Borrowing system and lending management method

Abstract

The invention provides a lending system and a lending management method. The lending system is a lending system for a battery pack, and is provided with: an acquisition unit (121) that acquires first identification information from a storage device in which first identification information, which is identification information of a borrower, is stored; an acquisition unit (151) that acquires second identification information, which is identification information of a first battery pack that is a borrowed battery pack, from a storage unit provided in the first battery pack; a control unit (161) that associates the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit (121) with the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit (151) when the first battery pack is lended to the borrower; and a storage unit (171) that associates and stores the first identification information and the second identification information.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of February 3, 2016, application number 201610076481.3, and invention name “Lending System and Lending Management Method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack lending system and the like. Background Art

[0003] As a technology related to a battery pack rental system and the like, there is a technology described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a battery rental system that provides batteries in accordance with a user's wishes.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-118638 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, if the battery packs for loan are not properly managed, it is difficult to loan the battery packs to the borrowers and to collect the battery packs from the borrowers.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, an exemplary embodiment provides a lending system and the like capable of appropriately managing storage battery packs for lending.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] A lending system according to a technical solution of the present disclosure is a battery pack lending system, comprising: a first acquisition unit, which acquires the first identification information from a storage device storing identification information of a borrower, namely, the first identification information; a second acquisition unit, which acquires the identification information of the first battery pack, namely, the second identification information, from a storage unit provided in a battery pack for lending, namely, the first battery pack; a control unit, which associates the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit when lending the first battery pack to the borrower; and a storage unit, which stores the first identification information and the second identification information in association with each other.

[0012] In addition, these general or specific technical solutions can be implemented by devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs or non-temporary recording media such as computer-readable CD-ROMs, or by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] A lending system according to an aspect of the present disclosure can appropriately manage storage battery packs for lending. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lending system in an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a first application example of the lending system in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a second application example of the lending system in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an inspection device, etc. in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the lending information in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing information indicating the degree of degradation in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 Detailed description of the flowchart of the member registration process in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the lending process in the embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the return process in the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a flowchart of the exchange process in the embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of the exchange process in the embodiment.

[0026] Description of symbols

[0027] 111: Storage device

[0028] 121, 151: Acquisition

[0029] 131: Shell

[0030] 141, 230, 290: Battery pack

[0031] 142, 171: Storage

[0032] 152: Connection

[0033] 153: Discharge Department

[0034] 154, 156: Inspection Department

[0035] 155: Charging Department

[0036] 161: Control Department

[0037] 181: Output

[0038] 182: Ministry of Information

[0039] 210: Membership Card

[0040] 220: Card reader

[0041] 231, 241: Wireless Communication Department

[0042] 232: Battery

[0043] 234: Charge and discharge control circuit

[0044] 235: Switch

[0045] 236: LED

[0046] 237: Tags

[0047] 238, 246: Connection

[0048] 240: Inspection device

[0049] 242: Charging and discharging circuit

[0050] 243: Diagnosis Department

[0051] 244: Reading unit

[0052] 245: Ministry of Communications

[0053] 250: Processing device

[0054] 260: Router

[0055] 270: Server device

[0056] 280: Charging Cabinet DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] (Insights that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0058] The inventors of the present application have found the following problems regarding the battery pack lending system described in the “Background Art” column.

[0059] Although it is difficult to distinguish multiple battery packs of the same type from each other based on their appearance, the degree of deterioration (deterioration level) of each of these battery packs may be different from other battery packs depending on the number of times they have been charged, etc. In other words, even if multiple battery packs look the same, their quality may be very different. When lending battery packs with such characteristics to borrowers, it is required to properly identify the battery packs.

[0060] Therefore, the lending system of the first technical solution of the present disclosure is a battery pack lending system, comprising: a first acquisition unit, which acquires the first identification information from a storage device storing the borrower's identification information, namely the first identification information; a second acquisition unit, which acquires the identification information of the first battery pack, namely the second identification information, from a storage unit provided in the battery pack for lending, namely the first battery pack; a control unit, which associates the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit when lending the first battery pack to the borrower; and a storage unit, which stores the first identification information and the second identification information in association with each other.

[0061] As a result, the lending system can appropriately associate and manage the borrower and the battery pack lent to the borrower.

[0062] The lending system of the second technical solution of the present disclosure is based on the lending system of the first technical solution, wherein the second acquisition unit can further acquire information indicating the degree of degradation of the first battery pack, i.e., the first degree of degradation, and the storage unit possessed by the lending system can further store the information indicating the first degree of degradation acquired by the second acquisition unit.

[0063] This allows the lending system to appropriately manage the degree of degradation of the lending battery pack.

[0064] In addition, the lending system of the third technical solution of the present disclosure may further include an output unit based on the lending system of the second technical solution, which, when lending the first battery pack to the borrower, obtains information indicating the first degree of degradation from the storage unit provided in the lending system and outputs the information indicating the first degree of degradation.

[0065] Thus, the lending system can notify the borrower of the degree of degradation of the battery pack when lending the battery pack to the borrower.

[0066] In addition, a lending system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the lending system according to the third aspect, wherein the output unit may output information indicating the first degree of degradation on a display screen.

[0067] Thus, the lending system can visually notify the borrower of the degree of degradation of the battery pack when lending the battery pack to the borrower.

[0068] In addition, in the lending system of the fifth technical solution of the present disclosure, according to the lending system of any one of the first to fourth technical solutions, the second acquisition unit can also acquire the identification information of the second battery pack, i.e., the third identification information, from a storage unit provided in the battery pack owned by the borrower, i.e., the second battery pack; the control unit can also associate the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the third identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit when lending the first battery pack to the borrower by exchanging the first battery pack with the second battery pack; and the first identification information can also be stored in the storage unit possessed by the lending system in association with the third identification information.

[0069] As a result, the lending system can appropriately associate and manage the borrower with the battery pack owned by the borrower.

[0070] In addition, the lending system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be further provided with a notification unit for notifying the borrower of the completion of charging when charging of the second battery pack is completed, based on the lending system according to the fifth aspect.

[0071] Thus, the lending system can notify the borrower of a suitable timing for picking up the battery pack owned by the borrower.

[0072] In addition, in the lending system of the 7th technical solution of the present disclosure, according to the lending system of any one of the 1st to 6th technical solutions, the control unit can, when the borrower returns the first battery pack, compare the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the first identification information and the second identification information associated by the control unit when the first battery pack is lent to the borrower and stored in the storage unit possessed by the lending system.

[0073] Thus, the lending system can confirm whether the battery pack lent to the borrower and the battery pack returned by the borrower are the same battery pack.

[0074] In addition, the lending system of the 8th technical solution of the present disclosure is based on the lending system of any one of the 1st to 7th technical solutions, and the control unit can execute a process for punishing the borrower when the borrower returns the first battery pack after the return deadline.

[0075] Thus, the lending system can impose a penalty on the borrower in accordance with the expiration of the battery pack return deadline.

[0076] In addition, in the lending system of the 9th technical solution of the present disclosure, according to the lending system of any one of the technical solutions of the 2nd to 4th technical solutions, the control unit can execute processing for punishing the borrower when it is determined that the first degree of degradation when the borrower returns the first battery pack is higher than the first degree of degradation when the first battery pack was lent to the borrower by a predetermined value based on the information indicating the first degree of degradation when the borrower returns the first battery pack acquired by the second acquisition unit and the information indicating the first degree of degradation when the first battery pack was lent to the borrower stored in the storage unit possessed by the lending system.

