Battery replacement system, battery replacement device, and battery selection method

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery replacement system, a battery replacement device and a battery selection method. A battery replacement system is provided with: an electric vehicle on which a first battery is mounted; and a battery replacement device having at least one replacement battery and replacing the first battery with the second battery. The electric vehicle transmits, to the outside, battery mounting information relating to a battery mounting position and a battery arrangement direction in the electric vehicle, and electrical request information relating to electrical characteristics requested for the second battery. The battery replacement device includes a processor that selects a candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery using the battery mounting information, the electrical request information, and the battery information relating to the at least one replacement battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery replacement system, a battery replacement device and a battery selection method. Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-003803 discloses a battery replacement system that can more efficiently and conveniently replace batteries by requesting battery information from a battery replacement station on a travel route based on the remaining battery level of a battery mounted on an electric vehicle and making a reservation for battery replacement in advance.

[0003] In the battery replacement system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-003803, the battery is selected in consideration of the type of battery that can be mounted on the electric vehicle. On the other hand, the spare batteries stored in the battery replacement station (battery replacement device) are limited, and the specifications and characteristics of the limited spare batteries are also various.

[0004] Here, the user's expectations for the battery are multifaceted, depending on the drivable distance of the electric vehicle, the output and capacity of the battery, etc. Therefore, if a replacement battery is selected based only on whether the battery can be mounted, there is a possibility that a battery that cannot achieve the performance required by the user for the electric vehicle will be selected. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a battery replacement system, a battery replacement device, and a battery selection method capable of suppressing a battery that is not suitable for a vehicle from being used for battery replacement.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery replacement system includes: an electric vehicle equipped with a first battery; and a battery replacement device configured to have at least one replacement battery and replace the first battery with a second battery. The electric vehicle is configured to send battery loading information related to at least one of the battery loading position and the battery configuration direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information related to electrical characteristics required for the second battery to the outside. The battery replacement device includes a processor configured to select at least one candidate second battery from at least one replacement battery using the battery loading information and electrical requirement information received from the outside and the battery information related to at least one replacement battery.

[0007] According to the above structure, the battery replacement device uses the battery loading information, the electrical requirement information, and the battery information to select the second battery from the at least one replacement battery. Thus, the second battery suitable for the vehicle can be selected based on the battery loading information and the electrical requirement information. As a result, it is possible to prevent a battery that is not suitable for the vehicle from being used for battery replacement.

[0008] The electrical requirement information may also include at least one of information on voltage, output power, input power, and remaining capacity required for the second battery. The processor may also be configured to increase the priority of battery loading information and voltage information over the output power information, input power information, and remaining capacity information. The processor may also be configured to increase the priority in the order of battery loading information and voltage information, and select at least one candidate second battery from at least one replacement battery.

[0009] The processor may be configured to make the priorities of the output power information and the input power information consistent with each other.

[0010] The battery installation information relates to whether the second battery can be installed on the vehicle. The information on the voltage required for the second battery relates to whether the vehicle can be driven. The information on the output power required for the second battery relates to the driving force of the vehicle. The information on the input power required for the second battery relates to the charging time of the battery installed on the vehicle. The information on the remaining capacity required for the second battery relates to the cruising range of the vehicle. Therefore, if it is configured in this way, the priority can be increased in descending order of the degree of requirement for the second battery.

[0011] The battery replacement device may be configured to transmit information on the selected second battery candidate and information on the replacement price of the second battery candidate to the outside.

[0012] According to this structure, the electric vehicle can easily obtain information about the second battery and information about the cost for replacing the second battery from the outside.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery replacement device is configured to have at least one replacement battery, and replaces a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a second battery. The battery replacement device includes: a communication unit configured to receive from the outside battery mounting information related to at least one of a battery mounting position and a battery configuration direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information related to electrical characteristics required for the second battery; and a processor configured to use the received battery mounting information and electrical requirement information and battery information related to at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device to select at least one candidate second battery from the at least one replacement battery.

[0014] According to the above structure, the processor selects the second battery from the at least one replacement battery using the battery loading information, the electrical requirement information, and the battery information. Thus, the second battery suitable for the vehicle can be selected based on the battery loading information and the electrical requirement information. As a result, it is possible to prevent a battery that is not suitable for the vehicle from being used for battery replacement.

