Method for authenticating a storage battery, storage battery, charging device, electric moving body, and control device for an electric moving body

Abstract

When disassembling and assembling the first power storage unit (10a) from the electric moving body (30), the electric moving body (30) transmits a signal including the same identification information as the identification information held in the first power storage unit (10a) by short-range wireless communication. The charging device (20) transmits the identification information received by short-range wireless communication to the second power storage unit (10b) in a wired manner. The second power storage unit (10b) transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) by short-range wireless communication. The electric moving body (30) compares whether the identification information contained in the signal received by short-range wireless communication is consistent with the identification information held in the first power storage unit (10a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a battery pack that can be freely attached and detached to and from an electric moving body, a battery pack, a charging device, an electric moving body, and a control device for an electric moving body. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric motorcycles (scooters) and electric bicycles have been increasingly popular. Generally, in electric motorcycles and electric bicycles, a removable type battery pack that can be freely attached and detached is used. When a battery is used as a power source for a motorcycle (scooter), the time required for energy replenishment is longer than when a liquid fuel such as gasoline is used (the charging time is longer than the fuel supply time).

[0003] For this reason, a configuration is considered in which, when the remaining capacity of the battery pack is low, the pre-charged battery pack and the battery pack with the reduced remaining capacity are exchanged at the nearest charging station to shorten the time required for energy replenishment.

[0004] However, a method has been proposed in which, when a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and an external power supply device are connected by a charging cable, wireless communication is used to confirm the connection between the vehicle and the power supply device (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-125186 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In the above method, it is premised that the power storage device is fixed inside the vehicle and it is not envisaged to be removed outside the vehicle. In contrast, in the above configuration involving the exchange of battery packs, a situation may occur where there are multiple vehicles or multiple chargers within the range where wireless communication with the battery pack is possible.

[0010] In such a situation, there is a possibility that the control unit of a certain vehicle may erroneously control the battery pack installed in a neighboring other vehicle. In addition, there is a possibility that the control unit of the charger may not control the battery pack to be controlled installed in a certain charging slot and may erroneously control the battery pack that should not be controlled installed in another charging slot. In such a case, the safety and security of the entire charging system cannot be ensured.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for correctly identifying the battery pack installed in an electric moving body or a charging device that controls the battery pack using wireless communication.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] To solve the above problems, a method for authenticating a storage battery pack according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure includes the following steps: When the first storage battery pack is disassembled from and assembled to an electric moving body, the control unit of the electric moving body transmits a signal including the same identification information as the identification information stored in the first storage battery pack by short-range wireless communication; If the control unit of the charging device receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication and the first storage battery pack disassembled from the electric moving body is equipped in the first charging slot of the charging device, the control unit of the charging device transmits the identification information received from the electric moving body to the control unit of the second storage battery pack that should be exchanged with the first storage battery pack and is equipped in the second charging slot by wire; If the second storage battery pack disassembled from the second charging slot is equipped in the electric moving body, the control unit of the second storage battery pack transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication; When the control unit of the electric moving body receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information included in the received signal is the same as the identification information stored in the first storage battery pack. If they are the same, it is authenticated that the second storage battery pack equipped in the electric moving body and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, an electric moving body or a charging device that controls a storage battery pack using wireless communication can correctly identify the equipped storage battery pack. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle system using a replaceable battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a structural example of a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a structural example of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a system structural example of a battery pack mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the basic concept of the process of the vehicle control unit authenticating the battery pack equipped in the equipment slot of the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 6It is a diagram schematically showing the process of assigning an ID to the battery pack after replacement when replacing the battery pack in the equipment slot of a vehicle.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a timing diagram (one) showing the detailed processing flow when replacing the battery pack in the equipment slot of a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a timing diagram (two) showing the detailed processing flow when replacing the battery pack in the equipment slot of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 a timing diagram of the processing flow related to the modified example of the processing shown. Detailed implementation mode

[0025] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram of the vehicle system 1 using the replaceable battery pack 10 according to the implementation mode. In this vehicle system 1, multiple battery packs 10, at least one charging device 20, and multiple vehicles 30 are used. In this implementation mode, an electric motorcycle (scooter) is assumed as the vehicle 30.

[0026] The battery pack 10 is a removable / swappable battery pack that can be freely attached and detached, and can be equipped in the equipment slot of the vehicle 30 or the charging slot of the charging device 20. The battery pack 10 is charged in the state of being equipped in the charging slot of the charging device 20. The fully charged battery pack 10 is taken out by the user (usually the driver of the vehicle 30) and equipped in the equipment slot of the vehicle 30. The battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot of the vehicle 30 discharges during the driving of the vehicle 30, and the remaining capacity decreases as it discharges. The battery pack 10 with a decreased remaining capacity is taken out by the user and equipped in the charging slot of the charging device 20. The user takes out the fully charged battery pack 10 from another charging slot of the charging device 20 and equips it in the equipment slot of the vehicle 30. Through this operation, the battery pack 10 with a decreased remaining capacity is replaced with a fully charged battery pack 10. Thus, the user does not need to wait during the charging of the battery pack 10 and can restart the vehicle 30 in a short time.

[0027] In this method, since the battery pack 10 is frequently attached and detached, the deterioration of the connector portion of the battery pack 10 that contacts the connector portion of the equipment slot of the vehicle 30 or the charging slot of the charging device 20 tends to progress. As a countermeasure, in the present embodiment, control signals are exchanged between the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10 or between the charging device 20 and the battery pack 10 by wireless communication. Thereby, the terminals for communication lines can be removed from the connector. It is sufficient to provide terminals for power lines in the connector. In the present embodiment, since wired communication via the connector is not used in the exchange of control signals, the disconnection of control signals due to connector failures can be prevented.

[0028] Wireless communication between the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10, wireless communication between the charging device 20 and the battery pack 10, and wireless communication between the vehicle 30 and the charging device 20 use short-range wireless communication. As short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. can be used. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) is used as the short-range wireless communication.

[0029] BLE is one of the extended standards of Bluetooth (registered trademark) and is a short-range wireless communication standard using the 2.4 GHz band with low power consumption. Since BLE has low power consumption and can be driven for several years with a single button battery, it is suitable for battery operation and is considered to have a negligible impact on the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10. In addition, since modules for BLE communication are widely available, they can be obtained at low cost. In addition, BLE has high affinity with smartphones and can provide various services in cooperation with smartphones.

[0030] In the case of using a general type 2 device, the radio wave reach range of BLE becomes approximately 10 m. Therefore, there may be a state where there are multiple vehicles 30, multiple battery packs 10, and the charging device 20 within the communication range of BLE. Since the charging device 20 has multiple charging slots, the charging device 20 needs to perform wireless communication with the multiple battery packs 10 equipped in the multiple charging slots respectively. That is, a 1:N network is formed between the charging device 20 and the multiple battery packs 10. The same applies when the vehicle 30 has multiple equipment slots. The vehicle 30 needs to perform wireless communication with the multiple battery packs 10 equipped in the multiple equipment slots respectively. That is, a 1:N network is formed between the vehicle 30 and the multiple battery packs 10.