[0077] Thus, the lending system can impose a penalty according to excessive deterioration of the battery pack returned by the borrower.

[0078] In addition, in the lending system of the tenth technical solution of the present disclosure, the second acquisition unit can also acquire information indicating the state of the first battery pack when the borrower returns the first battery pack according to the lending system of any one of the first to ninth technical solutions, and the control unit can execute processing for punishing the borrower when it is determined that the first battery pack is abnormal according to the information indicating the state of the first battery pack.

[0079] Thus, the lending system can impose penalties according to abnormalities in the battery pack returned by the borrower.

[0080] In addition, in the lending system of the 11th technical solution of the present disclosure, according to the lending system of any one of the second to fourth technical solutions, the second acquisition unit can also acquire information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack brought in by the borrower, namely the second degree of degradation, and the control unit can select a battery pack with a degree of degradation below the second degree of degradation from a plurality of battery packs for lending as the first battery pack lent to the borrower when lending the first battery pack to the borrower by exchanging the first battery pack with the second battery pack.

[0081] As a result, the lending system can select a battery pack having quality not inferior to the battery pack brought in by the borrower as a battery pack to lend to the borrower.

[0082] In addition, the lending system of the 12th technical solution of the present disclosure may further include: a connecting part, which is electrically connected to the first battery pack; and a discharging part, which discharges the first battery pack connected to the connecting part, and the connecting part may be formed as a whole with the second acquisition part, and the second acquisition part may be arranged at a position capable of acquiring the second identification information from a storage part provided in the first battery pack when the first battery pack is connected to the connecting part.

[0083] This allows the lending system to obtain identification information of the battery pack while discharging the battery pack.

[0084] In addition, the lending system of the 13th technical solution of the present disclosure may further include a first inspection unit based on the lending system of the 12th technical solution, which uses the discharge unit to inspect whether the first battery pack is discharged when the first battery pack and the discharge unit are electrically connected via the connection unit.

[0085] Thus, the lending system can check whether the battery pack is properly discharged at least at one of the time of lending and the time of returning.

[0086] In addition, the lending system of the 14th technical solution of the present disclosure may further include, based on the lending system of the 13th technical solution: a charging unit that charges the first battery pack connected to the connecting unit; and a second inspection unit that uses the charging unit to check whether the first battery pack is charged when the first battery pack and the charging unit are electrically connected via the connecting unit.

[0087] Thus, the lending system can check whether the battery pack is properly charged at least at one of the time of lending and the time of returning.

[0088] In addition, the lending system of the 15th technical solution of the present disclosure may further include: a shell that accommodates multiple battery packs including the first battery pack; a connecting part that is arranged in the shell and is electrically connected to the multiple battery packs respectively; and a charging part that uses power from an external power supply to charge the multiple battery packs connected to the connecting part, and the second acquisition part may be arranged in the shell at a position capable of acquiring the identification information of each of the multiple battery packs from multiple storage parts provided in the multiple battery packs connected to the connecting part.

[0089] Thus, the lending system can acquire identification information of each of the plurality of battery packs while charging the plurality of battery packs in the case accommodating the plurality of battery packs.

[0090] In addition, these general or specific technical solutions can be implemented by devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs or non-temporary recording media such as computer-readable CD-ROMs, or by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

[0091] In particular, the lending management method of the 16th technical solution of the present disclosure is a lending management method performed by a lending system of a battery pack, and may include: a step of obtaining the first identification information from a storage device storing the borrower's identification information, namely the first identification information; a step of obtaining the identification information of the first battery pack, namely the second identification information, from a storage unit provided in a battery pack for lending, namely the first battery pack; and a step of storing the obtained first identification information in association with the obtained second identification information in a storage unit of the lending system when lending the first battery pack to the borrower.

[0092] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all show general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, configuration positions and connection forms of constituent elements, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, regarding the constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept, they are set as arbitrary constituent elements for description.

[0093] In addition, ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third may be appropriately added to the components.

[0094] (Implementation Method)

[0095] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lending system in this embodiment. Figure 1 The basic components of the lending system shown are the acquisition units 121 and 151, the control unit 161, and the storage unit 171. Other components may not be included in the lending system.

[0096] The storage device 111 is an example of a storage device of the present disclosure, and is a storage device that stores identification information of a borrower. For example, the storage device 111 may be an IC (Integrated Circuit) card that stores identification information of a borrower, or a storage unit in a portable terminal that stores an identification number of a borrower. In addition, an individual identification number stored in the storage unit of the portable terminal may be used as the identification number of the borrower. In other words, the type of identification number is arbitrary as long as it can be used as the identification number of the borrower. In addition, the borrower is, for example, an individual, but is not limited to this, and may also be an organization such as a legal person. In addition, hereinafter, the identification information of the borrower is sometimes referred to as borrower identification information.

[0097] The acquisition unit 121 is an example of the first acquisition unit of the present disclosure, and is an acquisition unit that acquires the borrower identification information from the storage device 111. For example, the acquisition unit 121 is a card reader that acquires the borrower identification information from an IC card.

[0098] The housing 131 is an example of a housing of the present disclosure, and is a housing for storing a battery pack 141. A plurality of battery packs 141 may be stored in the housing 131. The housing 131 may include an acquisition unit 151, a connection unit 152, a discharge unit 153, a charging unit 155, inspection units 154 and 156, a control unit 161, and a storage unit 171. The housing 131 may also include an output unit 181 and a notification unit 182.

[0099] The battery pack 141 is an example of the battery pack (first battery pack and second battery pack) of the present disclosure, and is a battery pack capable of charge and discharge. The battery pack 141 also includes a storage unit 142 .

[0100] In the lending system, a plurality of battery packs 141 can be used. For example, the battery pack 141 for lending can be exchanged with the battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower, so that the battery pack 141 for lending can be lent to the borrower. The battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower can be the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower or the battery pack 141 returned by the borrower.

[0101] The storage unit 142 is an example of the storage unit (the storage unit provided in the first battery pack and the storage unit provided in the second battery pack) of the present disclosure, and is a storage unit that stores identification information of the battery pack 141 and the like. For example, the storage unit 142 is an IC tag that stores identification information of the battery pack 141. Examples of the identification information include the ID number, production date, and production place of the battery pack 141. In addition, hereinafter, the identification information of the battery pack is sometimes referred to as the battery pack identification information.

[0102] The storage unit 142 may further store information indicating the state of the battery pack 141. Examples of the information indicating the state of the battery pack 141 include the charge amount, design capacity, learning capacity, internal resistance, temperature, number of charge and discharge cycles (e.g., number of charge times, number of discharge times), and abnormality history information such as temperature abnormality, current abnormality, voltage abnormality, and impact abnormality.

[0103] The acquisition unit 151 is an example of a second acquisition unit in the present disclosure, and is an acquisition unit that acquires the battery pack identification information from the storage unit 142 of the battery pack 141. For example, the acquisition unit 151 is a tag reader that reads the battery pack identification information from an IC tag.

