Battery replacement device, improper determination method and storage medium

Abstract

Provided are a battery replacement device, an improper determination method, and a storage medium that can more appropriately determine improper use of a battery. The battery replacement device according to the embodiment includes: a control unit that controls the return and rental of the battery, the battery being detachably attached to an electric vehicle and supplying power for driving the electric vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the electric vehicle to which the battery has been attached from the returned battery; and a determination unit that determines whether the battery has been improperly used based on the information related to the electric vehicle acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery replacement device, an improper determination method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a collection, charging and distribution device (battery replacement device) that collects, charges and distributes detachable batteries when the detachable batteries are used as portable electric energy storage devices such as electric scooters and consume power (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-529117). The battery replacement device has a plurality of containers that can be freely loaded and unloaded to store the detachable batteries for charging the detachable batteries.

[0003] The user removes the detachable battery that needs to be charged from the electric scooter and stores it in the storage container of the battery replacement device. On the other hand, a battery sharing service is provided, which is based on the premise of replacing the battery by removing the charged detachable battery from the storage container and installing it in the electric scooter for use. This service is, for example, a service that allows users who have access to the charging and replacement devices to replace detachable batteries by installing battery replacement devices at multiple locations in a region.

[0004] Preferably, the detachable storage battery used in the above-mentioned service can be used in various types of vehicles such as electric two-wheeled vehicles and electric four-wheeled vehicles. However, if the fee plan and the like differ according to the vehicle type, etc., there is a possibility that the storage battery rented out under a contract signed under a cheaper plan may be improperly used as a storage battery for a vehicle type different from the contracted one. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such a situation, and provides a battery replacement device, an improper determination method, and a storage medium capable of more appropriately determining improper use of a battery.

[0006] The battery replacement device, improper determination method, and storage medium of the present invention adopt the following structure.

[0007] (1): A battery replacement device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a control unit, which controls the return and rental of a battery, wherein the battery can be freely loaded and unloaded on an electric vehicle and is used to supply electric power for the electric vehicle to travel; an acquisition unit, which acquires information related to the electric vehicle on which the battery is installed from the returned battery; and a determination unit, which determines whether the battery has been improperly used based on the information related to the electric vehicle acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] (2): In the solution of (1) above, the information related to the electric vehicle includes the driving distance of the electric vehicle, and the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the driving distance of the electric vehicle obtained at a specified timing after the battery is assembled to the electric vehicle.

[0009] (3): In the solution of (1) above, the acquisition unit acquires the usage history of the battery by the user of the electric vehicle, and the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the information related to the electric vehicle and the usage history.

[0010] (4): In the solution of (1) above, the information related to the electric vehicle includes the model information of the electric vehicle, and the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the information related to the electric vehicle and the model information.

[0011] (5): In the solution of (1) above, the acquisition unit acquires the power consumption information corresponding to the model of the electric vehicle, and the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the information related to the electric vehicle and the power consumption information.

[0012] (6): In the solution of (1) above, when the determination unit determines that the battery has been misused, the control unit imposes a specified penalty on the user of the electric vehicle for the rental of the battery.

[0013] (7): An improper determination method according to an aspect of the present invention, wherein a battery is detachably assembled to an electric vehicle to supply power for driving the electric vehicle, and the improper determination method causes a battery replacement device that performs the battery replacement service to perform the following processing: performing control related to the return and rental of the battery; acquiring information related to the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the returned battery; and determining whether the battery has been misused based on the acquired information related to the electric vehicle.

[0014] (8): A storage medium according to an aspect of the present invention stores a program, wherein a battery is detachably assembled to an electric vehicle to supply power for driving the electric vehicle, and the program causes a battery replacement device that performs the battery replacement service to perform the following processing: performing control related to the return and rental of the battery; acquiring information related to the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the returned battery; and determining whether the battery has been misused based on the acquired information related to the electric vehicle.

[0015] According to the solutions (1) to (8) above, it is possible to more appropriately determine the improper use of the storage battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery replacement system including a battery replacement device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. is an example of a block diagram showing the structure of a detachable battery according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the structure of a battery replacement device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the structure of a management server according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the content of a user management table.

[0022] Figure 7 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the content of a status table.

[0023] Figure 8 FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the content of a power consumption meter for different vehicle models.

[0024] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the first determination mode.

[0025] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the second determination mode.

[0026] Figure 11 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the third determination mode.

[0027] Figure 12 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the battery replacement device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of a battery replacement device, an improper determination method, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] <Overall Structure of Battery Replacement System 1>

[0030] Figure 1FIG. 0 is an example of a diagram showing an overall configuration of a battery replacement system 1 including a battery replacement device according to an embodiment. The battery replacement system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of detachable batteries (an example of a battery) 100, a plurality of battery replacement devices 200, and a management server 300. The management server 300 is communicably connected to the plurality of battery replacement devices 200 via a network NW. The electric vehicle 10 may also be communicably connected to the network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. Hereinafter, the detachable battery 100 will be simply referred to as the detachable battery 100 without distinguishing each of the plurality of detachable batteries 100. The same applies to other configurations (for example, the battery replacement device 200).

[0031] The battery replacement device 200 provides a charging and replacement (return, rental) service for the detachable battery 100, which is a driving source of the electric vehicle 10. The battery replacement device 200 may also discharge from the detachable battery 100 for system cooperation or the like. The detachable battery 100 is detachably attached to the electric vehicle 10 and supplies power for the electric vehicle 10 to travel. The detachable battery 100 may also be a power supply device for applications such as a mobile portable power source. The electric vehicle 10 mounts one or more detachable batteries 100 rented from the battery replacement device 200 and travels using the power supplied from the mounted detachable batteries 100. The electric vehicle 10 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle that travels by combining the detachable battery 100 with an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. The electric vehicle 10 applicable to the battery replacement system 1 may be, in addition to an electric two-wheeler, an electric bicycle, an electric tricycle, an electric four-wheeler, a hybrid vehicle, or the like, or an electric scooter or a robot. The plurality of detachable batteries 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10 may also be rented to users as a battery unit. The management server 300 manages the operating status, usage status, etc. of the plurality of battery replacement devices 200. Hereinafter, each component will be described in order.

