server device

Abstract

In a battery sharing service, the server device can properly perform management and charge collection of the battery without using the portable terminal device and regardless of storage information of the battery. The server device (6) of the battery site (5) is provided with a vehicle information management section (61), an identification information acquisition section (62), a charge-related information acquisition section (63), a charge calculation section (64), a battery replacement determination section (65), and a lock device management section (66). The charge-related information acquisition section acquires charge-related information from the vehicle key device (4), and the identification information acquisition section acquires identification information from the vehicle key device. The battery replacement determination section determines permission and prohibition of replacement of the battery based on the identification information acquired from the vehicle key device and the identification information registered in the vehicle information management section, and the lock device management section unlocks the lock device in a case where the battery replacement determination section permits replacement of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a server device for battery sharing services. Background Technology

[0002] A shared service is known in which batteries, which serve as the driving force for mobile vehicles such as electric vehicles, are detachable and shared by multiple users. This service involves a structure that includes battery stations for storing and charging multiple detachable batteries, and charges users of these battery stations.

[0003] For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, a battery station obtains battery usage status information from a removable battery inserted into a slot and sends it to a management server, which then charges the user based on the usage of the removable battery.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 027196 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 requires storing battery usage status information in the battery, and batteries without stored battery usage status information cannot be used. To develop battery sharing services, it is necessary to promote the utilization of many batteries with different specifications.

[0009] In addition, in recent years, it has become a daily practice to use portable terminal devices such as smartphones to communicate with server devices that provide various services. However, when the battery of the portable terminal device is low, it may be unable to receive services.

[0010] The present invention provides a server device that, in a battery sharing service, can properly manage batteries and collect fees without the need for a portable terminal device and regardless of the battery's stored information.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] This invention provides a server device for a battery station, the battery station storing multiple batteries that can be easily installed in a vehicle capable of electric mobility, wherein the server device comprises:

[0013] The Vehicle Information Management Department manages the identification information of pre-registered vehicles;

[0014] An identification information acquisition unit acquires identification information related to the vehicle of a user who wishes to replace the battery;

[0015] The cost-related information acquisition unit obtains cost-related information, wherein the cost-related information is at least one of the user's vehicle's driving distance and battery usage.

[0016] The cost calculation part calculates the battery usage cost based on the aforementioned cost-related information;

[0017] A battery replacement determination unit that determines whether or not to replace the battery; and

[0018] A locking device management unit controls the locking device, which enables the removal of the battery housed in the battery station.

[0019] The fee-related information acquisition unit obtains the fee-related information from the vehicle key device.

[0020] The identification information acquisition unit obtains the user's identification information from the vehicle key device.

[0021] The battery replacement determination unit determines whether the battery replacement is permitted or prohibited based on the identification information obtained from the vehicle key device and the identification information registered in the vehicle information management unit.

[0022] The locking device management unit unlocks the locking device when the battery replacement determination unit approves the battery replacement.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] According to the present invention, battery management and fee collection can be properly performed without the use of a portable terminal device and regardless of the battery's stored information. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the battery sharing system 1.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle key device 4.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a side view showing an example of vehicle 3.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of a battery 2, etc., mounted on vehicle 3.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of battery station 5.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of server device 6.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the battery replacement process performed by the battery sharing system 1.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the structure of server device 6 in the modified example.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the battery replacement process performed by the battery sharing system 1 in the modified example.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 2 batteries

[0036] 3 vehicles

[0037] 4. Vehicle key device

[0038] 44 Battery Replacement Operation Section

[0039] 5 Battery Stations

[0040] 53 Locking device

[0041] 6 server devices

[0042] 61 Vehicle Information Management Department

[0043] 62. Identification Information Acquisition Department

[0044] 63. Fee-related Information Acquisition Department

[0045] 64. Cost Calculation Department

[0046] 65 Battery Replacement Judgment Unit

[0047] 66 Locking Device Management Department

[0048] 67 Vehicle Anomaly Detection Department

[0049] 68 Battery Anomaly Detection Department

[0050] 69 Site Guidance Department

[0051] 634 Battery Usage Acquisition Department During Parking

[0052] 635 Battery usage acquisition unit during disassembly. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 7 An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0054] Battery sharing system

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery sharing system 1 includes: a vehicle 3 that moves using the power of a removable battery 2; a vehicle key device 4 that manages locking and other functions of the vehicle 3; a battery station 5 that stores multiple batteries 2; a server device 6 that manages the replacement of batteries 2 in the battery station 5; a dealer terminal 7 used by dealers to perform maintenance on the vehicle 3; and a network 8 that connects them in a communicative manner.

