Control method, information processing device, program, and storage device

Abstract

To provide a control method, an information processing device, a program, and a storage device that can improve the consistency of operations while suppressing discomfort imparted to a user.SOLUTION: An integrated control device 65 of a first battery exchange device 1a is communicably connected to each housing control board 64 of a first battery exchange device 1a, a second battery exchange device 1b, and a third battery exchange device 1c, and controls the housing control boards 64. The integrated control device 65 transmits, to the housing control boards 64, a timer value used for synchronizing the housing control boards 64. Each housing control boards 64 controls each battery exchange device 1 on the basis of the received timer value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method, an information processing device, a program, and a storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a service, so-called battery sharing service, in which a plurality of users share the use of batteries that are attached to and detached from various electric power devices such as electric vehicles and power supply devices. A user of the battery sharing service can replace the battery of the electric power device by removing a depleted battery from the electric power device and returning it to a battery station, and attaching a charged battery lent from the battery station to the electric power device. A known technology related to such battery sharing services is, for example, a technology in which, when a request to return or lend multiple batteries is received at a battery station equipped with multiple storage units, multiple slots into which the multiple batteries can be attached and detached are selected from a single storage unit or two adjacent storage units (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 173001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology related to the battery sharing service, it is desirable to realize coordinated operations in a battery station equipped with multiple storage units. However, for example, when selecting multiple batteries for rental from two adjacent storage units, simply performing coordinated operations between the multiple storage units may cause a user to feel uncomfortable due to a difference in communication or operation timing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, an information processing device, a program, and a storage device that can improve the consistency of operations while suppressing the sense of discomfort felt by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1): A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a storage device (e.g., battery exchange device 1 in an embodiment) including a plurality of storage units (e.g., battery holding unit 32 in an embodiment) for holding items (e.g., battery 3 in an embodiment), and includes a first storage unit group (e.g., battery holding unit 32 of any one of three battery exchange devices 1 in an embodiment) that is a group of the storage units among the plurality of storage units, or a first control unit (e.g., housing control board 64 in an embodiment) that controls a first item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the first storage unit group, and a second storage unit group (e.g., battery holding unit 32 of any other battery exchange device 1 other than any one of three battery exchange devices 1 in an embodiment) that is another group of the storage units, or a control unit (e.g., housing control board 64 in an embodiment) that controls the first item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the first storage unit group. The system includes a second control unit (e.g., a housing control board 64 in the embodiment) that controls a second group of items, which are the items communicatively connected to the storage unit of a storage unit group, and an integrated control unit (e.g., an integrated control device 65 in the embodiment) that is communicatively connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit, and has a transmission step in which the integrated control unit transmits synchronization information (e.g., a timer value in the embodiment) to the first control unit and the second control unit for synchronizing the first control unit and the second control unit, a first control step in which the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first group of items based on the received synchronization information, and a second control step in which the second control unit controls the second storage unit group or the second group of items based on the received synchronization information.

[0007] (2): In the control method described in (1) above, the storage device has a plurality of housings (e.g., housing 10 in the embodiment) formed separately and a plurality of the storage sections or a plurality of light-emitting units (e.g., light-emitting unit 33 in the embodiment) provided near the plurality of the storage sections, the first storage section group is arranged in a first housing (e.g., housing 10 in the embodiment) among the plurality of housings, the second storage section group is arranged in a second housing (e.g., housing 10 in the embodiment), the first control step may include a step of the first control unit controlling the plurality of light-emitting units provided in the first storage section group based on the synchronization information (e.g., steps S01, S03, S04, and S06 to S08 in the embodiment), and the second control step may include a step of the second control unit controlling the plurality of light-emitting units provided in the second storage section group based on the synchronization information (e.g., steps S01, S03, S04, and S06 to S08 in the embodiment).

[0008] (3): In the control method described in (1) or (2) above, in the transmitting step, the integrated control unit may transmit the same synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit simultaneously.

[0009] (4): The control method described in (3) above includes another transmission step in which the integrated control unit transmits control commands to the first control unit and the second control unit to control the first control unit and the second control unit.

[0010] (5): In the control method described in (4) above, in the other transmission step, the integrated control unit simultaneously transmits the same control command to the first control unit and the second control unit.