[0032] [Electric vehicle 10]

[0033] In Figure 1 as an example of the electric vehicle 10, a cross-rider electric vehicle (electric two-wheeler) 10-1 and an in-vehicle passenger type electric vehicle (electric four-wheeler) 10-2 that travel under the action of an electric motor driven by the power supplied from the power storage unit 110 (described later) of the detachable battery 100 are shown. For example, in Figure 1In the electric vehicle 10-1 shown, two detachable batteries 100 can be mounted. In the electric vehicle 10-2, three detachable batteries 100 can be mounted. In this way, the number of detachable batteries that can be mounted varies depending on the type (model), shape, etc. of the electric vehicle 10. In the embodiment, it is assumed that detachable batteries 100 that can be shared among vehicle models can be used. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified for different vehicle models, the electric two-wheeler will mainly be referred to as "electric vehicle 10" for explanation.

[0034] Figure 2 FIG. is an example of the structure of the electric vehicle 10 according to the embodiment. The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a battery connection part 12, a vehicle control part 14, a driving force output device 16, a vehicle sensor 18, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 20, and an electric vehicle GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 22.

[0035] When the detachable battery 100 is assembled to the electric vehicle 10, the battery connection part 12 is electrically connected to the connection part 150 (described later) of the detachable battery 100. The battery connection part 12 includes, for example, connection terminals (battery terminals) of power lines for receiving power supply from the detachable battery 100, and connection terminals of communication lines for data communication between the detachable battery 100 and the vehicle control part 14.

[0036] The vehicle control part 14 obtains the measurement results from the vehicle sensor 18, obtains the value (SOC: State Of Charge) indicating the charge state of the power storage part 110 from the BMU (Battery Management Unit) 130 (described later) of the detachable battery 100, and obtains the position of the electric vehicle 10 from the GNSS receiver 22. Based on the obtained data, the vehicle control part 14 controls the driving force output device 16 according to the operation of an operation member (not shown) or by autonomous driving. The vehicle control part 14 may also output the position information of the electric vehicle 10 and the vehicle model information of the electric vehicle 10 obtained from the GNSS receiver 22 to the detachable battery 100 via the battery connection part 12.

[0037] The driving force output device 16 includes, for example, a motor, an inverter, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the inverter. The ECU controls, for example, the power supplied from the detachable battery 100 to the motor by controlling the inverter. Thereby, the ECU controls the driving force (torque) output from the motor to the drive wheels. The driving force output device 16 can operate the motor as a regenerative brake by controlling the output frequency of the inverter to be lower than the rotational speed of the drive wheels, convert the braking energy of the drive wheels into electric energy, and charge the detachable battery 100.

[0038] The vehicle sensor 18 includes a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, an odometer (a device for measuring the distance traveled), a distance sensor (the driving distance from the reset position or the reference position), and various other sensors mounted on the electric vehicle 10. The value of the odometer is the cumulative driving distance since the manufacture (completion) of the electric vehicle 10, and the value cannot be decreased or reset. The vehicle sensor 18 outputs the detection results detected by each sensor, etc. to the vehicle control unit 14 and the detachable battery 100 at a specified timing. The specified timing is, for example, a specified cycle or a case where the charging state of the power storage unit 110 obtained by the vehicle control unit 14 satisfies specified conditions. The specified conditions are, for example, that the power consumption of the power storage unit 110 since the last output timing exceeds a first threshold (e.g., 1 [kWh]), or the change amount of the SOC of the power storage unit 110 exceeds a second threshold. For example, whenever the power consumption of the power storage unit 110 since the last output of the detection results exceeds the first threshold, the vehicle sensor 18 outputs the detection results of the odometer and the distance sensor to the detachable battery 100.

[0039] The HMI 20 outputs various information (e.g., information obtained from the vehicle control unit 14, the vehicle sensor 18, the management server 300, etc.) to the user of the electric vehicle 10, and accepts input operations performed by the occupants. The HMI 20 includes, for example, various display devices (which can be touch panels) such as a HUD (Head Up Display) and an instrument display unit, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The input operation performed by the occupants can be a touch input operation using the touch panel or a voice input operation.

[0040] The GNSS receiver 22 measures the position of the electric vehicle 10 based on radio waves coming from GNSS satellites such as GPS satellites.

[0041] [Detachable battery 100]

[0042] Figure 3This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the detachable battery 100 according to an embodiment. The detachable battery 100 includes, for example, a power storage unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a BMU 130, a storage unit 140, and a connection unit 150. The BMU 130 includes a measurement sensor 132.

[0043] The power storage unit 110 is, for example, a battery pack obtained by connecting a plurality of single cells in series. The single cells constituting the power storage unit 110 are, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries (Lithium-Ion Battery: LIB), nickel-metal hydride batteries, all-solid-state batteries, etc.

[0044] The acquisition unit 120 acquires information related to the vehicle from the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the detachable battery 100 at a predetermined timing. The information related to the vehicle is, for example, information detected by the vehicle sensor 18 or information acquired by the vehicle control unit 14 of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the odometer information from the vehicle sensor 18. The acquisition unit 120 may also acquire the vehicle model information of the electric vehicle 10 at the time of assembly or the like. The acquisition unit 120 causes the storage unit 140 to store the acquired information.

[0045] The BMU 130 controls the charging and discharging of the power storage unit 110, performs battery cell balancing, detects abnormalities in the power storage unit 110, derives the temperature of the battery cells in the power storage unit 110, derives the charge and discharge current of the power storage unit 110, estimates the SOC of the power storage unit 110, etc. The BMU 130 causes the storage unit 140 to store abnormalities, failures, etc. of the power storage unit 110 grasped based on the measurement results of the measurement sensor 132 as battery state information.

[0046] The measurement sensor 132 is a voltage sensor, current sensor, temperature sensor, etc. for measuring the charge state of the power storage unit 110. The measurement sensor 132 outputs the measurement results such as the measured voltage, current, temperature, etc. to the BMU 130.

[0047] The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 140 stores the battery state information. The battery ID assigned to the detachable battery 100 may be stored in the storage unit 140.

[0048] When the detachable battery 100 is assembled to the electric vehicle 10, the connection part 150 is electrically connected to the battery connection part 12. When the detachable battery 100 is housed in one of the plurality of slots 210 existing in the battery replacement device 200, the connection part 150 is electrically connected to the battery replacement device 200 and receives power supply from the battery replacement device 200 to charge the power storage part 110. The connection part 150 includes, for example, connection terminals (battery terminals) of power lines, connection terminals of communication lines, etc. in a manner corresponding to the battery connection part 12 and the replacement device side connection part 220 (described later). The connection part 150 outputs the information stored in the storage part 140 of the connected detachable battery 100 to the battery replacement device 200.