[0031] Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the battery pack 10 equipped in a specific charging slot of the charging device 20 has the same structure as the battery pack 10 of a specific communication partner of the charging device 20. Similarly, it is necessary to ensure that the battery pack 10 equipped in a specific equipment slot of the vehicle 30 has the same structure as the battery pack 10 of a specific communication partner of the vehicle 30. In the present embodiment, identification information (ID) is used to confirm the identity of the physically connected battery pack 10 and the battery pack 10 connected by wireless communication. This identification information (ID) can be temporary identification information. Additionally, the identification information unique to each device can also be included in this identification information (ID).

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram showing a structural example of the charging device 20 according to the embodiment. The charging device 20 includes a charging stand 21, a control unit 22, a display unit 27, an operation unit 28, and a charging unit 29. The control unit 22 includes at least a processing unit 23, an antenna 25, and a wireless communication unit 26.

[0033] The charging stand 21 has a plurality of charging slots SLc1 - SLc8 for accommodating a plurality of battery packs 10. In Figure 2 the example shown, the number of charging slots is 8, but the number of charging slots may be 2 or more, for example, it may be 4.

[0034] Each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8 has a connector including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and when a battery pack 10 is equipped, it is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal included in the connector of the battery pack 10 respectively. The negative terminal portions included in the connectors of each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8 and the negative terminal portions included in the connector of the battery pack 10 may be respectively formed by a solid ground (solid GND). In this case, one of the pins included in the connector of the battery pack 10 can be set as the positive terminal pin, and the protruding portions of the connectors that are prone to malfunction can be reduced.

[0035] The processing unit 13 of each battery pack 10 equipped on the charging stand 21 (refer to Figure 4 ) transmits and receives control signals to and from the processing unit 23 in the control unit 22 using short - range wireless communication and power lines. The specific method of transmitting and receiving the control signals between the two will be described later.

[0036] The positive terminals and negative terminals of each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8 are respectively connected to the positive terminal and negative terminal of the charging unit 29. The charging unit 29 is connected to the commercial power system 2 and can charge the battery pack 10 equipped on the charging stand 21. The charging unit 29 performs full - wave rectification on the alternating current supplied from the commercial power system 2 and smoothes it with a filter to generate direct current.

[0037] Relays (not shown) are respectively provided between the positive and negative terminals of the charging unit 29 and the positive and negative terminals of each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8. The processing unit 23 controls the conduction / cutting-off of each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8 by controlling the on (closing) / off (opening) of these relays.

[0038] Alternatively, DC / DC converters (not shown) can be respectively provided between the positive and negative terminals of the charging unit 29 and the positive and negative terminals of each of the charging slots SLc1 - SLc8. In this case, the processing unit 23 can control the charging voltage or charging current of each battery pack 10 by controlling this DC / DC converter. For example, constant current (CC) charging or constant voltage (CV) charging can be performed. Additionally, this DC / DC converter can be provided within the battery pack 10. Further, when an AC / DC converter is mounted within the battery pack 10, the battery pack 10 can also be charged with alternating current from the charging unit 29.

[0039] The processing unit 23 is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. The wireless communication unit 26 performs short-range wireless communication processing. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 26 is constituted by a BLE module, and the antenna 25 is constituted by a chip antenna built into the BLE module or a pattern antenna. The wireless communication unit 26 outputs the data received by short-range wireless communication to the processing unit 23, and transmits the data input from the processing unit 23 by short-range wireless communication.

[0040] The processing unit 23 can acquire the state information of the battery from the battery pack 10 equipped on the charging stand 21. As the state information of the battery, at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State Of Charge), and SOH (State Of Health) of the multiple cells E1 - En (refer to Figure 4 ) within the battery pack 10 can be acquired.

[0041] The display unit 27 includes a display, and displays guidance for the user (usually the driver of the vehicle 30) using the charging device 20. The operation unit 28 is a user interface such as a touch panel, and accepts the operation of the user. Additionally, the charging device 20 further includes a speaker (not shown), and can output voice guidance to the user from the speaker.

[0042] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram showing a structural example of the vehicle 30 according to the embodiment. The vehicle 30 includes a battery equipment unit 31, a vehicle control unit 32, an instrument panel 39, an inverter 310, a motor 311, and tires 312. The vehicle control unit 32 includes at least a processing unit 33, an antenna 35, and a wireless communication unit 36.

[0043] The battery equipment unit 31 has at least one equipment slot SLa1 - SLa2 for equipping at least one battery pack 10. In Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the number of equipment slots is 2, but the number of equipment slots can also be 1, or more than 3.

[0044] Each equipment slot SLa1 - SLa2 has a connector including a positive terminal and a negative terminal. When equipping the battery pack 10, it is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal contained in the connector of the battery pack 10 respectively. The negative terminal part contained in the connector of each equipment slot SLa1 - SLa2 can be constituted by the entire surface GND.

[0045] The processing unit 13 (refer to Figure 4 ) of each battery pack 10 equipped in the battery equipment unit 31 transmits and receives control signals to and from the processing unit 33 in the vehicle control unit 32 by using short - range wireless communication and power line. The specific method of transmitting and receiving the control unit signals between the two will be described later.

[0046] The positive terminals of the multiple equipment slots SLa1 - SLa2 are respectively connected to the positive - side power bus, and the negative terminals are respectively connected to the negative - side power bus. Therefore, the multiple battery packs 10 equipped in the multiple equipment slots SLa1 - SLa2 are in a parallel electrical connection relationship. Thus, the more the number of battery packs 10 equipped in the battery equipment unit 31 increases, the greater the capacity. In addition, the multiple battery packs 10 equipped in the multiple equipment slots SLa1 - SLa2 can also be connected in series electrically. In this case, the output voltage can be increased.

[0047] The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery equipment unit 31 are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the inverter 310 via the main relay RYm. The main relay RYm functions as a contactor between the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10. The processing unit 33 controls the conduction / cut - off between the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10 by controlling the on / off of the main relay RYm.

[0048] During power operation, the inverter 310 converts the direct current supplied from the battery pack 10 equipped in the battery equipment unit 31 into alternating current and supplies it to the motor 311. During regeneration, it converts the alternating current supplied from the motor 311 into direct current and supplies it to the battery pack 10 equipped in the battery equipment unit 31. The motor 311 is a three - phase alternating current motor and rotates corresponding to the alternating current supplied from the inverter 310 during power operation. During regeneration, it converts the rotational energy caused by deceleration into alternating current and supplies it to the inverter 310. The rotating shaft of the motor 311 is connected to the rotating shaft of the rear - wheel tire 312. In addition, a transmission can be provided between the rotating shaft of the motor 311 and the rotating shaft of the tire 312.

[0049] The vehicle control unit 32 is a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the entire vehicle 30. The processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 is composed of a microcomputer. The wireless communication unit 36 performs short-range wireless communication processing. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 36 is composed of a BLE module, and the antenna 35 is composed of a chip antenna built into the BLE module or a pattern antenna. The wireless communication unit 36 outputs the data received by short-range wireless communication to the processing unit 33, and transmits the data input from the processing unit 33 by short-range wireless communication.

[0050] The processing unit 33 can obtain the state information of the battery from the battery pack 10 equipped in the battery equipment unit 31. As the state information of the battery, at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and SOH of the plurality of cells E1-En (refer to Figure 4 ) in the battery pack 10 can be obtained. In addition, the processing unit 33 can obtain the speed of the vehicle 30.

[0051] The instrument panel 39 displays the state information of the vehicle 30. For example, it displays the speed of the vehicle 30 and the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery pack 10. The driver can judge the necessity of replacing the battery pack 10 by looking at the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery pack 10 displayed on the instrument panel 39.