[0104] The connection portion 152 is an example of a connection portion of the present disclosure, and is a connection portion for electrically connecting to the battery pack 141. Electric power is input to the battery pack 141 and electric power is output from the battery pack 141 via the connection portion 152 connected to the battery pack 141.

[0105] The discharge unit 153 is an example of a discharge unit in the present disclosure, and is a discharge unit that discharges the battery pack 141 connected to the connection unit 152 . That is, the discharge unit 153 discharges the battery pack 141 via the connection unit 152 .

[0106] The inspection unit 154 is an example of the first inspection unit of the present disclosure, and is an inspection unit that inspects whether the battery pack 141 can be discharged. Specifically, the inspection unit 154 inspects whether the battery pack 141 is discharged through the discharge unit 153 when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection unit 152. For example, the inspection unit 154 inspects whether the battery pack 141 is discharged by inspecting whether a normal current value is obtained when the battery pack 141 is discharged through the discharge unit 153.

[0107] The charging unit 155 is an example of a charging unit in the present disclosure, and is a charging unit that charges the battery pack 141 connected to the connection unit 152 . That is, the charging unit 155 charges the battery pack 141 via the connection unit 152 .

[0108] The inspection unit 156 is an example of the second inspection unit of the present disclosure, and is an inspection unit that inspects whether the battery pack 141 is chargeable. Specifically, the inspection unit 156 inspects whether the battery pack 141 is charged by the charging unit 155 when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection unit 152. For example, the inspection unit 156 inspects whether the battery pack 141 is charged by inspecting whether a normal current value is obtained when the battery pack 141 is charged by the charging unit 155.

[0109] The control unit 161 is an example of a control unit disclosed in the present invention, and is a control unit that controls the lending system. For example, the control unit 161 only needs to have a control function, and has a processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) for storing a control program. As the processing unit, an MPU and a CPU can be exemplified. As the storage unit, a memory can be exemplified. The control unit 161 can be composed of a single control unit that performs centralized control, or can be composed of a plurality of control units that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0110] Specifically, the control unit 161 associates the borrower identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 121 with the battery pack identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. In addition, the control unit 161 compares the information acquired from the acquisition unit 121 and the acquisition unit 151 when the battery pack 141 is returned with the information stored in the storage unit 171 when the battery pack 141 is loaned. In addition, when a plurality of battery packs are loaned to a borrower, identification information obtained by adding different identification information to the borrower identification information for each battery pack may be used as the borrower identification information, and the identification information may be associated with the identification information of each battery pack.

[0111] The storage unit 171 is an example of a storage unit provided in the lending system of the present disclosure, and is a storage unit that stores identification information of the borrower in association with identification information of the battery pack 141 when the battery pack 141 is lent to the borrower. For example, the storage unit 171 is a storage unit in an information processing device.

[0112] The storage unit 171 may further store information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141. In addition, when the battery pack 141 is a property brought in by a borrower, the storage unit 171 may further store identification information of the borrower in association with the identification information of the battery pack 141.

[0113] The storage unit 171 may physically include a plurality of storage elements. That is, the storage unit 171 may physically include a plurality of storage units. For example, the storage unit 171 may include: (i) a storage unit that stores the identification information of the borrower in association with the identification information of the battery pack 141 loaned to the borrower; (ii) a storage unit that stores information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141; and (iii) a storage unit that stores the identification information of the borrower in association with the identification information of the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower.

[0114] The output unit 181 is an example of an output unit of the present disclosure, and is an output unit that obtains the information indicating the degree of degradation stored in the storage unit 171 and outputs the obtained information indicating the degree of degradation. For example, the output unit 181 is an output unit in an information processing device. The output unit 181 can output the information indicating the degree of degradation to a display screen. The display screen can also be included in the output unit 181. Alternatively, the output unit 181 can also output the information indicating the degree of degradation to a display screen outside the output unit 181.

[0115] The notification unit 182 is an example of the notification unit of the present disclosure, and is a notification unit for notifying that charging is completed. For example, when the storage battery pack 141 is the property of the borrower, the notification unit 182 notifies the borrower of the completion of charging when the storage battery pack 141 is charged. The notification unit 182 may notify the borrower of the completion of charging by communicating with the information terminal used by the borrower, or may notify the completion of charging by a speaker or an LED (light emitting diode).

[0116] For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information of the borrower from the storage device 111. Then, the acquisition unit 151 acquires the identification information of the battery pack 141 from the storage unit 142 of the battery pack 141. Then, when lending the battery pack 141 to the borrower, the control unit 161 associates the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 121 with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and stores them in the storage unit 171. In this way, the lending system can appropriately associate the borrower with the battery pack 141 lent to the borrower and manage them.

[0117] For example, the acquisition unit 151 acquires information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141. Then, the control unit 161 stores the information indicating the degree of degradation acquired by the acquisition unit 151 in the storage unit 171. Thus, the lending system can appropriately manage the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141.

[0118] For example, when lending the battery pack 141 to the borrower, the output unit 181 obtains information indicating the degree of degradation from the storage unit 171 and outputs the obtained information indicating the degree of degradation. Thus, when lending the battery pack 141 to the borrower, the lending system can notify the borrower of the information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141.

[0119] In addition, for example, the output unit 181 outputs the acquired information indicating the degree of degradation to the display screen. Thus, when the lending system lends the battery pack 141 to the borrower, it can visually notify the borrower of the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141.

[0120] In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 151 acquires the identification information of the battery pack 141 from the storage unit 142 of the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower. When lending the battery pack 141 for loan by exchanging the battery pack 141 for loan with the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower, the control unit 161 stores the identification information of the borrower in the storage unit 171 in association with the identification information of the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower. Thus, the lending system can appropriately associate the borrower with the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower and manage them.

[0121] In addition, for example, when the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower is fully charged, the notification unit 182 notifies the borrower of the completion of charging. Specifically, the completion of charging can be notified to the information terminal used by the borrower. In this way, the lending system can notify the borrower of the timing suitable for picking up the battery pack 141 owned by the borrower.

[0122] In addition, for example, when the borrower returns the battery pack 141, the control unit 161 compares the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 121 and the acquisition unit 151 with the identification information stored in the storage unit 171. In this way, the lending system can confirm whether the battery pack 141 loaned to the borrower and the battery pack 141 returned by the borrower are the same battery pack.

[0123] For example, when the borrower returns the battery pack 141 after the return deadline, the control unit 161 executes a penalty process for punishing the borrower. Thus, the lending system can punish the borrower for exceeding the return deadline of the battery pack 141.

[0124] In addition, for example, the control unit 161 performs a penalty process for punishing the borrower when it is determined that the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141 when the borrower returns it is higher than the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141 when the battery pack 141 was lent to the borrower by a predetermined value or more based on the information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141 when the borrower returns it and the information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 141 when the battery pack 141 was lent to the borrower and stored in the storage unit 171. In this way, the lending system can impose a penalty according to the excessive degradation of the battery pack 141 returned by the borrower. In addition, the predetermined value is arbitrarily set by the lender.

[0125] In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 151 also acquires information indicating the state of the battery pack 141 when the borrower returns the battery pack 141. Here, as information indicating the state of the battery pack 141, for example, there can be cited abnormality history information such as the charge amount, voltage, temperature, number of charge and discharge cycles, temperature abnormality, current abnormality, voltage abnormality, and impact abnormality.