[0015] The electrical requirement information may include at least one of information on voltage, output power, input power, and remaining capacity required for the second battery. The processor may be configured to increase the priority of battery loading information and voltage information over information on output power, information on input power, and information on remaining capacity. The processor may be configured to increase the priority in the order of battery loading information and voltage information, and select at least one candidate second battery from at least one replacement battery.

[0016] The processor may be configured to make the priorities of the output power information and the input power information consistent with each other.

[0017] According to this structure, it is possible to provide a battery replacement device that can select the second battery in descending order of priority of the degree of demand for the second battery.

[0018] The communication unit may be configured to transmit information on the selected second battery candidate and information on a replacement price of the second battery candidate to the outside.

[0019] According to this structure, the electric vehicle can easily acquire information obtained by adding the replacement price information to the second battery information from the outside.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a battery selection method, in which, in a battery replacement device that replaces a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a second battery, at least one candidate second battery is selected from at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device. The method includes: the battery replacement device externally receives battery mounting information related to at least one of a battery mounting position and a battery configuration direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information related to electrical characteristics required of the second battery; and the battery replacement device uses the received battery mounting information and electrical requirement information and battery information related to at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device to select at least one candidate second battery from at least one replacement battery.

[0021] According to the above structure, the second battery is selected from the at least one replacement battery using the battery loading information, the electrical requirement information, and the battery information. Thus, a battery selection method that can prevent batteries that are not suitable for the vehicle from being used for battery replacement can be provided. As a result, it is possible to prevent batteries that are not suitable for the vehicle from being used for battery replacement.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a battery that is not suitable for a vehicle from being used for battery replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a battery replacement system according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram showing control of a battery replacement system according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram showing control of a battery replacement system according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A flowchart of the detailed processing of step S70 is shown in FIG.

[0028] Figure 5 A modification example of one embodiment is shown. Figure 4 Flowchart of the detailed processing of step S73. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and their description will not be repeated.

[0030] <Structure of battery replacement system>

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a battery replacement system including a battery replacement device according to the present embodiment. In addition, the Z direction shown in the figure indicates the moving direction of a battery mounting table 31 described later.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The battery replacement system 1 includes a battery replacement device 100 and an electric vehicle 200. The electric vehicle 200 includes a battery 201, a communication device 202, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 203. The electric vehicle 200 is, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), or a FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). In addition, the battery 201 is an example of the "first battery" disclosed in the present invention.

[0033] The battery 201 stores electric power used for driving the electric vehicle 200 . The communication device 202 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication device outside the vehicle. The communication device 202 includes, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The ECU 203 controls various systems in the electric vehicle 200 .

[0034] The battery replacement device 100 includes a battery replacement device body 100a for performing battery replacement and a storage 100b for storing at least one battery 101. The battery replacement device body 100a is a device for performing battery replacement by replacing a battery 201 mounted on an electric vehicle 200 with a battery 101. The storage 100b is attached to the battery replacement device body 100a. In the battery replacement device 100 (battery replacement device body 100a), an entrance and exit 102 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit is provided. In addition, the battery 101 is an example of "at least one replacement battery" and "a second battery" in the present disclosure.

[0035] The batteries 101 stored in the storage 100b are moved to a temporary storage area 40 provided in the underfloor area U, and then transported to the electric vehicle 200. In the underfloor area U, a drive device 30 is provided.

[0036] The battery replacement device 100 (battery replacement device main body 100a) includes a control device 10 and a drive device 30. The drive device 30 includes a battery mounting table 31, a lifting unit 32, and a conveying unit 33.

[0037] The control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. In addition to storing the program executed by the processor 11, the memory 12 also stores information used in the program (such as mapping, formulas, and various parameters). In the memory 12, information related to the battery shape, battery configuration direction, voltage, output power, and capacity (remaining capacity) of each battery 101, namely, battery information, is also recorded. In addition, the information related to the battery configuration direction of each battery 101 includes the position information of the connector connected to the electric vehicle 200 in the battery. The processor 11 controls the drive device 30.