[0052] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing a system configuration example of the battery pack 10 and the vehicle control unit 32 mounted on the vehicle 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 The example shown is the state where two battery packs 10a and 10b are equipped in the battery equipment unit 31 of the vehicle 30 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0053] The battery pack 10 includes a battery module 11 and a battery control unit 12. The battery module 11 is connected to a power line that internally connects the positive terminal Tp and the negative terminal Tm of the battery pack 10. The positive terminal Tp of the battery pack 10 is connected to the positive-side power bus via a socket relay RYs, and the negative terminal Tm of the battery pack 10 is connected to the negative-side power bus. The positive-side power bus and the negative-side power bus are connected to the inverter 310 via a main relay RYm (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0054] The battery module 11 includes a plurality of cells E1-En connected in series. In addition, the battery module 11 can be formed by connecting a plurality of battery modules in series or in series-parallel. As the cell, a lithium-ion battery cell, a nickel-metal hydride battery cell, a lead battery cell, etc. can be used. Hereinafter, in this specification, an example of using a lithium-ion battery cell (nominal voltage: 3.6 - 3.7V) is assumed. The number of series-connected cells E1-En is determined corresponding to the drive voltage of the motor 311.

[0055] Starting from the node N1 between the positive terminal Tp of the battery pack 10 and the battery module 11, the communication path bifurcates. A power relay RYp is inserted between the node N1 and the battery module 11. A current sensor 17 is provided on the power line that internally connects the positive terminal Tp and the negative terminal Tm of the battery pack 10. The current sensor 17 is provided at a position closer to the negative terminal Tm side than the power relay RYp. The current sensor 17 measures the current flowing through the battery module 11 and outputs the measured current value to the processing unit 13 of the battery control unit 12. The current sensor 17 can be composed of, for example, a combination of a shunt resistor, a differential amplifier, and an A / D converter. Alternatively, a Hall element can be used instead of the shunt resistor.

[0056] The battery control unit 12 includes a processing unit 13, a voltage measurement unit 14, an antenna 15, and a wireless communication unit 16. The voltage measurement unit 14 is connected to each node between the plurality of series-connected single cells E1-En by a plurality of voltage measurement lines. The voltage measurement unit 14 measures the voltage of each single cell E1-En by measuring the voltage between two adjacent voltage measurement lines respectively. The voltage measurement unit 14 sends the measured voltage values of each single cell E1-En to the processing unit 13.

[0057] Since the voltage measurement unit 14 is at a high voltage relative to the processing unit 13, the voltage measurement unit 14 and the processing unit 13 are connected by a communication line in an insulated state. The voltage measurement unit 14 can be composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a general-purpose analog front-end IC. The voltage measurement unit 14 includes a multiplexer and an A / D converter. The multiplexer sequentially outputs the voltage between two adjacent voltage measurement lines to the A / D converter from the top. The A / D converter converts the analog voltage input from the multiplexer into a digital value.

[0058] Figure 4 Although not shown, at least one temperature sensor is provided near the plurality of single cells E1-En. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the plurality of single cells E1-En and outputs the measured temperature value to the processing unit 13. The temperature sensor can be composed of, for example, a combination of a thermistor, a voltage-dividing resistor, and an A / D converter.

[0059] In addition, when an A / D converter is mounted in the processing unit 13 and an analog input port is provided in the processing unit 13, the output values of the current sensor 17 and the temperature sensor can be input to the processing unit 13 while keeping the analog values unchanged.

[0060] The fitting detection unit 18 detects the fitting state of the connector of the battery pack 10 and the connector of the battery equipment unit 31 of the vehicle 30. For example, the connector on the battery pack 10 side can be constituted by a female connector, and the connector on the battery equipment unit 31 side of the vehicle 30 is constituted by a male connector. The fitting detection unit 18 outputs a start signal corresponding to the connection state of the two to the processing unit 13. This start signal is defined by a binary signal, outputs an on signal in the state where the two are connected, and outputs an off signal in the state where the two are separated. The fitting detection unit 18 can be constituted by a reed switch, for example. In this case, the fitting detection unit 18 magnetically determines the presence or absence of the connection between the two. In addition, a sensor that mechanically detects the presence or absence of the connection between the two can also be used.

[0061] The wireless communication unit 16 performs short-range wireless communication processing. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 16 is constituted by a BLE module, and the antenna 15 is constituted by a chip antenna built in the BLE module or a pattern antenna. The wireless communication unit 16 outputs the data received by short-range wireless communication to the processing unit 13, and transmits the data input from the processing unit 13 by short-range wireless communication.

[0062] The node N1 between the positive terminal Tp of the battery pack 10 and the battery module 11 and the processing unit 13 are connected by a communication path. A fuse F1, a resistor R1, and a group-side communication relay RYc are connected in series on this communication path. The fuse F1 is a protection element for preventing an overcurrent from flowing into the processing unit 13 from the power line.

[0063] The processing unit 13 is constituted by a microcomputer. If the start signal input from the fitting detection unit 18 becomes on, the processing unit 13 starts, and if it becomes off, the processing unit 13 shuts down. In addition, it can also shift to a standby state or a sleep state instead of shutting down.

[0064] The processing unit 13 controls the conduction / cutoff of the communication path between the node N1 and the processing unit 13 by controlling the on / off of the group-side communication relay RYc. The processing unit 13 manages the states of the plurality of cells E1-En based on the voltage values, current values, and temperature values of the plurality of cells E1-En measured by the voltage measurement unit 14, the current sensor 17, and the temperature sensor. For example, in the case of overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, high-temperature abnormality, or low-temperature abnormality, the processing unit 13 disconnects the power relay RYp to protect the plurality of cells E1-En.

[0065] The processing unit 13 can estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of cells E1 - En. The processing unit 13 can estimate the SOC by the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method or the current integration method. The SOH is defined as the ratio of the current full charge capacity to the initial full charge capacity. The lower the value (the closer it is to 0%), the more advanced the deterioration is. The SOH can be obtained by measuring the capacity based on full charge and discharge, or by summing up the storage deterioration and the cycle deterioration. The storage deterioration can be estimated based on the SOC, temperature, and storage deterioration rate. The cycle deterioration can be estimated based on the used SOC range, temperature, current rate, and cycle deterioration rate. The storage deterioration rate and the cycle deterioration rate can be derived in advance through experiments and simulations. The SOC, temperature, SOC range, and current rate can be obtained by measurement.

[0066] In addition, the SOH can also be estimated based on the correlation with the internal resistance of the cell. The internal resistance can be estimated by dividing the voltage drop generated when a given current flows through the cell for a given time by the current value. The internal resistance has a relationship where it decreases as the temperature rises and increases as the SOH decreases.

[0067] In Figure 4 In the system configuration example shown, the vehicle control unit 32 includes a processing unit 33, a relay control unit 34, an antenna 35, a wireless communication unit 36, and a cell detection unit 37. The relay control unit 34 controls the on / off of the main relay RYm, the first slot relay RYsa, and the second slot relay RYsb in response to instructions from the processing unit 33.

[0068] The node Na between the positive terminal Tp of the first battery pack 10a and the first slot relay RYsa is connected to the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 by a communication path. A fuse F2a and the first vehicle - side communication relay RYca are connected in series on this communication path. The processing unit 33 controls the conduction / cut - off of the communication path between the node Na and the processing unit 33 by controlling the on / off of the first vehicle - side communication relay RYca.