[0126] The control unit 161 executes a penalty process for penalizing the borrower when determining that the battery pack 141 is abnormal based on the information indicating the state of the battery pack 141. Thus, the lending system can penalize the borrower based on the abnormality of the battery pack 141 returned by the borrower.

[0127] In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 151 also acquires information indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower. When the battery pack 141 for loan is loaned to the borrower by exchanging the battery pack 141 for loan with the battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower, the control unit 161 selects the battery pack 141 to be loaned to the borrower from the plurality of battery packs 141 for loan. At this time, the control unit 161 selects a battery pack 141 having a degree of deterioration less than the degree of deterioration of the battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower as the battery pack 141 to be loaned to the borrower.

[0128] Thus, the lending system can select a battery pack 141 having quality not inferior to the battery pack 141 brought in by the borrower as the battery pack 141 to be lent to the borrower.

[0129] In addition, for example, the connection part 152 is electrically connected to the battery pack 141. The discharge part 153 discharges the battery pack 141 connected to the connection part 152. The connection part 152 and the acquisition part 151 are formed integrally. The acquisition part 151 is provided at a position where the battery pack identification information can be acquired from the storage part 142 provided in the battery pack 141 when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection part 152. Specifically, when the acquisition part 151 acquires the battery pack identification information via wired communication, the acquisition part 151 is a communication terminal provided at a position where the communication terminal is connected to the communication terminal on the battery pack 141 side when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection part 152. In addition, when the acquisition part 151 acquires the battery pack identification information via wireless communication, the acquisition part 151 is a wireless communication device provided at a position where the wireless communication device can communicate with the wireless communication device on the battery pack 141 side when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection part 152. The position where communication with the wireless communicator on the battery pack 141 side is possible means a position within the communication range of the wireless communicator on the battery pack 141 side.

[0130] Thus, the lending system can obtain the identification information of the battery pack 141 while discharging the battery pack 141 .

[0131] For example, the inspection unit 154 inspects whether the battery pack 141 is discharged using the discharge unit 153 while the battery pack 141 and the discharge unit 153 are electrically connected via the connection unit 152. Thus, the lending system can inspect whether the battery pack 141 is properly discharged at least at the time of lending or returning.

[0132] In addition, for example, the charging unit 155 charges the battery pack 141 connected to the connection unit 152. The inspection unit 156 uses the charging unit 155 to inspect whether the battery pack 141 is charged, while the battery pack 141 and the charging unit 155 are electrically connected via the connection unit 152. Thus, the lending system can inspect whether the battery pack 141 is properly charged at least at the time of lending and at the time of returning.

[0133] In addition, for example, the housing 131 accommodates a plurality of battery packs 141. The connection unit 152 is provided in the housing 131 and is electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery packs 141. The charging unit 155 charges the plurality of battery packs 141 connected to the connection unit 152 using power from an external power source. The acquisition unit 151 is arranged in the housing 131 at a position where the identification information of each of the plurality of battery packs 141 can be acquired from the plurality of storage units 142 of the plurality of battery packs 141 connected to the connection unit 152.

[0134] Thus, the lending system can acquire identification information of each of the plurality of battery packs 141 while charging the plurality of battery packs 141 in the housing 131 that accommodates the plurality of battery packs 141 .

[0135] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first application example of the lending system shown in FIG. Figure 2 2 , a membership card 210 , a card reader 220 , a battery pack 230 , an inspection device 240 , a processing device 250 , a router 260 , and a server device 270 are shown.

[0136] Membership card 210 corresponds to Figure 1 The storage device 111 of the lending service is provided. Borrower identification information for identifying a borrower who is a member of the lending service is stored in the member card 210. The member card 210 is provided to the borrower by the business operator who operates the lending service by registering the borrower as a member. In addition, the borrower identification information is sometimes expressed as a member ID below.

[0137] The card reader 220 corresponds to Figure 1 The card reader 220 obtains the member ID by reading the member ID from the member card 210.

[0138] The battery pack 230 corresponds to Figure 1 The battery pack 141 is a battery pack that can be charged and discharged. The battery pack 230 has a corresponding Figure 1The storage unit 142 of the storage unit 142 stores the identification information of the battery pack 230 (battery pack identification information). The storage unit of the battery pack 230 may also store the number of times the battery pack 230 is charged, the number of times it is discharged, the internal resistance, and the learned capacity.

[0139] In addition, below, the battery pack identification information may be expressed as a battery pack ID.

[0140] The inspection device 240 corresponds to Figure 1 The acquisition unit 151, the connection unit 152, the discharge unit 153, the charging unit 155, and the inspection units 154 and 156 are provided. In the inspection device 240, the connection unit 152 and the acquisition unit 151 are also formed as one body, and the acquisition unit 151 can be provided at a position where the battery pack identification information can be acquired from the storage unit 142 provided in the battery pack 141 when the battery pack 141 is connected to the connection unit 152. For example, the inspection device 240 acquires the battery pack identification information from the storage unit of the battery pack 230. In addition, the inspection device 240 plays a role in Figure 1 The connecting part 152, the discharging part 153, the charging part 155 and the inspection parts 154 and 156 have the same function.

[0141] In addition, the inspection device 240 is electrically connected to the battery pack 230. In addition, the inspection device 240 can inspect whether the battery pack 230 is discharged. In addition, the inspection device 240 can also inspect whether the battery pack 230 is charged.

[0142] The processing device 250 corresponds to Figure 1 The control unit 161, the output unit 181 and the notification unit 182. For example, the processing device 250 includes Figure 1 The processing device 250 may be a personal computer that processes information. For example, the processing device 250 associates the member ID obtained by the card reader 220 with the battery pack ID obtained by the inspection device 240. Figure 1 The control unit 161, the output unit 181 and the notification unit 182 have the same functions.

[0143] The router 260 is a communication device that relays communication between the processing device 250 and the server device 270. More specifically, the router 260 is a relay device for the processing device 250 to communicate with the server device 270 via a network.

[0144] The server device 270 corresponds to Figure 1For example, the server device 270 includes the storage unit 171. In addition, the server device 270 may include more than one server device, or may constitute a cloud system. In this embodiment, the server device 270 and the processing device 250 are connected via a network.

[0145] For example, the member ID and the battery pack ID are associated and stored in the server device 270. Figure 1 In addition, when the member ID and the battery pack ID are not managed by the server device 270, it goes without saying that when the member ID and the battery pack ID are stored in association with each other in the server device 270 as described above, the processing device 250 may also include a storage unit (not shown) that stores the member ID and the battery pack ID in association with each other.

[0146] As described above, the member card 210 is provided to the borrower by the operator by registering the borrower as a member of the lending service. When the operator lends the battery pack 230 to the borrower, the operator receives the member card 210 provided to the borrower. Then, in the lending system, the member ID obtained from the member card 210 is associated with the battery pack ID obtained from the battery pack 230.

[0147] Specifically, when the battery pack 230 is lent to the borrower, in the lending system, the card reader 220 reads the member ID from the member card 210, and the inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower. The processing device 250 associates the member ID read by the card reader 220 with the battery pack ID read by the inspection device 240, and registers them in the server device 270. Thereafter, the operator lends the battery pack 230 to the borrower and returns the member card 210 to the borrower.