[0038] The communication unit 13 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the communication device 202 of the electric vehicle 200, etc. The communication unit 13 and the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 202) can communicate in both directions. In addition, the communication unit 13 can also communicate with a portable terminal 300 owned by a user of the electric vehicle 200. In addition, this embodiment shows an example of exchanging various information between the communication device 202 of the electric vehicle 200 and the communication unit 13 of the battery replacement device 100. In addition, the communication unit 13 is an example of a "communication unit" disclosed in the present invention.

[0039] The battery replacement device 100 is provided with a vehicle stop area 103. When the electric vehicle 200 is parked in the vehicle stop area 103, and the user performs an operation to instruct the start of the battery replacement operation in the navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction signal to start the battery replacement operation from the electric vehicle 200. The processor 11 starts controlling the battery replacement operation by the drive device 30 according to the instruction signal received by the communication unit 13.

[0040] The lifting unit 32 lifts and lowers the electric vehicle 200 by lifting and lowering the electric vehicle 200 while holding the electric vehicle 200 from below. The lifting unit 32 includes a pair of lifting rods 32a. The electric vehicle 200 is supported from below by the pair of lifting rods 32a. Battery replacement (battery loading and unloading) is performed while the electric vehicle 200 is held horizontally by the pair of lifting rods 32a.

[0041] The battery mounting table 31 is configured to be movable in the Z direction. When the battery mounting table 31 is raised to a height position at the bottom of the electric vehicle 200, the battery 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200 is mounted on the battery mounting table 31. In addition, when the battery mounting table 31 with the battery 101 mounted thereon is raised to a height position at the bottom of the electric vehicle 200, the battery 101 is mounted on the electric vehicle 200.

[0042] The conveyor 33 is configured to convey the batteries 101 and 201. Specifically, the conveyor 33 conveys the battery 201 unloaded from the electric vehicle 200 and placed on the battery mounting table 31 to the temporary storage 40. The conveyor 33 also conveys the battery 101 conveyed from the storage 100b to the temporary storage 40 to the battery mounting table 31.

[0043] In the previous system, information such as the type of battery mounted on the electric vehicle is sent from the electric vehicle to the battery replacement device. Therefore, it is believed that the battery replacement device selects the battery to be replaced based on the type of battery, etc. However, there is still room for improvement in preventing batteries that are not suitable for electric vehicles from being selected for battery replacement.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 11 of the battery replacement device 100 selects a battery 101 suitable for the electric vehicle 200 using battery installation information, electrical requirement information, and battery information about the battery 101 included in the battery replacement device 100 , which will be described in detail below.

[0045] <Battery replacement method (battery selection method)>

[0046] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The sequence diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates a battery replacement method using the battery replacement system 1 (a battery selection method using the battery replacement device 100). Figure 2 , 3 In the sequence shown, control of the electric vehicle 200 is performed by the ECU 203 , and control of the battery replacement device 100 is performed by the processor 11 .

[0047] In step S10 , the electric vehicle 200 transmits a trigger signal for starting battery replacement to the battery replacement device 100 via the communication device 202 .

[0048] In step S20, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the trigger signal of step S10 is received. If the trigger signal is received ("Yes" in step S20), the process proceeds to step S30. If the trigger signal is not received ("No" in step S20), the process of step S20 is repeated.

[0049] In step S30 , the battery replacement device 100 transmits a response (a signal indicating reception of the trigger signal) to the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 .

[0050] In step S40, electric vehicle 200 determines whether the answer of step S30 is received. If the answer of step S30 is received ("Yes" in step S40), the process proceeds to step S50. If the answer of step S30 is not received ("No" in step S40), the process of step S40 is repeated.

[0051] In step S50, the electric vehicle 200 transmits a vehicle request for the battery replaced by the battery replacement device 100 to the battery replacement device 100 via the communication device 202. Specifically, the vehicle request includes battery mounting information and electrical requirement information.

[0052] The battery mounting information includes information about the battery mounting position and battery configuration direction in the electric vehicle 200. The information about the battery mounting position includes information about the area where the battery is configured in the electric vehicle 200 (including information about the size and shape) and information about the relative position of the area with respect to the vehicle body. The information about the battery configuration direction includes position information of the connector connected to the battery in the electric vehicle 200.