[0011] (6): In the control method described in (4) or (5) above, the synchronization information is set to change at predetermined time intervals, and the first control step controls based on the timing at which the synchronization information changes when the control command is received from the integrated control unit, and the second control step controls based on the timing at which the synchronization information changes when the control command is received from the integrated control unit.

[0012] (7): The control method described in any one of (1) to (6) above may have a judgment step (e.g., step S25 in the embodiment) in which the first control unit judges whether there is an abnormality in the integrated control unit based on the synchronization information.

[0013] (8): In the control method described in (7) above, the determining step may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the integrated control unit when the first control unit does not receive the synchronization information for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0014] (9): The control method described in (7) or (8) above may have a third control step (e.g., steps S01 to S11 in the embodiment) in which the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first item group based on a control command received from the integrated control unit.

[0015] (10): The control method described in (9) above may have a fourth control step (e.g., step S27 in the embodiment) in which, when an abnormality in the integrated control unit is determined in the judgment step, the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first item group without being based on the control command.

[0016] (11): An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., a first battery exchange apparatus 1a in the embodiment, a management server device 300) includes a first storage unit group (e.g., the battery holding unit 32 in the embodiment) that is one of a plurality of storage units (e.g., the battery 3 in the embodiment) that store an item (e.g., the battery 3 in the embodiment), or a first control unit (e.g., a housing control board 64 in the embodiment) that controls a first item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage unit of the first storage unit group, and a second storage unit group (e.g., the battery holding unit 32 in the embodiment) that is another group of the storage units. The storage unit of the second storage unit group includes a first control unit (e.g., a battery holding unit 32) that controls a second group of items, which are the items communicatively connected to the storage unit of the second storage unit group (e.g., a housing control board 64 in the embodiment), and an integrated control unit (e.g., an integrated control device 65 in the embodiment) that is communicatively connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit, wherein the integrated control unit transmits synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit for synchronizing the first control unit and the second control unit, the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first group of items based on the received synchronization information, and the second control unit controls the second storage unit group or the second group of items based on the received synchronization information.

[0017] (12): A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first control unit (e.g., a housing control board 64 in the embodiment) that controls a first storage unit group (e.g., the battery holding unit 32 in the embodiment) that is one of a plurality of storage units (e.g., the battery 3 in the embodiment) that store an item (e.g., the battery 3 in the embodiment) or the first item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage unit of the first storage unit group, and a second control unit (e.g., the housing control board 64 in the embodiment) that controls a second storage unit group (e.g., the battery holding unit 32 in the battery exchange apparatus 1 other than one of the three battery exchange apparatuses 1 in the embodiment) that is another group of the storage units, or the second item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage unit of the second storage unit group. The computer of an electronic device (e.g., the first battery exchange device 1a, management server device 300 in the embodiments) including a control unit (e.g., a housing control board 64 in the embodiments) and an integrated control unit (e.g., the integrated control device 65 in the embodiments) that is communicatively connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit, is caused to execute a transmission step in which the integrated control unit transmits synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit for synchronization between the first control unit and the second control unit, a first control step in which the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first item group based on the received synchronization information, and a second control step in which the second control unit controls the second storage unit group or the second item group based on the received synchronization information.

[0018] (13) A storage device according to one aspect of the present invention stores the program described in (12) above. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the above (1), the first control unit and the second control unit, which control a group of different storage units or items, operate based on the synchronization information received from the integrated control unit, so that even if the operations are common, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a difference in operation timing, etc., and improve the consistency of the operations. For example, even if a communication difference occurs, it is possible to improve the consistency of the operations while preventing the discomfort felt by the user based on the synchronization information.

[0020] In the above case (2), the first control unit and the second control unit which control the light-emitting units provided in different housings operate based on synchronization information received from the integrated control unit, thereby suppressing the occurrence of deviations in operation timing even in the case of a common light-emitting operation of the light-emitting units, and improving the consistency of light-emitting operations such as blinking and lighting.

[0021] In the above case (3), the integrated control unit simultaneously transmits the same synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit, so that even if a communication abnormality or the like occurs, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a discrepancy in the operation timing of the first control unit and the second control unit.

