Charging and discharging system and charging and discharging device

Abstract

The charge-discharge device (200) is capable of attaching and detaching the battery pack (100) thereto. The charge-discharge device (200) performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack (100) is attached thereto. The battery pack (100) transmits a deterioration degree of the battery pack (100) to the information terminal device (300) after determining the deterioration degree, and receives a disposal instruction based on the deterioration degree from the information terminal device (300). The charge-discharge device (200) performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level for the battery pack (100) to which the disposal instruction is received.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge-discharge technology, and particularly to a charge-discharge system and a charge-discharge device that perform charge-discharge of a storage battery. BACKGROUND

[0002] A storage battery group that is a target of recovery is generally recovered by a manufacturer or the like. At this time, it is required to estimate the whereabouts of the storage battery group that is a target of recovery. Therefore, a charging device that can attach and detach the storage battery group with respect to the charge-discharge device is provided with a communication function for communicating with a server device via a base station, and the charging device transmits identification information of the storage battery group to the server device. The server device determines whether the storage battery group is a target of recovery based on the identification information of the storage battery group, and estimates the whereabouts of the storage battery group based on identification information of the base station that relays the identification information of the storage battery group (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-191833 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In a case where the storage battery group includes a lithium ion secondary battery, various states of the lithium ion secondary battery are managed in the storage battery group for safely using the storage battery group. The various states expected as such are also used for safely discarding the storage battery group.

[0008] The present disclosure was completed in view of such a situation, and aims to provide a technology for safely discarding a storage battery group using various states managed in the storage battery group.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] To solve the problem, a certain aspect of the present disclosure is a charge-discharge system including: a battery pack; and a charge-discharge device to which the battery pack is attachable and detachable, the charge-discharge device including a fan, the charge-discharge device performing charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack is attached. The battery pack determines a degree of deterioration, which is a value indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery pack from an initial state, and transmits the degree of deterioration to an information terminal device via communication. The charge-discharge device receives a disposal instruction based on the degree of deterioration from the information terminal device via communication. When the charge-discharge device receives the disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication, the charge-discharge device performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level using a discharger different from a charge-discharge circuit, the first level being a value higher than the second level, the second level being a value at which the battery pack is able to transmit a discharge end to the information terminal device or a value at or above a battery remaining amount at which a control section of the battery pack is driven.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a charge-discharge system. The charge-discharge system includes: a battery pack; and a charge-discharge device to which the battery pack is attachable and detachable, the charge-discharge device including a fan, the charge-discharge device performing charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack is attached. The battery pack notifies a disposal recommendation based on a degree of deterioration, which is a value indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery pack from an initial state, and receives a disposal instruction corresponding to the disposal recommendation. When the charge-discharge device receives the disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication, the charge-discharge device performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level using a discharger different from a charge-discharge circuit, the first level being a value higher than the second level, the second level being a value at or above a battery remaining amount at which a control section of the battery pack is driven.

[0012] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a charge-discharge device to which a battery pack is attachable and detachable, the charge-discharge device including: a fan; a charge-discharge section that performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack is attached; and a reception section that receives a disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication when the battery pack determines a degree of deterioration, which is a value indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery pack from an initial state, and transmits the degree of deterioration to an information terminal device via communication, and receives the disposal instruction from the information terminal device via communication. When the reception section receives the disposal instruction, the charge-discharge section performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level using a discharger different from a charge-discharge circuit, the first level being a value higher than the second level, the second level being a value at which the battery pack is able to transmit a discharge end to the information terminal device or a value at or above a battery remaining amount at which a control section of the battery pack is driven.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is also a charge-discharge device to which a battery pack is attachable and detachable, the charge-discharge device including: a charge-discharge section that performs charging or performs discharging to a first level when the battery pack is attached; a fan; and a reception section that receives a discard instruction from the battery pack by communication when the battery pack notifies of a discard suggestion made based on a value indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery pack from an initial state, i.e., a deterioration degree, and receives the discard instruction corresponding to the discard suggestion. When the discard instruction is received in the reception section, the charge-discharge section performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack using a discharger different from a charge-discharge circuit, the first level being a value higher than the second level, and the second level being a value defined to be above a battery remaining amount for driving of a control section of the battery pack.

[0014] Further, any combination of the above structural elements, an aspect of the present disclosure resulting from conversion between a method, a device, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, and the like is also effective as an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] Effects of Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to safely discard a battery pack using various states managed in the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a structure of the charge-discharge system according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a structure of the charge-discharge system according to Figure 1

[0019] Figure 3 (a) to (g) of FIG. 12 are diagrams showing an outline of initial setting of the charge-discharge system according to Figure 1

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a table stored in the storage section of Figure 2

[0021] Figure 5 (a) to (i) of FIG. 15 are diagrams showing a screen displayed by the display section of Figure 2

[0022] Figure 6 (a) to (g) of FIG. 17 are diagrams showing an outline of discard processing performed by the charge-discharge system according to Figure 1

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a structure of the charge-discharge system according to Figure 1 ​​​​​a timing chart of a process of the disposal treatment by the charge-discharge system.