[0049] [Battery replacement device 200]

[0050] Figure 4 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the battery replacement device 200 according to the embodiment. The battery replacement device 200 includes, for example, a plurality of slots 210, a plurality of replacement device side connection parts 220, a charger 230, a display part 235, a reading part 240, an authentication part 245, a replacement device side communication part 250, and a replacement device side control part 260.

[0051] The slot 210 includes a mechanism for housing the detachable battery 100 and charging it. In Figure 1 the battery replacement device 200 shown in the example of, the slot 210 includes, for example, an upper slot 210U (refer to Figure 1 ) and a lower slot 210L (refer to Figure 1 ). Each slot 210 includes, for example, a turntable that rotates around a vertical axis. On the turntable, a battery housing part for housing the detachable battery 100 is provided. The battery housing parts are respectively provided in regions that are equally divided into four parts when looking down on the turntable. The structure of the part for housing (returning) and renting out the detachable battery 100 in the battery replacement device 200 is not limited to this. For example, the housing part of the detachable battery may also be a structure arranged in a matrix. Hereinafter, the above turntable type structure will be used for description.

[0052] Before the battery replacement device 200 returns and rents out the detachable battery 100 from the user, it performs user authentication by the authentication unit 245 described later. For example, the authentication unit 245 permits a successfully authenticated user to use the return of the completed detachable battery 100 and the rental of the charged detachable battery 100. An outlet is provided on the front side of the battery replacement device 200. Alternatively, in the user authentication process by the authentication unit 245, the outlet automatically becomes open when the user's use is permitted. The housing unit located at the outlet can be replaced by rotating the turntable. For example, in the case where the user's use is permitted through the authentication process by the authentication unit 245, the battery replacement device 200 positions the empty battery housing unit at the front-side outlet in a state where it has received the return of the detachable battery 100 from the user. When the detachable battery 100 is returned to the battery housing unit, information related to the detachable battery 100 (such as the battery ID) is read. Here, the battery replacement device 200 causes the improper determination unit 268 to determine whether the returned detachable battery 100 has been improperly used. If it is determined that it has not been improperly used, the turntable is rotated to position the battery housing unit that houses the charged detachable battery 100 at the front-side outlet. Thereby, the user can take out the charged detachable battery 100 and assemble it to the electric vehicle 10. At the timing of this rental, the replacement device side control unit 260 transmits the user ID of the user and the battery ID of the newly rented detachable battery 100 as usage information to the management server 300.

[0053] At the bottom surface of each battery housing unit of the plurality of slots 210, a replacement device side connection portion 220 is provided for each slot. The replacement device side connection portion 220 is electrically connected to the connection portion 150 of the detachable battery 100 when the detachable battery 100 is housed in the battery housing unit. The replacement device side connection portion 220 includes, for example, connection terminals (battery terminals) of power lines for supplying power to the detachable battery 100, connection terminals of communication lines for performing data communication (such as serial communication) between the detachable battery 100 and the replacement device side control unit 260, and the like.

[0054] The charger 230 is connected to the power storage unit 110 of the detachable battery 100 via the plurality of replacement device side connection portions 220. The charger 230 can be provided for each of the plurality of replacement device side connection portions 220, or can be configured to be shared for the plurality of replacement device side connection portions 220. A power source for supplying power to the power storage unit 110 is connected to the charger 230. The charger 230 converts the power supplied from the power source into direct current, for example, and supplies it to the power storage unit 110.

[0055] The display unit 235 is, for example, various display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display. The display unit 235 may also be a touch panel. The display unit 235 displays various information when the user uses the battery replacement device 200 and receives input of specified information (such as authentication information) from the user.

[0056] The reading unit 240 reads authentication information and other information from a user card, which is an example of a medium held by the user. The authentication information includes, for example, a user ID, a password, and the like. The user card is, for example, a non-contact type IC card. Alternatively, the user card may be a contact type IC card. The user card may also be issued for each electric vehicle 10 used by the user. In this case, the authentication information includes a card ID and a vehicle ID, which are identification information for identifying the user card. The medium held by the user may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The method by which the reading unit 240 obtains the authentication information is not limited to the method of obtaining it through communication, and may also be a method of optically reading information from a coded image such as a QR code (registered trademark). The reading unit 240 outputs the read authentication information to the replacement device side control unit 260.

[0057] The authentication unit 245 determines whether to permit the user to use the battery replacement device 200 based on the authentication information received from the display unit 235 or the authentication information read by the reading unit 240. The authentication information can also be obtained, for example, from the voice of the user collected by a microphone (not shown) of the battery replacement device 200. For example, the authentication unit 245 uses the authentication information to compare it with the authentication list 282 stored in the replacement device side storage unit 280. If the authentication list 282 contains information that matches the authentication information, it is determined that the user's authentication is successful. The authentication list 282 is comparison authentication information distributed by the management server 300 at a specified timing. The comparison authentication information includes authentication information of one or more users, etc. The comparison authentication information includes, for example, user IDs, card IDs, passwords, expiration dates, the number of detachable batteries 100 that can be rented out, status, etc. that permit the use of the battery replacement device 200. The expiration date is, for example, the last day of the period during which the battery replacement device 200 can be used. The number of detachable batteries 100 that can be rented out is, for example, the number of detachable batteries 100 that an electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the card ID can carry. The status is information indicating the usage status of the battery replacement system 1 for the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the card ID. The usage status includes, for example, states such as the detachable battery 100 being rented out, being in the authentication for battery replacement, and being temporarily or permanently out of service due to improper use of the detachable battery 100 by the user, etc.

[0058] When it is determined that the user's authentication is successful, the authentication unit 245 determines whether the user meets the specified usage conditions. The specified usage conditions are, for example, that the current date (usage date) does not exceed the expiration date included in the authentication list 282. The specified usage conditions can also include not being in a state where the user cannot use due to improper use, etc. (out of service). For example, when the current date does not exceed the expiration date included in the authentication list 282, the authentication unit 245 permits the user to use the battery replacement device 200 (return and rental).

