BSS management apparatus and operating method thereof

Abstract

A battery replacement station (BSS) management apparatus according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire firmware update data; and a management unit configured to remotely manage the BSS and the replaceable battery inserted into the slot of the BSS, in which the management unit updates firmware of the BSS and firmware of the replaceable battery based on firmware update data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0190693, filed on December 30, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery swap station (BSS) management device and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0004] The battery swap station is designed to accommodate and manage multiple replacement batteries and allows multiple replacement batteries to be easily used by users of electric drive vehicles such as electric cars, electric scooters, and electric bicycles. For example, the battery swap station can charge the replaceable batteries using power from an external power source and provide the fully charged replaceable batteries to the user of the electric vehicle.

[0005] The user can separate the fully charged replaceable battery from the battery swap station and use the battery by installing the battery in an electric drive vehicle. Alternatively, the user can separate the exhausted replaceable battery from the electric drive vehicle and charge the battery by installing the battery in the battery swap station. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Issues]

[0007] Conventionally, when a problem occurs in a battery swap station (BSS) or a replaceable battery, staff directly visit the site to manage the power supply, charging voltage, charging current, etc. of the BSS or replaceable battery, or install a USB in the actual replaceable battery to update the firmware.

[0008] This method is an inefficient response method that reduces the work efficiency of the staff and makes quick response impossible.

[0009] The embodiments disclosed in this document may provide a BSS management device and an operating method thereof, the BSS management device being capable of remotely managing a BSS and a replaceable battery inserted into a slot of the BSS at the same time.

[0010] The embodiments disclosed in this document may provide a BSS management device and an operating method thereof, which is capable of updating the firmware of a BSS to a specified version and updating the firmware of a replaceable battery to a version compatible with a function updated according to the specified version.

[0011] The objects of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the objects described above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] [Technical solution]

[0013] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, a battery replacement station BSS management device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire firmware update data; and a management unit configured to remotely manage the BSS and a replaceable battery inserted into a slot of the BSS, wherein the management unit updates the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery based on the firmware update data.

[0014] In the BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the management unit may manage the BSS and the replaceable battery wiredly or wirelessly according to the communication environment.

[0015] In a BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the management unit may be configured to: update the firmware of the BSS to a first version; and update the firmware of the replaceable battery to a second version compatible with the function updated according to the first version, and the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of the BSS to the first version and second update data for updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to the second version.

[0016] In the BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the acquisition unit may acquire status data of the BSS, and the management unit may control at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

[0017] In the BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the acquisition unit may acquire status data of the replaceable battery, and the management unit may control at least one of a charging voltage or a charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

[0018] The BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may further include an authentication unit configured to perform authentication for the BSS and / or the replaceable battery, wherein the management unit may remotely manage the BSS and the replaceable battery based on the authentication.

[0019] In a BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the authentication unit may perform a first authentication for the BSS and a second authentication for the replaceable battery, and when both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful, the management unit may update the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery.

[0020] In a BSS management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the authentication unit may be configured to: perform a first authentication for the BSS; and when the first authentication is successful, perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery, and the management unit may be configured to: when the first authentication is successful, update the firmware of the BSS; and when the second authentication is successful, update the firmware of the replaceable battery.

[0021] A battery swap station (BSS) management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes: an operation of obtaining firmware update data; and an operation of remotely managing the BSS and a replaceable battery inserted into a slot of the BSS, wherein the operation of remotely managing the BSS and the replaceable battery includes an operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery based on the firmware update data.

[0022] In a BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery may include: an operation of updating the firmware of the BSS to a first version; and an operation of updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to a second version compatible with the function updated according to the first version, and the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of the BSS to the first version and second update data for updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to the second version.

[0023] The BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may further include an operation of acquiring status data of the BSS, wherein the operation of remotely managing the BSS may include an operation of controlling at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

[0024] The BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may further include an operation of acquiring status data of a replaceable battery, wherein the operation of remotely managing the BSS may include an operation of controlling at least one of a charging voltage or a charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

[0025] The BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may further include performing an operation of authentication for the BSS and / or the replaceable battery, wherein the operation of remotely managing the BSS and the replaceable battery may include an operation of remotely managing the BSS and the replaceable battery based on the authentication.