[0024] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a process of the disposal treatment by the charge-discharge system. Figure 1

[0025] Figure 9 (a) - (b) of FIG. 8 are diagrams showing an outline of the disposal treatment by the charge-discharge system involved in Embodiment 2.

[0026] Figure 10 is a timing chart of a process of the disposal treatment by the charge-discharge system involved in Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] (Embodiment 1)

[0028] Before specifically explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure, an outline of the embodiments is explained. The present embodiment relates to a charge-discharge system capable of performing charge-discharge of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge-discharge device. In the case where the battery pack includes, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery, in order to safely use the battery pack, various states of the lithium-ion secondary battery are acquired by the battery pack. An example of the various states is a degree of deterioration of the battery. In the case where the battery is seriously deteriorated, the battery pack needs to be disposed. At this time, it is desirable to safely dispose the battery pack.

[0029] In the charge-discharge system involved in the present embodiment, an information terminal device such as a smartphone is connected to a battery pack in a close proximity wireless communication system, and information of the battery pack is displayed and the battery pack is controlled by an application program operating in the information terminal device. At the time of disposal of the battery pack, when the application program notifies a charge-discharge device of a disposal instruction via the battery pack, the charge-discharge device discharges the battery pack to a remaining amount close to zero. Here, the present embodiment is explained in the order of (1) structure, (2) initial setting, (3) degree of deterioration determination, (4) disposal treatment, and (5) delivery to a business operator.

[0030] (1) Structure

[0031] Figure 1 ​A configuration of the charge-discharge system 1000 is shown. The charge-discharge system 1000 includes a battery pack 100, a charge-discharge device 200, an information terminal device 300, a network 400, and a server device 500. The battery pack 100 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, and a deterioration degree is determined based on various states of the lithium-ion secondary battery. The battery pack 100 is attachable to and detachable from the charge-discharge device 200. When the battery pack 100 is attached to the charge-discharge device 200, the charge-discharge device 200 performs charge and discharge of the battery pack 100, and performs communication between the battery pack 100 and the charge-discharge device 200. The battery pack 100 performs communication corresponding to a short-range wireless communication system. The short-range wireless communication system is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0032] The information terminal device 300 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). The information terminal device 300 can perform communication corresponding to the same short-range wireless communication system as the battery pack 100. The information terminal device 300 is connected to the network 400, and can communicate with the server device 500 via the network 400. For the network 400, a wireless communication system such as 5G, 4G, or the like is used. In addition, the Internet can also be combined with the network 400. In general, the communicable range of the wireless communication system is larger than that of the short-range wireless communication system. The information terminal device 300 executes an application program (hereinafter referred to as an "application program") for controlling the battery pack 100. The processing by the application program will be described later.

[0033] The server device 500 is used by a manufacturer or an operator who manufactures the battery pack 100. The server device 500 is connected to the network 400, and performs, for example, processing for providing various information to the application program.

[0034] Figure 2 A configuration of the charge-discharge system 1000 is shown. In Figure 2 A configuration of the charge-discharge system 1000 is shown. In Figure 1The structure of the battery pack 100, the charge / discharge device 200, and the information terminal device 300. The battery pack 100 includes a battery 110, a control section 120, a storage section 130, a first communication section 140, a notification section 150, an operation section 180, the control section 120 includes a determination section 160, a second communication section 170. The charge / discharge device 200 includes a charge / discharge circuit 210, a control section 220, a communication section 230, a power plug 250, a power supply section 260, a cooling fan 270, a discharge device 280, the control section 220 includes a reception section 240. The information terminal device 300 includes the first communication section 310, the control section 320, the storage section 330, a display section 340, an operation section 350, the second communication section 360.

[0035] The battery 110 of the battery pack 100 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The battery 110 is connected to the control section 120 and is controlled by the control section 120. The control section 120 controls the operation of the battery pack 100 as a whole. An example of the operation is the deterioration degree determination of the battery 110 performed in the determination section 160. The storage section 130 stores a table used when the determination section 160 determines the deterioration degree of the battery 110. The first communication section 140 communicates with the information terminal device 300 by performing communication corresponding to a short distance wireless communication system. The notification section 150 is an interface for notifying a user of various information. The notification section 150 includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and changes the lighting pattern of the plurality of LEDs according to the content of the information. The second communication section 170 can perform, for example, RS-485, RS-422, RS-232C, or the like, and communicates with the charge / discharge device 200 in a case where the battery pack 100 is connected to the charge / discharge device 200. The operation section 180 is an interface that can be operated by a user, and is, for example, a button.

[0036] The power plug 250 of the charge / discharge device 200 is connected to an external AC power source in a manner that can be attached and detached with respect to the external AC power source. In a case where the power plug 250 is connected to the AC power source, the AC power source can supply AC power to the charge / discharge device 200. In a case where the power plug 250 is connected to the AC power source, if the battery pack 100 is connected to a connection section (not shown) of the charge / discharge device 200, the charge / discharge circuit 210 of the charge / discharge device 200 converts the AC power from the power plug 250 into DC power and charges the battery 110.