[0148] This makes it possible to appropriately associate the borrower with the battery pack 230 loaned to the borrower and manage them.

[0149] In addition, the degradation degree of the battery pack 230 loaned to the borrower may be managed. For example, the usage history information is stored in the storage unit of the battery pack 230. The usage history information is an example of information indicating the degradation degree of the battery pack 230. That is, the usage history information corresponds to the information indicating the degradation degree of the battery pack 230. The degradation degree will be described later.

[0150] The inspection device 240 obtains the use history information from the storage unit of the battery pack 230 loaned to the borrower, thereby obtaining information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 230. The processing device 250 registers the information indicating the degree of degradation obtained by the inspection device 240 in the server device 270. In this way, the degree of degradation of the battery pack 230 loaned to the borrower can be managed. The borrower can also be notified of the degree of degradation via the display screen of the processing device 250 or the like.

[0151] The usage history information may include history information indicating the state of the battery pack 230. The usage history information may be stored in the storage unit storing the battery pack ID in the battery pack 230 or in another storage unit other than the storage unit storing the battery pack ID.

[0152] Next, when the borrower returns the battery pack 230 to the operator, he / she hands over the membership card 210 and the battery pack 230. Then, in the lending system, the member ID obtained from the membership card 210 and the battery pack ID obtained from the battery pack 230 are compared with the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in association with each other in the server device 270.

[0153] Specifically, the card reader 220 reads the member ID from the borrower's member card 210, and the inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the returned battery pack 230. The processing device 250 compares the member ID read by the card reader 220 and the battery pack ID read by the inspection device 240 with the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in association with each other in the server device 270.

[0154] If the read member ID matches the registered member ID and the read battery pack ID matches the registered battery pack ID, the operator accepts the delivered battery pack 230 and returns the member card 210 to the borrower. Thus, when returning the battery pack 230, it is possible to appropriately confirm whether the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower and the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower are the same battery pack.

[0155] Furthermore, when returning the battery pack, if the member ID read by the card reader 220 and the battery pack ID read by the inspection device 240 do not match the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in the server device 270, the return may be rejected.

[0156] Furthermore, if the battery pack 230 is returned after a predetermined return period has expired, the borrower may be penalized according to the period of time exceeded.

[0157] When the battery pack 230 is returned, the quality inspection of the battery pack 230 may be performed. For example, the inspection device 240 obtains the information indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery pack 230 by acquiring the usage history information from the storage unit of the returned battery pack 230 .

[0158] Furthermore, when the degree of degradation of the battery pack 230 at the time of return is higher than the degree of degradation registered in the server device 270 at the time of loan, that is, when the degradation has progressed excessively, information indicating that the degradation has progressed excessively may be notified to the borrower via the processing device 250. Furthermore, the borrower may be penalized according to the degree of degradation.

[0159] When returning battery pack 230, abnormality check of battery pack 230 may be performed. For example, the usage history information stored in the storage unit of battery pack 230 may indicate abnormality such as temperature rise inside battery pack 230 or vibration caused by being dropped.

[0160] Then, the processing device 250 obtains the usage history information of the battery pack 230 through the inspection device 240, and determines whether the battery pack 230 has an abnormality based on the usage history information. If the battery pack 230 has an abnormality, the processing device 250 can notify the borrower of the abnormality and impose a penalty on the borrower according to the degree (level) of the abnormality. In addition, if the battery pack 230 has a serious abnormality, the battery pack 230 is discarded.

[0161] When a penalty is imposed on the borrower, the processing device 250 performs a penalty process for punishing the borrower. The penalty process is information processing such as calculating a higher than usual charge amount for lending the battery pack, associating information restricting new lending with the member ID, or reducing the discount points for using the lending service. In addition, the above-mentioned "usually" means when no penalty is imposed on the borrower.

[0162] In addition, the processing device 250 may send the results of the quality inspection and the abnormality inspection to the server device 270. The server device 270 may also store the results of the quality inspection and the abnormality inspection. In addition, for example, if the result of the abnormality inspection shows that the returned battery pack 230 has a serious abnormality, the battery pack 230 is discarded.

[0163] In addition, the inspection device 240 may also inspect the charging and discharging of the battery pack 230 loaned to the borrower. In addition, the inspection device 240 may also inspect the charging and discharging of the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower. In addition, the inspection device 240 may also inspect one of the charging and discharging. It is conceivable that the charging state is high when loaned and low when returned. Therefore, the inspection device 240 may also inspect the discharging when loaned and inspect the charging when returned.

[0164] After returning the storage battery pack 230, another storage battery pack may be loaned out from the business operator to the borrower. For example, the discharged storage battery pack 230 may be returned from the borrower to the business operator, and another charged storage battery pack may be loaned out from the business operator to the borrower. This example is shown below.

[0165] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the second application example of the lending system shown in FIG. Figure 3 Also shown are a charging cabinet 280 and a battery pack 290 .

[0166] Charging cabinet 280 corresponds to Figure 1 The housing 131 of the charging cabinet 280 accommodates a plurality of battery packs. Figure 1 The connection unit 152 has the same function as the charging unit 155. That is, the charging cabinet 280 can use an external power source to charge the multiple battery packs stored in the charging cabinet 280.

[0167] For example, the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower is stored in the charging cabinet 280. Then, the charging cabinet 280 charges the battery pack 230 stored in the charging cabinet 280 using an external power source.

[0168] Battery pack 290 is a battery pack newly lent to the borrower in place of battery pack 230. Battery pack 290 is taken out of charging cabinet 280 and placed in inspection device 240 before being lent to the borrower. Then, processing device 250 re-associates the member ID obtained from member card 210 via card reader 220 with the battery pack ID obtained from battery pack 290 via inspection device 240 and registers them in server device 270.

[0169] This makes it possible to appropriately associate the borrower with the storage battery pack 290 newly loaned to the borrower and manage them.

[0170] For example, the processing device 250 selects a fully charged battery pack that is not more degraded than the returned battery pack 230 among the multiple battery packs stored in the charging cabinet 280 as a newly loaned battery pack 290. The processing device 250 notifies the charging cabinet 280 of the selected battery pack 290 through communication. The charging cabinet 280 displays the selected battery pack 290 through an LED or the like. The charging cabinet 280 may also be unlocked so that the battery pack 290 can be taken out.

[0171] The battery pack 290 selected and taken out by the above operation can be loaned to the borrower. Thus, a battery pack 290 that is not inferior to the battery pack 230 can be loaned to the borrower. Thus, the borrower can use the loaned battery pack 290 as if he / she continues to use the battery pack 230. In addition, the battery pack with the best quality among the plurality of battery packs need not be loaned to the borrower, so that the plurality of battery packs can be effectively used according to their quality.

[0172] In addition, the charging cabinet 280 may also have the same function as the inspection device 240. In other words, the charging cabinet 280 may also play the same role as the inspection device 240. Figure 1 The acquisition unit 151, the discharge unit 153, and the inspection units 154 and 156 have the same functions. For example, the charging cabinet 280 can obtain the battery pack ID, charge and discharge the battery pack, and inspect the quality of the battery pack for each of the multiple battery packs. In this case, the inspection device 240 may not be included in the lending system.

