Vehicle, display system, and method for replacing power storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle, a display system, and a replacement method of an electricity storage device. A vehicle includes a vehicle body to which a first power storage device is attachable and detachable. The vehicle body includes a first control device. The first control device is configured to control the first power storage device when the first power storage device is attached to the vehicle body. A user is notified of at least one of the state of a first power storage device attached to a vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device attached to the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is attached to the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, a display system, and a method for replacing a power storage device. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101504, a vehicle having a vehicle body with a detachable power storage device is disclosed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] For example, the power storage device mounted on the vehicle described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101504 is replaceable. However, the newly installed power storage device may have characteristics different from those of the initial power storage device originally equipped with the vehicle. In addition, the performance of the vehicle after installing the new power storage device on the vehicle body may become different from the initial performance of the vehicle. In addition, the states of the power storage device equipped with the vehicle before replacement and the power storage device equipped with the vehicle after replacement may be significantly different. In addition, the state of the vehicle may change significantly due to the replacement of the power storage device. Therefore, when the power storage device mounted on the vehicle is replaced with another power storage device, there is a possibility of causing a sense of discomfort and misunderstanding to the user of the vehicle.

[0004] The present disclosure suppresses a sense of discomfort and misunderstanding to the user regarding the state or performance of the vehicle (or the power storage device mounted on the vehicle) after the power storage device is installed on the vehicle body.

[0005] The vehicle according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body on which a first power storage device is detachable. The vehicle body includes a first control device. The first control device is configured to notify the user of at least one of the state of the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body when the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body.

[0006] According to the above structure, when the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body, the control device included in the vehicle body notifies the user of the first information indicating the state and / or characteristics of the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle body, or the second information indicating the state and / or performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body, or both the first information and the second information. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort and misunderstanding to the user regarding the state or performance of the vehicle (or the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle) after the first power storage device is mounted on the vehicle body.

[0007] The first control device may also include a storage device that stores first specification information indicating the characteristics of the initial second power storage device originally equipped in the vehicle. The first control device may also be configured to, when the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body, notify the user of the characteristics of the first power storage device installed in the vehicle body in a manner that enables comparison with the characteristics of the initial second power storage device indicated by the first specification information.

[0008] According to the above structure, the user can confirm the characteristics of the first power storage device installed in the vehicle body by comparing them with the characteristics of the initial second power storage device. Thus, it is easy for the user to identify the differences in the characteristics of the power storage device between the initial and current states. In addition, when the power storage device equipped in the vehicle has characteristics worse than those of the power storage device (initial power storage device) at the time of the new vehicle due to the replacement of the power storage device, the user can identify that the reason is the replacement of the power storage device. Thus, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort or misunderstanding caused to the user regarding the characteristics of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle. The first specification information may also be stored in the storage device, for example, when the vehicle is shipped from the factory.

[0009] The characteristics of the first power storage device and the second power storage device notified may include at least one of the maximum output power, the maximum regenerative power, and the capacity of the first power storage device and the second power storage device.

[0010] According to the above structure, it is easy for the user to identify the characteristics of the power storage device that particularly easily affect the performance of the vehicle.

[0011] The first control device includes a storage device that stores second specification information indicating the initial performance of the vehicle. The first control device may also be configured to, when the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body, notify the user of the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body in a manner that enables comparison with the initial performance indicated by the second specification information.

[0012] According to the above structure, the user can confirm the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body by comparing it with the initial performance. Thus, it is easy for the user to identify the differences in the performance of the vehicle between the initial and current states. In addition, when the vehicle has performance worse than the specifications at the time of the new vehicle due to the replacement of the power storage device, the user can identify that the reason is the replacement of the power storage device. Thus, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort or misunderstanding caused to the user regarding the performance of the vehicle. The second specification information may also be stored in the storage device, for example, when the vehicle is shipped from the factory.

[0013] The performance of the vehicle notified may include at least one of the output performance of the vehicle based on the power of the first power storage device, the regenerative charging performance of the first power storage device in the vehicle, and the maximum cruising range of the vehicle based on the power of the first power storage device.

[0014] According to the above structure, after the replacement of the power storage device, it is easy for the user to identify the performance of the vehicle that is susceptible to the influence caused by the replacement of the power storage device.

[0015] The first control device may also include a storage device that stores second specification information representing the initial performance of the vehicle. When the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body, the first control device may also determine whether the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body is lower than the initial performance represented by the second specification information. When it is determined that the performance of the vehicle is lower than the initial performance, the first control device may notify the user of the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body. When it is determined that the performance of the vehicle is not lower than the initial performance, the first control device may not notify the user of the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body.

[0016] From the perspective of vehicle quality assurance and the like, it is not preferable to lose the initial vehicle performance (specification) represented by the second specification information due to the replacement of the power storage device. In this regard, according to the above structure, when the performance represented by the second specification information cannot be obtained due to the replacement of the power storage device, the reduced vehicle performance is notified to the user. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding the vehicle performance. The user can continue to use the vehicle on the basis of understanding that the vehicle performance has decreased.

[0017] The first power storage device may also be a battery pack including a second control device. The vehicle body may also include a power source. It may be configured that when the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body, the second control device is started by the power supplied from the power source, and the started second control device sends information related to the first power storage device installed in the vehicle body to the first control device.

[0018] In the above vehicle, even when a battery pack without a power source for starting the second control device is installed in the vehicle body, by supplying power from the power source provided in the vehicle body to the second control device, the vehicle body (the first control device) can obtain information related to the first power storage device from the first power storage device (the second control device). In addition, the power source provided in the vehicle body may be a low-voltage power source that outputs power with a voltage lower than the voltage of the battery included in the first power storage device. The low-voltage power source may also be configured to supply power to the first control device. The low-voltage power source may be an auxiliary battery.

[0019] The above-mentioned information sent may also include the characteristics of the first power storage device installed in the vehicle body. The first control device may be configured to use the information received from the second control device to calculate the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body.

[0020] According to the above structure, the first control device can suitably obtain the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body by using the information received from the second control device (including the characteristics of the first power storage device).

[0021] The vehicle may also be provided with a display device. It may be configured that when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device notifies at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the display device. The display device may also display the information notified from the first control device to the user.

[0022] According to the above structure, regarding the state or performance of the above vehicle (or the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle), notification to the user terminal (display device mounted on the vehicle) and display to the user are suitably performed. Through visualization, it is easy for the user to notice.

[0023] The display system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the above vehicles and a portable terminal that can be carried by the user. Moreover, it is configured that when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device notifies at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the portable terminal. The portable terminal displays the information notified from the first control device to the user.

[0024] According to the above display system, regarding the state or performance of the above vehicle (or the first power storage device mounted on the vehicle), notification to the user terminal (portable terminal) and display to the user are suitably performed. Through visualization, it is easy for the user to notice.

[0025] The third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for replacing a power storage device.