[0056]

network

[0057] Network 8 enables communication between vehicle 3, vehicle key device 4, battery station 5, server device 6, and dealer terminal 7 through one or a combination of communication lines such as short-range wireless communication, wireless LAN, mobile phone communication network, and Internet.

[0058] Vehicle key device

[0059] Vehicle key device 4 is a dedicated key device attached to vehicle 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle key device 4 includes: a communication unit 41 capable of connecting to the network 8; a locking operation unit 42 for locking the vehicle 3; an unlocking operation unit 43 for unlocking the vehicle 3; a battery replacement operation unit 44 operated during battery replacement; and a storage unit 45 for storing vehicle 3 identification information (key number), cost-related information (driving distance and battery usage) related to battery replacement costs.

[0060]

vehicle

[0061] Vehicle 3 is a motor vehicle with a drive source and wheels, the wheels including drive wheels driven by the power of the drive source and steering wheels capable of steering. For example... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle 3 in this embodiment is a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a pair of front wheels 31 on the left and right and a rear wheel 32 on the right, and the drive source is, for example, an electric motor 33.

[0062] Vehicle 3 includes: a frame component (not shown) having a monocoque structure formed, for example, by welding and assembling steel plates; and an outer shell component 34 that covers the frame component and constitutes the outer shell of vehicle 3. Within the space enclosed by the outer shell component 34 are a passenger compartment (not shown) for accommodating passengers and a motor compartment 35 formed at the front of the passenger compartment.

[0063] The motor chamber 35 houses an electric motor 33, multiple batteries 2, a locking mechanism (not shown), and a control unit 36.

[0064] Each battery 2 is a rechargeable secondary battery, configured to be replaceable by the user. Each battery 2 is approximately cuboid and is arranged side by side in the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 3 with its sides facing each other. Thus, the user can easily replace the battery 2 by pulling it upwards individually.

[0065] The locking mechanism is a mechanism that locks the removal and installation of the battery 2. For example, it can be unlocked by a short-term operation of the battery replacement operation unit 44 provided in the vehicle key device 4, allowing the removal and installation of the battery 2.

[0066] Each battery 2 has a pair of positive and negative electrode pads 21 connected to the control unit 36, through which power is input and output. The control unit 36 ​​includes: a power control unit including an inverter that drives the motor 33 and a boost converter that controls the voltage; a battery control unit that controls the charging of the batteries 2; and a communication unit that can be connected to the network 8. The battery control unit can obtain the state of charge (SOC) of each battery 2 and the driving distance of the vehicle 3 as cost-related information, and store the obtained cost-related information in the storage unit 45 of the vehicle key device 4 via the vehicle network. For example, when the vehicle 3 stops and the occupant removes the vehicle key device 4, the battery control unit stores the cost-related information in the storage unit 45 of the vehicle key device 4.

[0067] [Battery Site]

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery station 5 has multiple battery storage compartments 51 that can detachably hold the battery 2. After user authentication, the user who is replacing the battery removes the fully charged battery 2 from the battery storage compartment 51 and stores the used battery 2 back in the battery storage compartment 51.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery station 5 includes: a communication unit 52 capable of connecting to the network 8; multiple locking devices 53 for locking the installation and removal of batteries 2 in each battery housing 51; a charger 54 for charging the batteries 2 installed in each battery housing 51; and a key recognition unit 55 for recognizing the vehicle key device 4. Each part of the battery station 5 is managed by the server device 6 and operates according to control commands from the server device 6.