[0053] The electrical requirement information includes information on voltages (upper limit value, lower limit value, and rated value) required by the electric vehicle 200. The above-mentioned various voltage values ​​are values ​​required according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 200.

[0054] The electrical requirement information also includes information on the output power required of the battery 101 (rated output). The output power information may also include the maximum output. The output power may be a value predetermined according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 200, or a value that varies according to the driving history, driving plan (destination and driving plan route), etc.

[0055] The electrical requirement information also includes information (such as the lower limit of the remaining capacity) required for the battery 101 (SOC (State Of Charge)). The remaining capacity can be a predetermined value or a value that varies according to the driving history of the electric vehicle 200, the driving plan (destination and driving plan route), etc.

[0056] In step S60, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the vehicle request of step S50 is received. If the vehicle request is received ("Yes" in step S60), the process proceeds to step S70. If the vehicle request is not received ("No" in step S60), the process of step S60 is repeated.

[0057] In step S70, the battery replacement device 100 selects a candidate battery 101 that matches the electric vehicle 200. Specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the battery mounting position, the battery configuration direction, and the voltage contained in the vehicle requirements received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information corresponding to the above vehicle requirements contained in the battery information of each battery 101, and selects at least one candidate battery that matches the electric vehicle 200 from the batteries 101 possessed by the battery replacement device 100. For details of the processing of step S70, refer to Figure 4 To be described later.

[0058] In step S80, the battery replacement device 100 transmits the selection result in step S70 to the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13. The selection result information transmitted from the battery replacement device 100 includes a candidate list of batteries 101 suitable for the electric vehicle 200 and battery information of each candidate battery 101.

[0059] In step S90, electric vehicle 200 determines whether the selection result of step S80 has been received. If the selection result has been received ("Yes" in step S90), the process proceeds to step S100. If the selection result has not been received ("No" in step S90), the process of step S90 is repeated.

[0060] In step S100, the electric vehicle 200 determines the battery to be mounted on the electric vehicle 200 from the selection result received in step S90. Specifically, the electric vehicle 200 displays the received selection result (candidates of at least one battery that matches the electric vehicle 200) on an HMI (Human Machine Interface) (not shown) mounted on the electric vehicle 200, and the user selects from the displayed at least one battery candidate, thereby determining the battery to be mounted on the electric vehicle 200. In addition, when the information of the battery 101 included in the selection result received in step S90 only relates to one battery 101, the electric vehicle 200 may determine the one battery 101 as the battery to be mounted on the vehicle.

[0061] In step S110 , the electric vehicle 200 transmits information on the battery to be mounted on the electric vehicle 200 , which is determined in step S100 , to the battery replacement device 100 via the communication device 202 .

[0062] In step S120, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the selection result of step S110 has been received. If the selection result has been received ("Yes" in step S120), the process proceeds to step S130. If the selection result has not been received ("No" in step S120), the process of step S120 is repeated.

[0063] In step S130 , the battery replacement device 100 transmits a response (a signal indicating that the selection result has been received) to the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 in response to the selection result in step S110 .

[0064] Reference Figure 3 In step S140, the electric vehicle 200 determines whether it has received the step S130 ( Figure 2) is received. If a response is received ("Yes" in step S140), the process proceeds to step S150. If no response is received ("No" in step S140), the process of step S140 is repeated.

[0065] In step S150, the electric vehicle 200 transmits vehicle information (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle information") of the electric vehicle 200 to the battery replacement device 100 via the communication device 202. The vehicle information includes information specific to the electric vehicle 200 (VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or personal information such as license plate number).

[0066] In step S160, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the vehicle information of step S150 is received. If the vehicle information is received ("Yes" in step S160), the process proceeds to step S170. If the vehicle information is not received ("No" in step S160), the process of step S160 is repeated.

[0067] In step S170 , the battery replacement device 100 transmits a response (a signal indicating that the vehicle information has been received) to the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 in response to the vehicle information in step S150 .

[0068] In step S180, electric vehicle 200 determines whether the answer of step S170 is received. If the answer is received ("Yes" in step S180), the process proceeds to step S190. If the answer is not received ("No" in step S180), the process of step S180 is repeated.

[0069] In step S190 , the electric vehicle 200 transmits a battery replacement work start instruction to the battery replacement apparatus 100 via the communication device 202 .