[0026] The method for replacing the power storage device includes: removing the second power storage device from a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first control device and a second power storage device; installing a first power storage device including a second control device in place of the second power storage device on the vehicle body; in a state where the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device obtains information related to the first power storage device from the second control device; and the first control device uses the information obtained from the second control device to notify at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user.

[0027] By the above method, similarly to the above vehicle, it is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity or misunderstanding to the user regarding the state or performance of the vehicle (or the power storage device mounted on the vehicle) after the power storage device is installed in the vehicle body.

[0028] Notifying the user may also include: the first control device calculates the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed in the vehicle body using the information obtained from the second control device; and the first control device notifies the calculated performance of the vehicle to the user.

[0029] In the above method, the first control device is used to suitably calculate the performance of the vehicle after the power storage device is installed in the vehicle body. Moreover, the user can recognize the performance of the vehicle after the power storage device is installed in the vehicle body.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a sense of incongruity or misunderstanding to the user regarding the state or performance of the vehicle (or the power storage device mounted on the vehicle) after the power storage device is installed in the vehicle body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery replacement system.

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method for replacing a power storage device according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement device included in the battery replacement system.

[0036] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a connection method between a vehicle body and a power storage device according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is shown in Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control device in the vehicle body after the power storage device is installed in the vehicle body in the method shown.

[0038] Figure 7 is shown in Figure 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of a screen for displaying vehicle performance.

[0039] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing Figure 3 a modified example of the method shown.

[0040] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the first modified example of the method shown.

[0041] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the second modified example of the method shown.

[0042] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the third modified example of the method shown.

[0043] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the fourth modified example of the method shown.

[0044] Figure 13 is a diagram showing Figure 12 a modified example of the display style shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0045] With reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0046] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle related to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 10 and a battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 is the part of the vehicle 100 other than the battery pack 20. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to travel using the electric power stored in the battery pack 20. The battery pack 20 corresponds to an example of the "electric energy storage device" related to the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 100 may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an internal combustion engine, or may be other electric vehicles (xEV).

[0047] The vehicle body 10 includes circuits CR11 and CR12. The battery pack 20 includes circuits CR21 and CR22. The circuit CR12 includes the auxiliary battery 17. The circuit CR21 includes the battery 21. The auxiliary battery 17 is equivalent to a low-voltage power source that outputs power with a voltage lower than that of the battery 21. The circuit CR21 applies the voltage (high voltage) provided by the battery 21 to the circuit CR11. The circuit CR11 receives the application of the voltage (high voltage) from the battery 21. The circuit CR12 applies the voltage (low voltage) provided by the auxiliary battery 17 to the circuit CR22. The circuit CR22 receives the application of the voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12.

[0048] The circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 includes an MG (Motor Generator) 11a, an inverter 11b, a DC charging relay 14a, a DC socket 14b, an AC charger 15a, and an AC socket 15b. A leakage detector 12 is provided in the circuit CR11. In the circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20, a BMS (Battery Management System) 22a and a leakage detector 22b are provided. The vehicle body 10 also includes a terminal T11 for detachably mounting the battery pack 20 and an SMR13 (first relay) disposed between the terminal T11 and the circuit CR11. The circuit CR11 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T11 via the SMR13. The battery pack 20 also includes a terminal T21 for detachably mounting the vehicle body 10 and an SMR23 (second relay) disposed between the terminal T21 and the circuit CR21. The circuit CR21 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T21 via the SMR23. "SMR" means a system main relay (System Main Relay).

[0049] The battery 21 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery, for example. The type of the secondary battery can be either a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack.

[0050] The vehicle body 10 also includes a terminal T12. The circuit CR12 (low-voltage power line) in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the terminal T12. In addition, the communication line CL1 ( Figure 1 the dotted line in) in the vehicle body 10 is also connected to the terminal T12. The battery pack 20 also includes a terminal T22. The circuit CR22 (low-voltage power line) in the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22. In addition, the communication line CL2 ( Figure 1 the dotted line in) in the battery pack 20 is also connected to the terminal T22.

[0051] The auxiliary battery 17 is a vehicle-mounted battery that supplies power for driving auxiliary equipment mounted on the vehicle 100. The auxiliary battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12 (low-voltage power line). In addition to the auxiliary battery 17, the circuit CR12 includes ECUs 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. The circuit CR22 also includes ECUs 28a and 28b. The auxiliary battery 17 supplies power to the ECUs 18a to 18d and 28a, 28b connected to the low-voltage power line, for example. "ECU" means an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit).

[0052] The ECU 18a can be regarded as a control device (EV-ECU) that generalizes various controls related to the vehicle 100. The ECU 18b can be regarded as a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the states of the DC socket 14b and the AC socket 15b respectively. The ECU 18c can be regarded as a control device (Bat-C-ECU) that controls the DC charging relay 14a and the AC charger 15a. The ECU 18d can be regarded as a control device (the first leakage ECU) that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR11. The ECU 28a can be regarded as a control device (Bat-ECU) that monitors the state of the battery 21 and controls the SMR 23. The ECU 28b can be regarded as a control device (the second leakage ECU) that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR21.

[0053] Each ECU includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device is configured to be able to store the stored information. In the storage device, in addition to storing programs, various information used in the programs is also stored. In this embodiment, various controls are executed by the processor executing the programs stored in the storage device. However, these processes can also be executed only by hardware (electronic circuits) without using software.

[0054] In addition, in the vehicle 100, the ECUs are communicably connected to each other via an in-vehicle network. The in-vehicle network is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network). The ECU 18a obtains information from other ECUs, controls the inverter 11b, the DC / DC converter 16, and the SMR 13, or sends control instructions to the ECU 18c and the ECU 28a.

[0055] The leakage current detector 12 detects the leakage current state (such as insulation resistance) related to the circuit CR11 and outputs the detected leakage current state to the ECU18d. The BMS22a detects the state (current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery 21 and outputs its detection result to the ECU28a. The leakage current detector 22b detects the leakage current state (such as insulation resistance) related to the circuit CR21 and outputs the detected leakage current state to the ECU28b. When the circuits CR11 and CR21 are connected, the leakage current detector 12 or 22b detects the leakage current state of the circuit formed by the circuits CR11 and CR21. On the other hand, when the battery pack 20 is removed from the vehicle body 10, the leakage current detector 12 detects the leakage current state of the circuit CR11, and the leakage current detector 22b detects the leakage current state of the circuit CR21. The ECU18a obtains information indicating the battery state and the leakage current state from the ECU18d, 28a, and 28b.

[0056] The DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power from the battery 21 and outputs it to the auxiliary battery 17. The ECU18a can also control the DC / DC converter 16 in such a way as to supply power from the battery 21 (main battery) to the auxiliary battery 17 when the remaining charge of the auxiliary battery 17 becomes low. The capacity of the battery 21 is larger than the capacity of the auxiliary battery 17. In addition, each of the SMRs 13 and 23 switches the connection / cutoff of the circuit between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR21. When applying the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU18a makes both the SMRs 13 and 23 in the closed state (connected state), and when not applying the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU18a makes at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 in the open state (cutoff state).