[0026] In a BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the operation of performing the authentication may include performing a first authentication for the BSS and a second authentication for the replaceable battery, and the operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery may include an operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery when both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful.

[0027] In a BSS management method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the operation of performing the authentication may include: performing a first authentication operation for the BSS, and performing a second authentication operation for the replaceable battery when the first authentication is successful, and the operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery may include: updating the firmware of the BSS when the first authentication is successful, and updating the firmware of the replaceable battery when the second authentication is successful.

[0028] [Beneficial Effects]

[0029] Based on the BSS management device and its operating method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document, by remotely managing the BSS and the replaceable battery inserted into the slot of the BSS, not only can the work efficiency of the staff be improved, but also problems that arise can be responded to quickly.

[0030] Effects of the replaceable battery and the operating method thereof according to the disclosure of this document are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of this document.

[0031] In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly recognized through this document can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a view showing a battery replacement system according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery swap station (BSS) management device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but rather includes various modifications, equivalents and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. Unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items.

[0040] In this document, each of phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases in these phrases. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from another component, unless otherwise specifically described, and do not limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] In this document, when a certain (e.g., first) component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “coupled to,” or “coupled to” or “connected to” another (e.g., second) component, with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively,” this means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided to be included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed through an application store or distributed directly online between two user devices (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least some of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a device-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0043] According to various embodiments, each component (for example, module or program) in the components described above can include single object or multiple objects, and some of the multiple objects can be arranged in other components separately. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations in the corresponding components described above can be omitted, or one or more other components or operations can be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (for example, module or program) can be integrated into a component. In this case, the integrated component can perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components, and the one or more functions are identical or similar to the functions performed by the corresponding components in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by module, program or other components can be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more of the operations can be performed or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations can be added.

[0044] Figure 1 is a view showing a battery replacement system according to one embodiment.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , the battery swap system may include a battery swap station (BSS) 110 , a replaceable battery 120 , and a BSS management device 130 .

[0046] A BSS 110 may be provided at each designated charging station. According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may include a plurality of slots 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116, which may be accommodated for charging a replaceable battery 120. When the replaceable battery 120 is accommodated in the plurality of slots 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116, the BSS 110 may supply power to the accommodated replaceable battery 120.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 can receive a replaceable battery 120 used by a user of an electric vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, or an electric bicycle), and when the user pays for charging, provide the user with one of the other replaceable batteries that have already been charged. For example, when the user returns the used replaceable battery 120 to the slot 113 of the BSS 110, the replaceable battery 120 can be installed in the slot 113. Then, when the user pays for charging, another replaceable battery set in one of the remaining slots 111, 112, 114, 115, and 116 can be detached from the corresponding slot and provided to the user.

[0048] The replaceable battery 120 may be a battery pack that can be used by being installed in an electric vehicle. The replaceable battery 120 may be separated from the electric vehicle and accommodated in one of the plurality of slots 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 of the BSS 110. The replaceable battery 120 accommodated in one of the plurality of slots 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 may receive power from the BSS 110.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may be connected to the BSS management device 130 via wire and / or wirelessly.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connection 101 between the BSS 110 and the BSS management device 130 may be a communication connection via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the wired network may be based on a local area network (LAN) communication or a power line communication. According to one embodiment, the wireless network may be based on a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a telecommunication network (a cellular network, a fourth generation (4G) network, or a fifth generation (5G) network).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may obtain a signal related to at least one of firmware update, power control, charging voltage control, or charging current control from the BSS management device 130 through the connection 101 with the BSS management device 130 .

[0052] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may obtain a firmware update signal for the BSS 110 and / or a firmware update signal for the replaceable battery 120 inserted into the slot 113 of the BSS 110 from the BSS management device 130. For example, the BSS 110 may obtain a first update signal for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version and / or a second update signal for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the function updated according to the first version.

[0053] According to one embodiment, upon receiving the first update signal, the BSS 110 may update its firmware to the first version. Furthermore, upon receiving the second update signal, the BSS 110 may update its firmware to the second version of the replaceable battery 120. According to another embodiment, the BSS 110 may transmit the received second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. Upon receiving the second update signal, the replaceable battery 120 may update its firmware to the second version.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the replaceable battery 110 may directly obtain the second update signal through a wired or wireless connection with the BSS management device 130 .