[0059] When the authentication unit 245 does not include information consistent with the authentication information in the authentication list 282, or when the replacement device side storage unit 280 does not store the authentication list 282, the authentication unit 245 sends an authentication inquiry of the authentication information from the replacement device side communication unit 250 to the management server 300. In this case, as an inquiry result, the authentication unit 245 obtains the authentication result and the reference authentication information from the management server 300. When the user's authentication is successful, the reference authentication information is used to determine whether the specified usage conditions are met. When the specified usage conditions are met, the user is permitted to use the battery replacement device 200.

[0060] When the user's authentication fails or the specified usage conditions are not met, the display unit 235 is caused to display information indicating that usage is not possible, and this is notified to the user. The above authentication using the user ID etc. does not have to be performed every time of replacement. The authentication unit 245 may perform biometric authentication using biometric information such as the user's fingerprint information, voiceprint information, iris information etc. instead of (or in addition to) the above authentication. In this case, the reference biometric information is stored in advance in the authentication list 282, and the authentication unit 245 performs authentication by comparing the biometric information with the reference biometric information.

[0061] The replacement device side communication unit 250 includes wired communication devices such as a terminal adapter and an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication device, and wireless communication devices such as a Wi-Fi adapter, 3G / LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth, and communicates with the management server 300 etc. via the network NW.

[0062] The control unit 260 on the replacement device side includes, for example, a replacement control unit 262, an acquisition unit 264, a charging control unit 266, an improper determination unit 268, an upload unit 270, and a storage unit 280 on the replacement device side. The replacement control unit 262 and the charging control unit 266 together are an example of the "control unit". The improper determination unit 268 is an example of the "determination unit". The replacement control unit 262, the acquisition unit 264, the charging control unit 266, the improper determination unit 268, and the upload unit 270 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of this function can also be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or can be implemented through the cooperation of software and hardware. The above program can be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory of the battery replacement device 200 (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium), or can be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, a CD-ROM, or a memory card, and installed in the storage device of the battery replacement device 200 by being mounted on a drive device, a card slot, etc. through the storage medium (non-transitory storage medium).

[0063] The storage unit 280 on the replacement device side can also be implemented by the above various storage devices, or by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. In the storage unit 280 on the replacement device side, for example, an authentication list 282, battery information 284, a program, and various other information are stored. The authentication list 282 is distributed by the management server 300. In the battery information 284, the battery ID assigned to one or more removable batteries 100 managed in the battery replacement device 200 and the SOC information (an example of the battery condition) of each removable battery 100 are stored.

[0064] The replacement control unit 262 controls the return of the used removable battery 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10 and the rental of the fully charged removable battery 100 based on the authentication result authenticated by the authentication unit 245. For example, the replacement control unit 262 opens the slot 210 for storing the used removable battery 100 during return, or opens the slot 210 storing the fully charged removable battery 100 during rental. The replacement control unit 262 performs control during rental based on the determination result determined by the improper determination unit 268. For example, when it is determined that the returned removable battery 100 has been improperly used, the replacement control unit 262 temporarily or permanently stops the next and subsequent use of the user, or imposes a prescribed penalty such as a fine. Alternatively, when it is determined that improper use has occurred, the replacement control unit 262 notifies the user of the information indicating that improper use has been determined, or controls the return of the stored used removable battery. When it is determined that the returned removable battery 100 has not been improperly used, the replacement control unit 262, for example, controls the rental of the fully charged removable battery 100 in a quantity corresponding to the returned quantity.

[0065] The acquisition unit 264 acquires information related to the electric vehicle 10 (vehicle-related information) to which the removable battery 100 has been assembled from the storage unit 140 of the returned used removable battery 100. The acquisition unit 264 may also delete the information related to the electric vehicle 10 stored in the storage unit 140 after acquiring the information related to the electric vehicle 10.

[0066] The acquisition unit 264 may also inquire of the management server 300 about information corresponding to the vehicle model information included in the acquired information related to the electric vehicle 10 (for example, power consumption information corresponding to the vehicle model information), and acquire the response information from the management server 300. The acquisition unit 264 may also inquire about the usage history of the removable battery 100 based on the battery ID of the removable battery 100, and acquire the usage history from the management server 300. The acquisition unit 264 may also inquire of the management server 300 about the battery ID at the time of the last rental corresponding to the card ID acquired during authentication, and acquire the battery ID at the time of the last rental from the management server 300.

[0067] The charge control unit 266 controls the charger 230 based on the charge state of the power storage unit 110 obtained from the removable battery 100 via the signal line, so that the power storage unit 110 is charged to a prescribed charge state (for example, SOC). The SOC of the power storage unit 110 is successively transmitted to the charge control unit 266, and the charge control unit 266 associates the battery ID of the removable battery 100 with the SOC information and stores it as battery information 284 in the replacement device side storage unit 280.

[0068] The improper determination unit 268 determines, for example, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 264, whether the returned detachable battery 100 has been improperly used. In the embodiment, improper use means, for example, a case where a user who has contracted for a vehicle with a cheaper fee plan (e.g., an electric two-wheeler) uses the detachable battery 100 in a vehicle that requires a higher fee plan contract (e.g., an electric four-wheeler) when there are different fee plans according to the vehicle type (e.g., electric two-wheeler, electric four-wheeler). Improper use may also include a case where the detachable battery 100 rented to a first user is sublet to a third party other than the first user, or replaced with a detachable battery mounted in an electric vehicle of a third party. Improper use may also include a case where genuine products and non-genuine products are replaced. For details of the function of the improper determination unit 268, see the description below.

[0069] The upload unit 270 counts, for example, the number of detachable batteries 100 that have completed charging (charged to a specified SOC) at an arbitrary timing, and transmits the count together with its own device ID (identification information for identifying the battery replacement device 200) and the battery ID to the management server 300. Here, the arbitrary timing includes, for example, the timing when the charging of the detachable battery 100 is completed (or charged to a desired SOC), or the timing when the detachable battery 100 is rented out. That is, the arbitrary timing may be a timing when the number of detachable batteries stored in the battery replacement device 200 or the number of charged detachable batteries has changed. The upload unit 270 may also include information on the "remaining time required for charging" obtained from the charging speed and capacity, etc., and transmit it for each detachable battery 100 during charging.

[0070] The upload unit 270 transmits, at an arbitrary timing, the usage status of the battery replacement device 200 by each user and its own device ID to the management server 300 as usage information. Here, the arbitrary timing is, for example, the timing when the authentication by the authentication unit 245 is permitted and the replacement of the detachable battery (e.g., return and rental) is performed. In the usage status, for example, it may also include the user ID, card ID, battery ID of the returned detachable battery 100, battery ID of the rented detachable battery 100, replacement date and time (usage date and time), etc.

