresponds to the amount paid by the user 100.

[0108] The server device 11 receives the lending data from the processing device 21 and registers the lending data in the management table (S14). The management table is included in a database (not shown) of the server device 11. In the present embodiment, the database of the server device 11 includes a first management table 11a for battery pack lending management and a second management table 11b for point management.

[0109] Here, refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 , examples of the first management table 11 a and the second management table 11 b are described in detail. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the first management table 11 a in the embodiment. Figure 5 : is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd management table 11b in embodiment.

[0110] like Figure 4 As shown, the first management table 11a has fields for member ID, storage battery pack ID, return deadline, return date, renewal deadline, usage amount, and usage temperature.

[0111] In the fields of the member ID and the battery pack ID, the battery pack ID of the battery pack 50 and the member ID of the user 100 to whom the battery pack 50 is lent are registered in association. In the present embodiment, when the lending data is received, a new record is created in the first management table 11a, and the member ID and the battery pack ID included in the lending data are registered in the record.

[0112] The return deadline field has the return deadline date of the loaned battery pack 50 registered therein. For example, when registering the member ID and the battery pack ID, the return deadline date based on the loan period is registered therein. The loan period may be included in the loan data, or may be a predetermined fixed period.

[0113] The return date field has the date on which the loaned battery pack 50 is returned. If the battery pack 50 has not been returned, no valid date is registered in the return date field.

[0114] The update deadline field has a deadline date when the battery pack 50 should transmit the status information of the battery pack 50 to the server device 11. The update deadline field is updated based on a predetermined update period when the server device 11 receives status information from the battery pack 50, for example.

[0115] In the usage field, the usage of the loaned battery pack 50 during a predetermined period is registered. The usage is a value that quantitatively indicates the usage of the battery pack 50. For example, the usage is the amount of electric power supplied from the battery pack 50 to the electric device 30. In addition, the usage is not limited to the amount of electric power, and may be, for example, the number of times the battery pack 50 is charged during the loan period. When the server device 11 receives status information from the battery pack 50, the usage field is updated based on the usage indicated by the status information.

[0116] In the field of the use temperature, the temperature of the battery pack 50 when the loaned battery pack 50 is used is registered. Here, the use temperature is represented by a temperature range. For example, the use temperature represents the temperature range in which the highest temperature of the battery pack 50 when in use is included. When the server device 11 receives status information from the battery pack 50, the field of the use temperature is updated as needed based on the temperature represented by the status information.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the second management table 11b has fields for member ID, points, and expiration date.

[0118] In the member ID and point fields, the member ID of the user 100 and the number of points that can be used as usage fees for the storage battery pack 50 are registered in association. For example, when point data is received, the number of points included in the point data is increased.

[0119] In the field of the validity period, the validity period of the points is registered. Once the validity period of the points is exceeded, the points become invalid. In other words, once the validity period of the points is exceeded, the points are reset to zero. The validity period is updated according to a predetermined rule.

[0120] [Transmission Process of Storage Battery Pack Status Information]

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 6 , the transmission process of the status information of the battery pack 50 is described. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a transmission process of status information in a lending system according to an embodiment. It is assumed that the memory 56 of the storage battery pack 50 temporarily stores the status information of the storage battery pack 50. The transmission process may be performed at a timing such as the start of discharge, the end of discharge, the start of charge, and the end of charge in the storage battery pack 50. In addition, for example, the transmission process may be performed at a predetermined cycle.

[0122] First, the controller 55 of the battery pack 50 reads the battery pack ID and status information from the memory 56 of the battery pack 50, and transmits the read battery pack ID and status information to the information terminal 40 via the communicator 52 (S21). The information terminal 40 transmits the battery pack ID and status information received from the battery pack 50 to the server device 11. Thus, the battery pack ID and status information are transmitted from the battery pack 50 to the server device 11. Here, the status information includes at least the usage amount and the usage temperature.

[0123] When receiving the battery pack ID and the status information from the battery pack 50 , the server device 11 stores the status information in association with the battery pack ID ( S22 ).