[0057] The terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack 20 are configured to be detachable from the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10, respectively. By connecting the terminals T21 and T22 to the terminals T11 and T12, the battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle body 10, and the vehicle 100 is completed. In the vehicle 100, the circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20 via the SMRs 13 and 23. In addition, the circuit CR12 in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the circuit CR22 in the battery pack 20. In addition, the communication lines CL1 and CL2 are also connected to each other. These communication lines form the in-vehicle network (such as CAN) of the vehicle 100.

[0058] MG11a functions as a driving motor. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for MG11a. The inverter 11b drives MG11a using the power supplied from the battery 21. MG11a converts the power into torque to rotate the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. Additionally, MG11a performs regenerative power generation, for example, when the vehicle 100 decelerates, and charges the battery 21.

[0059] Each of the DC socket 14b and the AC socket 15b has a terminal for detecting the connection / disconnection of a charging cable (charging plug), and outputs a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU 18b. The ECU 18a obtains information indicating the socket state from the ECU 18b and sends a control command to the ECU 18c. In the vehicle 100, charging control is executed through the cooperation of the ECUs 18a to 18c. The DC socket 14b receives DC power from outside the vehicle. When charging the battery 21 with the DC power input to the DC socket 14b, the ECU 18a makes the SMRs 13 and 23 in the closed state, and the ECU 18c makes the DC charging relay 14a in the closed state. The AC socket 15b receives AC power from outside the vehicle. The AC charger 15a performs AC / DC conversion. In a state where both the SMRs 13 and 23 are in the closed state and AC power is input to the AC charger 15a from outside the vehicle via the AC socket 15b, the ECU 18c controls the AC charger 15a. The AC charger 15a converts the AC power into DC power according to the control command from the ECU 18c and outputs the DC power to the battery 21.

[0060] The vehicle body 10 also includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 19a and a communication device 19b. In addition, the HMI 19a and the communication device 19b also receive power supply from the auxiliary battery 17.

[0061] The HMI 19a includes an input device and a display device mounted on the vehicle body 10. The HMI 19a may also include a touch panel display. The input device may also include an operation unit (such as a button) provided on the steering wheel. The input device may also include a smart speaker that accepts voice input. The input device outputs a signal corresponding to the input from the user to the ECU 18a. The display device may also include an instrument panel or a head-up display. The display device may also change the display direction (the orientation of the screen) according to an instruction from the ECU 18a. The display device may also perform a display based on XR technology such as VR (Virtual Reality) or AR (Augmented Reality) (technology that combines the physical space and the virtual space of reality).

[0062] The communication device 19b is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal 200 and a server 380 ( Figure 2 ), which will be described later). The ECU 18a performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 200 via the communication device 19b. The mobile terminal 200 corresponds to a portable terminal that can be carried by a user. The mobile terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display. However, it is not limited thereto, and a laptop computer, a portable game console, a wearable device, an electronic key, etc. can also be used as the mobile terminal 200.

[0063] Various sensors (in-vehicle sensors 19c) (not shown) are also mounted on the vehicle body 10. The in-vehicle sensors 19c may include sensors that detect the state (current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the auxiliary battery 17, sensors that detect the charging power (charging voltage and charging current), and sensors that detect the input power and output power of the inverter 11b. The ECU 18a is configured to obtain the detection results of these sensors directly or via other ECUs.

[0064] In this embodiment, the HMI 19a includes a start switch. Generally, the start switch is called a "power switch" or an "ignition switch", etc. The start switch accepts start operations and stop operations for respectively requesting the start and stop of the control system (including each ECU) of the vehicle 100, and Ready-ON operations and Ready-OFF operations for respectively requesting the vehicle 100 to enter the Ready-ON state and the Ready-OFF state. One user operation may correspond to multiple requests. For example, the start operation and the Ready-ON operation may be the same operation. Also, the stop operation and the Ready-OFF operation may be the same operation. Each operation may also be a remote operation (e.g., a request sent via wireless communication).

[0065] The Ready-ON state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-ON state, both the SMRs 13 and 23 are in the closed state, and power is supplied from the battery 21 to the vehicle drive device. The vehicle drive device includes the above-mentioned MG11a and the inverter 11b. The Ready-OFF state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-OFF state, at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 is in the open state, and power is not supplied from the battery 21 to the vehicle drive device.

[0066] The battery pack (battery pack 20) mounted on the vehicle 100 can be replaced with another battery pack. Figure 2 FIG. shows an example of the structure of a battery replacement system for performing battery pack replacement. Figure 2 The battery replacement system 300 shown is installed, for example, at a battery replacement station.

[0067] Refer to Figure 2 , the battery replacement system 300 is configured to remove the battery pack mounted on the vehicle 100 from the vehicle body 10 and install another battery pack on the vehicle body 10. Hereinafter, the battery pack (the first power storage device) recovered from the vehicle 100 will be referred to as "battery pack B1". In addition, the battery pack (the second power storage device) installed on the vehicle 100 in place of the battery pack B1 will be referred to as "battery pack B2". Each of the battery packs B1 and B2 has the same structure as the battery pack 20 shown in Figure 1 . The battery pack B2 installed on the vehicle body 10 functions as the battery pack 20 ( Figure 1 ) in the vehicle 100.

[0068] The battery pack B1 according to this embodiment corresponds to the initial power storage device originally equipped in the vehicle 100 (for example, at the time of factory shipment). The storage device of the ECU 18a pre-stores the first specification information indicating the characteristics of the initial power storage device originally equipped in the vehicle 100 and the second specification information indicating the initial performance of the vehicle 100. In the first specification information, regarding the initial power storage device (battery pack B1), for example, it indicates the maximum output power, the maximum regenerative power, the capacity, and the charging time, which will be described later. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the second specification information indicates the output performance, the regenerative charging performance, the maximum cruising range, and the performance of each in-vehicle device of the vehicle 100 in the initial state (for example, at the time of factory shipment). The first specification information and the second specification information may be stored in the storage device of the ECU 18a, for example, at the time of factory shipment of the vehicle 100.

[0069] The battery replacement system 300 according to this embodiment includes a first storage device 310, a second storage device 320, a recovery device 330, a filling device 340, a replacement device 350, a server 380, and a display device 390. The first storage device 310 stores a plurality of battery packs supplied to the vehicle. The first storage device 310 includes, in addition to a pack housing portion (for example, a storage), a charger and a supply device. The second storage device 320 stores a plurality of battery packs recovered from a plurality of vehicles. The second storage device 320 includes, in addition to a pack housing portion (for example, a storage), an inspection device and a sorting device. The server 380 includes a processor, a storage device, and a communication device, and functions as a control device. The storage device stores information related to each battery pack existing in the battery replacement system 300 (for example, battery information described later) separately using the identification information of the battery pack. The display device 390 displays information according to an instruction from the server 380.