[0173] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of the structure of the inspection device 240, etc. shown. Figure 4 The battery pack 230 shown includes a wireless communication unit 231 , a battery 232 , a charge and discharge control circuit 234 , a switch 235 , an LED 236 , a tag 237 , and a connection unit 238 .

[0174] The wireless communication unit 231 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the inspection device 240. The storage battery 232 stores electric power. The charge and discharge control circuit 234 charges the storage battery 232. In addition, the charge and discharge control circuit 234 discharges the storage battery 232. The switch 235 is a switch for manually operating charging and discharging.

[0175] LED 236 is an indicator showing the operating state of at least one of charging and discharging. LED 236 can also show the charging state (SOC: State Of Charge). Tag 237 is a storage unit storing the battery pack ID. For example, tag 237 is an IC tag, which is a NFC tag compatible with near field communication (NFC). Connector 238 is a connector that can be electrically connected to inspection device 240.

[0176] The inspection device 240 includes a wireless communication unit 241 , a charge and discharge circuit 242 , a diagnosis unit 243 , a readout unit 244 , and a communication unit 245 .

[0177] The wireless communication unit 241 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the battery pack 230 etc. The charge and discharge circuit 242 charges the battery pack 230 etc. Also, the charge and discharge circuit 242 discharges the battery pack 230 etc. The diagnosis unit 243 checks the quality of the battery pack 230 etc. via the wireless communication unit 241 or the charge and discharge circuit 242.

[0178] Reader 244 reads the battery pack ID from tag 237. For example, reader 244 is a tag reader that reads the battery pack ID from tag 237 by short-range wireless communication. Communication unit 245 is a communication unit for communicating with processing device 250. Connector 246 is a connection unit that can be electrically connected to battery pack 230 and the like.

[0179] By having the above-mentioned components, the inspection device 240 can obtain the battery pack ID and information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery pack 230, and transmit the information to the processing device 250. In addition, the inspection device 240 can perform a discharge inspection by discharging the battery pack 230. In addition, the inspection device 240 can perform a charge inspection by charging the battery pack 230.

[0180] The reader 244 is provided at a position capable of reading the battery pack ID from the tag 237 by short-range wireless communication when the battery pack 230 and the inspection device 240 are electrically connected.

[0181] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 2 The server device 270 shown in FIG. 2 is a diagram of the lending information (exchange information) stored in the server device 270. The lending information is associated with the registration number, date (return delay), member ID, brought-in battery information, brought-in battery ID, lent battery information, lent battery ID, and other information.

[0182] The registration number is a serial number indicating the order of registration. The date (return delay) is the date when the battery pack is returned and another battery pack is lent out, and indicates the delay period in the case of return delay. The member ID is borrower identification information for identifying the borrower.

[0183] The brought-in battery information includes information indicating the state of charge of the returned battery pack and information indicating the degree of deterioration. The brought-in battery ID is the battery pack ID of the returned battery pack. The loaned battery information includes information indicating the state of charge of the loaned battery pack and information indicating the degree of deterioration. The loaned battery ID is the loaned battery pack ID. Other information is other information related to the return or loan of the battery pack.

[0184] For example, when a battery pack is returned and another battery pack is newly lent out, the processing device 250 confirms the data registered in the lending information and registers the new data in the lending information. Other information included in the lending information may also be input by the business operator.

[0185] In addition, for example, Figure 5 The data of registration number 4 in the loan information of indicates that the battery pack with a degree of deterioration of 5 was returned 3 days late, the penalty for the delay and the disposal fee were paid, and a new battery pack with a degree of deterioration of 1 was loaned out. In addition, for example, the data of registration number 5 indicates that a battery pack with a degree of deterioration of 3 was returned, and because the battery pack with a degree of deterioration of 3 that should have been loaned out was out of stock, a new battery pack with a degree of deterioration of 2 was loaned out.

[0186] Figure 6 It is shown by Figure 2 The diagram shows information indicating the degree of degradation obtained by the inspection device 240 or the like shown in the figure. Degradation degrees 1 to 5 correspond to information indicating the degree of degradation, respectively. The degree of degradation increases in the order of degree of degradation 1, degree of degradation 2, degree of degradation 3, degree of degradation 4, and degree of degradation 5. That is, degree of degradation 1 is the lowest degree of degradation, and degree of degradation 5 is the highest degree of degradation. In addition, the more severe the degradation is, the higher the degree of degradation is. That is, the higher the degree of degradation is, the lower the quality is.

[0187] In this embodiment, the information indicating the degree of degradation is defined by any parameter that can define the degree of degradation, such as the period of time since the manufacturing date of the battery pack, the internal resistance, the learning capacity, the number of full charges, and the presence or absence of abnormalities. The learning capacity indicates the ratio of the current full charge capacity to the initial full charge capacity of the battery pack. The learning capacity corresponds to the SOH (State Of Charge). Health: health status). The number of full charges is the number of times the battery pack has reached a fully charged state. The presence or absence of abnormality is whether the battery pack has an abnormality in at least one of the present and past.

[0188] The information indicating the degree of degradation may be information such as the period of time since the manufacture of the battery pack, internal resistance, learning capacity, number of full charges, and the presence or absence of abnormalities, or may be text, symbols, numbers, or indicator values ​​indicating the degree of degradation specified by the information.

[0189] For example, when the battery pack satisfies the condition of degradation degree 5, the battery pack is classified into degradation degree 5. Also, when the battery pack satisfies the condition of degradation degree 4, the battery pack is classified into degradation degree 4. Also, when the battery pack satisfies the condition of degradation degree 3, the battery pack is classified into degradation degree 3. Also, when the battery pack satisfies the condition of degradation degree 2, the battery pack is classified into degradation degree 2. Also, when the battery pack satisfies the condition of degradation degree 1, the battery pack is classified into degradation degree 1.

[0190] Furthermore, the information indicating the degree of degradation may be defined by any one of the internal resistance, the learning capacity, the number of full charges, and the presence or absence of abnormality.

[0191] Next, use Figure 7 to Figure 11 Flow chart of Figure 2 The processing flow of the lending system shown in the figure is explained.

[0192] Figure 7 is shown with Figure 2 , etc. First, the borrower fills in the borrower information (member information) on the registration sheet (S101). For example, the borrower fills in the address, name, email address, and telephone number on the registration sheet. Next, the borrower shows the identity certificate to the business operator, and the business operator confirms the identity certificate (S102). Then, the business operator issues a member card 210 storing the member ID (S103).

[0193] Thereby, the borrower is registered as a member. Specifically, the member information is associated with the member ID by the processing device 250 and registered in the server device 270. In addition, the issued member card 210 is handed over to the borrower.

[0194] Figure 8 is shown with Figure 2 , etc. When using the lending service, the borrower shows the member card 210 to the operator. Then, in the lending system, the member ID is associated with the battery pack ID of the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower.

[0195] Specifically, the card reader 220 reads the member ID from the member card 210 (S201). Next, the inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower (S202). In addition, in this example, although steps S201 and S202 are performed in sequence, this is not limited to this. Steps S202 and S201 may also be performed in sequence.

[0196] At this time, the processing device 250 can check the charging and discharging of the battery pack 230 via the inspection device 240. In addition, the processing device 250 can check the abnormality and quality of the battery pack 230 via the inspection device 240. In addition, the processing device 250 can output the inspection result to the display screen in order to notify the borrower of the inspection result.