[0055] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may obtain a control signal related to at least one of power control, charging voltage control, or charging current control from the BSS management device 130. For example, the BSS 110 may obtain a power control signal from the BSS management device 130 for allowing power off. In this case, the BSS 110 may perform a power off based on the obtained power control signal. As another example, the BSS management device 130 may obtain a charging voltage control signal for controlling the charging voltage of the replaceable battery 120 inserted into the slot 113 to a specified voltage. In this case, the BSS 110 may control the charging voltage for the replaceable battery 120 to the specified voltage based on the obtained charging voltage control signal.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform authentication for the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120 through the connection 101 .

[0057] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a first authentication request signal for the BSS 110 and a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110 via the connection 101. In response to the first authentication request signal, the BSS 110 may send the first authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 via the connection 101. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication for the BSS 110 is successful. The BSS 110 may send a second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via a wired or wireless connection. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via a wired or wireless connection, and the BSS 110 may send the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 via the connection 101. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication for the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may directly perform authentication of the replaceable battery 120 through a wired or wireless connection with the replaceable battery 120 .

[0059] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may transmit a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120 via a wired or wireless connection with the replaceable battery 120. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may transmit a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication of the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0060] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery swap station (BSS) management device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The BSS 110, the replaceable battery 120, the BSS management device 130, and the connection 101 shown in FIG may have the same configuration as each other, and repeated description of the same configuration may be omitted. Figure 2 The replaceable battery 120 can be inserted into a slot of the BSS 110 (eg, Figure 1 The status in slot 113) of .

[0061] Reference Figure 2 , the BSS management device 130 may be connected to the BSS 110 , the replaceable battery 120 and / or the external device 210 by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the connection 201 between the BSS management device 130 and the external device 210 can be a communication connection via a wired and / or wireless network. For example, the external device 210 can be a firmware management system, a user terminal, or an external server. Here, the user terminal can be a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a smartphone, or a smart tablet) or a personal computer (PC). According to one embodiment, the wired network can be based on LAN communication or power line communication. According to one embodiment, the wireless network can be based on a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or IrDA) or a telecommunications network (cellular network, 4G network, or 5G network).

[0063] In another embodiment, the connection 201 between the BSS management device 130 and the external device 210 may be a connection through an inter-device communication method such as a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may include a communication circuit 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. According to an embodiment, Figure 2 The BSS management device 130 shown in FIG may also include Figure 2At least one component other than those shown (eg, a display, an input device, or an output device).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit 140 may establish a wired communication channel and / or a wireless communication channel between the BSS management device 130 and the BSS 110 and / or the external device 210 , and transmit and receive data with the BSS 110 and / or the external device 210 through the established communication channel.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the memory 150 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0067] According to one embodiment, memory 150 may store data used by at least one component of BSS management device 130 (e.g., processor 160). For example, the data may include software (or instructions related thereto), input data, or output data. According to one embodiment, when executed by processor 160, the instructions may enable BSS management device 130 to perform the operations defined by the instructions.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the memory 150 may include one or more software (eg, an acquisition unit 151 , an authentication unit 153 , and a management unit 155 ).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor 160 may include a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor 160 can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the BSS management device 130 connected to the processor 160 by executing software (e.g., the acquisition unit 151, the authentication unit 153, and the management unit 155), and perform various data processing or calculations.

[0071] Hereinafter, a method in which the BSS management device 130 manages the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120 through the acquisition unit 151 , the authentication unit 153 , and / or the management unit 155 will be described.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire firmware update data. According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire the firmware update data from an external device 210 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version and second update data for updating the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the function updated according to the first version.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire status data of the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire status data of the BSS 110 from the BSS 110 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. Here, the status data of the BSS 110 may include various data related to the BSS 110. For example, the status data of the BSS 110 may include data related to the communication environment of the BSS 110, data related to whether the replaceable battery 120 is inserted, and / or data related to the power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire status data of the replaceable battery 120. According to one embodiment, the acquisition unit 151 may acquire the status data of the replaceable battery 120 from the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. Here, the status data of the replaceable battery 120 may include various data related to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the status data of the replaceable battery 120 may include state of charge (SOC) data and / or state of health (SOH) data of the replaceable battery 120.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the authentication unit 153 may perform authentication for the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 .