[0069] Similarly, the node Nb between the positive terminal Tp of the second battery pack 10b and the second slot relay RYsb is connected to the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 by a communication path. A fuse F2b and the second vehicle - side communication relay RYcb are connected in series on this communication path. The processing unit 33 controls the conduction / cut - off of the communication path between the node Nb and the processing unit 33 by controlling the on / off of the second vehicle - side communication relay RYcb.

[0070] In addition, when there are three or more mounting slots provided in the battery mounting section 31 of the vehicle 30, three or more slot relays RYs and the communication path (fuse F2 and vehicle-side communication relay RYc) are provided in parallel respectively.

[0071] The first fitting detection section 38a detects the fitting state of the connector of the first mounting slot SLa1 of the battery mounting section 31 and the connector of the first battery pack 10a, and outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of fitting to the group detection section 37. Similarly, the second fitting detection section 38b detects the fitting state of the connector of the second mounting slot SLa2 of the battery mounting section 31 and the connector of the second battery pack 10b, and outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of fitting to the group detection section 37. The first fitting detection section 38a and the second fitting detection section 38b can detect the connection with the connector on the battery pack 10 side by a magnetic method or a mechanical method.

[0072] The group detection section 37 outputs a start signal corresponding to the plurality of detection signals input from the plurality of fitting detection sections 38a and 38b to the processing section 33. When at least one of the plurality of detection signals shows a connected state, the group detection section 37 outputs a start signal including the slot number of the connected state. When all of the plurality of detection signals show a non-connected state, the group detection section 37 controls the start signal to the off state.

[0073] In a state where the ignition switch is turned on, when the start signal input from the group detection section 37 indicates that at least one battery pack 10 is mounted, the processing section 33 starts, and if the start signal becomes off, the processing section 33 shuts down. Alternatively, it may shift to a standby state or a sleep state instead of shutting down.

[0074] In the system configuration example described above, the processing section 33 of the vehicle control section 32 can exchange control signals with the processing section 13 of the battery control section 12 using short-range wireless communication.

[0075] In addition, the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 can exchange control signals with the processing unit 13 of the battery control unit 12 via a wired path. When communicating with the processing unit 13 of the first battery pack 10a in a wired manner, the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 disconnects the first slot relay RYsa and connects the first vehicle-side communication relay RYca. The processing unit 13 of the first battery pack 10a disconnects the power relay RYp in the first battery pack 10a and connects the pack-side communication relay RYc. In this state, the wired path between the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 and the processing unit 13 of the first battery pack 10a is conducted while being insulated from the high-voltage parts of the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10. Therefore, serial communication can be performed between the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 and the processing unit 13 of the first battery pack 10a at a voltage corresponding to the operating voltage of the processing unit (for example, a voltage of 5V or less).

[0076] Similarly, when communicating with the processing unit 13 of the second battery pack 10b in a wired manner, the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 disconnects the second slot relay RYsb and connects the second vehicle-side communication relay RYcb. The processing unit 13 of the second battery pack 10b disconnects the power relay RYp in the second battery pack 10b and connects the pack-side communication relay RYc. In this state, the wired path between the processing unit 33 of the vehicle control unit 32 and the processing unit 13 of the second battery pack 10b is conducted while being insulated from the high-voltage parts of the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 10.

[0077] In addition, Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 also has the same structure as the vehicle control unit 32 shown in Figure 4 the figure. The processing unit 23 of the charging device 20 can exchange control signals with the processing unit 13 of the battery control unit 12 using short-range wireless communication. In addition, the processing unit 23 of the charging device 20 can exchange control signals with the processing unit 13 of the battery control unit 12 via a wired path.

[0078] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the basic concept of the process in which the vehicle control unit 32 authenticates the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa of the vehicle 30. The vehicle control unit 32 basically identifies the battery pack 10 by searching for the radio waves of short-range wireless communication transmitted from the battery pack 10. Specifically, when the battery pack 10 is equipped in the equipment slot Sla, the vehicle control unit 32 transmits ID1 in a wired manner. If the battery control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 receives ID1 from the vehicle control unit 32 in a wired manner, it transmits a signal including ID1 by short-range wireless communication.

[0079] When the vehicle control unit 32 receives a signal of short-range wireless communication, it compares the ID contained in the received signal with the ID1 previously transmitted by wire. When the two match, the vehicle control unit 32 authenticates that the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot Sla and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same. When the two do not match, the vehicle control unit 32 determines that the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are not the same, and does not authenticate the battery pack 10 of the communication partner. For example, when a signal containing ID2 is received, since it does not match the ID1 transmitted by wire, the battery pack 10 of the transmission destination of the signal containing ID2 is not authenticated.

[0080] In addition, the vehicle control unit 32 can also transmit the ID by short-range wireless communication, and determine the identity of the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication by comparing the transmitted ID with the ID received by wire from the battery control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 by wire.

[0081] In the above description, the basic concept of the process in which the vehicle control unit 32 authenticates the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa of the vehicle 30 is shown, but the same applies to the case where the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 authenticates the battery pack 10 equipped in the charging slot SLc of the charging device 20.

[0082] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing the process of assigning an ID to the battery pack 10 after replacement when the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SL of the vehicle 30 is replaced. In state 1, the first charging slot SLc1 of the charging device 20 is an empty slot, and the second battery pack 10b that has been charged is equipped in the second charging slot SLc2. In addition, the first battery pack 10a with a reduced remaining capacity is equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30. The vehicle ID authenticated by the vehicle control unit 32 is included in the first battery pack 10a. Through this vehicle ID, the identity of the first battery pack 10a as the physical connection partner and the first battery pack 10a as the wireless communication connection partner is ensured from the vehicle 30 side.

[0083] In state 2, the user (usually the driver of the vehicle 30) disassembles and installs the first battery pack 10a from the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30, and installs the disassembled and installed first battery pack 10a in the first charging slot SLc1 of the charging device 20. When the first battery pack 10a is rented, it becomes an operation to return the first battery pack 10a to the charging device 20. If the first battery pack 10a is disassembled and installed from the first equipment slot SLa1, the vehicle control unit 32 sends the vehicle ID assigned to the first battery pack 10a to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20.

[0084] In state 3, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends the vehicle ID received from the vehicle control unit 32 to the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b, and writes the vehicle ID into the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b.

[0085] In state 4, the user removes and installs the second battery pack 10b from the second charging slot SLc2 of the charging device 20, and equips the removed and installed second battery pack 10b to the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30. Through this operation, the battery pack 10 equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30 is physically exchanged. Since the second battery pack 10b already holds the vehicle ID, the identity of the second battery pack 10b as the physical connection partner and the second battery pack 10b as the wireless communication connection partner is ensured from the perspective of the vehicle 30 side.

[0086] Figure 7 It is a timing chart (one) showing the detailed processing flow when the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa of the vehicle 30 is exchanged. Figure 8 It is a timing chart (two) showing the detailed processing flow when the battery pack 10 equipped in the equipment slot SLa of the vehicle 30 is exchanged. In the horizontal lines in the following timing chart, the thin dashed line represents wireless communication, the thin solid line represents wired communication, the thick dashed line represents the physical movement of the battery pack, and the thick solid line represents the charging and discharging of the battery pack.