[0197] After that, the processing device 250 associates the member ID with the battery pack ID. Then, the processing device 250 registers the data associated with the member ID and the battery pack ID to the server device 270 (S203). In this way, the borrower and the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower can be appropriately associated and managed. The processing device 250 can also register the inspection results of the battery pack 230 when lending to the server device 270.

[0198] In addition, the battery pack 230 is lent to the borrower in a fully charged state. The battery pack 230 may also be lent to the borrower in a state close to a fully charged state. For example, the battery pack 230 may also be lent to the borrower in a state higher than a predetermined state of charge.

[0199] Fig. 9 is shown with Figure 2 Flowchart of the return process associated with the lending system shown in FIG. When returning the lent battery pack 230, the borrower shows the member card 210 to the operator. Then, in the lending system, the member ID and the battery pack ID of the battery pack 230 returned by the person are compared with the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in the server device 270.

[0200] Specifically, the card reader 220 reads the member ID from the member card 210 (S301). Next, the inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower (S302). In addition, in this example, although steps S301 and S302 are performed in sequence, this is not limited to this. Steps S302 and S301 may also be performed in sequence.

[0201] Next, the processing device 250 compares the member ID obtained by the card reader 220 and the battery pack ID obtained by the inspection device 240 with the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in the server device 270 ( S303 ).

[0202] If these IDs match, the operator accepts the borrower's returned battery pack 230. Thus, when the battery pack 230 is returned, it can be properly confirmed whether the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower is the same as the battery pack 230 lent to the borrower.

[0203] Furthermore, at the time of return, the processing device 250 may also perform a charge and discharge inspection of the battery pack 230 via the inspection device 240. Furthermore, the processing device 250 may also perform an abnormality and quality inspection of the battery pack 230 via the inspection device 240. Furthermore, the processing device 250 may also output the inspection result to a display screen in order to notify the borrower of the inspection result.

[0204] In addition, the borrower may be penalized in at least one of the following cases: when the return deadline has expired, when the quality has been excessively deteriorated, and when there is an abnormality in the returned battery pack 230 .

[0205] Fig.10 is shown with Figure 2 When the borrower returns the storage battery pack 230, the business operator may newly lend another storage battery pack 290 to the borrower. Fig.10 The operation in this case is shown.

[0206] First, when the borrower returns the battery pack 230 , the lending system compares the member ID and the battery pack ID of the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower with the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in the server device 270 .

[0207] Specifically, the card reader 220 reads the member ID from the member card 210 (S401). The inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower (S402). The processing device 250 compares the member ID obtained by the card reader 220 and the battery pack ID obtained by the inspection device 240 with the member ID and battery pack ID registered in the server device 270 (S403). And, if these IDs are consistent (yes in S404), the return is accepted. In addition, in this example, although steps S401 and S402 are performed in sequence, this is not limited to this. Steps S402 and S401 can also be performed in sequence.

[0208] The above actions and Fig. 9 The operation of the return process shown is the same. In the exchange process, next, a battery pack 290 not inferior to the returned battery pack 230 is prepared as a new battery pack to be lent (S405).

[0209] That is, the newly loaned storage battery pack 290 is a storage battery pack that has not deteriorated more than the storage battery pack 230. In addition, the newly loaned storage battery pack 290 is a storage battery pack that has a storage capacity that can be loaned. The storage capacity that can be loaned can be, for example, a fully charged capacity or a storage capacity that is close to a fully charged state. The storage capacity that is close to a fully charged capacity can be, for example, a storage capacity that is 90% or more of a fully charged capacity.

[0210] Next, the inspection device 240 reads the battery pack ID from the newly loaned battery pack 290 (S406). At this time, the processing device 250 may also perform a charge and discharge inspection of the battery pack 290 via the inspection device 240. In addition, the processing device 250 may also perform an abnormality and quality inspection of the battery pack 290 via the inspection device 240. In addition, the processing device 250 may also output the inspection result to the display screen in order to notify the borrower of the inspection result.

[0211] After that, the processing device 250 associates the member ID with the battery pack ID. Then, the processing device 250 registers the data associated with the member ID and the battery pack ID to the server device 270 (S407). In this way, the borrower and the battery pack 290 newly lent to the borrower can be appropriately associated and managed. The processing device 250 can also register the inspection results of the battery pack 290 when lending to the server device 270.

[0212] Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 Flowchart of a variation of the exchange process shown. Fig.11 The swap process shown is similar to Fig.10 The swap process shown is the same, but in Fig.11 , some of the actions are shown in detail.

[0213] First, the operator receives the battery pack 230 and the membership card 210 from the borrower (S501). Next, the member ID and the battery pack ID are confirmed in the lending system (S502). If the member ID obtained from the membership card 210 and the battery pack ID obtained from the battery pack 230 do not match the member ID and the battery pack ID registered in the server device 270 (No in S502), the operator refuses the exchange (S503).

[0214] On the other hand, if these IDs match (Yes in S502), it is confirmed whether the battery pack 230 has been returned within the return period (S504). If the battery pack 230 has been returned after the return period (No in S504), the processing device 250 executes a penalty process for punishing the borrower (S505). For example, as a penalty process, the processing device 250 calculates a higher charge amount than usual.

[0215] Next, the processing device 250 checks whether the battery pack 230 is normal through the inspection device 240 (S506). That is, it checks whether the battery pack 230 has an abnormality. If the battery pack 230 is not normal, that is, if the battery pack 230 has an abnormality (No in S506), the processing device 250 performs a penalty process for punishing the borrower, such as calculating a higher charge amount than usual (S507). If the battery pack 230 has a serious abnormality, the battery pack 230 is discarded.

[0216] Next, the processing device 250 checks whether the battery pack 230 maintains the same quality through the inspection device 240 (S508). If the battery pack 230 does not maintain the same quality, that is, if the quality of the battery pack 230 is excessively deteriorated (No in S508), the processing device 250 performs a penalty process for punishing the borrower, such as calculating a higher charge amount than usual (S509).

[0217] For example, if the degree of degradation is two or more levels higher than the degree of degradation registered at the time of loan, processing device 250 determines that the quality is not maintained. In addition, if the quality of battery pack 230 is excessively deteriorated and it is determined that battery pack 230 cannot be further used, battery pack 230 is discarded.

[0218] Then, processing device 250 notifies charging cabinet 280 of quality information (information indicating the degree of degradation) etc. (S510). Charging cabinet 280 selects a battery pack 290 to be newly loaned to the borrower from among a plurality of battery packs based on the notified quality information (information indicating the degree of degradation) (S511).

[0219] Specifically, battery pack 290 selected by charging cabinet 280 is a battery pack with the same degree of deterioration as returned battery pack 230 and is a fully charged battery pack. If there is no battery pack with the same degree of deterioration as battery pack 230, a fully charged battery pack with a lower degree of deterioration than battery pack 230 (not deteriorated) may be selected as battery pack 290.

[0220] The charging cabinet 280 displays the selected battery pack 290 through an indicator or the like. Then, the battery pack 290 is taken out by the operator and connected to the inspection device 240. The inspection device 240 obtains the battery pack ID of the newly loaned battery pack 290. The inspection device 240 may also perform quality inspection on the battery pack 290 or the like.