[0070] Hereinafter, using Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the method for replacing the power storage device will be described. Figure 3is a flowchart showing the processes related to the method of replacing the power storage device according to this embodiment. For example, after the vehicle 100 stops in a predetermined area within the battery replacement station, the ECU 18a starts Figure 3 the processing flow of S11 to S14 shown. The ECU 18a can also start this processing flow according to a request from the user terminal of the vehicle 100, for example. The ECU 18a and the server 380 are configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0071] Together with Figure 1 、 Figure 2 for reference Figure 3 , in S11, the ECU 18a sends a signal (hereinafter referred to as "replacement request signal") requesting the replacement of the battery pack to the server 380. The replacement request signal includes the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 100. In the subsequent S12, the ECU 18a determines whether the replacement of the battery pack has been performed. During the period when the replacement of the battery pack is not completed (in S12, "No"), the determination in S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0072] When the server 380 receives the above replacement request signal, it starts the processing flow of S31 to S34. In S31, the server 380 selects a battery pack for the vehicle 100 from among the multiple battery packs (inventory) stored in the first storage device 310. When it is determined that there is no battery pack in the inventory that matches the vehicle 100, the server 380 can also cause the display device 390 to display a message for explaining the situation and abort the battery replacement process. When a battery pack is selected in S31, in the subsequent S32, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 to remove the battery pack B1 from the vehicle body 10. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B1 are separated.

[0073] Although not shown in the flowchart, a reuse process is performed on the removed battery pack B1. Specifically, the recovery device 330 transports (recovers) the battery pack B1 from the replacement device 350 to the second storage device 320. Then, the multiple battery packs stored in the second storage device 320 are sequentially inspected by the inspection device, and the sorting device sorts these battery packs according to the inspection results for different uses. Each battery pack is reused for the corresponding use (for vehicle-mounted, stationary use, etc.). However, battery packs that cannot be directly reused are disassembled and recycled as materials or discarded. The battery packs (for vehicle-mounted use) reused by the battery replacement system 300 are transported by the filling device 340 to the first storage device 310. The transported battery packs are filled into the first storage device 310.

[0074] In S33, the server 380 controls the charger of the first storage device 310 in such a manner that the battery 21 in the battery pack (battery pack B2) selected in S31 is charged. By charging the battery immediately before supplying it to the vehicle, deterioration of the battery is suppressed. However, the charging timing is not limited thereto and can be appropriately changed. For example, charging of the battery pack may be started at the timing when the battery pack is filled into the first storage device 310. At the end of charging, the server 380 controls the supply device of the first storage device 310 to convey (supply) the battery pack B2 from the first storage device 310 to the replacement device 350. Next, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 to install the battery pack B2 on the vehicle body 10. At this time, the SMR23 of the battery pack B2 is in an open state. In the subsequent S34, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 to fix (e.g., bolt-connect) the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10. After fixing the battery pack B2, the server 380 sends a signal (hereinafter referred to as "replacement completion signal") notifying the completion of the installation of the battery pack to the ECU 18a.

[0075] In Figure 2 , an example in which the battery pack is removed and the battery pack is installed at different positions is shown. The position of the vehicle may be adjusted before removal of the battery pack, before installation of the battery pack (after removal of the battery pack), or both. The vehicle may be moved by a conveyance device (e.g., a conveyor-type conveyance device) or a conveyance robot (not shown). However, the battery pack may be removed and the battery pack may be installed at the same position. The battery pack may be replaced (removed and installed) while the vehicle is stationary. The conveyance methods of the recovery device 330, the supply device, and the filling device 340 are also arbitrary. These conveyance methods may be a conveyor method or a method using a conveyance robot.

[0076] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the replacement device 350. Refer to Figure 4, the replacement device 350 is configured to replace the battery pack mounted on the vehicle body with another battery pack. Specifically, the replacement device 350 includes a vehicle body holding portion 351, a battery holding portion 352, a battery adjustment portion 353, and a battery fixing portion 354. The battery holding portion 352 has a plate-like member, a positioning pin 352a provided on the plate-like member, and a conveying portion 352b. The conveying portion 352b includes, for example, rollers that can be raised, lowered, and rotated. The battery adjustment portion 353 is configured to be able to adjust the position and angle of the battery pack held by the battery holding portion 352 by changing the position and angle of a positioning member (for example, an L-shaped block disposed at a corner of the battery pack). The battery fixing portion 354 is connected to the battery holding portion 352. The battery fixing portion 354 is configured to fix the battery pack held by the battery holding portion 352 to the vehicle body or release the fixation between the vehicle body and the battery pack using a power tool. The battery fixing portion 354 may include a power tool for tightening or loosening bolts. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the replacement device 350 further includes an actuator (for example, a motor) for driving each part.

[0077] The replacement device 350 replaces the battery pack of the vehicle 100 through a process described as follows. Before starting the replacement operation, the replacement device 350 assumes Figure 4 the state A shown. That is, the vehicle body holding portion 351 and the battery holding portion 352 are located below the vehicle 100. The replacement device 350 may use various sensors and / or cameras to detect the position of the vehicle 100. When the replacement device 350 receives an instruction to remove the battery pack ( Figure 3 S32) from the server 380, the vehicle body holding portion 351 and the battery holding portion 352 rise toward the vehicle 100, and the replacement device 350 assumes Figure 4 the state B shown. Although not shown in the figure, in state B, the battery adjustment portion 353 also rises to the same height as the battery holding portion 352. In state B, the vehicle body 10 is held by the vehicle body holding portion 351. The vehicle body holding portion 351 may also raise the vehicle body 10 and hold the vehicle body 10 in a floating state. On the other hand, the battery pack 20 (battery pack B1) is held by the battery holding portion 352. At this time, the positioning pin 352a is inserted into a hole provided on the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. Thereby, the battery pack 20 and the battery holding portion 352 (and the battery fixing portion 354) are in a predetermined positional relationship. Then, the battery fixing portion 354 releases the fixation (for example, bolt connection) between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20 can be separated. After the fixation is released, the battery holding portion 352 descends away from the vehicle body 10 while maintaining the battery pack 20 as it is, and the replacement device 350 becomes Figure 4State C shown in the figure. Thereby, the battery pack 20 is removed from the vehicle body 10. Although not shown in the figure, in state C, the battery adjustment unit 353 also descends to the same height as the battery holding unit 352. Next, the transfer unit 352b disengages the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding unit 352 from the positioning pin 352a, and transfers the battery pack 20 to the recycling device 330 ( Figure 2 ).