[0124] Then, the server device 11 updates the first management table 11a and the second management table 11b based on the received battery pack ID and status information (S23). Specifically, the server device 11 updates the usage amount and usage temperature contained in the first management table 11a, that is, the usage amount and usage temperature corresponding to the battery pack ID, based on the usage amount and usage temperature contained in the status information. Furthermore, the server device 11 refers to the first management table 11a to determine the member ID corresponding to the received battery pack ID. And, the server device 11 updates the number of points contained in the second management table 11b, that is, the number of points corresponding to the determined member ID, based on the usage amount contained in the status information. Specifically, the server device 11 subtracts the number of points corresponding to the usage amount from the number of points contained in the second management table 11b.

[0125] [Battery pack usage suspension process]

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Next, the process of stopping the use of the battery pack 50 will be described. Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the use stop processing of the storage battery pack 50 in the lending system according to the embodiment. The use stop processing is performed, for example, at a predetermined cycle. In addition, for example, the use stop processing may be performed at the timing of the start of discharge, the end of discharge, the start of charge, and the end of charge in the storage battery pack 50.

[0127] First, the server device 11 determines whether the usage status of the battery pack 50 satisfies the usage conditions of the rental service of the battery pack 50 (S31). In this embodiment, the first to fourth usage conditions are used as the usage conditions. The server device 11 transmits information indicating the determination result to the battery pack 50 via the information terminal 40.

[0128] The storage battery pack 50 executes a process of issuing a warning or stopping use based on the information indicating the determination result received from the server device 11 ( S32 ).

[0129] Here, refer to Figure 8 , and explain the details of the warning or suspension processing. Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the utilization stop process in the storage battery pack 50 according to the embodiment.

[0130] If the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the first usage condition (S101: No), the controller 55 determines whether the storage battery 51 is being discharged (S102). That is, when the controller 55 obtains information indicating that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the first usage condition from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40 and the communicator 52, it determines whether the storage battery 51 is being discharged.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the first utilization condition is to return the storage battery pack 50 before the return deadline of the storage battery pack 50. In other words, the first utilization condition is to comply with the return deadline of the storage battery pack 50.

[0132] For example, if the current day is beyond the return deadline of the battery pack 50 during the loan period, it is determined that the use status of the battery pack 50 does not satisfy the first use condition. In other words, if the battery pack 50 is not returned at the time of the return deadline of the battery pack 50, it is determined that the use status of the battery pack 50 does not satisfy the use condition. On the contrary, if the current day is before the return deadline of the battery pack 50 during the loan period, it is determined that the use status of the battery pack 50 satisfies the first use condition. Alternatively, when the battery pack 50 is returned before the return deadline of the battery pack 50, that is, when the return date is before the return deadline of the battery pack 50, it is also possible to determine that the use status of the battery pack 50 satisfies the use condition. In this case, in the determination of the first use condition, for example, the field of the return deadline of the first management table 11a can be referred to.

[0133] Here, if the storage battery pack 50 is discharging (S102: Yes), the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to stop the discharging of the storage battery pack 50 (S103). Then, the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to prohibit the storage battery pack 50 from starting to discharge (S104). That is, the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to stop the discharging of the storage battery pack 50, and then does not allow the storage battery pack 50 to start discharging even if there is a discharge start request from the storage battery pack 50. On the other hand, if the storage battery pack 50 is not discharging (S102: No), the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to prohibit the storage battery pack 50 from starting to discharge (S104).

[0134] If the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the first usage condition (S101: Yes), and the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the second usage condition (S105: No), the controller 55 prohibits the start of discharge of the storage battery pack 50 (S104). That is, if the controller 55 obtains information indicating that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the second usage condition from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40 and the communicator 52, the controller 55 does not permit the start of discharge of the storage battery pack 50 even if there is a discharge start request from the storage battery pack 50. In other words, if the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the second usage condition but satisfies the first usage condition, the controller 55 does not stop the discharge during the discharge period of the storage battery pack 50.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the second use condition is to transmit the state information of the battery pack 50 to the server device 11 before the update deadline of the battery pack 50. In other words, the second use condition is to comply with the update deadline of the state information of the battery pack 50.