[0221] The processing device 250 registers the member ID obtained by the card reader 220 and the battery pack ID obtained by the inspection device 240 in the server device 270 in association with each other (S512). Figure 5 Lending information shown.

[0222] Then, the business operator gives the battery pack 290 and the membership card 210 to the borrower (S513). If the returned battery pack 230 can be further used, it is stored in the charging cabinet 280. The charging cabinet 280 charges the stored battery pack 230 using an external power source.

[0223] Through the above-described process, the borrower can be appropriately associated with the battery pack 290 newly loaned to the borrower.

[0224] In addition, a new battery pack 290 having the same quality as the battery pack 230 returned by the borrower is newly loaned. Thus, the borrower can use the battery pack 290 as if it were the same as the battery pack 230. That is, the borrower can use the newly loaned battery pack 290 as if the battery pack 230 was still being used.

[0225] In addition, the borrower can use the charged storage battery pack 290 instead of the discharged storage battery pack 230. This can prevent the disadvantage of being unable to use the electric equipment while the storage battery pack 230 is being charged.

[0226] Furthermore, if the degraded storage battery pack 290 satisfies the quality condition, the degraded storage battery pack 290 can be loaned to the borrower without causing discomfort to the borrower. Therefore, the loan system can effectively utilize the degraded storage battery pack 290.

[0227] In addition, a battery pack having the same quality as the battery pack owned by the borrower may be lent out by exchanging it with the battery pack owned by the borrower. For example, a discharged battery pack owned by the borrower may be exchanged with a charged battery pack. In this case, the processing device 250 registers the member ID of the borrower and the battery pack ID of the battery pack owned by the borrower in the server device 270.

[0228] Then, in this case, the battery pack owned by the borrower is stored in the charging cabinet 280, and the charging cabinet 280 charges the battery pack owned by the borrower. After that, when charging is completed, the processing device 250 or the charging cabinet 280 notifies the borrower of the completion of charging through communication. Then, the borrower returns the battery pack lent to the borrower and takes back the battery pack owned by the borrower.

[0229] As a result, the borrower can operate the electric device using the loaned battery pack while the battery pack owned by the borrower is being charged. Therefore, the electric device can be used effectively.

[0230] In addition, the lending system and lending management method of this embodiment can be used not only at business operators providing lending services, but also at schools or offices, etc. For example, at schools or offices, borrowers can use the lending system to exchange discharged battery packs with charged battery packs.

[0231] As described above, the lending system and lending management method of the present embodiment can appropriately associate and manage borrowers and storage battery packs.

[0232] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, each component can be formed by dedicated hardware, or can be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program stored in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the lending system and the like of the above-mentioned embodiments is the following program.

[0233] That is, the program is a lending management method performed by a battery pack lending system that causes a computer to execute the following lending management method, the lending management method comprising: a step of obtaining the first identification information from a storage device storing the borrower's identification information, namely the first identification information; a step of obtaining the identification information of the first battery pack, namely the second identification information, from a storage unit provided in a battery pack for lending, namely the first battery pack; and a step of storing the obtained first identification information in association with the obtained second identification information in a storage unit of the lending system when lending the first battery pack to the borrower.

[0234] In addition, each component of the lending system may be a circuit. These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or they may be different circuits. In addition, these circuits may be general circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0235] In the above, although the lending system of one or more technical solutions is described based on the implementation mode, the present disclosure is not limited to the implementation mode. As long as it does not deviate from the main purpose of the present disclosure, the various modifications that can be thought of by those skilled in the art are implemented in the present embodiment, and the methods constructed by combining the constituent elements in different implementation modes can also be included in the scope of one or more technical solutions.

[0236] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by the specific component may be performed by another component instead of the specific component. In addition, the order of the multiple processing may be changed, or the multiple processing may be performed in parallel.

[0237] Industrial Applicability

[0238] The present disclosure can be used in a battery pack lending system and can be applied to charging stations, factories, stores, or school equipment, etc.

Claims

1. A lending system is a battery pack lending system, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information from a storage device storing first identification information that is identification information of the borrower; a second acquisition unit that acquires second identification information that is identification information of the first battery pack from a storage unit provided in a first battery pack that is a loaned battery pack; a control unit that associates the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit when lending the first storage battery pack to the borrower; and a storage unit that stores the first identification information and the second identification information in association with each other, The second acquisition unit further acquires third identification information which is identification information of the second battery pack from a storage unit provided in the second battery pack which is the battery pack returned from the borrower. The control unit further associates the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the third identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit when lending the first battery pack to the borrower by exchanging the first battery pack with the second battery pack. The storage unit included in the lending system further stores the first identification information and the third identification information in association with each other. The control unit charges the second battery pack returned from the borrower, and when charging is completed, notifies the borrower of the completion of charging through communication.

2. The lending system according to claim 1, The second acquisition unit further acquires information indicating a first degree of degradation of the first battery pack. The storage unit included in the lending system further stores information indicating the first degree of degradation acquired by the second acquisition unit.

3. The lending system according to claim 2, An output unit is further provided for acquiring information indicating the first degree of degradation from the storage unit provided in the lending system when lending the first storage battery pack to the borrower, and outputting the information indicating the first degree of degradation.

4. The lending system according to claim 3, The output unit outputs information indicating the first degree of degradation on a display screen.

5. The lending system according to claim 1, The device further includes a notification unit that notifies the borrower of the completion of charging when charging of the second storage battery pack is completed.

6. The lending system according to claim 1 or 2, When the borrower returns the first battery pack, the control unit compares the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the first identification information and the second identification information that were associated by the control unit when the first battery pack was loaned to the borrower and stored in the storage unit of the lending system.

7. The lending system according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit executes a process for punishing the borrower when the borrower returns the first battery pack after a return deadline.

8. The lending system according to claim 1 or 2, The second acquisition unit further acquires information indicating a state of the first battery pack when the borrower returns the first battery pack. The control unit executes a process for punishing the borrower when determining that the first battery pack is abnormal based on the information indicating the state of the first battery pack.

9. The lending system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a housing for housing a plurality of battery packs including the first battery pack; a connecting portion, which is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of battery packs respectively; and a charging unit that uses electric power from an external power source to charge the plurality of storage battery packs connected to the connection unit, The second acquisition unit is disposed in the case at a position capable of acquiring identification information of each of the plurality of battery packs from a plurality of storage units provided in the plurality of battery packs connected to the connection unit.

10. A lending management method is a lending management method performed by a battery pack lending system, comprising: A step of obtaining the first identification information from a storage device storing the borrower's identification information, namely, the first identification information; A step of acquiring second identification information which is identification information of the first battery pack from a storage unit provided in a first battery pack which is a battery pack for loan; When lending the first storage battery pack to the borrower, the step of storing the acquired first identification information and the acquired second identification information in a storage unit provided in the lending system in association with each other; a step of acquiring third identification information which is identification information of the second battery pack from a storage unit provided in the second battery pack which is returned from the borrower; When the first battery pack is loaned to the borrower by exchanging the first battery pack with the second battery pack, a step of associating the acquired first identification information with the acquired third identification information; A step of further storing the first identification information and the third identification information in association with each other in the storage unit included in the lending system; as well as The step of charging the second storage battery pack returned from the borrower and, when charging is completed, notifying the borrower of the completion of charging through communication.

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