[0070] Server equipment

[0071] Server device 6 is configured as a server for an enterprise providing paid battery replacement services via multiple battery stations 5. As hardware, it comprises a communication unit capable of connecting to a network 8, a computing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as ROM and RAM, and other peripheral circuitry. Server device 6 can also be a distributed server comprised of multiple server devices, or a distributed virtual server (cloud server) built in a cloud environment. Furthermore, the paid battery replacement service includes: a metered system where fees are charged based on driving distance and battery usage; and a fixed-rate system (hereinafter, sometimes appropriately referred to as a subscription service) where services are provided at a fixed rate if driving distance and battery usage are within the contractual range.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the server device 6, as a functional structure realized through the cooperation of hardware and software, includes a vehicle information management unit 61, an identification information acquisition unit 62, a cost-related information acquisition unit 63, a cost calculation unit 64, a battery replacement determination unit 65, a locking device management unit 66, a vehicle anomaly determination unit 67, a battery anomaly determination unit 68, and a site guidance unit 69.

[0073] The vehicle information management unit 61 manages the identification information (key number, etc.) of the pre-registered vehicle 3 (hereinafter referred to as registered vehicle 3). In addition, the vehicle information management unit 61 stores, in association with the identification information, contract details, settlement information, the number of batteries 2 installed in the registered vehicle 3, and information related to the cost of the last battery replacement.

[0074] The identification information acquisition unit 62 acquires identification information related to the vehicle 3 of the user who wants to replace the battery 2 from the vehicle key device 4. For example, when the user performs a long press operation on the battery replacement operation unit 44 of the vehicle key device 4 near the battery station 5, communication begins between the server device 6 and the vehicle key device 4 via the key identification unit 55 of the battery station 5, and the identification information stored in the vehicle key device 4 is sent to the server device 6.

[0075] The cost-related information acquisition unit 63 acquires cost-related information, including at least one of the driving distance and battery usage of the user's vehicle 3. In this embodiment, the cost-related information acquisition unit 63 includes a driving distance acquisition unit 631 that acquires driving distance from the vehicle key device 4, and a battery usage acquisition unit 632 that acquires battery usage.

[0076] The fee calculation unit 64 calculates the usage fee for battery 2 based on fee-related information. Specifically, the usage fee is calculated based on the driving distance and / or battery usage obtained from the vehicle key device 4. Furthermore, if the registered vehicle 3 is the vehicle 3 of the user who subscribed to the service, the fee calculation unit 64 will only charge the usage fee if the driving distance or battery usage exceeds the contractual limit.

[0077] The cost calculation unit 64 calculates the driving distance or battery usage of the battery 2 to be replaced by subtracting the cost information of the previous battery replacement from the cost information of the current battery replacement obtained from the vehicle key device 4 from the cost information of the previous battery replacement obtained from the vehicle information management unit 61. Based on this driving distance or battery usage, the usage fee is calculated. If the user's contract is based on a metered system, the calculated usage fee is charged to the user. If the user's contract is for a subscription service, and the calculated driving distance or battery usage exceeds the contract limit, part or all of the calculated usage fee is charged to the user as an excess fee.

[0078] The battery replacement determination unit 65 determines whether to permit or prohibit the replacement of battery 2. For example, it determines whether to permit or prohibit the replacement of battery 2 based on the identification information obtained from the vehicle key device 4 and the identification information registered in the vehicle information management unit 61.

[0079] The locking device management unit 66 controls the locking device 53, which enables the removal of the battery 2 housed in the battery station 5. When the battery replacement determination unit 65 approves the replacement of the battery 2, the locking device management unit 66 unlocks the locking device 53. At this time, the locking device management unit 66 unlocks the same number of locking devices 53 based on the number of registered batteries 2 of the vehicle 3 stored in the vehicle information management unit 61.

[0080] Furthermore, when a user specifies a battery station 5 to be used based on the guidance of the station guidance unit 69, the locking device management unit 66 performs a reservation process to prevent other users from unlocking the locking device 53 of the battery 2 that is to be replaced. Afterwards, when the locking device management unit 66 obtains identification information from the vehicle key device 4 of the user who made the reservation, it unlocks the reserved locking device 53.

[0081] The vehicle anomaly determination unit 67 calculates the power consumption rate (hereinafter, sometimes appropriately referred to as power consumption) based on the driving distance obtained from the vehicle key device 4 and the battery usage (or the remaining power of the depleted battery 2 obtained from the battery station 5). If the power consumption rate exceeds a first threshold, the vehicle 3 is determined to be abnormal. When the vehicle 3 is determined to be abnormal, the vehicle anomaly determination unit 67 reports the anomaly to the vehicle 3, the vehicle key device 4, and the dealer terminal 7. The first threshold is set based on information stored in the storage unit. The information stored in the storage unit is, for example, information based on the correlation between the driving distance of the registered vehicle 3 and the battery usage of the registered vehicle 3 of multiple service users. By setting a threshold corresponding to actual usage conditions, the detection accuracy of vehicle anomalies can be improved.