[0136] For example, if the current day is beyond the renewal deadline of the battery pack 50 during the loan period, it is determined that the utilization status of the battery pack 50 does not satisfy the second utilization condition. In other words, if the information indicating the status of the battery pack 50 is not sent to the server device 11 at the time of the renewal deadline of the battery pack 50, it is determined that the utilization status of the battery pack 50 does not satisfy the utilization condition. On the contrary, if the current day is before the renewal deadline of the battery pack 50 during the loan period, it is determined that the utilization status of the battery pack 50 satisfies the second utilization condition. Alternatively, when the information indicating the status of the battery pack 50 is sent to the server device 11 before the renewal deadline of the battery pack 50, that is, when the renewal date is before the renewal deadline of the battery pack 50, it is also possible to determine that the utilization status of the battery pack 50 satisfies the utilization condition. In this case, in the determination of the second utilization condition, for example, the renewal deadline field of the first management table 11a can be referred to.

[0137] Furthermore, the renewal deadline may be updated when the status information of the battery pack 50 is transmitted to the server device 11. That is, the renewal deadline may be updated to a new renewal deadline date in the future when the server device 11 receives the status information of the battery pack 50. In this case, if the status information of the battery pack 50 is transmitted to the server device 11 after it is determined that the second utilization condition is not satisfied, then it is determined that the second utilization condition is satisfied until the current day exceeds the new renewal deadline date.

[0138] If the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the second usage condition (S105: Yes), and the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the third usage condition (S106: No), the controller 55 controls the input / output device 54 to prohibit the charging of the storage battery pack 50 (S107). That is, if the controller 55 obtains information indicating that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the third usage condition from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40 and the communicator 52, the controller 55 does not permit the charging of the storage battery pack 50 even if there is a request to charge the storage battery pack 50.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the third utilization condition is that the storage battery pack 50 is used to a recommended usage amount or more within a predetermined period. In other words, the third utilization condition is that the usage amount of the storage battery pack 50 within the predetermined period is greater than the recommended usage amount. The predetermined period is a period having a predetermined time width and is not particularly limited. The recommended usage amount is a usage amount recommended to promote the use of the storage battery pack 50.

[0140] For example, if the usage amount of the storage battery pack 50 during the loan period is less than the recommended usage amount during the predetermined period, it is determined that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the third usage condition. On the contrary, if the usage amount of the storage battery pack 50 during the loan period is greater than the recommended usage amount during the predetermined period, it is determined that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the third usage condition. In this case, in determining the third usage condition, for example, the usage amount field of the first management table 11a may be referenced.

[0141] Furthermore, the third use condition may be that the user 100 has more points than the number of points required for use of the battery pack 50, with respect to the points that can be used as the use fee of the battery pack 50. The number of points required for use of the battery pack 50 is a number greater than zero. For example, the number of points required for use of the battery pack 50 is a number of points corresponding to the usage amount of the first management table 11a. For another example, the number of points required for use of the battery pack 50 may be a predetermined number of points greater than zero.

[0142] In this case, for example, if the number of points held by the user 100 is less than the number of points required for using the storage battery pack 50, it is determined that the use status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the third use condition. On the contrary, if the number of points held by the user 100 is greater than the number of points required for using the storage battery pack 50, it is determined that the use status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the third use condition. In this case, in determining the third use condition, for example, the second management table 11b may be referred to.

[0143] If the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the third usage condition (S106: Yes), and the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the fourth usage condition (S108: No), the controller 55 controls the alarm device 57 to issue an alarm to the user 100 (S109), and allows charging and discharging (S110). That is, when the controller 55 obtains information indicating that the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the fourth usage condition from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40 and the communicator 52, the controller 55 issues an alarm to the user 100. The alarm is, for example, to set the start of discharging to a standby state when there is a request to start discharging of the storage battery pack 50. If the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 satisfies the fourth usage condition (S108: Yes), the controller 55 does not issue an alarm and allows charging and discharging (S110).