[0070] In step S200, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the operation instruction of step S200 is received. If the operation instruction is received ("Yes" in step S200), the process proceeds to step S210. If the operation instruction is not received ("No" in step S200), the process of step S200 is repeated.

[0071] In step S210 , the battery replacement device 100 performs an operation of replacing the battery 201 of the electric vehicle 200 with the battery 101 selected as the battery to be mounted on the vehicle in step S100 .

[0072] In step S220, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether the battery replacement work is completed. If the work is completed ("Yes" in step S220), the process proceeds to step S230. If the work is not completed ("No" in step S220), the process of step S220 is repeated.

[0073] In step S230 , the battery replacement device 100 notifies the electric vehicle 200 of the completion of the battery replacement work via the communication unit 13 .

[0074] In step S240, electric vehicle 200 determines whether the notification of step S230 is received. If the notification is received ("Yes" in step S240), the process ends. If the notification is not received ("No" in step S240), the process of step S240 is repeated.

[0075] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a detailed processing flow of step S70 in . Step S70 includes the processing of steps S71A to S73. The battery replacement device 100 selects a battery 101 that is compatible with the electric vehicle 200 from the batteries 101 possessed by the battery replacement device 100. In addition, the processing of steps S71A to S73 is performed on all the batteries 101 possessed by the battery replacement device 100. The following is a specific description.

[0076] In step S71A, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether each battery 101 corresponds to the battery mounting information (battery mounting position and battery arrangement direction) received from the electric vehicle 200 (whether it corresponds to the electric vehicle 200 ).

[0077] In more detail, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information on the battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction included in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 that is consistent with the battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction received from the electric vehicle 200 is a battery that complies with the battery mounting information (battery mounting position and battery configuration direction) received from the electric vehicle 200.

[0078] For a battery 101 that matches the battery mounting information (YES in step S71A), the process proceeds to step S71B. For a battery 101 that does not match the battery mounting information (NO in step S71A), the process proceeds to step S72.

[0079] In step S71B, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether each battery 101 complies with the electrical requirement information (upper and lower limit values ​​of voltage) received from the electric vehicle 200 (whether it complies with the electric vehicle 200 ).

[0080] More specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the upper and lower limits of the voltage required by the electric vehicle 200, which is included in the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200, with the information on the voltage of the battery 101, which is included in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 that belongs to the voltage range specified by the electrical requirement information (upper and lower limits of the voltage) received from the electric vehicle 200 is a battery that meets the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200.

[0081] For the battery 101 that meets the electrical requirement information (YES in step S71B), the process proceeds to step S73. For the battery 101 that does not meet the electrical requirement information (NO in step S71B), the process proceeds to step S72.

[0082] In step S72 , the battery replacement device 100 recognizes the battery 101 that does not satisfy the condition of step S71A or step S71B as a battery that does not meet the vehicle requirements (battery mounting information and electrical requirement information) from the electric vehicle 200 .

[0083] In step S73 , the battery replacement device 100 recognizes the battery 101 that satisfies both the conditions of step S71A and step S71B as a battery that meets the vehicle requirement from the electric vehicle 200 .

[0084] In addition, the battery replacement device 100 may also, when it is determined in step S70 that all batteries 101 do not meet the vehicle requirements, Figure 2 In step S80 shown in FIG. 1 , the electric vehicle 200 is notified of the selection result that there is no battery 101 that matches the electric vehicle 200 .

[0085] As described above, in the present embodiment, the battery replacement device 100 uses the battery mounting information related to the battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction in the electric vehicle 200, the electrical requirement information related to the electrical characteristics required for the battery 101, and the battery information related to all the batteries 101 of the battery replacement device 100 to select the battery 101 that meets the vehicle requirements. As a result, it is possible to suppress the selection of the battery 101 whose battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction do not meet the requirements of the electric vehicle 200, and to suppress the selection of the battery 101 whose electrical characteristics do not meet the requirements of the electric vehicle 200. As a result, compared with the case where the battery 101 is selected only according to the type of battery, it is possible to select a battery 101 that is more suitable for the electric vehicle 200 (and the user's purpose).