[0087] The first charging slot SLc1 of the charging device 20 is an empty slot, and the second battery pack 10b is equipped in the second charging slot SLc2. The charging ID1 authenticated by the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 is included in the second battery pack 10b. Through this charging ID1, the identity of the second battery pack 10b as the physical connection partner and the second battery pack 10b as the wireless communication connection partner is ensured from the perspective of the charging device 20 side.

[0088] The charging device 20 charges the second battery pack 10b equipped in the second charging slot SLc2. That is, a charging current flows from the charging unit 29 to the second battery pack 10b equipped in the second charging slot SLc2. When the SOC of the second battery pack 10b reaches the upper limit value, the charging ends. This upper limit value can be the SOC corresponding to the full charge capacity, or it can be an SOC lower than the full charge capacity (for example, 90%).

[0089] The first battery pack 10a is equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30. The vehicle ID authenticated by the vehicle control unit 32 is included in the first battery pack 10a. Through this vehicle ID, the identity of the first battery pack 10a as the physical connection partner and the first battery pack 10a as the wireless communication connection partner is ensured from the perspective of the vehicle 30. During the running of the vehicle 30, a discharge current flows from the first battery pack 10a through the inverter 310 to the motor 311. The SOC of the first battery pack 10a continuously decreases as the vehicle 30 runs.

[0090] If the ignition switch is turned off by the user (usually the driver of the vehicle 30), the vehicle control unit 32 accepts this ignition switch off operation (P4a). If the vehicle control unit 32 accepts the ignition switch off operation, it sends a shutdown instruction to the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a by short-range wireless communication. If the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a receives the shutdown instruction from the vehicle control unit 32, it shuts down (P4b).

[0091] The vehicle control unit 32 transitions from the master mode to the slave mode of the short-range wireless communication (P4c). In the short-range wireless communication between the vehicle control unit 32 and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1, the vehicle control unit 32 becomes the master and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a becomes the slave. On the other hand, in the short-range wireless communication between the vehicle control unit 32 and the control unit 22 of the charging device 20, the vehicle control unit 32 becomes the slave and the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 becomes the master. The vehicle control unit 32 transitions from the master mode to the slave mode before connecting to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 by short-range wireless communication.

[0092] The vehicle control unit 32 becomes a beacon terminal (peripheral terminal) and performs the advertisement of short-range wireless communication (P4d). Specifically, the battery control unit 12 sends out the advertisement packet containing the vehicle ID assigned to the first battery pack 10a and the vehicle information (such as vehicle type information, vehicle number) for identifying the vehicle 30 as a beacon packet at a fixed time interval. The advertisement packet functions as a signal for notifying its own existence to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 as the central terminal.

[0093] If the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 receives a notification packet, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 starts the connection process (P4e) with the vehicle control unit 32. First, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends a connection request to the vehicle control unit 32. Next, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 causes the display unit 27 to display the vehicle information (such as vehicle type information, vehicle number) received from the vehicle control unit 32, and instructs the user to select their own vehicle information (P4f). If the user operates the operation unit 28 of the charging device 20 to select their own vehicle information, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 accepts this operation. Thus, the pairing between the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 and the vehicle control unit 32 is completed.

[0094] If the user disassembles and assembles the first battery pack 10a from the first equipment slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30 and mounts the first battery pack 10a on the first charging slot SLc1 of the charging device 20, the fitting detection unit 18 of the first battery pack 10a detects the fitting with the first charging slot SLc1 (P4g), and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a is activated (P4i). The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 detects the situation where the battery pack 10 is mounted on the first charging slot SLc1 (P4h).

[0095] The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends the charging ID2 to the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a mounted on the first charging slot SLc1 in a wired manner and writes the charging ID2 in the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a (P4j). If the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a receives the charging ID2, the battery control unit 12 becomes a beacon terminal and performs the notification of short-range wireless communication (P4k). Specifically, the battery control unit 12 sends out the notification packet containing the charging ID2 received in a wired manner as a beacon packet at a fixed time interval. The notification packet functions as a signal for notifying its own existence to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 as a central terminal or the vehicle control unit 32 of the vehicle 30.

[0096] If the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 receives a notification packet, it compares the charging ID contained in the received notification packet with the charging ID previously sent in a wired manner (P4l). In Figure 7 the example shown, if the charging ID contained in the received notification packet is the charging ID2, the comparison is successful, and if it is not the charging ID2, the comparison fails. In the case of a comparison failure, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 continues to scan for notification packets. In the case of a successful comparison, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 starts the connection process (P4m) with the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a.

[0097] First, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends a connection request to the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a. Next, encryption parameters (such as the number of bits of the encryption key and the encryption level) are exchanged between the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a. The battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a generates an encryption key (P4n) used for encrypting communication data based on the exchanged encryption parameters. The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 generates an encryption key (P4o) used for encrypting communication data based on the exchanged encryption parameters. Finally, the generated encryption keys are exchanged between the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a. Thus, the pairing between the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 and the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a is completed (P4p). Along with the completion of the pairing between the two, the return process of the first battery pack 10a to the charging device 20 is completed.

[0098] The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 selects another battery pack 10 (P4q) to be the exchange object for the first battery pack 10a. Specifically, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 selects one from the charged battery packs 10 in the plurality of charging slots SLc equipped on the charging stand 21. In Figure 7 the example shown, the charged second battery pack 10b equipped in the second charging slot SLc2 is selected.

[0099] The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends the vehicle ID received from the vehicle control unit 32 to the battery control unit 12 of the selected second battery pack 10b in a wired manner and writes the vehicle ID into the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b (P4r).

[0100] The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends a shutdown instruction to the battery control unit 12 of the selected second battery pack 10b by short-range wireless communication to perform the disconnection process with the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b (P4s). If the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b receives the shutdown instruction from the control unit 22 of the charging device 20, it shuts down (P4t). Before shutting down, the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b sends a shutdown completion notification to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20.

[0101] When the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 receives a shutdown completion notification from the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b, it instructs the user of the vehicle 30 to remove the second battery pack 10b mounted on the second charging slot SLc2 (P4u). For example, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 causes the display unit 27 to display a message instructing to remove the second battery pack 10b mounted on the second charging slot SLc2. At this time, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 can output a voice guidance to the user from a speaker (not shown). In addition, only the lamp (not shown) of the second charging slot SLc2 can be lit or blinked. In addition, only the lamp (not shown) of the second charging slot SLc2 can be lit in a color different from the lamps of other charging slots.

[0102] If the user removes the second battery pack 10b from the second charging slot SLc2 and mounts the second battery pack 10b on the first mounting slot SLa1 of the vehicle 30, the fitting detection unit 18 of the second battery pack 10b detects the fitting with the first mounting slot SLa1 (P4v), and the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b is activated (P4x). If the fitting detection unit 38 of the vehicle 30 detects that a battery pack 10 is mounted on the first mounting slot SLa1 (P4w), the vehicle control unit 32 is activated (P4y).

[0103] The control unit 22 of the charging device 20 starts the charging control of the first battery pack 10a mounted on the first charging slot SLc1 (P4z). Specifically, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 sends a charging instruction to the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a by short-range wireless communication and turns on the second slot relay RYsb. If the battery control unit 12 of the first battery pack 10a receives this charging instruction, it turns on the power relay RYp. As a result, a charging current flows from the charging unit 29 of the charging device 20 to the first battery pack 10a mounted on the first charging slot SLc1.