[0144] In this embodiment, the fourth utilization condition is to transmit the state information of the storage battery pack 50 to the server device 11 before the predetermined period of the update period of the storage battery pack 50. In this case, the fourth utilization condition is not satisfied before the second utilization condition is not satisfied. Therefore, the controller 55 can issue a warning to the user 100 before prohibiting the storage battery pack 50 from starting to discharge. In other words, the controller 55 can control the warning device 57 to issue a warning to the user 100 before controlling the input / output device 54 to stop the use of the storage battery pack 50.

[0145] [Battery return processing]

[0146] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , the return process of the battery pack 50 is described. Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a process of returning the storage battery pack 50 in the lending system according to the embodiment.

[0147] When returning the battery pack 50, the user 100 presents the membership card at the service center 20. The processing device 21 reads the membership ID from the membership card with the help of the card reader 22 (S41). Furthermore, the processing device 21 reads the battery pack ID from the returned battery pack 50 with the help of the inspection device 23 (S42). At this time, the inspection device 23 may also inspect the battery pack 50.

[0148] Then, the processing device 21 transmits the return data to the server device 11 ( S43 ). The return data includes at least the member ID and the battery pack ID. Furthermore, the return data may include data on the usage of the battery pack 50 .

[0149] The server device 11 receives the return data from the processing device 21 , and checks the pair of the member ID and the battery pack ID included in the return data with the first management table 11 a ( S44 ). The check result is sent to the processing device 21 .

[0150] Here, if the verification result of the member ID and battery pack ID pair is successful, the server device 11 updates the first management table 11a (S45). Specifically, the server device 11 registers the current date in the field of the return date of the record extracted using the member ID and battery pack ID pair.

[0151] [Effect]

[0152] As described above, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, when the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the usage conditions of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, the usage of the storage battery pack 50 can be stopped. In other words, if the rules related to the usage of the storage battery pack 50 are not followed, the user 100 can be punished. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the usage status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the usage conditions, and it is possible to suppress inappropriate usage of the storage battery pack 50.

[0153] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the first utilization condition of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, the discharge of the storage battery pack 50 can be stopped during the discharge period, and the start of discharge is not allowed even if there is a discharge start request. In other words, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack 50 are not followed, the discharge of the storage battery pack 50 during the discharge period can be stopped. The utilization of the electric equipment equipped with the storage battery pack 50 is strictly restricted, so that the improper utilization of the storage battery pack 50 can be strongly suppressed.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the second utilization condition of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, it is possible to prevent the start of discharge even if there is a discharge start request of the storage battery pack 50. In other words, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack 50 are not followed, the discharge of the storage battery pack 50 from the next time can be prohibited. Therefore, not only can the occurrence of a situation in which the user 100 of the electric device 30 is endangered by stopping the discharge during the discharge period of the storage battery pack 50 be prevented, but also the inappropriate utilization of the storage battery pack 50 can be suppressed.

[0155] In addition, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, when the utilization status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the third utilization condition of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, it is possible to prevent charging of the storage battery pack 50 even if there is a charge request of the storage battery pack 50. That is, if the rules related to the utilization of the storage battery pack 50 are not followed, charging of the storage battery pack 50 can be prohibited. In other words, since the discharge of the power already stored in the storage battery pack 50 is allowed, it is possible to gradually guide the discharge of the storage battery pack 50 to stop. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the convenience of the user 100 from being reduced and to suppress inappropriate utilization of the storage battery pack 50.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, the storage battery pack 50 can be returned before the return deadline as the first use condition. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the storage battery pack 50 is not returned before the return deadline.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, the second use condition can be that the information indicating the state of the battery pack 50 is transmitted to the server device 11 before the update deadline of the battery pack 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the information indicating the state of the battery pack 50 is not transmitted before the update deadline.

[0158] In addition, according to the battery pack 50 of this embodiment, the third use condition can be that the battery pack 50 is used to a recommended usage amount or more within a predetermined period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the loaned battery pack 50 from being used only in small amounts. In other words, the use of the battery pack 50 can be promoted.