[0071] The upload unit 270 may also transmit the information acquired by the acquisition unit 264 and the information determined by the improper determination unit 268 to the management server 300. The information uploaded by the upload unit 270 at an arbitrary timing may be temporarily stored in the replacement device side storage unit 280.

[0072] [Management Server 300]

[0073] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the management server 300 of the embodiment. The management server 300 includes, for example, a server-side communication unit 310, a management unit 320, a provision unit 330, and a server-side storage unit 350. The management unit 320 and the provision unit 330 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Part or all of this function can also be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or can be implemented by the cooperation of software and hardware. The above program can be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or flash memory of the management server 300 (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium), or can be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or memory card, and installed in the storage device of the management server 300 by assembling the storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) into a drive device, card slot, etc.

[0074] The server-side storage unit 350 can also be implemented by the above various storage devices, or by an EEPROM, ROM, or RAM, etc. In the server-side storage unit 350, for example, a user management table 352, a status table 354, map information 356, a power consumption table for different vehicle models 358, programs, and other various information are stored.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the user management table 352. The user management table 352 is information that establishes a correspondence relationship between a user ID and a card ID with a password, expiration date, number of batteries that can be carried, status, battery ID being rented out, usage history, detailed information, etc. For example, the user ID (or card ID) and password are examples of information required for user authentication.

[0076] The expiration date is set, for example, at the time of utilization registration of the battery replacement system 1 or at the time of payment of utilization fees. The expiration date can be, for example, a fixed period (such as 1 year from the time of registration or update), or can be a period set in correspondence with the expiration date (vehicle inspection date) determined by the vehicle inspection of the electric vehicle 10 (continuous inspection of motor vehicles determined by the state, etc.). The number of batteries that can be carried refers to the number of batteries that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the card ID can carry.

[0077] The rented-out battery ID is identification information of one or more detachable batteries 100 rented out to the electric vehicle 10 in which a corresponding relationship has been established with the card ID. The usage history is information related to the usage history of the battery replacement system 1 in which a corresponding relationship has been established with the user ID and the card ID. In the usage history, for example, information such as the device ID of the battery replacement device 200 used and the usage date and time is included. In the usage history, for example, information uploaded by the upload unit 270 may also be included. In the detailed information, for example, personal information such as the address, age, and gender of the user obtained at the time of usage registration, vehicle determination information for determining the electric vehicle 10 in which a corresponding relationship has been established with the card ID, and the like are included. In the vehicle determination information, for example, vehicle model information may also be included.

[0078] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the content of the status table 354. The status table 354 stores information related to the status of a plurality of battery replacement devices 200 managed by the battery replacement system 1. In the status table 354, for example, information uploaded by the upload unit 270 may also be included. The status table 354 is, for example, information in which the number of charged detachable batteries in the battery replacement device 200 corresponding to the device ID and the position of the battery replacement device 200 are in a corresponding relationship with the device ID. When the remaining time required for charging each detachable battery 100 is included in the information uploaded as described above, the number of detachable batteries 100 being charged and the remaining time of each detachable battery 100 may be added to the status table 354. In the status table 354, the performance information of the detachable battery 100 may also be included. The performance information of the detachable battery 100 is, for example, information such as the amount of electricity when fully charged, the number of charge cycles, and the degree of deterioration.

[0079] In the map information 356, for example, in addition to including the position information of the battery replacement device 200 in the map coordinates, facility information (POI: Point Of Interest) such as convenience stores, restaurants, accommodation facilities, and various activity facilities may also be included. The map coordinates are, for example, a coordinate system of three-dimensional coordinates or two-dimensional coordinates measured by a GNSS receiver. In the map information 356, the position of the road in the map coordinates and other road information may also be included. In the road information, for example, road type (e.g., general road, highway), number of lanes, traffic restriction information, road signs installed, legal speed, radius of curvature (or curvature) of the road, width, slope, unevenness, etc. are included. The map information 356 can be updated at any time by communicating with other devices via the server-side communication unit 310.

[0080] Figure 8FIG. is an example showing the content of the electricity consumption meter 358 for different vehicle models. The electricity consumption meter 358 for different vehicle models is information in which vehicle model information and electricity consumption information are in a corresponding relationship. The electricity consumption information, for example, refers to the traveling distance per 1 [kWh] of the detachable battery 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10. The electricity consumption information may also be information indicating the amount of electricity consumed by each detachable battery 100 when the electric vehicle 10 travels a specified distance. The above-mentioned traveling distance or amount of electricity, for example, may be a value calculated by a specified function, a value derived by statistical processing, or a value set based on the performance information of the vehicle model.

[0081] The server-side communication unit 310 includes wired communication devices such as a terminal adapter and an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication device, and wireless communication devices such as a Wi-Fi adapter, 3G / LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth, and communicates with the battery replacement device 200, the electric vehicle 10, etc. via the network NW.

[0082] The management unit 320 manages Figure 6 the usage status (including authentication, etc.) of the user when the detachable battery 100 shown is replaced. For example, the management unit 320 manages the content of the reference authentication information required for authentication in each battery replacement device 200, or manages the timing of providing the reference authentication information, etc. The management unit 320 may also, in the case of an inquiry about authentication from the battery replacement device 200, use the authentication information obtained together with the inquiry and the user management table 352 to perform authentication, and send the authentication result and the reference authentication information obtained based on the authentication result to the battery replacement device 200.

[0083] The management unit 320 accepts new registrations and requests for changes to registration content from users, and updates the user management table 352 based on the received information. New registrations and changes to registration content are performed, for example, by communicating with the management server 300 from a terminal device (not shown) used by the user. The management unit 320 updates the status table 354 based on the upload information obtained from the battery replacement device 200. The management unit 320 may also manage, for example, the charging status and expiration date for each user ID or each card ID.

[0084] The management unit 320 updates the user management table 352, the status table 354, the map information 356, and the vehicle type power consumption table 358 based on the information uploaded by the upload unit 270, the information obtained from the external server, etc. For example, when the information uploaded by the upload unit 270 includes information related to the determination result of improper use, the management unit 320 updates the user management table 352 based on the determination result. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that a certain user has made improper use, the management unit 320 updates the status of the user management table 352 that is associated with the user ID and the card ID of the user to be suspended, or cancels the suspension of use by paying a fine, etc.