[0022] According to the above (4), the integrated control unit can control the first control unit and the second control unit by a control command. According to (5) above, the integrated control unit simultaneously sends the same control command to the first control unit and the second control unit, so that the first control unit and the second control unit can be synchronized by the synchronization information and can properly execute the same operation. According to the above (6), even if the first control unit and the second control unit perform a common operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a discrepancy in the operation timing, and improve the consistency of the operations.

[0023] In the case of (7) above, the first control unit (i.e., each of the control units that control a group of different storage units or items) can determine whether there is an abnormality in the integrated control unit based on an abnormality in the synchronization information, etc. In the above case (8), the first control unit (i.e., each of the control units controlling a group of mutually different storage units or items) can determine that there is an abnormality in the integrated control unit or in communication from the integrated control unit by not receiving synchronization information for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0024] In the case of (9) above, the first control unit (i.e., each of the control units controlling a group of different storage units or items) can perform appropriate operations based on control commands received from the normal integrated control unit. In the case of (10) above, the first control unit (i.e., each of the control units controlling a group of mutually different storage units or items) can operate without based on a control command received from the integrated control unit in which an abnormality has occurred, and can, for example, prevent abnormalities from occurring in the storage units or items.

[0025] According to at least one of the above (11), (12), and (13), the first control unit and the second control unit, which control a group of mutually different storage units or items, operate based on the synchronization information received from the integrated control unit, so that even if the operations are common, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a difference in operation timing, etc., and improve the consistency of the operations. For example, even if a communication delay occurs, it is possible to improve the consistency of the operations while suppressing the discomfort felt by the user based on the synchronization information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery exchange device in a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a battery exchange apparatus controlled by the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a battery exchange device controlled by the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network topology (connection form) of a plurality of battery exchange devices in the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing the operation pattern (time change in duty ratio D corresponding to luminous intensity) of the lamp in the battery exchange device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] A figure showing an example of a command value (command value indicating the operation pattern of the lamp) sent from an integrated control device to a housing control board in a battery replacement unit of an embodiment of the present invention, a timer value for synchronization, and an example of the operation pattern of the lamp (change over time in duty ratio D corresponding to luminous intensity). [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of returning and lending a battery replacement unit in the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of states of light-emitting sections of a battery exchange device accompanying return and lending operations of a battery exchange unit in the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a housing control board in the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The management system of the embodiment is a system that manages a so-called battery sharing service, which allows multiple users to jointly use a storage device (e.g., a battery, etc.) that is attached and detached to various power devices such as electric vehicles and power supply devices. The storage device of the embodiment is, for example, a battery exchange device that provides (provides) and receives batteries to a user entity (for example, a user or a power device) in a management system for a battery sharing service.

[0028] (Battery sharing service system) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system (battery sharing service system) 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a battery sharing service system 100 of the embodiment includes, for example, at least one battery replacement unit 200 that holds a plurality of batteries 3, and a management server device 300. The battery 3 has, for example, a box-like outer shape having a handle. The battery 3 is a so-called cassette-type power storage device (secondary battery) that is configured to be replaceable. The battery exchange unit 200 and the management server device 300 are connected, for example, via a wired or wireless communication network (network) NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. For example, the LAN is a wired LAN (Local Area Network) of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet, or a wireless LAN of various standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0029] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the battery sharing service system 100 includes, for example, four battery replacement units 200, that is, a first battery replacement unit 200-1, a second battery replacement unit 200-2, a third battery replacement unit 200-3, and a fourth battery replacement unit 200-4. 1, the battery exchange unit 200 includes, for example, three battery exchange devices 1, that is, a first battery exchange device 1a, a second battery exchange device 1b, and a third battery exchange device 1c. As described later, any one of all the battery exchange devices 1 of the battery exchange unit 200 (for example, the first battery exchange device 1a) includes a configuration for integrally controlling all the battery exchange devices 1 of the battery exchange unit 200. Each battery exchange device 1 of the battery exchange unit 200 is connected in parallel to an external AC power source 500, such as a commercial power source connected to a power grid, for example.