[0076] According to one embodiment, the authentication unit 153 may perform a first authentication for the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the authentication unit 153 may send a first authentication request signal for the BSS 110 to the BSS 110. In response to the first authentication request signal, the BSS 110 may send a first authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, the authentication unit 153 may determine that the authentication for the BSS 110 is successful.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the authentication unit 153 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120. For example, the authentication unit 153 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. The BSS 110 may send the second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via wired or wireless communication, and the BSS 110 may send the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. As another example, the authentication unit 153 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the authentication unit 153 may determine that authentication for the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0078] According to one embodiment, when the first authentication with respect to the BSS 110 succeeds, the authentication unit 153 may perform a second authentication with respect to the replaceable battery 120 .

[0079] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may remotely manage the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120. According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may manage the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 wiredly or wirelessly depending on the communication environment. Here, the communication environment may be the communication environment of the BSS 110, the replaceable battery 120, and / or the BSS management device 130. For example, when the BSS 110 is currently in a communication environment unsuitable for wired communication (e.g., when the BSS 110 is in a location where it is difficult to establish a wired network), the management unit 155 may manage the BSS 110 wirelessly.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 based on the firmware update data acquired by the acquisition unit 151. According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version. According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the functions updated according to the first version.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may send a firmware update signal of the BSS 110 and / or a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. For example, the management unit 155 may send a first update signal for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version and / or a second update signal for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to a second version to the BSS 110.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may directly send a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the management unit 155 may directly send a second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may control at least one of the power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110 based on the status data of the BSS 110 and / or the status data of the replaceable battery 120 acquired by the acquisition unit 151. According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may control at least one of the charging voltage or charging current of the BSS 110 according to the state of health of the replaceable battery 120 based on the status data of the replaceable battery 120. For example, when the state of health of the replaceable battery 120 is a first level or higher and lower than a second level, the management unit 155 may control the charging voltage to a first voltage, and when the state of health of the replaceable battery 120 is a second level or higher and lower than a third level, the management unit 155 may control the charging voltage to a second voltage.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the management unit 155 may remotely manage the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 based on the authentication performed by the authentication unit 153 .

[0085] According to one embodiment, when both the first authentication for the BSS 110 and the second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 are successful, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 .

[0086] According to one embodiment, when authentication is successful for each of the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120, the management unit 155 may perform a firmware update for each. For example, when the first authentication is successful for the BSS 110, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the BSS 110. Additionally, when the second authentication is successful for the replaceable battery 120, the management unit 155 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the first authentication for the BSS 110 succeeds, the management unit 155 may control at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110 .

[0088] Figure 3 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 To describe the components Figure 3 .

[0089] Figure 3 The embodiment shown in FIG is only one embodiment, and the order of operations according to various embodiments of the present invention may be different. Figure 3 The order of the operations shown in the Figure 3 Some of the operations shown in the figure may have their order changed or may be combined. For example, Figure 3 Operation 310 in .

[0090] Reference Figure 3 , in operation 305 , the BSS management device 130 may acquire data.

[0091] According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data from external device 210 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of BSS 110 to a first version and second update data for updating the firmware of replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the functions updated according to the first version.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may obtain status data of the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may obtain status data of the BSS 110 from the BSS 110 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. Here, the status data of the BSS 110 may include various data related to the BSS 110. For example, the status data of the BSS 110 may include data related to the communication environment of the BSS 110, data related to whether the replaceable battery 120 is inserted, and / or data related to the power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may obtain status data of the replaceable battery 120. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may obtain status data of the replaceable battery 120 from the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. Here, the status data of the replaceable battery 120 may include various data related to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the status data of the replaceable battery 120 may include SOC data and / or SOH data of the replaceable battery 120.

[0094] In operation 310 , the BSS management device 130 may perform authentication for the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 .