[0082] The battery malfunction determination unit 68 determines that the battery 2 is malfunctioning based on the amount of charge it receives during charging. The locking device 53 of the battery storage unit 51, which stores the malfunctioning battery 2, is prevented from unlocking.

[0083] The station guidance unit 69 communicates with the vehicle 3 to guide the vehicle 3 to the battery station 5. This guidance can be performed by a navigation device installed in the vehicle 3 or a portable terminal held by the user of the vehicle 3. The station guidance unit 69 notifies the vehicle 3 or the user of the battery station 5 that contains a replaceable battery 2 from among the multiple battery stations 5, and accepts a reservation for the battery 2.

[0084] Battery replacement procedure

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 7 Explain the processing steps for battery replacement performed by battery sharing system 1.

[0086] Users who wish to replace the battery can drive vehicle 3 to battery station 5. Alternatively, if battery 2 runs out of power while the vehicle is parked at home, or while en route to battery station 5, the user can remove battery 2 from vehicle 3 and take battery 2 and vehicle key device 4 to battery station 5.

[0087] After the user arrives at the battery station 5, they press and hold the battery replacement operation unit 44 of the vehicle key device 4. When the server device 6 receives the operation signal from the vehicle key device 4 via the key identification unit 55 of the battery station 5, it receives the identification information and fee-related information stored in the vehicle key device 4, and performs a key number comparison (S101) for user authentication. If the result is inconsistent, the battery replacement process ends.

[0088] If the key number matches, server device 6 calculates the driving distance since the last battery replacement (S102) and determines whether the user is currently using the subscribed service (S103). If the determination result is "no", the usage fee is calculated based on the driving distance and battery usage (S104: metered fee calculation). If server device 6 determines that the user is using the subscribed service, it determines whether the driving distance is below the contracted distance (S105). If the determination result is "no", the excess fee is calculated based on the driving distance and battery usage (S104: fixed-rate excess fee calculation). If server device 6 determines that the user is using the subscribed service and the driving distance is below the contracted distance, it sends an unlocking command to battery station 5 to unlock the locking device 53 corresponding to the number of batteries in the contract (S106). Similarly, if the usage fee calculated in S104 has already been paid, an unlocking command is also sent.

[0089] When the battery station 5 receives an unlocking command from the server device 6, it unlocks the locking device 53 corresponding to the number of batteries in the contract (S107). In addition, when the battery 2 is replaced, it obtains the remaining power of the used battery 2 and sends it to the server device 6 (S108).

[0090] When the server device 6 receives the remaining power of the depleted battery 2 from the battery station 5, it calculates the power consumption based on the remaining power and the driving distance (S109), and determines whether the calculated power consumption exceeds the first threshold (S110). If the determination result is "yes", the server device 6 determines that the vehicle 3 is abnormal (S111) and sends an abnormality notification to the vehicle 3 and the dealer terminal 7 (S112, S113).

[0091] If the server device 6 determines that the power consumption has not exceeded a first threshold, it sends a command to the battery station 5 to charge the depleted battery 2. Upon receiving the command, the battery station 5 charges the depleted battery 2 (S114). Then, the battery station 5 determines whether the charge level of the charged battery 2 is less than a predetermined value (S115). If the determination result is "no", the battery 2 is deemed normal (S116) and processed as a rentable, fully charged battery 2. Furthermore, if the battery station 5 determines that the charge level of the charged battery 2 is less than the predetermined value, it determines that the battery 2 has deteriorated (S117) and sends a deterioration notification to the server device 6 (S118). When the server device 6 receives the deterioration notification from the battery station 5, it performs deterioration response processing by sending a lock command for the deteriorated battery 2 to the battery station 5 and sending deterioration information to the dealer terminal 7 (S119). When the battery station 5 receives the lock command, it prohibits unlocking the battery 2 (S120).