[0030] The management server device 300 communicates, for example, directly or via a network NW, with a terminal device T1 used by an administrator Pa who manages the battery sharing service system 100, and outputs predetermined information regarding the state of the battery replacement unit 200 to the terminal device T1. The terminal device T1 is, for example, a stationary or portable personal computer. The management server device 300 communicates, for example, via the network NW with a terminal device T2 used by a security personnel Pb in charge of maintaining the battery replacement unit 200, and outputs predetermined information regarding the state of the battery replacement unit 200 to the terminal device T2. The terminal device T2 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The management server device 300 communicates with the plurality of battery replacement units 200 via the network NW, and manages the plurality of battery replacement units 200. For example, the management server device 300 receives information (unit information) indicating the state of the battery replacement units 200 from each battery replacement unit 200, and determines and controls the state of each battery replacement unit 200 based on the unit information.

[0031] A user of the battery sharing service system 100 of the embodiment is provided with a power device 400 to which a battery 3 is detachably attached. The power device 400 is, for example, an electric vehicle, an electric moving body, an electric machine, a power supply device, various electric devices, etc. The electric vehicle is, for example, an electric car equipped with a motor driven by the power of the battery 3 as a power source, a saddle-type vehicle, a kick scooter, a hybrid vehicle combining a motor and an internal combustion engine, and a fuel cell vehicle combining the battery 3 and a fuel cell, etc. The electric moving body is, for example, a robot, an aircraft, and a moving body on or under water, etc. The electric machine is, for example, a construction machine equipped with a motor as a power source, etc. The power supply device is, for example, a stationary or mobile power supply device that discharges and charges the battery 3. The power device 400 includes, for example, a battery housing portion (not shown) in which the battery 3 is housed, a connection portion (not shown) to which the battery 3 is connected, and the like.

[0032] The power device 400 may include a storage unit (not shown) that stores mounting information related to the number of batteries 3 mounted (e.g., the number of batteries attached or connected) and the connection form. The connection form of the batteries 3 is, for example, a series connection, a parallel connection, or a combination of series and parallel connection of a plurality of batteries 3. The mounting information is, for example, information on the number of batteries 3 mounted in the power device 400 and the connection form, or type identification information related to the type of the power device 400 associated with the information on the number of batteries 3 mounted and the connection form. The power device 400 may directly transmit and receive various information to and from the battery exchange unit 200, for example, in processing operations such as user authentication and rental reservation of the battery 3 when using a battery sharing service.

[0033] A user of the battery sharing service system 100 is provided with a user device used for user authentication when using the battery sharing service. The user device is, for example, a contactless or contact IC card equipped with an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip compatible with short-range wireless communication of a predetermined standard, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The user device stores user information. The user information includes, for example, identification information such as a user ID (IDentifier) ​​exclusively assigned to each user or each power device 400, authentication information such as a password, and installation information related to the number of batteries 3 installed in the power device 400 and the connection form.

[0034] A user of the battery sharing service system 100 may be provided with, for example, a communication terminal (not shown) connected to the battery exchange unit 200 and the management server device 300 via the network NW. The communication terminal is, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The communication terminal transmits and receives various information in response to an input operation by the user or an input from the power device 400 in processing operations such as user authentication and rental reservation of the battery 3 when the user or the power device 400 uses the battery sharing service.

[0035] (Battery) The battery 3 includes, for example, a power storage unit, a battery control unit, and a battery connection unit. The power storage unit includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells connected in series or parallel. The battery cells are, for example, secondary batteries such as lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and all-solid-state batteries, capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors, or composite batteries that combine secondary batteries and capacitors. The battery cells are repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0036] The battery control unit is, for example, a so-called BMU (Battery Management Unit), and monitors and controls the state of the power storage unit. The battery control unit is, for example, a software function unit that functions when a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a predetermined program. The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that includes a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of the battery control unit may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0037] The battery control unit includes, for example, a battery sensor and a battery storage unit. The battery sensor includes, for example, various sensors for detecting the state of the power storage unit, such as a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The battery sensor outputs signals of various detection values ​​related to the state of the power storage unit, such as the voltage, current, and temperature. The battery storage unit stores, for example, information about the battery 3, a predetermined program, etc. The information about the battery 3 (battery information) includes, for example, identification information such as a battery ID (IDentifier) ​​exclusively assigned to each battery 3, manufacturing date and time, initial capacity, information about the state of the power storage unit based on the output of a battery sensor, etc., charge and discharge history, storage time in the battery replacement unit 200, and usage mode history.