[0037] The power supply unit 260 is connected to an external electronic device in a manner that allows for installation and detachment from the external electronic device. When the electronic device is connected to the power supply unit 260, the charging / discharging device 200 can supply AC power to the electronic device. When the electronic device is connected to the power supply unit 260, if the battery pack 100 is connected to the connection portion (not shown) of the charging / discharging device 200, the charging / discharging circuit 210 of the charging / discharging device 200 converts the DC power from the battery 110 into AC power and outputs AC power from the power supply unit 260. At this time, the charging / discharging circuit 210 discharges the battery 110 to a first level. The first level is predetermined. The cooling fan 270 blows air onto the charging / discharging circuit 210 by rotating. The airflow suppresses the temperature rise of the charging / discharging circuit 210. The cooling fan 270 is not limited to cooling, and can also be a fan. The control unit 220 is connected to the charging / discharging circuit 210 and controls the overall operation of the charging / discharging device 200. The communication unit 230 can be connected to the second communication unit 170 and communicate with the battery pack 100 through the aforementioned serial communication.

[0038] The first communication unit 310 of the information terminal device 300 communicates with the battery pack 100 by performing communication corresponding to a short-range wireless communication system. The control unit 320 is connected to the first communication unit 310 and controls the overall operation of the information terminal device 300. The control unit 320 performs processing provided by an application stored in the storage unit 330, for example. The display unit 340 is a display for showing information, and the operation unit 350 is an interface for receiving instructions from the user. The display unit 340 and the operation unit 350 can also be integrated into a touch panel. The second communication unit 360 communicates with the battery pack 100 via communication corresponding to a wireless communication system. Figure 1 The network 400 communicates with the server device 500.

[0039] (2) Initial settings

[0040] Figure 3 (a)-(g) represent a summary of the initial settings in the charge / discharge system 1000. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (a), the user of the information terminal device 300 installs an application into the control unit 320 and the storage unit 330 by operating the operation unit 350. For example, the second communication unit 360 receives the application from a server (not shown), the control unit 320 stores the application in the storage unit 330, and sets it to be executable. At this time, installation can also be completed by photographing information affixed to the side of the battery pack 100, such as a QR (Quick Response) code, from the information terminal device 300.

[0041] When the application is installed, the user of the information terminal device 300 can view it through a single side. Figure 3 The application is launched by operating the operation unit 350 while displaying the screen on the display unit 340 as shown in (b). For example, the control unit 320 launches the application stored in the storage unit 330. When the application is launched, the control unit 320 sends a search signal for searching the surrounding battery packs 100 via the first communication unit 310. When the first communication unit 140 of the battery pack 100 receives the search signal, it sends identification information (hereinafter referred to as "battery ID") for identifying the battery pack 100. The first communication unit 310 of the information terminal device 300 receives the battery IDs from each battery pack of the surrounding battery packs 100. The control unit 320 displays a list of the received battery IDs as shown in the image. Figure 3 The battery IDs are displayed on the display unit 340 as shown in (c). The user operates the operation unit 350 while viewing the battery IDs, and selects the battery ID of the battery pack 100 to be set.

[0042] When the control unit 320 receives the selected battery ID, the display unit 340 displays the following: Figure 3 The user views the initial setup screen (e). While viewing the initial setup screen, the user operates the operation unit 350 to input initial setup information. Initial setup information includes, for example, (i) user information: name / address / phone number / email address, (ii) usage purpose selection: power outage countermeasures / power bank / shelter / other, (iii) usage load selection: smartphone charging / PC / refrigerator / TV / other, (iv) usage start date: YYYY year MM month DD day, (v) written commitment to disposal. When the initial setup information input is complete, the user ends the initial setup by clicking the "close" button. The click is processed in the operation unit 350. The control unit 320 stores the initial setup information in the storage unit 330. (The text abruptly ends here, likely due to an incomplete translation or missing information.) Figure 3 As shown in (f), when the user clicks on the battery ID displayed on the display unit 340 after setting, the control unit 320 causes the display unit 340 to display the battery ID as shown in (f). Figure 3 The basic screen of (g). Return Figure 2 The control unit 320 displays a basic screen and requests information from the battery pack 100 via the first communication unit 310.

[0043] (3) Deterioration determination

[0044] The determination section 160 of the control section 120 measures various states of the storage battery 110, i.e., the storage battery pack 100. The various states are, for example, a battery remaining amount, an SOH (State Of Health), an average temperature of the storage battery, an internal resistance value of the storage battery, an elapsed period after the storage battery pack 100 is manufactured, a total charge amount, a total discharge amount, and the like. Here, the battery remaining amount is a remaining amount of the storage battery 110. The SOH indicates a ratio of a current full charge capacity of the storage battery 110 with respect to an initial full charge capacity, for example, corresponding to a learning capacity. The elapsed period after the storage battery pack 100 is manufactured is measured from a difference between a current date obtained by a clock function possessed by the determination section 160 and a manufacture date of the storage battery pack 100 stored in the storage section 130. These measurements can be performed using known techniques, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0045] The determination section 160 determines a degree of deterioration of the storage battery pack 100 based on the measured various states while referring to the table stored in the storage section 130. The degree of deterioration is a value indicating a degree of deterioration of the storage battery pack 100 with respect to an initial state, for example, indicated in five stages. Figure 4 A data configuration of the table stored in the storage section 130 is shown here. Here, the degree of deterioration is higher in the order of the degree of deterioration A, the degree of deterioration B, the degree of deterioration C, the degree of deterioration D, and the degree of deterioration E. The degree of deterioration A is a state in which the SOH is 90% or more, the degree of deterioration B is a state in which the SOH is less than 89% and 80% or more, the degree of deterioration C is a state in which the SOH is less than 79% and 70% or more, the degree of deterioration D is a state in which the SOH is less than 69% and 60% or more, and the degree of deterioration E is a state in which the SOH is less than 59%. That is, the degree of deterioration A is the lowest degree of deterioration, indicating a state closest to the initial state. On the other hand, the degree of deterioration E is the highest degree of deterioration, indicating a state in which deterioration is most severe. It can also be said that the degree of deterioration A indicates a state close to a new product, the degree of deterioration B indicates a state in which deterioration is slight, the degree of deterioration C indicates a state in which deterioration is severe, the degree of deterioration D indicates a state before the end of life, and the degree of deterioration E indicates a state in which the end of life is reached. Here, notification of the degree of deterioration D or E corresponds to notification of a recommendation to discard.