[0078] After that, according to the instruction for installing the battery pack from the server 380 ( Figure 3 S33), the battery pack 20 (battery pack B2) is supplied from the first storage device 310 to the battery holding unit 352. Then, by adjusting the position and angle of the battery pack 20 using the battery adjustment unit 353, the positioning pin 352a is inserted into the hole provided on the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. Next, the battery holding unit 352 rises toward the vehicle body 10 while holding the battery pack 20 as it is, and the replacement device 350 returns to state B again. Thereby, the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding unit 352 is installed on the vehicle body 10. Then, when the replacement device 350 receives the instruction for fixing the battery pack from the server 380 ( Figure 3 S34), the battery fixing unit 354 fixes (for example, bolt connection) the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding unit 352 to the vehicle body 10. After the fixing is completed, the vehicle body holding unit 351 and the battery holding unit 352 descend away from the vehicle body 10, and the replacement device 350 returns to state A. Thereby, the replacement operation is completed. In addition, the structure of the above replacement device and the process of the replacement operation are only examples and can be appropriately changed. In addition, automation of the replacement operation is not necessary. The battery replacement system (station) and the vehicle may not communicate, and the user may replace the battery pack (power storage device) through manual operation.

[0079] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the connection method between the terminals T11, T12 of the vehicle body 10 and the terminals T21, T22 of the battery pack B2. Refer to Figure 5 When the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10 through the above process, the terminals T21, T22 of the battery pack B2 are respectively connected to the terminals T11, T12 of the vehicle body 10. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2 are in the connection state shown in Figure 1 . By installing the battery pack B2 on the vehicle body 10, a low-voltage power supply line (circuits CR12, CR22) and a communication line (communication lines CL1, CL2) are connected between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2. Then, the processing flow of S21~S24 shown in Figure 3 is started.

[0080] Refer to again Figure 3, in S21, the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 is started by the power supplied from the power source (auxiliary machine battery 17) inside the vehicle body 10. Next, in S22, the started ECU 28a sends battery information related to the battery pack B2 to the ECU 18a.

[0081] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned battery information indicates the state of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 unit (the battery pack B2 in the state of being separated from the vehicle body 10). The battery information indicates, for example, the state of the battery 21 detected by the BMS 22a in the battery pack B2. The state of the battery 21 indicated by the battery information includes, for example, the voltage of the battery 21, the SOC (State Of Charge, charge state), the temperature, and the leakage state. The SOC indicates the remaining charge amount, and for example, represents the ratio of the current charge amount to the charge amount in the fully charged state, expressed as 0 to 100%. The voltage of the battery 21 may vary according to the SOC of the battery 21. In addition, the battery information also indicates the characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 unit. The characteristics of the battery 21 indicated by the battery information include, for example, the maximum output power of the battery 21, the maximum regenerative power, the capacity, and the charging time. The maximum output power of the battery 21 represents the maximum power value (kW) that can be output from the battery 21. The maximum regenerative power of the battery 21 represents the maximum value (kW) of the regenerative power that can be input to the battery 21. The charging time represents the time until a predetermined charge of the battery 21 is completed. The predetermined charge is, for example, a charge that raises the SOC of the battery 21 from 10% to 80% by supplying 90 kW of DC charging (direct current charging) at an ambient temperature of 25°C. The capacity of the battery 21 is equivalent to the amount of electricity stored in the fully charged battery 21 (kWh). For example, the storage device of the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 pre-stores the specification information indicating the characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2.

[0082] After the ECU 28a sends the above-mentioned battery information, in S23, it judges whether an SMR turn-on instruction (S102 described later Figure 6 is received from the vehicle body 10. The ECU 28a keeps the SMR 23 in the open state as it is and waits for the SMR turn-on instruction from the vehicle body 10 in S23. Then, when the ECU 28a receives the SMR turn-on instruction (in S23, "yes"), in S24, the ECU 28a switches the SMR 23 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state).

[0083] On the other hand, when the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a receives a replacement completion signal from the server 380 (S34). As a result, in S12, it is determined to be "Yes", and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the ECU 18a determines whether it has received the above-mentioned battery information from the ECU 28a. Then, when the ECU 18a receives the above-mentioned battery information (Yes in S13), the ECU 18a executes the Figure 6 processing flow shown.

[0084] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the ECU 18a in the vehicle body 10 after the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10. Refer to Figure 6 , in S101, the ECU 18a determines whether the state and characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 unit are appropriate based on the battery information obtained from the ECU 28a ( Figure 3 S22). The ECU 18a may also determine to be "No" in S101 when any one of the battery parameters (such as voltage) indicated by the battery information is not within the predetermined appropriate range. In addition, the ECU 18a may determine to be "Yes" in S101 when all the battery parameters indicated by the battery information are within the appropriate range. The appropriate range may be set in accordance with the drive system (such as the circuit CR11 and the control system) of the vehicle 100.

[0085] When it is determined that the state and characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 unit are appropriate (Yes in S101), the ECU 18a sends a signal (SMR turn-on command) indicating the closing drive of the SMR 23 to the ECU 28a in S102. As a result, the SMR 23 becomes a closed state ( Figure 3 S24). Next, in S103, the ECU 18a notifies the user of the state and characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 unit indicated by the above-mentioned battery information regarding the battery pack B2 installed on the vehicle body 10. Specifically, the ECU 18a notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 100 of the state and characteristics of the battery pack B2. The user terminal may be the display device of the HMI 19a, the mobile terminal 200, or both of these. When the user terminal receives the notification in S103, it displays the information notified by the ECU 18a for the user. The user terminal displays, for example, the screen Sc1.

[0086] The screen Sc1 includes a message indicating the completion of battery replacement, as well as the status and characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 cells. Specifically, the screen Sc1 indicates the status of the battery 21 (such as SOC and temperature). Additionally, on the screen Sc1, regarding the battery pack B2 installed in the vehicle body 10, the characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 cells represented by the above battery information (such as maximum output power, maximum regenerative power, and capacity) are displayed to the user in a style that allows the user to compare the characteristics of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 cells installed in the vehicle body 10 with the characteristics of the battery pack B1 (the initial power storage device) represented by the first specification information stored in the storage device of the ECU18a. The screen Sc1, for example, displays the ratio of the characteristics of the battery pack B2 (current battery characteristics) to the characteristics of the battery pack B1 (initial battery characteristics). Thereby, the user can grasp the degree of reduction in the characteristics (performance) of the in-vehicle battery. For example, if the ratio of the current battery characteristics to the initial battery characteristics is 80%, it means that the battery characteristics have decreased by 20%. Furthermore, the screen Sc1 also displays the charging time of the battery 21 represented by the above battery information. As described above, by presenting the status and characteristics of the replaced in-vehicle battery identified by the vehicle 100 during battery replacement to the user, the user can distinguish between performance degradation caused by battery replacement and performance degradation caused by a malfunction.

[0087] In the subsequent S104, the ECU18a uses the above battery information ( Figure 3 in S22) and the second specification information stored in the storage device of the ECU18a to calculate the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 into the vehicle body 10. Here, the second specification information represents the initial performance of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "standard specification"). The standard specification represented by the second specification information includes the output performance of the vehicle 100 based on the power of the battery pack B1 (such as maximum output power or maximum output torque), the regenerative charging performance of the battery pack B1 in the vehicle 100 (such as maximum regenerative power), and the maximum cruising range of the vehicle 100 based on the power of the battery pack B1. Additionally, the second specification information also represents the initial performance of each device mounted on the vehicle body 10 (such as MG11a, inverter 11b, DC charging relay 14a, DC socket 14b, AC charger 15a, and AC socket 15b). In this embodiment, the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated in S104 includes the output performance of the vehicle 100 based on the power of the battery pack B2, the regenerative charging performance of the battery pack B2 in the vehicle 100, and the maximum cruising range of the vehicle 100 based on the power of the battery pack B2.