[0159] In addition, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, the following situation can be used as the third use condition: the user 100 has more points than the number of points required for using the storage battery pack 50, which can be used as the use fee of the storage battery pack 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the use fee cannot be paid due to insufficient points when using the points as the use fee of the storage battery pack 50.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 according to the present embodiment, points can be invalidated when the usage period of points has expired, and point management can be appropriately performed.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 of the present embodiment, a warning can be issued to the user 100 before stopping the use of the storage battery pack 50. Therefore, the use status of the storage battery pack 50 can be improved before the use status of the storage battery pack 50 does not satisfy the use conditions of the rental service of the storage battery pack 50, and inappropriate use of the storage battery pack 50 can be suppressed.

[0162] Furthermore, according to the storage battery pack 50 according to the present embodiment, when there is a request to start discharging the storage battery pack 50 , the waiting state for starting discharging can be used as a warning, and the warning can be more reliably communicated to the user 100 .

[0163] Furthermore, according to the battery pack 50 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40 and the communicator 52. That is, the battery pack 50 can obtain information from the server device 11 using the communication function of the information terminal 40. As a result, compared with a case where the battery pack 50 does not receive information from the server device 11 via the information terminal 40, it is possible to more easily obtain information from the server device 11.

[0164] In addition, according to the battery pack 50 of this embodiment, the communicator 52 can communicate with the information terminal 40 by short-distance wireless communication. Therefore, by using the short-distance wireless communication function generally provided in the information terminal 40 such as a smartphone, it is possible to more easily obtain information from the server device 11.

[0165] (Other embodiments)

[0166] The battery packs involved in one or more technical solutions are described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the purpose of the present disclosure, the embodiments obtained by implementing various modifications that can be thought of by those skilled in the art to the present embodiment can also be included in the scope of one or more technical solutions.

[0167] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the communicator 52 of the battery pack 50 performs wireless communication with the information terminal 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communicator 52 may be a second communicator that performs wireless communication with the server device 11. For another example, the communicator 52 may include both a first communicator that communicates with the information terminal 40 and a second communicator that performs wireless communication with the server device 11.

[0168] According to this configuration, information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition can be obtained from the server device 11 via the communicator 52. That is, the battery pack 50 can obtain information from the server device 11 without going through the information terminal 40. Therefore, the battery pack 50 can obtain information from the server device 11 even when it is unable to communicate with the information terminal 40, and can obtain information from the server device 11 more reliably.

[0169] In addition, in the above embodiment, as a method of stopping the use of the storage battery pack 50, three methods are exemplified: (i) stopping the discharge during the discharge period, and then not allowing the discharge to start even if there is a discharge start request; (ii) not allowing the discharge to start even if there is a discharge start request, but not stopping the discharge during the discharge period; and (iii) not allowing charging even if there is a charge request, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, a combination of two of the above (i) to (iii) may be used as one method. For example, the use of the storage battery pack 50 may be stopped by (ii) not allowing the discharge to start even if there is a discharge start request, and not stopping the discharge during the discharge period, and (iii) not allowing charging even if there is a charge request.

[0170] In addition, in the above embodiment, four utilization conditions (first utilization condition to fourth utilization condition) are used, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to use only some or one of the four utilization conditions. For example, it is also possible to use only the first utilization condition. In this case, Figure 8 If the first utilization condition is satisfied (S101: Yes), charging and discharging are permitted (S110). Similarly, only the second utilization condition, only the third utilization condition, or only the fourth utilization condition may be used.

[0171] In addition, the four utilization conditions in the above-mentioned embodiment are only examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the above-mentioned first utilization condition may be used as the second utilization condition. For another example, a combination of the above-mentioned first utilization condition and the above-mentioned second utilization condition may be used as the first utilization condition. For another example, the fourth utilization condition may be to return the battery pack 50 before the predetermined period of the return period of the battery pack 50. For another example, the fourth utilization condition may be that the use temperature of the battery pack 50 does not exceed the threshold temperature. For another example, the fourth utilization condition may be that no impact abnormality occurs in the battery pack 50.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the server device 11 determines the use condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as long as the use condition is related to the state of the battery pack 50 (for example, the use temperature, the use amount, the impact abnormality, etc.), the battery pack 50 may determine the use condition.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the deadline for returning the storage battery pack, the deadline for updating the status information, and the deadline for points are managed by date, but they may be managed by date and time.