[0046] Here, the number of discharges means that a case in which 10 wh or more is discharged is counted as one time. The number of charges means that a case in which 50 wh or more is charged is counted as one time. In addition, the average number of charges and discharges means that a monthly average is counted as an average. It is assumed that Awh > Dwh, Bwh > Ewh, Chour > Fhour, and that it is a condition in which it is easier to change (the degree of deterioration is higher) in a case in which the frequency of use is high. Return Figure 2 .

[0047] When the information terminal device 300 requests information from the first communication unit 140, the control unit 120 sends the measurement results and judgment results from the judgment unit 160 from the first communication unit 140 to the information terminal device 300. When the first communication unit 310 of the information terminal device 300 receives the measurement results and judgment results from the battery pack 100, it outputs them to the control unit 320. The control unit 320 displays a basic screen reflecting the measurement results and judgment results from the battery pack 100 on the display unit 340. Figure 5 (a)-(i) represent the screen displayed by display unit 340. In particular, Figure 5 Images (a)-(e) represent basic screens showing different levels of battery degradation. Battery level is indicated by an indicator and numerical values ​​(0–100%). For example, the indicator is red when the battery level is 0–10%, yellow when it is 11–20%, and green when it is 21–100%. Furthermore, the degree of degradation is represented as battery status using diagrams and grades.

[0048] Through user clicks Figure 5 The control unit 320 will press the "Information" button shown in (a)-(e). Figure 5 The screen (f) is displayed on display unit 340. As shown, it displays a "Q&A" button, a "Trade-in" button, and a "New Product Information" button. When the user clicks... Figure 5 When the "Q&A" button (f) is pressed, the control unit 320 causes the display unit 340 to display... Figure 5 (g) The Q&A screen. The Q&A screen displays Q&A, user guide, and contact information. When the user clicks... Figure 5 When the "Trade-in" button (f) is pressed, the control unit 320 causes the display unit 340 to display... Figure 5 The (h) trade-in screen displays important information and contact details for trade-ins. When the user clicks... Figure 5 When the "New Product Information" button (f) is pressed, the control unit 320 causes the display unit 340 to display... Figure 5 (i) New Product Information Screen. New product information is displayed in the New Product Information section. Return. Figure 2 .

[0049] Here, when the battery pack 100 is installed in the charging / discharging device 200 to charge the battery pack 100, the following process can also be performed to determine the degree of degradation. If the voltage of the battery 110 is below a threshold value greater than the reference value used to determine the state of degradation (SOH), the charging / discharging circuit 210 discharges until the voltage of the battery 110 reaches the reference value. Then, the determination unit 160 determines the SOH. Furthermore, the charging / discharging circuit 210 performs charging after the SOH is determined.

[0050] (4) Waste disposal

[0051] Waste disposal is carried out when the degradation level is D or E. Figure 6 (a)-(g) represent a summary of the waste disposal process performed by the charging and discharging system 1000. Figure 6 (a) represents the basic screen displayed on the information terminal device 300 when the degradation level is E. When the displayed degradation level is D or E, the user clicks the "Discard" button. Upon completion of the click, the control unit 320 sends a mode change notification from the first communication unit 310 to the battery pack 100. The first communication unit 140 of the battery pack 100 receives the mode change notification from the information terminal device 300. When the control unit 120 receives the mode change notification, it executes the discard mode. The control unit 120 causes the notification unit 150 to display a notification for disclosing the discard mode. For example, the notification unit 150 displays a notification such as... Figure 6 The process of (b) is to illuminate multiple LEDs in a stream display by lighting up one LED at a time from left to right.

[0052] Users Figure 6 The battery pack 100 in its discarded state is installed into the charging / discharging device 200 as in (c). The control unit 120 detects the connection between the battery pack 100 and the charging / discharging device 200 by detecting voltage changes caused by the installation. The control unit 120 sends information indicating the connection between the battery pack 100 and the charging / discharging device 200 to the information terminal device 300 via the first communication unit 140. The first communication unit 310 of the information terminal device 300 receives the information indicating the connection between the battery pack 100 and the charging / discharging device 200. Accordingly, the control unit 320 will... Figure 6 The disposal screen for (d) is displayed on the display unit 340. The user clicks the "Start Discharge" button. The control unit 320 sends a discharge start instruction to the battery pack 100 via the first communication unit 310. The discharge start instruction is equivalent to a disposal instruction.