[0095] According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may perform a first authentication for BSS 110. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may send a first authentication request signal for BSS 110 to BSS 110. BSS 110 may send a first authentication signal to BSS management device 130 in response to the first authentication request signal. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication for BSS 110 is successful.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. The BSS 110 may send the second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via wired or wireless communication, and the BSS 110 may send the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. As another example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication for the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when the first authentication for the BSS 110 succeeds, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 .

[0098] In operation 315, BSS management device 130 may remotely manage BSS 110 and / or replaceable battery 120. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may manage BSS 110 and / or replaceable battery 120 wired or wirelessly depending on the communication environment. Here, the communication environment may be the communication environment of BSS 110, replaceable battery 120, and / or BSS management device 130. For example, when BSS 110 is currently in a communication environment unsuitable for wired communication (e.g., when BSS 110 is in a location where it is difficult to establish a wired network), BSS management device 130 may manage BSS 110 wirelessly.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 based on the firmware update data acquired in operation 305. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the functions updated according to the first version.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a firmware update signal for the BSS 110 and / or a firmware update signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a first update signal for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version and / or a second update signal for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to a second version to the BSS 110.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may control at least one of the power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110 based on the status data of the BSS 110 and / or the status data of the replaceable battery 120 acquired in operation 305. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may control at least one of the charging voltage or charging current of the BSS 110 based on the state of health (SOH) of the replaceable battery 120 based on the status data of the replaceable battery 120. For example, when the SOH of the replaceable battery 120 is at least a first level and less than a second level, the BSS management device 130 may control the charging voltage to a first voltage, and when the SOH of the replaceable battery 120 is at least a second level and less than a third level, the BSS management device 130 may control the charging voltage to a second voltage.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may remotely manage the BSS 110 and / or the replaceable battery 120 based on the authentication performed in operation 310 .

[0104] According to one embodiment, when both the first authentication for the BSS 110 and the second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 are successful, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 .

[0105] According to one embodiment, when authentication is successful for each of the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120, the BSS management device 130 may perform a firmware update for each. For example, when the first authentication is successful for the BSS 110, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110. Additionally, when the second authentication is successful for the replaceable battery 120, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the first authentication for the BSS 110 succeeds, the BSS management device 130 may control at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS 110 .

[0107] In the following, please refer to Figure 4 The operation of the BSS management device 130 updating the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 is described.

[0108] Figure 4 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 To describe the components Figure 4 .

[0109] Figure 4 The embodiment shown in FIG is only one embodiment, and the order of operations according to various embodiments of the present invention may be different. Figure 4 The operations shown in the example are in different order and may be omitted. Figure 4 Some of the operations shown in the figure may have their order changed or may be combined. For example, Figure 4 Operation 410 in .

[0110] Reference Figure 4 In operation 405, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data from external device 210 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of BSS 110 to a first version and second update data for updating the firmware of replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the function updated according to the first version.

[0111] In operation 410 , the BSS management device 130 may perform authentication for the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120 .

[0112] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a first authentication for the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a first authentication request signal for the BSS 110 to the BSS 110. In response to the first authentication request signal, the BSS 110 may send a first authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that the authentication for the BSS 110 is successful.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. The BSS 110 may send the second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via wired or wireless communication, and the BSS 110 may send the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. As another example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. In response to the second authentication request signal, the replaceable battery 120 may send a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication for the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0114] According to one embodiment, when the first authentication for the BSS 110 succeeds, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 .

[0115] In operation 415 , the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 .

[0116] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 based on the firmware update data acquired in operation 405. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the functions updated according to the first version.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a firmware update signal for the BSS 110 and / or a firmware update signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a first update signal for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version and / or a second update signal for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to a second version to the BSS 110.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0119] In the following, please refer to Figure 5 An operation of the BSS management device 130 updating the firmware of the BSS 110 and the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 when both the first authentication for the BSS 110 and the second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 are successful is described.

[0120] Figure 5 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 To describe the components Figure 5 .

[0121] Figure 5 The embodiment shown in FIG is only one embodiment, and the order of operations according to various embodiments of the present invention may be different. Figure 5 The order of the operations shown in the Figure 5 For some of the operations shown in FIG, the order of the operations may be changed, or the operations may be combined.