[0092] As described above, the identification information acquisition unit 62 acquires identification information from the vehicle key device 4, and the fee-related information acquisition unit 63 acquires fee-related information from the vehicle key device 4. Therefore, since the battery can be replaced without using a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, the battery can be replaced regardless of whether the portable terminal device's battery is depleted, as long as the vehicle key device 4 required for driving the vehicle 3 is carried. Furthermore, since the server device 6 determines whether the vehicle 3 is a registered vehicle based on the identification information acquired from the vehicle key device 4, and calculates the usage fee for the battery 2 based on the fee-related information acquired from the vehicle key device 4, battery management and fee collection can be appropriately performed regardless of the stored information on the battery 2.

[0093] [Modified Server Device]

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The modified battery sharing system 1 and server device 6 will be described. Differences from the embodiments described above will be explained, and for structures common to the embodiments described above, the same reference numerals as those used in the embodiments will sometimes be used to refer to the descriptions of the embodiments described above.

[0095] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the server device 6 in the modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the cost-related information acquisition unit 63 includes: a parking period battery usage acquisition unit 634 that communicates with the vehicle 3 and acquires the battery usage during parking; and a disassembly period battery usage acquisition unit 635 that acquires the battery usage during disassembly when the disassembly of the battery 2 in the vehicle 3 is detected.

[0096] Furthermore, the server device 6 in this modified example differs from the embodiment described above in that the cost calculation unit 64 adds a usage fee if the battery usage during parking exceeds a second threshold, and adds the usage fee if the battery usage during battery 2 removal exceeds a third threshold. Based on this modified example, a usage fee that takes into account both battery usage during parking and battery usage during removal can be appropriately calculated.

[0097] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and these modifications or alterations are also within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0098] In addition, at least the following matters are described in this specification. Furthermore, the components corresponding to the foregoing embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] (1) A server device (server device 6) is a server device for a battery station (battery station 5), the battery station storing a plurality of batteries (batteries 2) that can be detachably installed in a vehicle (vehicle 3) capable of moving by electric power, wherein,

[0100] The server device includes:

[0101] The Vehicle Information Management Department (Vehicle Information Management Department 61) manages the identification information of pre-registered vehicles;

[0102] An identification information acquisition unit (identification information acquisition unit 62) acquires identification information related to the vehicle (vehicle 3) of a user who wishes to replace the battery;

[0103] The cost-related information acquisition unit (cost-related information acquisition unit 63) acquires cost-related information, wherein the cost-related information is information on at least one of the user's vehicle's driving distance and battery usage.

[0104] The cost calculation unit (cost calculation unit 64) calculates the usage cost of the battery based on the aforementioned cost-related information;

[0105] A battery replacement determination unit (battery replacement determination unit 65) that determines whether or not to replace the battery; and

[0106] A locking device management unit (locking device management unit 66) controls the locking device (locking device 53), which allows the battery housed in the battery station to be removed.

[0107] The fee-related information acquisition unit obtains the fee-related information from the vehicle key device (vehicle key device 4).

[0108] The identification information acquisition unit obtains the user's identification information from the vehicle key device.

[0109] The battery replacement determination unit determines whether the battery replacement is permitted or prohibited based on the identification information obtained from the vehicle key device and the identification information registered in the vehicle information management unit.

[0110] The locking device management unit unlocks the locking device when the battery replacement determination unit approves the battery replacement.

[0111] According to (1), the server device determines whether a vehicle is a registered vehicle based on the identification information obtained from the vehicle key device, and calculates the battery usage fee based on the fee-related information obtained from the vehicle key device. Therefore, regardless of the battery storage information, the battery can be properly managed and the fee can be collected. On the other hand, users who use the battery sharing service provided by the server device do not need to bear the cost of the battery when purchasing a vehicle, which can keep the vehicle purchase cost low.

[0112] Furthermore, since identification and fee-related information are stored in the vehicle key device, users can replace the battery even without a portable terminal device.

[0113] (2) The server apparatus according to (1), wherein,

[0114] In addition to managing the identification information, the vehicle information management unit also manages the number of batteries installed in the registered vehicle.

[0115] If the battery replacement determination unit approves the battery replacement, the locking device management unit unlocks the locking device based on the number of batteries.

[0116] According to (2), the battery can be replaced smoothly.

[0117] (3) The server apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0118] The fee calculation department will charge the usage fee if the registered vehicle is the vehicle of the user who ordered the service, or if the driving distance or battery usage exceeds the contract limit.