[0053] The first communication unit 140 of the battery pack 100 receives an instruction to begin waste discharge from the information terminal device 300. The control unit 120 causes the notification unit 150 to display a notification indicating the start of waste discharge. For example, the notification unit 150... Figure 6all the LEDs flash as in (e). The second communication section 170 transmits an instruction to start the disposal discharge to the charge-discharge device 200. The communication section 230 of the charge-discharge device 200 receives the instruction to start the disposal discharge. In accordance with this, the reception section 240 receives the instruction to start the disposal discharge. That is, in a case where the battery pack 100 transmits the deterioration degree to the information terminal device 300 after determining the deterioration degree, and receives the instruction to start the disposal discharge based on the deterioration degree from the information terminal device 300, the reception section 240 receives the instruction to start the disposal discharge from the battery pack 100.

[0054] In a case where the reception section 240 receives the instruction to start the disposal discharge, the charge-discharge circuit 210 performs a discharge to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack 100 using the discharger 280 that reduces the capacity of the battery 110. The discharger 280 is, for example, a resistor. The second level is, for example, defined as a value above the battery remaining amount at which the first communication section 140 of the battery pack 100 transmits the end of the discharge to the information terminal device 300, or at which the control section 120 drives. At this time, the control section 220 uses the cooling fan 270 for cooling the charge-discharge circuit 210 for cooling the discharger 280.

[0055] The charge-discharge circuit 210 ends the discharge when the battery remaining amount of the battery 110 reaches the second level. The control section 120 of the battery pack 100 causes the notification section 150 to display a notification for notifying the end of the discharge when the end of the discharge is detected. For example, the notification section 150 displays a message as in (f) on the display section 130. Figure 6 all the LEDs are turned off as in (f). The control section 120 transmits the notification of the end of the discharge to the information terminal device 300 via the first communication section 140. The notification of the end of the discharge corresponds to the notification of the completion of the preparation for disposal. Here, in a case where the battery pack 100 enters the capacity region lower than the first level, the control section 120 can also cause the notification section 150 to display the notification for notifying the end of the discharge, or transmit the notification of the end of the discharge to the information terminal device 300 via the first communication section 140. After these processes, the charge-discharge circuit 210 continues the discharge to the second level.

[0056] The first communication section 310 of the information terminal device 300 receives the notification of the end of the discharge from the battery pack 100. The control section 320 causes the display section 340 to display the notification of the end of the discharge as in (g). Figure 6 the display section 340 to display the disposal guide of the battery pack 100 as in (g). In addition, the control section 320 transmits the notification of the end of the discharge to the server device 500 via the second communication section 360. The battery ID is included in the notification of the end of the discharge. The server device 500 registers the battery pack 100 that can be disposed based on the battery ID when receiving the notification of the end of the discharge.

[0057] (5) Delivery business operator

[0058] The user packs the battery pack 100 in a carton after attaching the tape to the terminals of the battery pack 100. The user hands over the carton to a recycler. The recycler can confirm whether the battery pack 100 is subjected to the disposal by pressing the operation section 180 of the battery pack 100 for a long time. In the case where the disposal is completed, the notification section 150 makes, for example, the LEDs at both ends blink for 5 seconds. In addition, the recycler can confirm whether the battery pack 100 is subjected to the disposal by accessing the server device 500.

[0059] The main body of the device, system, or method in the present disclosure has a computer. The function of the main body of the device, system, or method in the present disclosure is realized by the computer executing a program. The computer has a processor that acts according to the program as a main hardware structure. The processor is not limited in kind as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is configured with one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). The plurality of electronic circuits can be integrated in one chip or can be provided in a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips can be concentrated in one device or can be equipped in a plurality of devices. The program is recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an optical disk, a hard disk drive, or the like that can be read by the computer. The program can be pre-stored in the recording medium or can be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet or the like.

[0060] The operation of the charge and discharge system 1000 described above is described. Figure 7 is a time chart showing the process of the disposal performed by the charge and discharge system 1000. The charge and discharge device 200 is connected to the battery pack 100 (S10). The battery pack 100 determines the deterioration degree (S12). The battery pack 100 transmits the deterioration degree to the information terminal device 300 (S14). The information terminal device 300 notifies of the disposal recommendation (S16) and accepts the instruction (S18). The information terminal device 300 transmits the disposal instruction to the battery pack 100 (S20), and the battery pack 100 transmits the disposal instruction to the charge and discharge device 200 (S22). The charge and discharge device 200 performs the discharge to the second level (S24). The charge and discharge device 200 transmits the end of the discharge to the battery pack 100 (S26), and the battery pack 100 transmits the end of the discharge to the information terminal device 300 (S28). The information terminal device 300 notifies of the end (S30) and transmits the end of the discharge to the server device 500 (S32).