[0104] The battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b becomes a beacon terminal and performs the advertisement of short-range wireless communication (P4C). Specifically, the battery control unit 12 sends out a beacon packet, which is an advertisement packet containing the vehicle ID written by the control unit 22 of the charging device 20, at a fixed time interval.

[0105] If the vehicle control unit 32 receives an advertisement packet, it compares the vehicle ID contained in the received advertisement packet with the vehicle ID assigned to the first battery pack 10a (P4D). In the case where the comparison of the vehicle IDs fails, the vehicle control unit 32 continues to scan for advertisement packets. In the case where the comparison of the vehicle IDs is successful, the vehicle control unit 32 starts the connection process with the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b (P4E).

[0106] First, the vehicle control unit 32 sends a connection request to the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b. Next, encryption parameters are exchanged between the vehicle control unit 32 and the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b. The battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b generates an encryption key (P4F) used for encrypting communication data based on the exchanged encryption parameters. The vehicle control unit 32 generates an encryption key (P4G) used for encrypting communication data based on the exchanged encryption parameters. Finally, the generated encryption keys are exchanged between the vehicle control unit 32 and the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b. Thus, the pairing between the vehicle control unit 32 and the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b is completed (P4H). After the pairing is completed, the vehicle control unit 32 sends a shutdown instruction to the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b by short-range wireless communication. If the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b receives the shutdown instruction from the vehicle control unit 32, it shuts down (P4I).

[0107] Figure 9 represents Figure 8 a timing chart of the process related to the modification of the process shown. In Figure 9 the modification shown, a structure is introduced to improve the reliability of the authentication process performed by the vehicle control unit 32 of the battery pack 10 equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1. The differences from the process shown in Figure 8 will be described below.

[0108] If the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b starts in process P4x and the vehicle control unit 32 starts in process P4y, the vehicle control unit 32 sends the vehicle ID assigned to the first battery pack 10a to the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b by wire and writes the vehicle ID in the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b (P4A).

[0109] If the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b receives the vehicle ID from the vehicle control unit 32 by wire, it compares the vehicle ID received from the vehicle control unit 32 with the vehicle ID written by the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 (P4B). The battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b sends the comparison result to the vehicle control unit 32 by wire. In the case of a comparison failure, the battery control unit 12 of the second battery pack 10b transfers to the standby mode. The vehicle control unit 32 warns and displays on the instrument panel 39 that the wrong battery pack 10 is equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1. After the user sees the warning display, the wrongly equipped battery pack 10 is returned to the charging device 20, the correct battery pack 10 is taken out from the charging device 20 and equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1. If a new battery pack 10 is equipped in the first equipment slot SLa1, the process returns to process P4v and process P4w.

[0110] In the modified example, since the process of transmitting the vehicle ID from the vehicle control unit 32 to the battery control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 in a wired manner is added, it is possible to prevent the vehicle control unit 32 and the battery control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 equipped in the adjacent vehicle 30 from being erroneously paired.

[0111] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the battery pack 10 equipped in the vehicle 30 is disassembled and returned to the charging device 20, the vehicle ID is transmitted from the vehicle 30 to the charging device 20, and the charging device 20 writes the vehicle ID received from the vehicle 30 into the battery pack 10 for replacement. Thus, when the battery pack 10 for replacement is equipped in the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 can correctly identify the equipped battery pack 10 using the vehicle ID. The vehicle control unit 32 of a certain vehicle 30 will no longer perform a malfunction such as erroneously controlling the battery pack 10 equipped in another adjacent vehicle 30, and the safety and security of the entire vehicle system 1 using the charging device 20 and the replaceable battery pack 10 can be ensured. The user can safely drive the vehicle 30 only by removing the battery pack 10 equipped in the charging device 20 and equipping it in the vehicle 30.

[0112] In addition, since the vehicle ID given to the battery pack 10 returned to the charging device 20 is written into the battery pack 10 for replacement via the charging device 20 and reused, the vehicle 30 that can use the battery pack 10 for replacement can be limited to the vehicle 30 equipped with the returned battery pack 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use of an illegally obtained battery pack 10 (for example, a stolen battery pack 10).

[0113] By performing the transmission and reception of control signals between the vehicle 30 or the charging device 20 and the battery pack 10 by short-range wireless communication, the number of pins included in the connector of the battery pack 10 can be reduced. As a result, mechanical connection failures between the vehicle 30 or the charging device 20 and the battery pack 10 can be reduced. In addition, the firmware used in the battery control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 can be updated by wireless communication, and the update of the firmware becomes easier.

[0114] The present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can be made to the combination of these respective constituent elements and respective processing steps, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, instead of directly sending the vehicle ID from the vehicle control unit 32 to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20, the vehicle ID may be sent from the vehicle control unit 32 to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 via the user's smartphone or smart key. In this case, the vehicle ID is sent from the vehicle control unit 32 to the user's smartphone or smart key by short-range wireless communication, and the vehicle ID is sent from the user's smartphone or smart key to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 by short-range wireless communication. Thus, even when the distance between the vehicle 30 and the charging device 20 is farther than the radio wave reach distance of the short-range wireless communication, the vehicle ID can be transferred from the vehicle 30 to the charging device 20. In addition, NFC (Near Field Communication) wireless connection using the 13.56 MHz band may be used between the user's smartphone or smart key and the control unit 22 of the charging device 20. In this case, the above-described vehicle selection operation in the charging device 20 can be omitted.

[0116] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when exchanging the battery pack 10, the vehicle control unit 32 may send the usage history information of the battery pack 10 to the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 by short-range wireless communication. In this case, the control unit 22 of the charging device 20 can predict the occurrence of a defective condition of the battery pack 10 by analyzing the usage history information of the battery pack 10 collected from the vehicle 30.

[0117] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example of using the battery pack 10 incorporating the battery module 11 including lithium-ion battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lead battery cells, etc. has been described. In this regard, a capacitor pack incorporating a capacitor module including electric double layer capacitor cells, lithium-ion capacitor cells, etc. may also be used. In this specification, the battery pack and the capacitor pack are collectively referred to as a power storage pack. In addition, each relay in the above-described embodiment may be appropriately replaced with a semiconductor switch.

[0118] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as the vehicle 30 powered by the exchangeable battery pack 10, an electric motorcycle (scooter) is envisaged. In this regard, the vehicle 30 may also be an electric bicycle. In addition, the vehicle 30 may also be a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV). The electric vehicle includes not only a full-standard electric vehicle, but also low-speed electric vehicles such as golf carts, battery-operated vehicles (land cars) used in shopping centers, entertainment facilities, etc.

[0119] The electric moving body powered by the swappable battery pack 10 is not limited to the vehicle 30. For example, the electric moving body also includes electric ships. For example, the power source of a water bus or a water taxi can be set as the swappable battery pack 10. In addition, the electric moving body also includes electric locomotives. For example, an electric locomotive equipped with the swappable battery pack 10 can be used to replace the diesel locomotive used on non-electrified lines. The electric moving body also includes electric flying bodies. The electric flying body includes a multi-rotor aircraft (drone). The multi-rotor aircraft also includes a so-called flying car. No matter which type of electric moving body it is, the energy replenishment time can be shortened.

[0120] In addition, the embodiments can be determined by the following items.