[0038] The battery connection unit includes, for example, connection terminals for a power line for transmitting and receiving power and a communication line for transmitting and receiving information. The battery connection unit is connected to, for example, a connection unit (not shown) provided in a battery holding unit 32 (to be described later) of the battery replacement unit 200 and a connection unit (not shown) provided in a battery storage unit (not shown) of the power device 400. For example, the battery connection unit is a female connector, and each connection unit of the battery holding unit 32 and the power device 400 is a male connector. For example, when the battery connection section is connected to a connection section (not shown) of the power device 400, power is exchanged between the power device 400 and the power storage section, and information such as mounting information is transmitted from the power device 400 to the battery 3. For example, when the battery connection section is connected to the connection section (not shown) of the battery replacement unit 200, power is exchanged between the battery replacement unit 200 and the power storage section, and information regarding the battery replacement device 1 and the battery holding section 32 is transmitted from the battery replacement unit 200 to the battery 3, and battery information is transmitted from the battery storage section to the battery replacement unit 200 and the management server device 300.

[0039] (Battery exchange device) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery exchange device 1 (first battery exchange device 1a) in a management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, which are mutually perpendicular in a three-dimensional space, are parallel to each other. For example, the X-axis direction is parallel to the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the battery exchange unit 200. The Y-axis direction is parallel to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the battery exchange unit 200. The Z-axis direction is parallel to the up-down direction of the battery exchange unit 200. For example, when viewed from the perspective of a user using the battery exchange device 1, the near side is the front, the far side is the back, the right hand side is the right, and the left hand side is the left.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery exchange unit 200 includes at least one battery exchange device 1, for example, a first battery exchange device 1a, a second battery exchange device 1b, and a third battery exchange device 1c. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shape of each battery exchange device 1 is, for example, a rectangular box that is formed separately and independently. For example, the front part 10F of the housing 10 of the battery exchange device 1 includes a panel part 31 having an air hole formed therein that passes through between the inside and the outside, and a plurality of battery holding parts 32. The external shape of the battery holding section 32 is, for example, a slot shape extending while inclining downward from the front to the rear, and is a box shape with an opening formed therein into which the battery 3 is inserted. The battery holding section 32 holds the battery 3, for example, by accommodating at least a part of the battery 3 (for example, a battery connection section, etc.) or exposing at least a part of the battery 3 (for example, a handle section, etc.). The battery holding section 32 includes, for example, a pair of light-emitting sections 33 that allow the user to visually recognize light from a lamp 69, which will be described later. The light-emitting sections 33 include, for example, a light guide or the like that guides light from the lamp 69 to the outside. The pair of light-emitting sections 33 are provided, for example, on the left and right inner wall surfaces 32A of the tip of the battery holding section 32 that protrudes forward from the front part 10F of the housing 10. The pair of light-emitting sections 33 are provided on a surface (outer surface: inner wall surface 32A) that is visible from the outside even when the battery 3 is held in the battery holding section 32.

[0041] The plurality of battery holding sections 32 are, for example, twelve battery holding sections 32 arranged in three rows in the left-right direction and four rows in the up-down direction. The twelve battery holding sections 32 are, for example, a first battery holding section 32-0, a second battery holding section 32-1, a third battery holding section 32-2, ..., a tenth battery holding section 32-9, an eleventh battery holding section 32-10, and a twelfth battery holding section 32-11. The twelve battery holding sections 32 are, for example, arranged in order from the first battery holding section 32-0 at the upper end on the right side to the battery holding section 32-11 at the lower end on the left side, with a priority given to an arrangement from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction among the left-right direction and the up-down direction. Identification information such as a battery holding unit ID exclusively assigned to the multiple battery holding units 32 is set to have an order according to the location, for example. For example, the order of the identification information of the 12 battery holding units 32 is set to decrease from a relatively high order to a relatively low order in the order of the first battery holding unit 32-0, the second battery holding unit 32-1, ..., the eleventh battery holding unit 32-10, and the twelfth battery holding unit 32-11.