[0122] Reference Figure 5 In operation 505, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data from external device 210 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of BSS 110 to a first version and second update data for updating the firmware of replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the function updated according to the first version.

[0123] In operation 510 , the BSS management device 130 may perform a first authentication for the BSS 110 and a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 .

[0124] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a first authentication for the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may transmit a first authentication request signal for the BSS 110 to the BSS 110.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. The BSS 110 may send the second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. As another example, the BSS management device 130 may send the second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120.

[0126] In operation 515 , the BSS management device 130 may determine whether both the first authentication and the second authentication have succeeded.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may transmit a first authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 in response to the first authentication request signal. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that the authentication for the BSS 110 is successful.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the replaceable battery 120 may transmit a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via wired or wireless communication in response to the second authentication request signal, and the BSS 110 may transmit the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. According to another embodiment, the replaceable battery 120 may transmit a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 in response to the second authentication request signal. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication of the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0129] In operation 515 , when it is determined that both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful (“Yes”), in operation 520 , the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 .

[0130] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 and / or the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 based on the firmware update data acquired in operation 505. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the functions updated according to the first version.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a firmware update signal for the BSS 110 and / or a firmware update signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a first update signal for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version and / or a second update signal for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to a second version to the BSS 110.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0133] In operation 515, when it is determined that at least one of the first authentication or the second authentication fails ("No"), the BSS management device 130 may end the authentication. Figure 5 operation.

[0134] In the following, please refer to Figure 6 An operation in which the BSS management device 130 performs firmware update for each of the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120 when authentication for each of the BSS 110 and the replaceable battery 120 succeeds is described.

[0135] Figure 6 is an operation flow chart of a BSS management device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 To describe the components Figure 6 .

[0136] Figure 6 The embodiment shown in FIG is only one embodiment, and the order of operations according to various embodiments of the present invention may be different. Figure 6 The order of the operations shown in the Figure 6 For some of the operations shown in , the order of operations can be changed, or operations can be combined. For example, Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the order of operation 620 and operation 625 can be changed.

[0137] Reference Figure 6In operation 605, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data. According to one embodiment, BSS management device 130 may obtain firmware update data from external device 210 connected via a wired and / or wireless network. According to one embodiment, the firmware update data may include first update data for updating the firmware of BSS 110 to a first version and second update data for updating the firmware of replaceable battery 120 to a second version. Here, the second version may be a version compatible with the function updated according to the first version.

[0138] In operation 610, the BSS management device 130 may perform a first authentication for the BSS 110. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may transmit a first authentication request signal for the BSS 110 to the BSS 110.

[0139] In operation 615 , the BSS management device 130 may determine whether the first authentication has succeeded.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the BSS 110 may transmit a first authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 in response to the first authentication request signal. Upon receiving the first authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that the authentication for the BSS 110 is successful.

[0141] In operation 615, when it is determined that the first authentication fails ("No"), the BSS management device 130 may end Figure 6 operation.

[0142] In operation 615 , when it is determined that the first authentication is successful (“Yes”), in operation 620 , the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 .

[0143] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 based on the firmware update data acquired in operation 605. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the BSS 110 to a first version.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a firmware update signal of the BSS 110 to the BSS 110. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a first update signal to the BSS 110 for allowing the firmware of the BSS 110 to be updated to a first version.

[0145] In operation 625 , the BSS management device 130 may perform second authentication for the replaceable battery 120 .

[0146] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may perform a second authentication for the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. The BSS 110 may send the second authentication request signal to the replaceable battery 120 via wired or wireless communication. As another example, the BSS management device 130 may send the second authentication request signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120.

[0147] In operation 630 , the BSS management device 130 may determine whether the second authentication has succeeded.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the replaceable battery 120 may transmit a second authentication signal to the BSS 110 via wired or wireless communication in response to the second authentication request signal, and the BSS 110 may transmit the second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130. According to another embodiment, the replaceable battery 120 may transmit a second authentication signal to the BSS management device 130 in response to the second authentication request signal. Upon receiving the second authentication signal, the BSS management device 130 may determine that authentication of the replaceable battery 120 is successful.

[0149] In operation 630 , when it is determined that the second authentication is successful (“Yes”), in operation 635 , the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 .