[0119] According to (3), users who subscribe to the service are free to replace the battery within the contractually stipulated range of driving distance or battery usage.

[0120] (4) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0121] The vehicle information management unit stores information related to the cost of the last battery replacement in association with the identification information.

[0122] The cost calculation unit calculates the usage cost by subtracting the cost information from the vehicle information management unit from the cost information obtained from the vehicle key device for the current battery replacement.

[0123] According to (4), since only identification information and cost information related to the current battery replacement need to be added to the vehicle key device, the large size of the vehicle key device can be suppressed.

[0124] (5) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0125] The cost-related information acquisition unit acquires information on both the driving distance and the battery usage.

[0126] The cost calculation unit calculates the usage cost based on both the driving distance and the battery usage obtained from the vehicle key device.

[0127] According to (5), the usage cost can be calculated more appropriately by calculating the usage cost based on both driving distance and battery usage.

[0128] (6) The server apparatus according to (5), wherein,

[0129] It also includes a vehicle anomaly determination unit (vehicle anomaly determination unit 67) for determining anomalies in the vehicle.

[0130] The vehicle anomaly detection unit calculates the power consumption rate based on the driving distance and the battery usage.

[0131] If the power consumption rate exceeds a first threshold, the vehicle is determined to be abnormal.

[0132] According to (6), since vehicle abnormalities can be determined when the power consumption rate is poor, vehicle malfunctions can be detected as early as possible.

[0133] (7) The server apparatus according to (6), wherein,

[0134] When the vehicle anomaly determination unit determines that the vehicle is abnormal, it reports to the vehicle or the vehicle key device.

[0135] According to (7), users can identify vehicle anomalies.

[0136] (8) The server apparatus according to (6) or (7), wherein,

[0137] The first threshold is set based on information stored in the storage device.

[0138] According to (8), an appropriate threshold can be set according to the type of battery.

[0139] (9) The server apparatus according to (8), wherein,

[0140] The information stored in the storage device is obtained based on the relationship between the driving distance of the registered vehicle of the service user and the battery usage of the registered vehicle.

[0141] According to (9), since the threshold is set according to the actual usage conditions, the detection accuracy of vehicle anomalies can be improved.

[0142] (10) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein,

[0143] It also includes a parking period battery usage acquisition unit (parking period battery usage acquisition unit 634) that communicates with the vehicle to acquire battery usage during parking.

[0144] If the battery usage during the parking period exceeds a second threshold, the fee calculation unit adds the usage fee.

[0145] According to (10), the usage cost can be calculated more appropriately because the battery usage during parking is taken into account.

[0146] (11) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0147] It also includes a battery usage acquisition unit during disassembly (battery usage acquisition unit 635 during disassembly), which communicates with the vehicle and acquires the battery usage during disassembly when the disassembly of the battery in the vehicle is detected.

[0148] The cost calculation unit adds the usage fee if the battery usage during the disassembly period exceeds a third threshold.

[0149] According to (11), even when the battery is removed from a vehicle and used in other vehicles, the usage cost can be calculated more appropriately because the actual battery usage is taken into account.

[0150] (12) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein,

[0151] It also includes a site guidance unit (site guidance unit 69) that communicates with the vehicle to guide the battery station.

[0152] The site guidance unit notifies the vehicle or user of the battery site among the multiple battery sites that has a replaceable battery.

[0153] According to (12), users can know in advance where battery stations with replaceable batteries are located, thus improving convenience.

[0154] (13) The server device according to (12) is wherein,

[0155] When a user has designated the battery site, the locking device management unit prohibits other users from unlocking the locking device of the battery that is to be replaced.

[0156] According to (13), it is possible to avoid the phenomenon that the battery has already been rented out at the user-specified battery site.

[0157] (14) The server apparatus according to (13), wherein,

[0158] The locking device management unit unlocks the locking device of the battery that is to be replaced using the user's vehicle key device.

[0159] According to (14), users can replace batteries even without a dedicated card or portable terminal device, which improves convenience.

[0160] (15) The server apparatus according to (5), wherein,

[0161] It also includes a battery malfunction determination unit (battery malfunction determination unit 68) for determining malfunctions of the battery.

[0162] The battery anomaly determination unit determines the battery anomaly based on the amount of charge the battery received during charging.