[0042] 1, the battery exchange apparatuses 1 are arranged, for example, adjacent to each other in a row in the left-right direction. Identification information such as an exchange apparatus ID exclusively assigned to the battery exchange apparatuses 1 is set to have a ranking according to, for example, the order of communication. For example, the ranking of the identification information of the three battery exchange apparatuses 1 is set to decrease in the order of the first battery exchange apparatus 1a, the second battery exchange apparatus 1b, and the third battery exchange apparatus 1c, from a relatively high ranking to a relatively low ranking. The three battery exchange devices 1 are arranged, for example, so that the other battery exchange devices 1 are arranged alternately to the left and right in descending order of the identification information ranking relative to the first battery exchange device 1a having the highest identification information ranking. In other words, the second battery exchange device 1b is arranged adjacent to the first battery exchange device 1a on the left side, and the third battery exchange device 1c is arranged adjacent to the first battery exchange device 1a on the right side. For example, the first battery replacement device 1a, which has the highest ranking of identification information, is the side that collectively controls all of the battery replacement devices 1 in the battery replacement unit 200, and the second battery replacement device 1b and the third battery replacement device 1c, which have relatively lower rankings of identification information, are the sides that are controlled by the first battery replacement device 1a.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, only the first battery exchange apparatus 1a having the highest identification information ranking among all the battery exchange apparatuses 1 includes, for example, an operation panel 34 provided on the panel unit 31 in addition to a configuration for integrally controlling all the battery exchange apparatuses 1. The operation panel 34 includes, for example, an input / output device that is a user interface, and a reading and writing device. The input / output device is, for example, a touch panel using a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a microphone for voice input, and a speaker for sound output. The reading and writing device transmits and receives various information to and from a user device used for user authentication, for example. The operation panel 34 is connected to, for example, an integrated control device 65, and receives input operations and voice inputs by an operator such as a user, and outputs signals corresponding to the input operations and voice inputs to the integrated control device 65. The operation panel 34 presents, for example, various information related to the operation of receiving and lending the battery 3 in each battery holding unit 32 of all the battery exchange apparatuses 1.

[0044] The operation panel 34 is disposed, for example, above the third battery holding part 32-2, the sixth battery holding part 32-5, the ninth battery holding part 32-8, and the twelfth battery holding part 32-11, which are disposed on the leftmost side among the plurality of battery holding parts 32. For example, in a front view of the first battery exchange device 1a seen from the front to the rear, the operation panel 34 is disposed on an extension line of a direction (Z-axis direction) in which each pair of light emitting parts 33 of the third battery holding part 32-2, the sixth battery holding part 32-5, the ninth battery holding part 32-8, and the twelfth battery holding part 32-11 are arranged. For example, each pair of light emitting parts 33 of the third battery holding part 32-2, the sixth battery holding part 32-5, the ninth battery holding part 32-8, and the twelfth battery holding part 32-11 is disposed on a virtual vertical plane passing through the operation panel 34.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration (first power transmission path 50-C) of the battery exchange apparatus 1 (first battery exchange apparatus 1a) on the controlling side in the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration (second power transmission path 50-S) of the battery exchange apparatus 1 (second battery exchange apparatus 1b and third battery exchange apparatus 1c) on the controlled side in the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first battery exchange device 1a, which is the controlling battery exchange device 1, has a first power transmission path 50-C as an electrical configuration, and the second battery exchange device 1b and the third battery exchange device 1c, which are the controlled battery exchange devices 1, have a second power transmission path 50-S as an electrical configuration. Each of the first power transmission path 50-C and the second power transmission path 50-S is an electric circuit provided inside the housing 10 and is electrically connected to the AC power supply 500. Each of the first power transmission path 50-C and the second power transmission path 50-S includes, for example, a circuit breaker 60, an AC / DC converter 61, a DC / DC converter group 62, a plurality of interface boards (I / F boards) 63, and a housing control board 64. The second power transmission path 50-S further includes an integrated control device 65.