[0121] [Item 1]

[0122] A method for authenticating a battery pack (10) includes the following steps: when the first battery pack (10a) is disassembled from and assembled to the electric moving body (30), the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) transmits a signal including the same identification information as the identification information stored in the first battery pack (10a) by short-range wireless communication; if the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication and the first battery pack (10a) disassembled from the electric moving body (30) is installed in the first charging slot (SLc1) of the charging device (20), the received identification information is transmitted in a wired manner to the control unit (12) of the second battery pack (10b) that should be exchanged with the first battery pack (10a) and is installed in the second charging slot (SLc2); if the second battery pack (10b) disassembled from the second charging slot (SLc2) is installed in the electric moving body (30), the control unit (12) of the second battery pack (10b) transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) by the short-range wireless communication; and when the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information included in the received signal is the same as the identification information stored in the first battery pack (10a). If they are the same, it is authenticated that the second battery pack (10b) installed in the electric moving body (30) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0123] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can correctly authenticate whether the installed second battery pack (10b) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0124] [Item 2]

[0125] The authentication method of the storage battery pack (10) described in Item 1 further includes the following steps: After the second storage battery pack (10b) that is disassembled from and assembled to the second charging slot (SLc2) is installed in the electric mobile body (30), before the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) sends a signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20), the control unit (32) of the electric mobile body (30) sends the identification information stored in the first storage battery pack (10a) to the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) installed in the electric mobile body (30) in a wired manner; and the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) compares the identification information received from the charging device (20) with the identification information received from the electric mobile body (30), and sends the comparison result to the control unit (32) of the electric mobile body (30) in a wired manner. When the comparison result is inconsistent, the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) suspends sending the signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) by using the short-range wireless communication.

[0126] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric mobile body (30) can more reliably authenticate whether the second storage battery pack (10b) installed and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0127] [Item 3]

[0128] The authentication method of the storage battery pack (10) described in Item 1 or 2 further includes the following steps: If the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) receives the identification information from the control unit (32) of the electric mobile body (30) and the first storage battery pack (10a) that is disassembled from and assembled to the electric mobile body (30) is installed in the first charging slot (SLc1) of the charging device (20), the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) sends other identification information to the control unit (12) of the first storage battery pack (10a) in a wired manner; the control unit (12) of the first storage battery pack (10a) sends a signal including the other identification information received from the charging device (20) by using the short-range wireless communication; when the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) receives the signal sent by using the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information contained in the received signal is consistent with the other identification information sent in a wired manner. When they are consistent, it is authenticated that the first storage battery pack (10a) installed in the first charging slot (SLc1) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0129] Accordingly, the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) can correctly authenticate whether the first storage battery pack (10a) installed in the first charging slot (SLc1) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0130] [Item 4]

[0131] A method for authenticating the storage battery pack (10) described in any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the short-range wireless communication is BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0132] Accordingly, short-range wireless communication can be performed with low power consumption.

[0133] [Item 5]

[0134] A storage battery pack (10) includes: a power storage unit (11) for supplying power to an electric moving body (30); and a control unit (12) capable of communicating with a control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) and a control unit (22) of a charging device (20). The control unit (12) performs: after the present storage battery pack (10) is detached from the electric moving body (30) and installed in a charging slot (SLc1) of the charging device (20), after the charging of the present storage battery pack (10) is completed, receiving, in a wired manner from the control unit (22) of the charging device (20), identification information received by the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) from the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30). If the present storage battery pack (10) is detached from the charging slot (SLc1) and installed in the electric moving body (30), a signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) is transmitted by short-range wireless communication. The signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication is used to authenticate whether the storage battery pack (10) installed in the electric moving body (30) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same in the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30).

[0135] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can authenticate whether the installed storage battery pack (10) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0136] [Item 6]

[0137] The storage battery pack (10) described in Item 5, the control unit (12) performs: after the present storage battery pack (10) is equipped on the electric moving body (30), before transmitting a signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) by means of the short-range wireless communication, receiving the identification information in a wired manner from the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30), comparing the identification information received from the charging device (20) with the identification information received from the electric moving body (30), transmitting the comparison result to the electric moving body (30) in a wired manner, and in the case where the comparison results do not match, suspending the transmission of the signal including the identification information received from the charging device (20) by means of the short-range wireless communication.

[0138] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can more reliably determine whether the equipped storage battery pack (10) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0139] [Item 7]

[0140] A charging device (20) includes: a plurality of charging slots (SLc1, SLc2); and a control unit (22) capable of communicating with the control unit (12) of the storage battery pack (10) and the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30). The control unit (22) performs: if a first storage battery pack (10a) disassembled from the electric moving body (30) is equipped in the first charging slot (SLc1), receiving the identification information held by the first storage battery pack (10a) in a wired manner from the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30), transmitting the identification information received from the first storage battery pack (10a) to the control unit (12) of a second storage battery pack (10b) that should be exchanged with the first storage battery pack (10a) and is equipped in the second charging slot (SLc2) in a wired manner, transmitting other identification information to the control unit (12) of the first storage battery pack (10a) equipped in the first charging slot (SLc1) in a wired manner, and in the case where a signal transmitted by means of the short-range wireless communication is received, comparing whether the identification information included in the received signal matches the other identification information transmitted in the wired manner, and in the case of a match, authenticating that the first storage battery pack (10a) equipped in the first charging slot (SLc1) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0141] Accordingly, the control unit (22) of the charging device (20) can correctly authenticate whether the first storage battery pack (10a) equipped in the first charging slot (SLc1) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0142] [Item 8]

[0143] An electric moving body (30) includes: an electric motor (311); and a control unit (32) capable of communicating with a control unit (12) of a storage battery pack (10) and a control unit (22) of a charging device (20). The control unit (32) performs: when detaching or attaching the first storage battery pack (10a) from or to the present electric moving body (30), transmitting a signal including identification information identical to the identification information held in the first storage battery pack (10a) by short-range wireless communication; after the first storage battery pack (10a) is installed in the first charging slot (SLc1) of the charging device (20), when installing a second storage battery pack (10b) that is to be exchanged with the first storage battery pack (10a) and is detached or attached from the second charging slot (SLc2) of the charging device (20) to the present electric moving body (30), when a signal is received by the short-range wireless communication, comparing whether the identification information included in the received signal is identical to the identification information held in the first storage battery pack (10a), and when they are identical, authenticating that the second storage battery pack (10b) installed in the present electric moving body (30) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0144] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can correctly authenticate whether the installed second storage battery pack (10b) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0145] [Item 9]

[0146] In the electric moving body (30) described in Item 8, the control unit (32) performs: when the second storage battery pack (10b) is installed in the present electric moving body (30), transmitting the identification information held in the first storage battery pack (10a) to the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) by wire, and the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b) receiving, by wire from the control unit (12) of the second storage battery pack (10b), a comparison result of comparing the identification information received from the charging device (20) and the identification information received from the present electric moving body (30).

[0147] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can more reliably authenticate whether the installed second storage battery pack (10b) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0148] [Item 10]

[0149] A control device (32), which is a control device (32) for an electric moving body (30), when detaching and attaching the first power storage unit (10a) from the electric moving body (30), transmits a signal including the same identification information as the identification information held in the first power storage unit (10a) by short-range wireless communication. After the first power storage unit (10a) is equipped in the first charging slot (SLc1) of the charging device (20), when the second power storage unit (10b) to be exchanged with the first power storage unit (10a) and detachable from the second charging slot (SLc2) of the charging device (20) is equipped on the electric moving body (30), when a signal is received by the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information contained in the received signal is consistent with the identification information held in the first power storage unit (10a). If they are consistent, it is authenticated that the second power storage unit (10b) equipped on the electric moving body (30) and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0150] Accordingly, the control unit (32) of the electric moving body (30) can correctly authenticate whether the second power storage unit (10b) equipped and the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication are the same.