[0163] According to (15), it is possible to identify battery deterioration, malfunctions, etc. at the battery site, thus avoiding renting out abnormal batteries to users.

[0164] (16) The server apparatus according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein,

[0165] The vehicle key device includes an input unit (battery replacement operation unit 44).

[0166] The server device begins to communicate with the vehicle key device based on the signal input to the input unit.

[0167] According to (16), communication with the vehicle key device begins based on the signal input to the input section of the vehicle key device, thereby enabling the locking device to be unlocked at the time desired by the user.

Claims

1. A server device for a battery station, the battery station storing multiple batteries that can be easily installed in a vehicle capable of moving by electric power, wherein, The server device includes: The Vehicle Information Management Department manages the identification information of pre-registered vehicles; An identification information acquisition unit acquires identification information related to the vehicle of a user who wishes to replace the battery; The cost-related information acquisition unit obtains cost-related information, wherein the cost-related information is information on at least one of the user's vehicle's driving distance and battery usage; The cost calculation part calculates the battery usage cost based on the aforementioned cost-related information; A battery replacement determination unit that determines whether or not to allow or prohibit battery replacement; as well as A locking device management unit controls the locking device, which allows the battery housed in the battery station to be removed. The fee-related information acquisition unit obtains the fee-related information from the vehicle key device. The identification information acquisition unit obtains the user's identification information from the vehicle key device. The battery replacement determination unit determines whether the battery replacement is permitted or prohibited based on the identification information obtained from the vehicle key device and the identification information registered in the vehicle information management unit. The locking device management unit unlocks the locking device when the battery replacement determination unit approves the battery replacement.

2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In addition to managing the identification information, the vehicle information management unit also manages the number of batteries installed in the registered vehicle. If the battery replacement determination unit approves the battery replacement, the locking device management unit unlocks the locking device based on the number of batteries.

3. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fee calculation department will charge the usage fee if the registered vehicle is the vehicle of the user who ordered the service, or if the driving distance or battery usage exceeds the contract limit.

4. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle information management unit stores information related to the cost of the last battery replacement in association with the identification information. The cost calculation unit calculates the usage cost by subtracting the cost information from the vehicle information management unit from the cost information obtained from the vehicle key device for the current battery replacement.

5. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cost-related information acquisition unit acquires information on both the driving distance and the battery usage. The cost calculation unit calculates the usage cost based on both the driving distance and the battery usage obtained from the vehicle key device.

6. The server apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, It also includes a vehicle anomaly determination unit for determining anomalies in the vehicle. The vehicle anomaly detection unit calculates the power consumption rate based on the driving distance and the battery usage. If the power consumption rate exceeds a first threshold, the vehicle is determined to be abnormal.

7. The server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, When the vehicle anomaly determination unit determines that the vehicle is abnormal, it reports to the vehicle or the vehicle key device.

8. The server apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The first threshold is set based on information stored in the storage device.

9. The server apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The information stored in the storage device is obtained based on the relationship between the driving distance of the registered vehicle of the service user and the battery usage of the registered vehicle.

10. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a parking period battery usage acquisition unit that communicates with the vehicle to acquire battery usage during parking. If the battery usage during the parking period exceeds a second threshold, the fee calculation unit adds the usage fee.

11. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a battery usage acquisition unit during disassembly, which communicates with the vehicle and, upon detecting the disassembly of the battery in the vehicle, acquires the battery usage during the disassembly period. The cost calculation unit adds the usage fee if the battery usage during the disassembly period exceeds a third threshold.

12. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a station guidance unit that communicates with the vehicle to guide it to the battery station. The site guidance unit notifies the vehicle or user of the battery site among the multiple battery sites that has a replaceable battery.

13. The server apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, When a user has designated the battery site, the locking device management unit prohibits other users from unlocking the locking device of the battery that is to be replaced.

14. The server apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The locking device management unit unlocks the locking device of the battery that is to be replaced using the user's vehicle key device.

15. The server apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, It also includes a battery malfunction determination unit for determining malfunctions in the battery. The battery anomaly determination unit determines the battery anomaly based on the amount of charge the battery received during charging.

16. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle key device includes an input section. The server device begins communication with the vehicle key device based on signals input to the input unit.

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