[0088] The performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 on the vehicle body 10 is determined by the performance of both the vehicle body 10 (especially the above-mentioned various devices) and the battery pack B2. For example, even if the maximum output of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is 150 kW, if the vehicle drive device (MG11a and inverter 11b) on the vehicle body 10 side can only handle up to 120 kW, the vehicle 100 can only exhibit the performance of 120 kW output. Therefore, in S104, the ECU18a uses the battery information related to the battery pack B2 and the second specification information related to the vehicle body 10 to calculate the performance of the vehicle 100. In addition, the ECU18a can also consider the degree of deterioration of each device mounted on the vehicle body 10 from the beginning to calculate the performance of the vehicle 100.

[0089] In the subsequent S105, the ECU18a determines whether the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated in S104 is lower than a predetermined reference performance. In this embodiment, the standard specification (initial performance) represented by the above-mentioned second specification information is used as the reference performance. When any one of the performance (output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range) of the vehicle 100 calculated by the ECU18a in S104 is lower than the reference performance (standard specification), it is determined as "Yes" in S105. In addition, when all of the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated by the ECU18a in S104 is above the reference performance (standard specification), it is determined as "No" in S105.

[0090] When it is determined that the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated in S104 is lower than the reference performance (Yes in S105), in S106, the ECU18a notifies the user of the state and performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 on the vehicle body 10. Specifically, the ECU18a notifies the state and characteristics of the vehicle 100 to the user terminal of the vehicle 100. The ECU18a can also use at least one of the above-mentioned battery information and the detection result detected by the in-vehicle sensor 19c to obtain the state of the vehicle 100. The user terminal can be either the display device of the HMI19a, the mobile terminal 200, or both of these. When receiving the notification in S106, the user terminal displays the information notified by the ECU18a for the user. For example, the user terminal displays the screen Sc2.

[0091] The screen Sc2 displays the performance of the vehicle 100 with the battery pack B2 installed on the vehicle body 10 in a style that can be compared with the initial performance (standard specification) represented by the second specification information. Specifically, the screen Sc2 aligns the origin (0 point) of the data of the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 and the data of the initial performance (standard specification) represented by the second specification information for display, so that the data of both sides can be compared. The screen Sc2 includes a message indicating a decrease in the performance of the vehicle 100 due to battery replacement, images M11, M21, M31 (standard specification lines) represented by dotted lines, images M12, M22, M32 (potential bars) represented by solid lines, and images M13, M23, M33 (status bars) represented by hatched lines. The images M11, M21, M31 respectively represent the maximum output torque, the maximum regenerative charging power, and the maximum cruising range in the standard specification of the vehicle 100. The images M12, M22, M32 respectively represent the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 (the maximum output torque, the maximum regenerative charging power, and the maximum cruising range in the best state). The images M13, M23, M33 respectively represent the performance that the vehicle 100 can exhibit in the current state (the maximum output torque, the maximum regenerative charging power, and the maximum cruising range).

[0092] In this embodiment, the ECU18a only displays, on the user terminal, the performance (output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range) of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 that is worse than the standard specification. When all of the output performance, the regenerative charging performance, and the maximum cruising range are worse than the standard specification, the ECU18a, for example, causes Figure 6 the screen Sc2 shown to be displayed on the user terminal. On the other hand, when only one of the output performance, the regenerative charging performance, and the maximum cruising range is worse than the standard specification, the ECU18a, for example, causes Figure 7 any one of the screens Sc2A, Sc2B, Sc2C shown to be displayed on the user terminal. Figure 7 is a diagram showing Figure 6 a modified example of the screen Sc2 shown. Referring to Figure 7 , in the screen Sc2A, the decreased output performance of the vehicle 100 is displayed together with a message indicating a decrease in the output performance due to battery replacement. In the screen Sc2B, the decreased regenerative charging performance of the vehicle 100 is displayed together with a message indicating a decrease in the regenerative charging performance due to battery replacement. In the screen Sc2C, the decreased maximum cruising range of the vehicle 100 is displayed together with a message indicating a decrease in the maximum cruising range due to battery replacement.

[0093] Referring again to Figure 6, after the process of S106 is executed, the process proceeds to S107. Additionally, when it is determined that the performance of vehicle 100 calculated in S104 is not lower than the reference performance (in S105, "No"), the process of S106 is not performed, and the process proceeds to S107. In this case, ECU18a does not notify the user of the performance of vehicle 100 after battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10.

[0094] In S107, ECU18a switches SMR13 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state). Thereby, vehicle 100 becomes the Ready-ON state, and the voltage of battery 21 in battery pack B2 is applied to circuit CR11. Then, Figure 3 the S14 of, and further the processing flow related to battery replacement ends.

[0095] When it is determined that either the state or characteristics of battery 21 in battery pack B2 alone are inappropriate (in S101, "No"), in S108, ECU18a makes a predetermined notification to the user terminal (such as HMI19a and / or mobile terminal 200) of vehicle 100. Thereby, Figure 6 the processing flow shown ends.

[0096] When the user terminal receives the notification of S108, for example, it displays screen Sc3. Screen Sc3 displays messages M1, M2 and operation parts M3, M4. Message M1 urges the user of vehicle 100 to replace the battery pack. Message M2 shows the explanations related to operation parts M3, M4. When operation part M3 is operated, after the user terminal requests the replacement of the battery pack from ECU18a, it ends the display of screen Sc3. ECU18a restarts Figure 3 the processing flow of S11~S14 shown. Thereby, the battery pack B2 mounted on vehicle 100 is replaced with another battery pack. On the other hand, when operation part M4 is operated, the user terminal does not request the replacement of the battery pack and ends the display of screen Sc3.

[0097] As described above, the method for replacing the energy storage device according to this embodiment includes Figure 3 and Figure 6 each process shown. In Figure 3 S32 of, battery pack B1 is removed from vehicle 100 equipped with vehicle body 10 including ECU18a (the first control device) and battery pack B1. In Figure 3 S33 of, battery pack B2 including ECU28a (the second control device) is installed on vehicle body 10 instead of battery pack B1. In the state where battery pack B2 is installed on vehicle body 10, ECU18a waits for the reception of battery information related to battery pack B2 ( Figure 3S13), through Figure 3 processing of S22, ECU18a obtains battery information from ECU28a. In Figure 6 S103, ECU18a uses the battery information obtained from battery pack B2 to notify the user of the status and characteristics of battery pack B2 installed on vehicle body 10. In Figure 6 S106, ECU18a notifies the user of the status of vehicle 100 after installing battery pack B2 on vehicle body 10 and the performance of vehicle 100 after installing battery pack B2 on vehicle body 10. Therefore, the user can distinguish between performance degradation caused by battery replacement and performance degradation caused by a fault. According to such a method, it is possible to suppress a sense of disharmony or misunderstanding in the user regarding the status or performance of vehicle 100 (or battery pack B2 mounted on vehicle 100) after installing battery pack B2 on vehicle body 10.