[0150] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 based on the firmware update data acquired in operation 605. According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may update the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to the second version.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may send a firmware update signal for the replaceable battery 120 to the BSS 110. For example, the BSS management device 130 may send a second update signal to the BSS 110 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a firmware update signal of the replaceable battery 120 to the replaceable battery 120. For example, the BSS management device 130 may directly send a second update signal to the replaceable battery 120 for allowing the firmware of the replaceable battery 120 to be updated to the second version.

[0153] In operation 630, when it is determined that the second authentication fails ("No"), the BSS management device 130 may end Figure 6 operation.

[0154] Unless otherwise specified, the terms such as "including", "consisting of" or "having" described above mean that the corresponding components may be inherent and should therefore be interpreted as also including other components rather than excluding other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant field and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

Claims

1. A battery swap station (BSS) management device, comprising: an acquiring unit configured to acquire firmware update data; as well as a management unit configured to remotely manage the BSS and a replaceable battery inserted into a slot of the BSS, The management unit updates the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery based on the firmware update data.

2. The BSS management device according to claim 1, wherein: The management unit manages the BSS and the replaceable battery by wire or wirelessly according to a communication environment.

3. The BSS management device according to claim 1, wherein: The management unit is configured to: Updating the firmware of the BSS to a first version; and updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to a second version compatible with the function updated according to the first version, and The firmware update data includes first update data for updating the firmware of the BSS to the first version and second update data for updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to the second version.

4. The BSS management device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquiring unit acquires the status data of the BSS, and The management unit controls at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

5. The BSS management device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquiring unit acquires the status data of the replaceable battery, and The management unit controls at least one of a charging voltage or a charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

6. The BSS management device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit configured to perform authentication for the BSS and / or the replaceable battery. in, The management unit remotely manages the BSS and the replaceable battery based on the authentication.

7. The BSS management device according to claim 6, wherein: The authentication unit performs a first authentication for the BSS and a second authentication for the replaceable battery, and When both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful, the management unit updates the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery.

8. The BSS management device according to claim 6, wherein: The authentication unit is configured to: performing a first authentication for the BSS; and When the first authentication succeeds, performing a second authentication for the replaceable battery, and The management unit is configured to: When the first authentication succeeds, updating the firmware of the BSS; and When the second authentication succeeds, the firmware of the replaceable battery is updated.

9. A battery swap station (BSS) management method, comprising: Operations to obtain firmware update data; as well as remotely manage the operation of the BSS and the replaceable battery inserted into the slot of the BSS, The operation of remotely managing the BSS and the replaceable battery includes an operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery based on the firmware update data.

10. The BSS management method according to claim 9, wherein: The operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery includes: An operation of updating the firmware of the BSS to a first version; and updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to a second version compatible with the function updated according to the first version, and The firmware update data includes first update data for updating the firmware of the BSS to the first version and second update data for updating the firmware of the replaceable battery to the second version.

11. The BSS management method according to claim 9, further comprising an operation of obtaining status data of the BSS, in, Remotely managing the operation of the BSS includes controlling an operation of at least one of power, charging voltage, or charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

12. The BSS management method according to claim 9, further comprising an operation of obtaining status data of the replaceable battery, in, Remotely managing the operation of the BSS includes controlling an operation of at least one of a charging voltage or a charging current of the BSS based on the status data.

13. The BSS management method according to claim 9, further comprising performing an operation of authenticating the BSS and / or the replaceable battery. in, Remotely managing the operation of the BSS and the replaceable battery includes remotely managing the operation of the BSS and the replaceable battery based on the authentication.

14. The BSS management method according to claim 13, wherein: The operation of performing the authentication includes performing a first authentication operation for the BSS and a second authentication operation for the replaceable battery, and The operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery includes an operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery when both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful.

15. The BSS management method according to claim 13, wherein: The operations of performing the authentication include: performing a first authentication operation for the BSS; and When the first authentication succeeds, a second authentication operation for the replaceable battery is performed, and The operation of updating the firmware of the BSS and the firmware of the replaceable battery includes: When the first authentication succeeds, the firmware of the BSS is updated; and An operation of updating the firmware of the replaceable battery when the second authentication succeeds.

Images