[0086] In the above embodiment, Figure 2 In step S80 shown, an example is shown in which the information sent by the battery replacement device 100 includes a list of candidates for the battery 101 that matches the electric vehicle 200 and battery information of the candidate battery 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The information sent by the battery replacement device 100 in step S80 may also include information related to the cost required to replace the battery 101 that matches the electric vehicle 200. If configured in this way, the electric vehicle 200 can easily obtain information related to the cost for replacing the battery 201 from the outside, and can prevent the battery 101 that is not suitable for the vehicle from being used for battery replacement.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the battery replacement device 100 selects at least one candidate battery that meets the electric vehicle 200 from the batteries 101 included in the battery replacement device 100 by determining whether the battery 101 included in the battery replacement device 100 meets the vehicle requirements of the electric vehicle 200 (battery mounting position, battery configuration direction, and upper and lower limits of voltage), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery replacement device 100 (processor 11) may also use the voltage information, output power information, and capacity (remaining capacity) information included in the electrical requirement information in the vehicle requirements from the electric vehicle 200 to identify the battery 101 that meets the electric vehicle 200 from the batteries 101 included in the battery replacement device 100. Furthermore, priority may also be set for each type of information included in the electrical requirement information. Figure 5 Detailed description is given in the following table.

[0088] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 4FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the processing executed in step S73. Step S73 includes the processing of steps S73A to S77. The battery replacement device 100 sets priorities for each information included in the electrical requirement information, and identifies the battery 101 that is compatible with the electric vehicle 200 from among the batteries 101 included in the battery replacement device 100. This will be described in detail below.

[0089] In step S73A, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether each battery 101 meets the electrical requirement information (rated voltage) received from the electric vehicle 200 .

[0090] More specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the voltage (rated voltage) of the electric vehicle 200 included in the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information on the voltage of each battery 101 included in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, when the voltage of the battery 101 matches the voltage (rated voltage) required by the electric vehicle 200, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 is a battery that meets the electrical requirement information (rated voltage).

[0091] For the battery 101 that meets the electrical requirement information (YES in step S73A), the process proceeds to step S73B. For the battery 101 that does not meet the electrical requirement information (NO in step S73A), the process proceeds to step S74.

[0092] In step S73B, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether each battery 101 meets the electrical requirement information (output power) received from the electric vehicle 200 .

[0093] More specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the output power (rated output) required of the battery 101 included in the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information on the output power of the battery 101 included in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 having an output power greater than the output voltage (rated output) required of the battery 101 is a battery that meets the electrical requirement information (rated output).

[0094] For the battery 101 that meets the electrical requirement information (YES in step S73B), the process proceeds to step S73C. For the battery 101 that does not meet the electrical requirement information (NO in step S73B), the process proceeds to step S75.

[0095] In step S73C, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether each battery 101 satisfies the requirements of the electrical requirement information (remaining capacity).

[0096] More specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information on the lower limit value of the remaining capacity required for the battery 101 included in the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information on the remaining capacity of the battery 101 included in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 having a remaining capacity exceeding the lower limit of the remaining capacity required for the battery 101 is a battery that meets the electrical requirement information (remaining capacity).

[0097] For the battery 101 that meets the electrical requirement information (YES in step S73C), the process proceeds to step S77. For the battery 101 that does not meet the electrical requirement information (NO in step S73C), the process proceeds to step S76.

[0098] In step S77 , the battery replacement device 100 identifies the battery 101 that satisfies the conditions of steps S73A, S73B, and S73C as a battery suitable for the electric vehicle 200 with the first priority.

[0099] In step S76 , the battery replacement apparatus 100 identifies the battery 101 that satisfies the conditions of step S73A and step S73B and does not satisfy the condition of step S73C as a battery suitable for the electric vehicle 200 with the second priority.

[0100] In step S75 , the battery replacement device 100 identifies the battery 101 that satisfies the condition of step S73A and does not satisfy the condition of step S73B as a battery suitable for the electric vehicle 200 with the third priority.

[0101] In step S74 , the battery replacement device 100 identifies the battery 101 that does not satisfy the condition of step S73A as a battery suitable for the electric vehicle 200 with the fourth priority.