[0046] The breaker 60 is connected, for example, between an external AC power supply 500 and an AC / DC converter 61 . The AC / DC converter 61 is, for example, an AC-DC converter that converts AC power into DC power. The AC / DC converter 61 is connected, for example, between the circuit breaker 60 and the DC / DC converter group 62. The AC / DC converter 61 converts, for example, AC power input from the AC power supply 500 into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC / DC converter group 62. The AC / DC converter 61 is connected to the DC / DC converter group 62 by, for example, a power line (power supply line) P1 indicated by a solid line in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

[0047] The DC / DC converter group 62 includes, for example, a plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66-1, a plurality of charging / discharging DC / DC converters 66-2, a plurality of cooling DC / DC converters 67, and a control power supply DC / DC converter 68. The total number of the multiple charging DC / DC converters 66-1 and the multiple charging / discharging DC / DC converters 66-2 is the same as the number of the multiple battery holding units 32, for example. Each of the multiple charging DC / DC converters 66-1 is, for example, a DC-DC converter that performs unidirectional step-down voltage conversion. Each charging DC / DC converter 66-1 is connected, for example, between the AC / DC converter 61 and a connection part (not shown) of the battery holding unit 32 by a power line (power supply line) P1. Each charging DC / DC converter 66-1, for example, steps down the voltage of the DC power input from the AC / DC converter 61 and outputs the stepped-down DC power to the connection part of the battery holding unit 32.

[0048] Each of the multiple charge / discharge DC / DC converters 66-2 is, for example, a DC-DC converter that performs bidirectional step-down voltage conversion. Each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2 includes, for example, a first DC-DC converter for charging the battery 3 and a second DC-DC converter for discharging the battery 3. The first DC-DC converter of each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2 is connected, for example, by a power line (power supply line) P1 between the AC / DC converter 61 and a connection part (not shown) of the battery holding unit 32. The second DC-DC converter of each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2 is connected, for example, to the connection part (not shown) of the battery holding unit 32 by a power line (power supply line) P1, and is connected to the multiple interface boards 63, the housing control board 64, and the integrated control device 65 by a control power line (power supply line) P2 shown by dashed lines in Figures 3 and 4. Each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2, for example, steps down the voltage of the DC power input from the AC / DC converter 61, and outputs the stepped-down DC power to a connection portion of the battery holding unit 32. Each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2, for example, during a power-off period when power supply from the external AC power source 500 is stopped, steps down the voltage of DC power input by discharging the battery 3 connected to the connection portion of the battery holding unit 32, and outputs the stepped-down DC power to the multiple interface boards 63, the housing control board 64, and the integrated control device 65. As a result, each charge / discharge DC / DC converter 66-2 ensures the power required for operation of the battery exchange device 1 even during a power-off period.

[0049] The multiple cooling DC / DC converters 67 are, for example, two cooling DC / DC converters 67. The multiple cooling DC / DC converters 67 are connected to the AC / DC converter 61 by, for example, a power line (power supply line) P1. The multiple cooling DC / DC converters 67 are connected to a cooling device 35 such as an air conditioner (CU) provided with a heat exchange fan, a capacitor, and the like and provided inside the housing 10. The cooling DC / DC converter 67 converts DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power of a voltage suitable for the cooling device 35, and supplies the converted DC power to the cooling device 35. The control power supply DC / DC converter 68 is connected to the AC / DC converter 61 by, for example, a power line (power supply line) P1, and is also connected to the multiple interface boards 63, the housing control board 64, and the integrated control device 65 by a control power line (power supply line) P2. The control DC / DC converter 68 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power of a voltage suitable for the multiple interface boards 63, the housing control board 64, and the integrated control device 65, and supplies the converted DC power to the multiple interface boards 63, the housing control board 64, and the integrated control device 65.

[0050] The number of the interface boards 63 is, for example, the same as the number of the battery holding units 32. Each interface board 63 is disposed, for example, at the rear end of each battery holding unit 32. Each interface board 63 is connected to the charging DC / DC converter 66-1 or the charging / discharging DC / DC converter 66-2, the housing control board 64, the connection unit of the battery holding unit 32, and the lamp body 69 by control lines (signal lines) S shown by dashed lines in Figs. 3 and 4. Each interface board 63 controls the power conversion of the charging DC / DC converter 66-1 or the charging / discharging DC / DC converter 66-2 and the lighting state of the lamp body 69. Each interface board 63 controls the power conversion of the charging DC / DC converter 66-1 or the charging / discharging DC / DC converter 66-2, thereby controlling the charging and discharging of the battery 3 held in the battery holding unit 32. Each interface board 63 controls the operation of the battery holding unit 32 regarding the reception and lending of the battery 3. Each interface board 63 controls the operation of the movable parts such as the connection part, the opening / closing member, and the fixing member provided in each battery holding unit 32. The movable parts may include, for example, a mechanism for automatically transferring the battery 3 between the battery exchange device 1 and the power device 400. Each interface board 63 transmits and receives various information to and from the battery 3 when a connection part driven by an appropriate actuator of the battery holding unit 32 is connected to a battery connection part of the battery 3. For example, each interface board 63 outputs battery information acquired from the battery storage unit of the battery 3 to the housing control board 64. The light body 69 is, for example, an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or the like. The number of the light bodies 69 is, for example, the same as the number of the battery holding units 32. The lighting state of each light body 69 is controlled according to a control signal output from the integrated control device 65 and transmitted to each interface board 63 via the housing control board 64 of each battery exchange device 1.