[0085] The providing unit 330 generates authentication information for comparison (authentication list) based on the user management table 352, and provides the generated authentication information for comparison to the battery replacement device 200. For example, the providing unit 330 distributes the authentication information for comparison to a part of the battery replacement devices among the plurality of battery replacement devices based on information related to the battery obtained from the battery replacement device 200, etc. The providing unit 330 estimates the movable distance (e.g., the cruising range) of the electric vehicle 10 used by the user based on the location information of the battery replacement device 200 used by the user, and provides the authentication information for comparison within the movable range (e.g., the cruising range) of the electric vehicle 10 starting from the battery replacement device 200 based on the estimated movable distance. The providing unit 330 may also provide the battery replacement device 200 with information related to the user ID and card ID whose status has become utilization stopped.

[0086] When the electric vehicle 10 or a terminal device used by a user (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet terminal) inquires about the location and usage status (the number of fully charged detachable batteries 100) of the battery replacement device 200, the providing unit 330 obtains the battery replacement device 200 that is within a specified range from the location of the electric vehicle 10 or the terminal device based on the location information obtained from the electric vehicle 10 or the terminal and with reference to the status table 354. In addition, the providing unit 330 provides the electric vehicle 10 or the terminal device with information related to the location and usage status of the obtained battery replacement device 200. The providing unit 330 may also obtain path information from the location of the electric vehicle 10 or the terminal device to the battery replacement device 200 from the map information 356, and provide it to the electric vehicle 10 or the terminal device.

[0087] [About improper judgment]

[0088] Next, a detailed description will be given of the improper determination process in the improper determination unit 268 of the battery replacement device 200. Hereinafter, each determination mode among several determination modes will be described. In the following example, it is assumed that the improper determination process is performed after the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful and the detachable battery 100 for use is returned, and before the detachable battery 100 for charging is rented out. The improper determination process shown below is performed for each detachable battery 100 among the returned detachable batteries 100.

[0089] <First determination mode>

[0090] The first determination mode determines whether the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used based on the odometer information of the electric vehicle 10 obtained from the detachable battery 100. Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining the first determination mode. In Figure 9 the example, the values of the odometer [Km] obtained from the electric vehicle 10 at regular intervals during the period from when the detachable battery 100 is rented out from the battery replacement device 200 until it is returned are shown. These pieces of information are the information stored in the storage unit 140. In Figure 9 the example, the odometer values corresponding to the acquisition times (from 1 to 5 times) are shown, but the acquisition times are not limited to this.

[0091] The odometer of the electric vehicle 10 is the cumulative driving distance after the electric vehicle 10 is manufactured (completed), so the distance does not decrease in the same vehicle. Therefore, when the value of the odometer obtained from the electric vehicle 10 at regular intervals continuously increases according to the driving distance, the improper determination unit 268 determines that it has not been improperly used during the period from rental to return. On the other hand, when the value of the odometer is less than the previous value, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used during the period from rental to return.

[0092] In Figure 9 the example, the odometer values from the first to the third times continuously increase, whereas the odometer value decreases when obtained for the fourth time. In this case, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used.

[0093] According to the above first determination mode, it is possible to easily grasp the use of the detachable battery 100 in multiple vehicles. Therefore, improper use can be determined more appropriately.

[0094] <Second determination mode>

[0095] The second determination mode is a determination mode that, based on the first determination mode, even when the value of the odometer is continuously increasing, determines that the removable battery 100 is being improperly used when the amount of change is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Figure 10 This is a diagram for explaining the second determination mode. In Figure 10 this example, similar to Figure 9 the above, the values of the odometer obtained from the electric vehicle 10 at regular intervals after renting out the removable battery are shown. When the values of the odometer continuously increase (do not decrease) from the first to the fifth time, the improper determination unit 268 causes the acquisition unit 264 to inquire of the management server 300 about the past usage history of the removable battery 100 based on the user ID and card ID at the time of authentication, and acquires the usage history of the removable battery 100. The improper determination unit 268 derives the average value or maximum value of the past increase in the odometer based on the usage status of the user as the threshold value based on the acquired usage history. The threshold value may also include an allowable range (margin) with respect to the average value or maximum value. Further, when the amount of increase is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the removable battery 100 is not being improperly used, and when it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, determines that it is being improperly used.

[0096] Here, it is assumed that the threshold value is derived as 30 [km]. In Figure 10 this example, the amount of change in the value of the odometer from the second to the third time becomes 40 [km]. In this case, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the removable battery 100 is being improperly used.

[0097] As described above, according to the second determination mode, even when the value of the odometer continuously increases with the driving distance, it is possible to more appropriately determine improper use using the threshold value obtained from the usage history of the removable battery 100.

[0098] <Third Determination Mode>

[0099] The third determination mode is a determination mode that, based on the first determination mode and the second determination mode, further determines whether the removable battery 100 is being improperly used based on vehicle type information. Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining the third determination mode. In Figure 11 this example, the values of the odometer obtained each time the power consumption of the power storage unit 110 exceeds a first threshold value (for example, 1 [kWh]) after renting out the removable battery 100 are shown.

[0100] In the third determination mode, the acquisition unit 264 acquires the model information of the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the detachable battery 100 from the storage unit 140 of the detachable battery 100, inquires of the management server 300 about the power consumption information corresponding to the acquired model information, and acquires the power consumption information from the management server 300. The improper determination unit 268 compares the distance traveled per 1 [kWh] of the detachable battery 100 acquired from the management server 300 as the power consumption information with the following difference. When this difference is less than the specified value, it is determined that there is no improper use. When it is equal to or greater than the specified value, it is determined that there is improper use. The said difference is the difference in the odometer values (actual travel distance) between consecutive acquisition times acquired from the detachable battery 100. In the third determination mode, the above-mentioned actual travel distance corresponds to the actual power consumption information. The above-mentioned specified value can be a fixed value or a variable value corresponding to the model information of the electric vehicle 10 (for example, large, small, special vehicle, etc.) and the driving state (for example, whether driving on a slope or a highway, whether an air conditioner is installed).

[0101] Here, assume that the distance traveled per 1 [kWh] of the detachable battery 100 with respect to the model information is 3 [km], and the specified value is 5 [km]. In Figure 11 the example, the difference in the odometer values between the third and fourth times is 14 [km], and the difference from the power consumption information (14 - 3) is 9 [km], so it is equal to or greater than the specified value. In this case, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used.