[0102] In addition, Figure 2 In step S80 shown, the battery replacement device 100 may also send only the information of the battery 101 with the first priority to the electric vehicle 200. In addition, the battery replacement device 100 may also send only the information of one of the batteries 101 with the first priority (for example, the battery 101 with the largest remaining capacity, or the battery 101 with the highest SOH (State of Health)) to the electric vehicle 200. In addition, in the absence of a battery 101 with the first priority, the information of the battery 101 with the next highest priority (for example, the battery 101 with the second priority) is sent to the electric vehicle 200. In addition, the battery replacement device 100 may also send the information of all batteries 101 determined to be suitable for the electric vehicle 200 to the electric vehicle 200 together with the priority information.

[0103] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the priority of the output power of the battery 101 is higher than the priority of the remaining capacity of the battery 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The priority of the remaining capacity of the battery 101 may be higher than the priority of the output power of the battery 101. In addition, which one has a higher priority can be pre-set in the electric vehicle 200 or can be arbitrarily set by the user. In addition, which one has a higher priority can also be automatically determined by the ECU 203 based on the driving information (driving history and driving plan) of the electric vehicle 200.

[0104] In the above embodiment, when determining whether the battery 101 meets the vehicle requirements, an example is shown in which the battery installation information and the voltage range are used to determine whether the battery meets the vehicle requirements, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The order of the above determination items may also be an order other than the above example. For example, after determining the voltage range, the battery installation information may be determined.

[0105] In the above, an example is shown in which the battery replacement device 100 sets a priority for the information required by the vehicle to select the battery 101 that meets the electric vehicle 200, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, only the battery 101 that meets all the vehicle requirements may be determined as the battery 101 that meets the electric vehicle 200. Specifically, meeting all the vehicle requirements means that Figure 4 Step S71A and step S71B shown in FIG. Figure 5 All conditions of steps S73A, S73B, and step S73C are shown.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the electric vehicle 200 and the battery replacement device 100 communicate directly, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electric vehicle 200 and the battery replacement device 100 may communicate indirectly via an external server.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example in which the batteries 101 are stored in the battery replacement device 100 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The batteries 101 used for battery replacement may be stored outside the battery replacement device 100 .

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example of selecting the battery 101 according to the battery mounting position and the battery configuration direction is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The battery 101 may also be selected according to either the battery mounting position or the battery configuration direction. In other words, when selecting the battery 101, either the battery mounting position or the battery configuration direction may not be considered.

[0109] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the electrical requirement information includes information on the output power required for the battery 101, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electrical requirement information may also include information on the input power (rated input) required for the battery 101. The input power information may also include information related to the maximum input. The input power may be a value predetermined according to the specifications of the electric vehicle 200, or a value that varies according to the driving history, driving plan (destination and driving plan route), etc.

[0110] The battery replacement device 100 can also be used in Figure 5 In the flowchart shown, it is determined whether each battery 101 meets the requirements of the input power (rated input) information. More specifically, the battery replacement device 100 compares the information related to the input power (rated input) required for the battery 101 contained in the electrical requirement information received from the electric vehicle 200 with the information related to the input power of the battery 101 contained in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, the battery replacement device 100 determines that the battery 101 with an input voltage greater than the input power (rated input) required for the battery 101 is a battery that meets the electrical requirement information (rated input).

[0111] In addition, regarding Figure 5 The information of the input power in the battery identification process shown can be set to a higher priority than both the information of the output voltage and the information of the remaining capacity, or one of the information of the output voltage and the information of the remaining capacity, or can be set to a lower priority than both the information of the output voltage and the information of the remaining capacity. In addition, which one has a higher priority can be pre-set in the electric vehicle 200 or can be arbitrarily set by the user. In addition, which one has a higher priority can also be automatically determined by the ECU 203 based on the driving information (driving history and driving plan) of the electric vehicle 200.

[0112] In the above embodiment, regarding Figure 4 The battery 101 is identified as a suitable battery in step S73 shown in the figure, and then Figure 5 The flowchart shown in the figure adds a priority order, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery replacement device 100 can also be used for Figure 4 In step S73 shown in the figure, when each battery 101 identified as a compliant battery is determined to be compliant with the electrical requirement information, a score is assigned to the battery 101 according to whether it is compliant or not, and the priority of the battery 101 is determined according to the total score. Whether the electrical requirement information is compliant is determined with respect to each piece of information included in the electrical requirement information, namely, information on voltage, output power, input power, and remaining capacity.