[0061] Figure 8is a flowchart showing a process performed by the charge-discharge system 1000. The charge-discharge circuit 210 of the charge-discharge device 200 performs normal charge-discharge (S100). The determination section 160 determines the deterioration degree (S102). In the case where the deterioration degree is not D or E (NO in S104), the process returns to step 100. In the case where the deterioration degree is D or E (YES in S104), the information terminal device 300 notifies that the deterioration degree is D or E (S106). If disposal processing is not promised (NO in S108), the process returns to step 100. If disposal processing is promised (YES in S108), the charge-discharge circuit 210 of the charge-discharge device 200 starts discharge (S110). If the remaining capacity of the battery 110 is not less than the remaining capacity 0% of the normal use range (NO in S112), the process waits. If the remaining capacity of the battery 110 is less than the remaining capacity 0% of the normal use range (YES in S112), the end of disposal processing is registered from the battery pack 100 to the server device 500 via the information terminal device 300 (S114). If the remaining capacity is not zero (NO in S116), the process waits. If the remaining capacity is zero (YES in S116), the process ends.

[0062] According to the present embodiment, since discharge to the second level lower than the first level is performed in the battery pack 100 in the case where disposal instruction based on the deterioration degree is received from the information terminal device 300, the battery pack 100 can be safely disposed using various states managed in the battery pack 100. Further, since the notification that the preparation for disposal is completed is transmitted to the information terminal device 300 in the case where the discharge to the second level ends, the user can be notified that the preparation for disposal is completed. Since the charge-discharge circuit 210 is cooled by the cooling fan 270 at the time of discharge to the first level, and the discharge device 280 is cooled by the cooling fan 270 at the time of discharge to the second level, cooling can be efficiently performed.

[0063] Further, since the deterioration state is determined after the voltage reaches the reference value in the case where the voltage is less than the threshold value greater than the reference value of the voltage used to determine the deterioration state, and charging is performed after the deterioration state is determined, the deterioration information can be determined. Further, since the deterioration state is determined after the voltage reaches the reference value in the case where the voltage is less than the threshold value greater than the reference value of the voltage used to determine the deterioration state, and charging is performed after the deterioration state is determined, it is possible to prevent the case where SOH cannot be calculated all the time due to repeated shallow discharge and charging. Further, since discharge to the second level is provided, the notification that the discharge ends can be transmitted. Further, since the notification that the discharge ends is transmitted, it is possible to confirm whether the battery pack 100 has been disposed by a disposal company.

[0064] One aspect of the present disclosure is described below. A charge / discharge system (1000) of one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack (100) and a charge / discharge device (200). The battery pack (100) is detachably attached to the charge / discharge device (200). The charge / discharge device (200) performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack (100) is attached. The battery pack (100) transmits a degree of deterioration of the battery pack (100) to an information terminal device (300) after determining the degree of deterioration, and receives a disposal instruction based on the degree of deterioration from the information terminal device (300). The charge / discharge device (200) performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack (100) for which the disposal instruction is received.

[0065] The battery pack (100) can also transmit a notification that the preparation for disposal is completed to the information terminal device (300) when entering a capacity region lower than the first level.

[0066] The battery pack (100) can also transmit a notification that the preparation for disposal is completed to the information terminal device (300) when discharging to the second level is completed.

[0067] The battery pack (100) can also store a threshold value larger than a reference value of a voltage used to determine a deterioration state of the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) determines the deterioration state when the voltage is equal to or lower than the threshold value and the voltage reaches the reference value after discharging. The battery pack (100) performs charging after determining the deterioration state.

[0068] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a charge / discharge device (200). The battery pack (100) is detachably attached to the device. The charge / discharge device (200) includes a charge / discharge section (210) that performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack (100) is attached, and a reception section (240) that receives a disposal instruction from the battery pack (100) when the battery pack (100) transmits a degree of deterioration of the battery pack (100) to an information terminal device (300) after determining the degree of deterioration, and receives the disposal instruction based on the degree of deterioration from the information terminal device (300). The charge / discharge section (210) performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack (100) for which the disposal instruction is received in the reception section (240).

[0069] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a charge-discharge device (200). The device includes: a power plug (250) configured to be detachably connected to an external AC power source; a power supply portion (260) configured to be detachably connected to an external electronic device; a connection portion configured to connect a battery pack (100) that can be electrically connected to another device in a state in which the battery pack has been detached from the other device; a charge-discharge circuit (210) configured to convert direct current power output from the battery pack (100) connected to the connection portion into alternating current power, output the alternating current power to the power supply portion, and charge the battery pack (100) connected to the connection portion; a cooling fan (270) configured to suppress temperature rise of the charge-discharge circuit (210); a discharger (280) configured to reduce the capacity of the battery pack (100); and a control portion (220) configured to perform cooling of heat generated from the discharger (280) using the cooling fan (270) for cooling the charge-discharge circuit (210) when reducing the capacity of the battery pack (100).

[0070] (Embodiment 2)

[0071] Embodiment 2 is explained next. Embodiment 2, like Embodiment 1, relates to a charge-discharge system that can perform charge-discharge of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge-discharge device. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it does not include the information terminal device 300, the network 400, and the server device 500. This is explained here. Here, (1) configuration, (2) initial setting, (3) deterioration degree determination, and (4) disposal processing are explained in order with the differences from the previous ones as the center. Since (5) delivery to a business is the same as in Embodiment 1, the explanation is omitted here.

[0072] (1) Configuration

[0073] The charge-discharge system 1000 related to Embodiment 2 is of the same type as Figure 1 , Figure 2 but, as mentioned earlier, does not include the information terminal device 300, the network 400, and the server device 500, but includes the battery pack 100 and the charge-discharge device 200.