[0098] In the above embodiment, after the battery replacement system 300 fixes battery pack B2 to vehicle body 10, ECU18a makes a notification related to battery replacement to the user ( Figure 6 S103, S106). However, not limited to this, ECU18a may also make the above notification before fixing battery pack B2. ECU18a may also replace Figure 3 the processing flow shown, and execute Figure 8 the processing flow shown. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a modification example of the method shown in Figure 3 above. Figure 8 The method shown in addition to replacing S14 ( Figure 3 ) with S14A, and replacing S33, S34 ( Figure 3 ) with S33A, S34A~S34C, is the same as the method shown in Figure 3 above.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 , in this modification example, server 380, in S33A, after installing battery pack B2 on vehicle body 10 and before fixing battery pack B2 to vehicle body 10, sends a replacement completion signal to ECU18a. Then, when ECU18a receives the replacement completion signal, it determines "yes" in S12. After server 380 sends the replacement completion signal, it respectively determines in S34A and S34B whether a replacement request and a fixing request are received from vehicle body 10. During the period when server 380 does not receive any request (both "no" in S34A and S34B), the determinations in S34A and S34B are repeated.

[0100] When server 380 receives a replacement request (described later Figure 9When in S109D) (Yes in S34A), the process returns to S31. The server 380 selects another battery pack in S31, removes the battery pack B2 from the vehicle body 10 in S32, and installs the battery pack selected in S31 into the vehicle body 10 in S33A. On the other hand, when the server 380 receives a fixing request (S109B described later Figure 9 (Yes in S34B), the process proceeds to S34C. In S34C, the battery pack (e.g., battery pack B2) installed in the vehicle body 10 in S33A is fixed to the vehicle body 10. After fixing the battery pack, the server 380 sends a signal notifying the completion of battery fixing (hereinafter referred to as "replacement fixing signal") to the ECU18a.

[0101] In S14A, the ECU18a executes Figure 6 instead of the processing flow shown Figure 9 the processing flow shown. Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 the flowchart of the first modification example of the method shown.

[0102] Referring to Figure 9 , in S101, the ECU18a performs the same judgment as in Figure 6 S101. When it is judged as "No" in S101, the ECU18a causes the user terminal to display the screen Sc3 ( Figure 6 ) in S108. After that, the process proceeds to S109A. On the other hand, when it is judged as "Yes" in S101, the ECU18a performs the processing of S104 and S105 which are the same as the processing flow of Figure 6 . Then, when it is judged that the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated in S104 is lower than the reference performance (Yes in S105), the ECU18a causes the user terminal to display the screen Sc4 in S106A. After that, the process proceeds to S109A. The screen Sc4 displays the performance (e.g., maximum cruising range) of the vehicle 100 reduced compared to the standard specification due to battery replacement, the message M41, and the operation units M42, M43. The message M41 represents the explanation related to the operation units M42, M43.

[0103] In S109A, the ECU18a judges whether a battery replacement request is received from the user. Specifically, the ECU18a judges whether any one of the operation unit M3 ( Figure 6 ) of the screen Sc3 and the operation unit M42 of the screen Sc4 is operated. When the operation unit M3 or M42 is operated (Yes in S109A), the ECU18a sends a replacement request signal to the server 380 in S109D, and then the process proceeds to Figure 8 S12 of

[0104] On the other hand, when the operation unit M4 on the screen Sc3 ( Figure 6 ), or the operation unit M43 on the screen Sc4 is operated, it is determined as "No" in S109A. In addition, when it is determined as "Yes" in S101 and "No" in S105, it is also determined as "No" in S109A. When it is determined as "No" in S109A, the process proceeds to S109B. In S109B, the ECU18a sends a signal (fixing request) for fixing the battery pack B2 to the server 380. After that, in S109C, the ECU18a determines whether the fixing of the battery pack B2 is completed according to whether a replacement fixing signal is received from the server 380. When the battery pack B2 is fixed to the vehicle body 10 by the process of Figure 8 S34C and a replacement fixing signal is sent from the server 380 to the ECU18a, it is determined as "Yes" in S109C, and the process proceeds to S102. Then, through the processes of S102 and S107, the voltage of the battery 21 is applied to the circuit CR11.

[0105] In Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the above method shown, before the battery replacement system 300 fixes the power storage device (battery pack) to the vehicle body 10, the ECU18a notifies the user of the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the power storage device to the vehicle body 10 (S106A). The user who receives the notification can decide whether to replace the power storage device. In addition, according to such a structure, when the power storage device is requested to be removed in S109D, since the power storage device is not fixed, time and effort for releasing the fixing can be saved for the removal of the power storage device.

[0106] In the above embodiment, before setting the vehicle 100 to the Ready-ON state, the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the power storage device (battery pack) to the vehicle body 10 is calculated ( Figure 6 S104), and the performance of the vehicle 100 that is reduced compared to the standard specification due to the replacement of the power storage device is notified to the user ( Figure 6 S106). Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of the performance reduction of the vehicle 100 after installing the power storage device to the vehicle body 10 and before the start of driving of the vehicle 100. However, not limited thereto, the ECU18a may also execute the processing flow shown in Figure 6 instead of the processing flow shown in Figure 10 . Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a second modification example of the method shown in Figure 6 . In the processing flow shown in Figure 10 , the timing of S107 is changed to between S102 and S103. Then, S104A is executed instead of S104 ( Figure 6 ).

[0107] Refer to Figure 10 , in this modification example, perform the judgment of S101 which is the same as the processing flow of Figure 6 . Then, when it is judged as "Yes" in S101, after successively performing the processes of S102, S107, and S103, the process proceeds to S104A. In S104A, ECU18a uses the battery information obtained from ECU28a ( Figure 3 S22), the second specification information stored in the storage device of ECU18a, and the result detected by in-vehicle sensor 19c in vehicle 100 in the Ready-ON state to calculate the performance of vehicle 100 after the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10. By using the sensor detection values in vehicle 100 in the Ready-ON state to calculate the performance of vehicle 100, it is easier to obtain the more correct performance of vehicle 100. In the subsequent S105, ECU18a determines whether to perform the notification of S106 according to the performance of vehicle 100 calculated in S104A.

[0108] In the above embodiment, ECU18a only displays the performance (output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range) of vehicle 100 after the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10 that is worse than the standard specification on the user terminal (for example, refer to Figure 7 ). However, it is not limited to this. ECU18a may also display the performance of vehicle 100 after the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10 on the user terminal regardless of whether it is worse than the standard specification.