[0102] In this way, according to the third determination mode, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used by also considering the model information (more specifically, the power consumption information). When a cost plan different for each model is set, there is a high possibility that the detachable battery 100 rented at a cheap cost plan is improperly used for a model with a high cost plan. Therefore, by also including the model information, etc. in the improper determination, it is possible to more appropriately determine the improper use.

[0103] In the third determination mode, the determination of improper use is made using the power consumption information corresponding to the vehicle type information. However, instead of (or in addition to) the vehicle type information, the power consumption information of each vehicle ID or each card ID can also be used to perform the above determination process. In this case, the management server 300 performs statistical processing in advance based on the usage history of each vehicle ID or each card ID, derives the power consumption information, and stores it in the server-side storage unit 350. When the management server 300 is asked for the power consumption information based on the vehicle ID or card ID by the battery replacement device 200, it provides the power consumption information corresponding to the vehicle ID and card ID to the battery replacement device 200 according to the information stored in the server-side storage unit 350. Thereby, it is possible to more appropriately perform the determination of improper use for each user based on the power consumption information derived from the usage status of each user.

[0104] <Fourth Determination Mode>

[0105] The fourth determination mode is different from the third determination mode in that it determines whether the detachable battery 100 is being improperly used based on the vehicle type information without including the power consumption information. In this case, the acquisition unit 264 acquires the vehicle type information of the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the detachable battery 100 from the storage unit 140 of the detachable battery 100. The acquisition unit 264 asks the management server 300 for the vehicle type information based on the card ID of the user card read by the reading unit 240, and acquires the vehicle type information corresponding to the card ID from the user management table 352. The improper determination unit 268 determines that it has not been improperly used when the vehicle type information acquired from the storage unit 140 of the detachable battery 100 is the same as the vehicle type information acquired from the management server 300 based on the card ID, and determines that it has been improperly used when they are different.

[0106] In the fourth determination mode, the vehicle ID can also be used instead of (or in addition to) the vehicle type information. When using the vehicle ID, the acquisition unit 264 acquires, for example, the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the detachable battery 100 from the storage unit 140 of the detachable battery 100, and also acquires the vehicle ID read by the reading unit 240 from the user card. The improper determination unit 268 determines that it has not been improperly used when the two vehicle IDs are the same, and determines that it has been improperly used when they are different. By using the vehicle ID, it is possible to identify the electric vehicle 10 for comparison compared to using the vehicle type information.

[0107] In this way, according to the fourth determination mode, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether the detachable battery 100 is being misused by using the vehicle model information without including power consumption information. In a case where a fee plan that varies for each vehicle model is set, there is a high possibility that the detachable battery 100 rented at a low-cost fee plan is misused in a vehicle model with a high-cost fee plan. Therefore, by including vehicle model information, etc., for improper determination, it is possible to more appropriately perform the determination of improper use.

[0108] <Fifth Determination Mode>

[0109] The fifth determination mode is a determination mode that determines whether there is improper use by comparing the battery ID of the detachable battery 100 at the time of rental with the battery ID of the detachable battery 100 at the time of return, instead of (or in addition to) the first to fourth determination modes.

[0110] In the fifth determination mode, the acquisition unit 264 makes an inquiry to the management server 300 about the battery ID of the detachable battery 100 at the time of the last rental, based on the user ID and card ID acquired at the time of authentication. When there is an inquiry from the battery replacement device 200, the management server 300 uses the user ID and card ID, refers to the user ID and card ID in the user management table 352, and acquires information on the in-rental battery ID corresponding to the user ID and card ID in the case of a match. Then, the acquired in-rental battery ID information is sent to the battery replacement device 200 that made the inquiry.

[0111] The improper determination unit 268 compares the in-rental battery ID acquired from the management server 300 with the battery ID at the time of return. If the battery ID at the time of return is included in the in-rental battery ID, it is determined that there is no improper use. If the battery ID at the time of return is not included in the in-rental battery ID, it is determined that there is improper use.

[0112] In this way, according to the fifth determination mode, it is possible to determine the improper use of the detachable battery 100 by comparing the battery ID at the time of rental and the battery ID at the time of return. In the fifth determination mode, it is not possible to determine that there is improper use only when the first user uses the detachable battery 100 at the time of rental and return, but in fact, it is used by an electric vehicle 10 of a third party other than the first user. Therefore, the fifth determination mode is executed in combination with at least one of the above-described first to fourth determination modes, which can improve the accuracy of the determination result.

[0113] When the improper determination unit 268 determines that the removable battery 100 has been improperly used, the replacement control unit 262 causes the display unit 235 to display information indicating that it has been determined to have been improperly used (warning information). The replacement control unit 262 performs control to temporarily or permanently prohibit the rental of the removable battery 100 after charging is completed, or to impose a prescribed penalty such as a fine on the user. Thereby, improper use of the removable battery 100 can be suppressed. When the user initially uses the battery replacement device 200 or when the removable battery 100 is rented out, the replacement control unit 262 causes the display unit 235 to display and notify the user of the above penalty, thereby further improving the effect of suppressing improper use.

[0114] [Processing Flow]

[0115] Hereinafter, the processing flow executed by the battery replacement device 200 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the description will mainly focus on the improper determination process after the battery is returned (and before it is rented out). Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the battery replacement device 200 of the embodiment.

[0116] In Figure 12 this example, the acquisition unit 264 acquires the value of the odometer (an example of vehicle-related information) obtained from the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the removable battery 100 at a prescribed timing from the storage unit 140 of the returned removable battery 100 (step S100). Next, the improper determination unit 268 determines, for example, whether the value of the odometer obtained at a prescribed cycle is continuously increasing (step S102). If it is determined that it is continuously increasing, the acquisition unit 264 acquires the usage history of the removable battery 100 (step S104). Next, the improper determination unit 268 determines whether the increase amount of the odometer value is less than the threshold value derived based on the usage history of the removable battery 100 (step S106).