[0074] (2) Initial Setting

[0075] When the battery pack 100 is first installed in the charge-discharge device 200, the charge-discharge circuit 210 of the charge-discharge device 200 charges the battery 110 of the battery pack 100. In a case where the control portion 120 detects initial full charge of the battery 110, the control portion 120 completes initial setting.

[0076] (3) Deterioration Degree Determination

[0077] The degree of degradation is determined in the same manner as in Example 1. When the user presses and holds the operation unit 180 of the battery pack 100, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 150 to notify of the degree of degradation. For example, if there are 5 LEDs and a one-to-one correspondence is established between the LEDs and the degree of degradation, the notification unit 150 only illuminates the LED corresponding to the determined degree of degradation for 5 seconds. Alternatively, all LEDs may flash if the degree of degradation is E. Here, the notification of degradation degree D or E is equivalent to a notification suggesting disposal.

[0078] On the other hand, when the operation unit 180 is not pressed and held, the notification unit 150 uses five LEDs to indicate the remaining battery level. For example, when the remaining battery level is 0-10%, all LEDs are off; when the remaining battery level is 11-20%, one LED is lit; and when the remaining battery level is 21-40%, two LEDs are lit. Furthermore, when the remaining battery level is 41-60%, three LEDs are lit; when the remaining battery level is 61-80%, four LEDs are lit; and when the remaining battery level is 81-100%, five LEDs are lit.

[0079] (4) Waste disposal

[0080] If the degradation level notified by the notification unit 150 through the aforementioned processing is D or E, when the user presses and holds the operation unit 180, the control unit 120 executes the abandoned mode. The press and hold is, for example, 7 seconds. The control unit 120 causes the notification unit 150 to display a notification for notifying the abandoned mode. Figure 9 (a)-(b) represent a summary of the waste disposal process performed by the charging and discharging system 1000. For example, the notification unit 150, as shown in the example... Figure 9 The flow representation of which is executed in the manner of (a) so that multiple LEDs are lit in a manner that only one LED is lit sequentially from left to right.

[0081] Users Figure 9 The battery pack 100 in waste mode is installed into the charging / discharging device 200 as in (b). The control unit 120 detects the connection between the battery pack 100 and the charging / discharging device 200 by detecting the voltage change caused by the installation. When the user presses and holds the operation unit 180 in this state, the control unit 120 causes the notification unit 150 to display a notification indicating that waste discharge has started. For example, the notification unit 150 and Figure 6(c) of the same kind as above. The second communication section 170 transmits the indication of the start of the disposal discharge to the charge-discharge device 200. The communication section 230 of the charge-discharge device 200 receives the indication of the start of the disposal discharge. In accordance with this, the reception section 240 receives the indication of the start of the disposal discharge. That is, in a case where the battery pack 100 notifies of the disposal recommendation based on the deterioration degree determined and receives the indication of the start of the disposal discharge corresponding to the disposal recommendation, the reception section 240 receives the indication of the start of the disposal discharge from the battery pack 100.

[0082] In a case where the reception section 240 receives the indication of the start of the disposal discharge, the charge-discharge circuit 210 performs the discharge of the battery pack 100 to the second level lower than the first level. The charge-discharge circuit 210 ends the discharge when the battery remaining amount of the battery 110 reaches the second level. The control section 120 of the battery pack 100 causes the notification section 150 to display the notification for notifying of the end of the discharge when the end of the discharge is detected. For example, the notification section 150 displays the notification of the end of the discharge on the display section 130 of the battery pack 100. Figure 6 (f) of the same kind as above, the plurality of LEDs are all turned off.

[0083] The operation of the charge-discharge system 1000 of the above structure will be described. Figure 10 is a time chart showing the procedure of the disposal processing performed by the charge-discharge system 1000. The charge-discharge device 200 is connected to the battery pack 100 (S200). The battery pack 100 determines the deterioration degree (S202). The battery pack 100 notifies of the disposal recommendation (S204) and receives the indication (S206). The battery pack 100 transmits the disposal indication to the charge-discharge device 200 (S208). The charge-discharge device 200 performs the discharge to the second level (S210). The charge-discharge device 200 transmits the end of the discharge to the battery pack 100 (S212) and the battery pack 100 notifies of the end (S214).

[0084] According to the present embodiment, since the notification section 150 of the battery pack 100 notifies of various information, the discharge for disposal can be performed even without the information terminal device 300. In addition, since the discharge for disposal is performed even without the information terminal device 300, the degree of freedom of the structure can be improved.

[0085] One aspect of the present disclosure is summarized as follows. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a charge-discharge system (1000). The charge-discharge system (1000) includes a battery pack (100) and a charge-discharge device (200). The battery pack (100) is detachably attached to the charge-discharge device (200). The charge-discharge device (200) performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack (100) is attached. The battery pack (100) notifies a disposal recommendation based on a degree of deterioration of the battery pack (100) determined by the battery pack (100), and receives a disposal instruction corresponding to the disposal recommendation. The charge-discharge device (200) performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack (100) that received the disposal instruction.