[0109] ECU18a may also replace the processing flow shown in Figure 6 and execute the processing flow shown in Figure 11 . Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the third modification example of the method shown in Figure 6 .

[0110] Refer to Figure 11 , in this modification example, ECU18a calculates the performance of vehicle 100 after the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10 through the processing of S104 which is the same as the processing flow of Figure 6 . In the subsequent S106B, the calculated performance of vehicle 100 is notified to the user.

[0111] When the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 (such as output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range) all meet the standard specifications, in S106B, the ECU 18a causes, for example, the screen Sc5A to be displayed on the user terminal. On the other hand, when any one of the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 (such as output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range) is worse than the standard specifications, in S106B, the ECU 18a causes, for example, the screen Sc5B to be displayed on the user terminal. Both the screen Sc5A and Sc5B display the performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 (such as output performance, regenerative charging performance, and maximum cruising range). However, the screen Sc5A also displays a message M5A indicating that the performance that meets the standard specifications is also obtained after the battery replacement. The screen Sc5B also displays a message M5B indicating that at least one performance is reduced compared to the standard specifications due to the battery replacement. After the notification in S106B, through the processes of S102 and S107 that are the same as the Figure 6 processing flow, the vehicle 100 becomes the Ready-ON state. Thereby, Figure 11 the processing flow shown ends.

[0112] The ECU 18a may also replace Figure 6 the processing flow shown and execute Figure 12 the processing flow shown. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing Figure 6 the fourth modification example of the method shown. Figure 12 The processing flow shown, except for using S106C instead of S106B ( Figure 11 ), is the same as the Figure 11 processing flow shown. Referring to Figure 12 , in S106C, the ECU 18a uses the battery information obtained from the battery pack B2 ( Figure 3 S22) and the performance of the vehicle 100 calculated in S104 to simultaneously notify the user of the state and characteristics of the battery pack B2 installed in the vehicle body 10 and the state and performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10. For example, the ECU 18a causes the screen Sc6 to be displayed on the user terminal. The screen Sc6 includes a display section M61 indicating the state and characteristics of the battery pack B2, a display section M62 indicating the state and performance of the vehicle 100 after installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, and a message M63 indicating whether at least one of the battery performance and the vehicle performance is reduced compared to the initial state due to the battery replacement.

[0113] The display style of a display system having a user terminal (e.g., HMI19a and / or mobile terminal 200) is arbitrary. For example, the state and performance can each be represented either numerically or by an image (graph, curve, chart, icon, etc.). In addition, a plurality of distinctions related to the state or performance can also be distinguished by text (A / B / C, etc.), marks, or colors. The user terminal can also display, by animation, the change in the behavior of vehicle 100 based on the change in performance. The user terminal can also display, in a comparable style, an animation representing the behavior of the vehicle before performance degradation (e.g., initial) and an animation representing the behavior of the vehicle after performance degradation (e.g., current).

[0114] ECU18a can also, for example, in Figure 12 S106C of Figure 13 cause the screen Sc6A or Sc6B shown in Figure 13 to be displayed on the user terminal. Figure 12 In S104 of the performance D12 of vehicle 100 is calculated. The above battery information ( Figure 3 S22 of can also include the weight of battery pack B2. Message M63A indicates that both the battery performance and the vehicle performance are the same as the initial state after battery replacement. Message M63B indicates that the battery performance and the vehicle performance have decreased from the initial state due to battery replacement.

[0115] Figure 1 The structure of the vehicle body shown in Figure 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, in the structure shown in Figure 1 at least one of SMR13 and 23 can be omitted. In addition, at least one of DC socket 14b and AC socket 15b can be omitted, or they can be changed to a single AC / DC shared socket. The vehicle body can also be configured for non-contact charging. The vehicle body can also be equipped with a solar panel.

[0116] Figure 1 The structure of the battery pack shown can be appropriately changed. For example, the circuit CR22 in the battery pack may also include a temperature adjustment device driven by the power from the auxiliary battery 17. The temperature adjustment device may also include at least one of a heating device for heating the battery 21 and a cooling device for cooling the battery 21. In addition, the power storage device (battery pack 20) according to the above-described embodiment does not have a power source for starting the second control device (ECU28a). However, it is not limited thereto, and the power storage device may also have a power source for the second control device. In addition, the power storage device is not limited to a battery pack and may have a non-pack structure.

[0117] The above various modifications can be implemented in any combination. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car and may also be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (such as a tractor or a forklift). The vehicle may also be configured to be driverless by autonomous driving or remote driving.

[0118] It is considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is represented not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, including meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, including a vehicle body that can load and unload a first power storage device, and the vehicle body is provided with a first control device, wherein the first control device is configured to, when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, notify at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first control device is provided with a storage device that stores first specification information indicating the characteristics of an initial second power storage device originally equipped with the vehicle, the first control device is configured to, when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, notify the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body to the user in a manner that can be compared with the characteristics of the initial second power storage device represented by the first specification information.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, the notified characteristics of the first power storage device and the second power storage device include at least one of the maximum output power, the maximum regenerative power, and the capacity of the first power storage device and the second power storage device.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first control device is provided with a storage device that stores second specification information indicating the initial performance of the vehicle, the first control device is configured to, when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, notify the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user in a manner that can be compared with the initial performance represented by the second specification information.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, the notified performance of the vehicle includes at least one of the output performance of the vehicle based on the power of the first power storage device, the regenerative charging performance of the first power storage device in the vehicle, and the maximum cruising range of the vehicle based on the power of the first power storage device.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first control device is provided with a storage device that stores second specification information indicating the initial performance of the vehicle, when the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device determines whether the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body is lower than the initial performance represented by the second specification information, if it is determined that the performance of the vehicle is lower than the initial performance, the first control device notifies the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user, if it is determined that the performance of the vehicle is not lower than the initial performance, the first control device does not notify the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first power storage device is a battery pack provided with a second control device, The vehicle body further includes a power source. When the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the second control device is started by the power supplied from the power source, and the started second control device sends information related to the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body to the first control device.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that The information sent includes the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body. The first control device is configured to use the information received from the second control device to calculate the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The vehicle further includes a display device. When the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device notifies at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the display device, and the display device displays the information notified from the first control device to the user.

10. A display system, comprising: The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and A portable terminal that can be carried by the user. When the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device notifies at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the portable terminal, and the portable terminal displays the information notified from the first control device to the user.

11. A method for replacing an electricity storage device, characterized in that, Including: Removing the second power storage device from a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first control device and a second power storage device; Installing a first power storage device including a second control device on the vehicle body instead of the second power storage device; In a state where the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, the first control device obtains information related to the first power storage device from the second control device; and The first control device uses the information obtained from the second control device to notify at least one of the state of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the characteristics of the first power storage device installed on the vehicle body, the state of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body, and the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body to the user.

12. The method for replacing a power storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that Notifying the user includes: The first control device uses the information obtained from the second control device to calculate the performance of the vehicle after the first power storage device is installed on the vehicle body; and The first control device notifies the user of the calculated performance of the vehicle.

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