[0117] If it is determined that the increase amount of the odometer value is less than the threshold value, the acquisition unit 264 acquires the power consumption information corresponding to the vehicle model (an example of vehicle-related information) obtained from the removable battery 100 from the management server 300 (step S108). Next, the improper determination unit 268 determines whether the difference between the measured power consumption information obtained from the odometer value and the power consumption information obtained from the management server 300 is less than a prescribed value (step S110). If it is determined that the difference between the measured power consumption information and the power consumption information obtained from the management server 300 is less than the threshold value, the improper determination unit 268 determines that the removable battery 100 has not been improperly used (step S112). Next, the replacement control unit 262 performs control to rent out and charge the removable battery 100 after charging is completed (step S114).

[0118] In the case where it is determined in the process of step S102 that the value of the odometer obtained at a specified timing does not continue to increase, in the case where it is determined in the process of step S106 that the increase amount of the odometer value is not less than the threshold value (is above the threshold value), or in the case where it is determined in the process of step S110 that the difference between the measured power consumption information and the power consumption information is not less than the specified value (is above the specified value), the improper determination unit 268 determines that the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used (step S116). Then, the replacement control unit 262 displays on the display unit 235 to notify the user of the information indicating that improper use has been determined (step S118), and imposes a specified penalty on the user for using the battery replacement service (step S120). Thus, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0119] [Variant Example]

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the improper determination process in the battery replacement device 200 may also be performed by the management server 300. In this case, the battery replacement device 200 sends information related to the electric vehicle 10 stored in the storage unit 140 of the detachable battery 100, the authentication information obtained at the time of authentication, etc. to the management server 300. The management server 300 performs the above-described improper determination based on the obtained electric vehicle 10 and authentication information, and sends the determination result to the battery replacement device 200. Based on the determination result received from the management server 300, the battery replacement device 200 performs the rental control of the detachable battery 100 after charging is completed in the case of no improper use, and notifies the user or imposes a specified penalty in the case of improper use. Thus, the processing load in the battery replacement device 200 can be reduced.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the improper determination process may use the traveling distance detected by a resettable distance sensor instead of the odometer. In this case, the distance sensor is reset, for example, when the detachable battery 100 is assembled to the electric vehicle 10, and the distance is measured therefrom. Thus, in the case where the detachable battery 100 is replaced to two or more electric vehicles 10, the continuously obtained traveling distance is reduced by resetting the traveling distance each time, and thus improper use can be determined.

[0122] According to the above-described embodiment, in the battery replacement device 200, there are provided: a control unit (replacement control unit 262, charging control unit 266) that controls the return and rental of the detachable battery 100, which is detachably assembled to the electric vehicle 10 and supplies electric power for the electric vehicle 10 to travel; an acquisition unit 264 that acquires information related to the electric vehicle 10 to which the detachable battery 100 has been assembled from the returned battery; and an improper determination unit 268 that determines whether the detachable battery 100 has been improperly used based on the information related to the electric vehicle 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 264, whereby it is possible to more appropriately determine the improper use of the detachable battery 100.

[0123] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows.

[0124] A battery replacement device configured to include:

[0125] a storage device that stores a program; and

[0126] a hardware processor,

[0127] wherein the hardware processor performs the following processing by executing the program stored in the storage device:

[0128] performing a battery replacement service, the battery being detachably assembled to an electric vehicle and supplying electric power for the electric vehicle to travel;

[0129] performing control related to the return and rental of the battery;

[0130] acquiring information related to the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the returned battery; and

[0131] determining whether the battery has been improperly used based on the acquired information related to the electric vehicle.

[0132] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above using the embodiments, but the present invention is in no way limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery replacement device, wherein, the battery replacement device includes: a control unit that controls the return and rental of the battery, which is detachably assembled to an electric vehicle and supplies power for the electric vehicle to travel; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the returned battery; and a determination unit that determines whether the battery has been misused based on the information related to the electric vehicle acquired by the acquisition unit, the information related to the electric vehicle includes the travel distance of the electric vehicle acquired at a specified timing after the battery is assembled to the electric vehicle, the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the travel distance of the electric vehicle included in the information related to the electric vehicle.

2. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein, the acquisition unit acquires the usage history of the battery by the user from a management server that manages the usage status of the battery replacement device by the user based on authentication information for authenticating the user of the electric vehicle, the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the travel distance included in the information related to the electric vehicle and the past travel distance included in the usage history.

3. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein, the acquisition unit acquires the vehicle type information of the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the storage unit of the battery, and based on the authentication information for authenticating the user of the electric vehicle, acquires the vehicle type information corresponding to the authentication information from a management server that manages the usage status of the battery replacement device by the user of the electric vehicle, the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the vehicle type information acquired from the storage unit of the battery and the vehicle type information acquired from the management server.

4. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein, the acquisition unit acquires the vehicle type information of the electric vehicle to which the battery has been assembled from the storage unit of the battery, and based on the acquired vehicle type information, acquires the power consumption information corresponding to the vehicle type of the electric vehicle from a management server that manages the usage status of the battery replacement device by the user of the electric vehicle, the determination unit determines whether the battery has been misused based on the travel distance included in the information related to the electric vehicle and the travel distance per specified power of the battery acquired as the power consumption information.

5. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the battery has been misused, the control unit imposes a specified penalty on the user of the electric vehicle for renting the battery.

6. An improper determination method, wherein, A storage battery is detachably mounted on an electric vehicle and supplies electric power for the electric vehicle to run. The improper determination method causes a battery replacement device that performs the battery replacement service to perform the following processes: Perform control related to the return and rental of the storage battery; Obtain information related to the electric vehicle on which the storage battery has been mounted from the returned storage battery; Based on the obtained information related to the electric vehicle, determine whether the storage battery has been improperly used; And The information related to the electric vehicle includes the running distance of the electric vehicle obtained at a specified timing after the storage battery is mounted on the electric vehicle, Based on the running distance of the electric vehicle included in the information related to the electric vehicle, determine whether the storage battery has been improperly used.

7. A storage medium stores a program, Wherein, A storage battery is detachably mounted on an electric vehicle and supplies electric power for the electric vehicle to run. The program causes a battery replacement device that performs the battery replacement service to perform the following processes: Perform control related to the return and rental of the storage battery; Obtain information related to the electric vehicle on which the storage battery has been mounted from the returned storage battery; Based on the obtained information related to the electric vehicle, determine whether the storage battery has been improperly used; And The information related to the electric vehicle includes the running distance of the electric vehicle obtained at a specified timing after the storage battery is mounted on the electric vehicle, Based on the running distance of the electric vehicle included in the information related to the electric vehicle, determine whether the storage battery has been improperly used.

Images