[0151] Explanation of reference numerals

[0152] 1: Vehicle system, 2: Commercial power system, 10: Battery pack, 11: Battery module, E1-En: Cells, 12: Battery control unit, 13: Processing unit, 14: Voltage measurement unit, 15: Antenna, 16: Wireless communication unit, 17: Current sensor, 18: Fitting detection unit, 20: Charging device, 21: Charging station, SLc: Charging slot, 22: Control unit, 23: Processing unit, 25: Antenna, 26: Wireless communication unit, 27: Display unit, 28: Operation unit, 29: Charging unit, 30: Vehicle, 31: Battery equipment unit, SLa: Equipment slot, 32: Vehicle control unit, 33: Processing unit, 34: Relay control unit, 35: Antenna, 36: Wireless communication unit, 37: Group detection unit, 38: Fitting detection unit, 39: Instrument panel, 310: Inverter, 311: Motor, 312: Tire, RYm: Main relay, RYsa: First slot relay, RYsb: Second slot relay, RYp: Power relay, RYc: Group side communication relay, RYca: First vehicle side communication relay, RYcb: Second vehicle side communication relay, F2: Fuse, R2: Resistor, Tp: Positive terminal, Tm: Negative terminal.

Claims

1. A method for authenticating a battery pack, comprising the following steps: When disassembling and assembling the first battery pack from an electric moving body, the control unit of the electric moving body transmits a signal including the same identification information as that held in the first battery pack by short-range wireless communication; If the control unit of the charging device receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication and the first battery pack disassembled from the electric moving body is equipped in the first charging slot of the charging device, the identification information received from the electric moving body is transmitted in a wired manner to the control unit of the second battery pack that should be exchanged with the first battery pack and is equipped in the second charging slot; If the second battery pack disassembled from the second charging slot is equipped in the electric moving body, the control unit of the second battery pack transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication; and When the control unit of the electric moving body receives the signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information contained in the received signal is consistent with the identification information held in the first battery pack. If they are consistent, it is authenticated that the second battery pack equipped in the electric moving body is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

2. The method for authenticating a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The method for authenticating a battery pack further comprises the following steps: After the second battery pack disassembled from the second charging slot is equipped in the electric moving body and before the control unit of the second battery pack transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device, the control unit of the electric moving body transmits the identification information held in the first battery pack to the control unit of the second battery pack equipped in the electric moving body in a wired manner; and The control unit of the second battery pack compares the identification information received from the charging device with the identification information received from the electric moving body, and transmits the comparison result to the control unit of the electric moving body in a wired manner. When the comparison result is inconsistent, the control unit of the second battery pack suspends transmitting a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication.

3. The method for authenticating a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The method for authenticating a battery pack further comprises the following steps: If the control unit of the charging device receives the identification information from the control unit of the electric moving body and the first battery pack disassembled from the electric moving body is equipped in the first charging slot of the charging device, it transmits other identification information to the control unit of the first battery pack in a wired manner; The control unit of the first battery pack transmits a signal including the other identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication; And When the control unit of the charging device receives a signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication, it compares whether the identification information contained in the received signal is consistent with the other identification information transmitted in the wired manner. If they are consistent, it is authenticated that the first power storage unit equipped in the first charging slot is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

4. The method for authenticating a power storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The short-range wireless communication is BLE, i.e., Bluetooth Low Energy.

5. A power storage unit, comprising: A power storage unit for supplying power to an electric moving body; and A control unit capable of communicating with the control unit of the electric moving body and the control unit of the charging device, The control unit performs: After disassembling from the electric moving body and equipping this power storage unit in the charging slot of the charging device, after the charging of this power storage unit is completed, it receives in a wired manner from the control unit of the charging device the identification information received by the control unit of the charging device from the control unit of the electric moving body, If it disassembles from the charging slot and equips this power storage unit on the electric moving body, it transmits a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by short-range wireless communication, The signal transmitted by the short-range wireless communication is used to authenticate in the control unit of the electric moving body whether the power storage unit equipped on the electric moving body is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

6. The power storage unit according to claim 5, wherein The control unit performs: After equipping this power storage unit on the electric moving body, before transmitting a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication, it receives in a wired manner from the control unit of the electric moving body the identification information, Compares the identification information received from the charging device and the identification information received from the electric moving body, and transmits the comparison result to the electric moving body in a wired manner. And, if the comparison result is inconsistent, it suspends transmitting a signal including the identification information received from the charging device by the short-range wireless communication.

7. A charging device, comprising: A plurality of charging slots; and A control unit capable of communicating with the control unit of the power storage unit and the control unit of the electric moving body, The control unit performs: If the first power storage unit disassembled from the electric moving body is equipped in the first charging slot, it receives in a wired manner from the control unit of the electric moving body the identification information held by the first power storage unit, Transmits the identification information received from the first power storage unit to the control unit of the second power storage unit that should be exchanged with the first power storage unit and is equipped in the second charging slot in a wired manner, Transmits other identification information to the control unit of the first power storage unit equipped in the first charging slot in a wired manner, In a case where a signal transmitted by short-range wireless communication is received, it is determined whether the identification information included in the received signal matches the other identification information transmitted by the wired method. In the case of a match, it is authenticated that the first power storage unit equipped in the first charging slot is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

8. An electric moving body, comprising: a motor; and a control unit capable of communicating with the control unit of a power storage unit and the control unit of a charging device, wherein the control unit performs: when detaching and attaching the first power storage unit from and to the electric moving body, a signal including identification information identical to the identification information held in the first power storage unit is transmitted by short-range wireless communication, after the first power storage unit is equipped in the first charging slot of the charging device, when the second power storage unit to be exchanged with the first power storage unit and detached and attached from the second charging slot of the charging device is equipped in the electric moving body, in a case where a signal is received by the short-range wireless communication, it is determined whether the identification information included in the received signal matches the identification information held in the first power storage unit. In the case of a match, it is authenticated that the second power storage unit equipped in the electric moving body is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

9. The electric moving body according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs: if the second power storage unit is equipped in the electric moving body, the identification information held in the first power storage unit is transmitted to the control unit of the second power storage unit by a wired method, the control unit of the second power storage unit receives, by a wired method from the control unit of the second power storage unit, a comparison result of comparing the identification information received from the charging device and the identification information received from the electric moving body.

10. A control device, which is a control device of an electric moving body, wherein when detaching and attaching the first power storage unit from and to the electric moving body, a signal including identification information identical to the identification information held in the first power storage unit is transmitted by short-range wireless communication, after the first power storage unit is equipped in the first charging slot of the charging device, when the second power storage unit to be exchanged with the first power storage unit and detached and attached from the second charging slot of the charging device is equipped in the electric moving body, in a case where a signal is received by the short-range wireless communication, it is determined whether the identification information included in the received signal matches the identification information held in the first power storage unit. In the case of a match, it is authenticated that the second power storage unit equipped in the electric moving body is the same as the communication partner of the short-range wireless communication.

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