[0086] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is the charge-discharge device (200). The battery pack (100) is detachably attached to the device. The charge-discharge device (200) includes a charge-discharge section (210) that performs charging or discharging to a first level when the battery pack (100) is attached, and a reception section (240) that receives a disposal instruction from the battery pack (100) when the battery pack (100) notifies a disposal recommendation based on a degree of deterioration of the battery pack (100) determined by the battery pack (100), and receives the disposal instruction corresponding to the disposal recommendation. The charge-discharge section (210) performs discharging to a second level lower than the first level on the battery pack (100) that received the disposal instruction in the reception section (240).

[0087] The present disclosure is described above based on the embodiment. The embodiment is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that the combination of each structural element or each process can have various modifications, and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] Industrial Applicability

[0089] According to the present disclosure, a battery pack can be safely disposed using various states managed in the battery pack.

[0090] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0091] 100: battery pack; 110: battery; 120: control unit; 130: storage unit; 140: first communication unit; 150: notification unit; 160: determination unit; 170: second communication unit; 180: operation unit; 200: charge and discharge device; 210: charge and discharge circuit; 220: control unit; 230: communication unit; 240: reception unit; 300: information terminal device; 310: first communication unit; 320: control unit; 330: storage unit; 340: display unit; 350: operation unit; 360: second communication unit; 400: network; 500: server device; 1000: charge and discharge system.

Claims

1. A charging and discharging system, comprising: Battery packs; and A charging and discharging device is provided, wherein the battery pack is installable and detachable relative to the charging and discharging device, the charging and discharging device is equipped with a fan, and the charging and discharging device performs charging or discharging to a first level of discharge when the battery pack is installed. in, After determining the degree of degradation of the battery pack relative to its initial state, the battery pack sends the degree of degradation to the information terminal device via communication, and receives a disposal instruction based on the degree of degradation from the information terminal device via communication. When the charging / discharging device receives the disposal instruction via communication from the battery pack that has received the disposal instruction, it uses a discharger, different from the charging / discharging circuit, to perform a discharge to a second level of discharge, lower than the first level. Wherein, the first level is a value higher than the second level, and the second level is defined as a value that enables the battery pack to finish discharging and send the message to the information terminal device, or a value that provides sufficient battery capacity for the control unit of the battery pack to drive.

2. The charging and discharging system according to claim 1, wherein, When the battery pack enters a capacity range below the first level, it sends a notification that the battery pack is ready to be discarded to the information terminal device.

3. The charging and discharging system according to claim 1, wherein, When the battery pack discharges to the end of the second level of discharge, it sends a notification that the battery is ready to be discarded to the information terminal device.

4. A charging and discharging system, comprising: Battery packs; and A charging and discharging device is provided, wherein the battery pack is installable and detachable relative to the charging and discharging device, the charging and discharging device is equipped with a fan, and the charging and discharging device performs charging or discharging to a first level of discharge when the battery pack is installed. in, The battery pack notification makes a disposal recommendation based on a value representing the degree of degradation of the battery pack relative to its initial state, and accepts disposal instructions corresponding to the disposal recommendation. When the charging / discharging device receives the disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication, it uses a discharger, different from the charging / discharging circuit, to perform a discharge to a second level of discharge, lower than the first level. Wherein, the first level is a value higher than the second level, and the second level is a value that is above the remaining battery capacity required for the control unit of the battery pack to drive.

5. The charging and discharging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The battery pack stores a threshold value that is larger than a reference value for determining the deterioration state of the battery pack. When the voltage is below the threshold value, the battery is discharged until the voltage reaches the reference value, and then the deterioration state is determined. After the deterioration state is determined, charging is performed.

6. A charging and discharging device, wherein a battery pack is installable and detachable relative to the charging and discharging device, the charging and discharging device comprising: fan; The charging and discharging unit, when the battery pack is installed, performs charging or discharging to a first level of discharge; and In the case where the receiving unit determines the degree of degradation of the battery pack relative to its initial state (i.e., the degradation degree) and sends this degradation degree to the information terminal device via communication, and receives a disposal instruction based on the degradation degree from the information terminal device via communication, the receiving unit receives the disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication. in, Upon receiving a disposal instruction in the receiving unit, the charging / discharging unit uses a discharger different from the charging / discharging circuit to discharge the battery pack to a second level of discharge, lower than the first level. Wherein, the first level is a value higher than the second level, and the second level is defined as a value that enables the battery pack to finish discharging and send the message to the information terminal device, or a value that provides sufficient battery capacity for the control unit of the battery pack to drive.

7. A charging and discharging device, wherein a battery pack is installable and detachable relative to the charging and discharging device, the charging and discharging device comprising: The charging and discharging unit, when the battery pack is installed, performs charging or discharging to the first level of discharge; Fan; and When the battery pack notifies the user of a disposal recommendation based on a degradation degree (a value representing the degree of degradation of the battery pack relative to its initial state), and the user receives a disposal instruction corresponding to the disposal recommendation, the receiving unit receives the disposal instruction from the battery pack via communication. in, Upon receiving a disposal instruction in the receiving unit, the charging / discharging unit uses a discharger different from the charging / discharging circuit to discharge the battery pack to a second level of discharge, lower than the first level. Wherein, the first level is a value higher than the second level, and the second level is a value that is above the remaining battery capacity required for the control unit of the battery pack to drive.

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