[0174] In addition, the configuration of the battery pack 50 in the above-mentioned embodiment is only an example and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 2 For example, the battery pack 50 may include at least an input / output device 54 and a controller 55 .

[0175] In addition, the plurality of terminals 53 of the battery pack 50 in the above embodiment are merely examples and may not be the same. Figure 2 For example, the discharge terminal 53a and the charge terminal 53b may be realized by one terminal. Also, for example, the communication terminal 53c and the ID terminal 53d may be realized by one terminal.

[0176] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if the storage battery pack 50 is not returned before the return deadline, the use of the storage battery pack 50 is stopped, but the use does not necessarily have to be stopped all the time. For example, even if the storage battery pack 50 is not returned before the return deadline, if the storage battery pack 50 is used to a recommended usage amount or more within a predetermined period, the use may not be stopped. Thus, the user who has used the storage battery pack 50 to a recommended usage amount or more will not be stopped from using the storage battery pack 50 even if the return deadline has passed, so that the time for returning the storage battery pack 50 is saved and the storage battery pack can be used continuously, thereby promoting the use of the storage battery pack.

[0177] Industrial Applicability

[0178] The present disclosure can be utilized in a battery pack used in a lending service.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Batteries; a stopper that switches on / off the electrical connection between the battery and an external device; a controller that controls the stopper to cut off the electrical connection between the storage battery and an external device when the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization condition; and A first communicator obtains information from a server device via an information terminal, the controller, when the first communicator obtains information indicating that the utilization status does not satisfy the utilization condition, controls the stopper to maintain the state of disconnecting the electrical connection between the storage battery and the external device, thereby not allowing the storage battery to be charged, The utilization conditions are the utilization conditions of the battery pack rental service, including: The information indicating the state of the battery pack is transmitted to the server device before an update deadline of the information indicating the state of the battery pack has passed or before the update deadline.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, The controller controls the stopper to maintain the electrical connection between the battery and the external device during the discharge of the battery pack.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, The utilization conditions include: The battery pack is returned before the return deadline of the battery pack or before the return deadline.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, The utilization conditions include: The return deadline of the storage battery pack has not passed, the storage battery pack has been returned before the return deadline, or even if the return deadline has passed, the storage battery pack has not been returned but the recommended usage of the storage battery pack has been exceeded within a predetermined period.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, The utilization conditions include: The storage battery pack is used in a predetermined period at an amount equal to or greater than a recommended usage amount of the storage battery pack.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, The utilization conditions include: The user of the storage battery pack has points that are usable as usage fees for the storage battery pack, which points are equal to or more than the number of points required for using the storage battery pack.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, If the validity period of the points is exceeded, the points will become invalid.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, The battery pack further includes a warning device for issuing a warning to a user of the battery pack. The controller controls the warning device to issue a warning to the user before controlling the stopper to cut off the electrical connection between the battery and the external device.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, The battery pack further includes a warning device for issuing a warning to a user of the battery pack. The controller controls the warning device to set the start of discharge to a standby state when there is a request to start discharge of the storage battery group, before controlling the stop device to cut off the electrical connection between the storage battery and the external device, thereby issuing a warning to the user.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, The first communicator communicates with the information terminal via short-range wireless communication.

11. A method for controlling a battery pack, comprising: obtaining information indicating that the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization condition from the server device via the information terminal, When information indicating that the utilization status of the storage battery pack does not satisfy the utilization condition is obtained, charging of the storage battery is not permitted by maintaining the state of disconnecting the electrical connection between the storage battery and the external device, The utilization conditions are utilization conditions for the rental service of the battery pack, and include: an update deadline for the information indicating the state of the battery pack has not expired, or the information indicating the state of the battery pack is transmitted to the server device before the update deadline.

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