[0113] Scoring is described in detail. The battery replacement device 100 compares the information related to the voltage (rated voltage) of the electric vehicle 200 contained in the electrical requirement information with the information related to the voltage of each battery 101 contained in the battery information of each battery 101. Then, when the voltage of the battery 101 is consistent with the rated voltage required by the electric vehicle 200, the battery replacement device 100 regards it as a battery 101 that meets the electrical requirement information and assigns a score to the battery 101. Similarly, the electrical requirement information related to the information on output power, input power, and remaining capacity is also judged to be in compliance and existence, and a score is added in the case of compliance. After completing the judgment on all the information, the battery replacement device 100 compares the total score of each battery 101 and sets the priority of the battery 101 corresponding to the score.

[0114] Furthermore, by setting a difference in the set value of the score, it is possible to set a priority between the information. For example, when the priority of the voltage information is set to be higher than that of the output power, the score assigned when it is judged that the electrical requirement information related to the voltage information is met is greater than the score assigned when it is judged that the electrical requirement information related to the output power information is met.

[0115] In addition, by setting the score setting value to the same, the priorities between the information can be set equivalently. For example, when the priorities of the output power information and the input power information are equivalent, the score assigned when it is judged that the electrical requirement information related to the output power information is met is equal to the score assigned when it is judged that the electrical requirement information related to the input power information is met.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed this time are merely illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. The technical scope represented by the present disclosure is represented by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A battery replacement system, characterized in that: include: An electric vehicle equipped with a first battery; and The battery replacement device is configured to have at least one replacement battery, and replace the first battery with a second battery. in, The electric vehicle is configured to transmit battery mounting information related to at least one of a battery mounting position and a battery arrangement direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information related to electrical characteristics required for the second battery to the outside. The battery replacement device includes a processor configured to select at least one candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery using the battery loading information and the electrical requirement information received from the outside and battery information related to the at least one replacement battery.

2. The battery replacement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical requirement information includes at least one of information on voltage, output power, input power, and remaining capacity required for the second battery. The processor is configured to increase the priority of the battery loading information and the voltage information over the output power information, the input power information, and the remaining capacity information. The processor is configured to select at least one candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery in order of increasing priority of the battery loading information and the voltage information.

3. The battery replacement system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The processor is configured to match priorities of the output power information and the input power information.

4. The battery replacement system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The battery replacement device is configured to transmit information on the selected candidate for the second battery and information on the replacement price of the candidate for the second battery to the outside.

5. A battery replacement device, comprising at least one replacement battery, for replacing a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a second battery, characterized in that: The battery replacement device comprises: a communication unit configured to receive from the outside battery mounting information regarding at least one of a battery mounting position and a battery arrangement direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information regarding electrical characteristics required for the second battery; and The processor is configured to select at least one candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery using the received battery loading information and the electrical requirement information and battery information related to at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device.

6. The battery replacement device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrical requirement information includes at least one of information on voltage, output power, input power, and remaining capacity required for the second battery. The processor is configured to increase the priority of the battery loading information and the voltage information over the output power information, the input power information, and the remaining capacity information. The processor is configured to select at least one candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery in order of increasing priority of the battery loading information and the voltage information.

7. The battery replacement device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The processor is configured to match priorities of the output power information and the input power information.

8. The battery replacement device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The communication unit is configured to transmit information on the selected candidate for the second battery and information on a replacement price for the candidate for the second battery to the outside.

9. A battery selection method, in a battery replacement device for replacing a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a second battery, selecting at least one candidate for the second battery from at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device, characterized in that: The battery selection method comprises: The battery replacement device receives from the outside battery mounting information related to at least one of a battery mounting position and a battery arrangement direction in the electric vehicle and electrical requirement information related to electrical characteristics required for the second battery; and The battery replacement device selects at least one candidate for the second battery from the at least one replacement battery using the received battery loading information and the electrical requirement information and battery information related to at least one replacement battery possessed by the battery replacement device.

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