[0051] The housing control board 64 is a software function unit that functions when a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a predetermined program. The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that includes a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of the housing control board 64 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0052] The housing control board 64 is connected to the AC / DC converter 61, the multiple interface boards 63, the multiple cooling DC / DC converters 67, the control power supply DC / DC converter 68, and the sound generator 70 by, for example, a control line (signal line) S. The housing control board 64 controls the operation of each interface board 63, the power conversion of each converter 61, 67, 68, and the operation of the sound generator 70. The housing control board 64 controls the power conversion of the AC / DC converter 61 in accordance with, for example, the number of batteries 3 to be charged simultaneously. The sound generator 70 is, for example, a buzzer, etc. The operating state of the sound generator 70 is controlled in response to a control signal output from the integrated control device 65 and transmitted to the housing control board 64 of each battery exchange device 1.

[0053] The housing control board 64 is connected to the housing control board 64 of the other battery exchange apparatus 1 by a communication line C shown by a solid line in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, the housing control board 64 of the first battery exchange apparatus 1a is connected to the integrated control device 65 by the communication line C. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a network topology (connection form) of a plurality of battery exchange devices 1 in a management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the network topology of the battery exchange apparatuses 1 connected by the communication line C is, for example, a ring type of serial connection. For example, in order from a relatively high rank to a relatively low rank in the communication order of the battery exchange apparatuses 1, the housing control board 64 of the first battery exchange apparatus 1a is connected to the housing control board 64 of the second battery exchange apparatus 1b, the housing control board 64 of the second battery exchange apparatus 1b is connected to the housing control board 64 of the third battery exchange apparatus 1c, and the housing control board 64 of the third battery exchange apparatus 1c is connected to the housing control board 64 of the first battery exchange apparatus 1a. The housing control board 64 of each battery exchange apparatus 1 controls each battery holding unit 32 and the battery 3 of each battery holding unit 32 based on a control command received from the integrated control device 65 of the first battery exchange apparatus 1a.

[0054] The integrated control device 65 is a software function unit that functions by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a predetermined program. The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that includes a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of the integrated control device 65 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0055] 3 and 5, the integrated control device 65 is connected to the operation panel 34 by a control line (signal line) S, and is also connected to the housing control board 64 of the first battery exchange device 1a by a communication line C. The integrated control device 65 controls the operation of the operation panel 34, for example, dimming (i.e., adjusting the brightness or luminance) of the display device of the operation panel 34, the display contents, and the like. The integrated control device 65 integrally controls the operation of the housing control board 64 of all the battery exchange devices 1. The integrated control device 65 integrally controls, for example, communication with the management server device 300 via the network NW and communication between the multiple battery exchange devices 1 in the battery exchange unit 200. The integrated control device 65 is the control side in the battery exchange unit 200 in a communication method of a predetermined standard such as EtherCAT (registered trademark). The communication method controlled by the integrated control device 65 in the battery exchange unit 200 is, for example, a method in which a packet from the control side (the first battery exchange device 1a) is passed in order to all the controlled sides (the second battery exchange device 1b and the third battery exchange device 1c) and then returned to the control side, and each battery exchange device 1 reads and writes only the area assigned to each of them in the packet.

[0056] The integrated control device 65 transmits, for example, a combination of a predetermined command value and a variable value to each battery exchange device 1 in the battery exchange unit 200 at the same time (i.e., a combination of a predetermined command value and a variable value for each of all battery exchange devices 1 is included in a single packet). The predetermined command value includes, for example, a command value for each battery exchange device 1 to operate the sound generator 70, a command value for the state of the cooling device 35, and the like. The predetermined command value includes, for example, a command value for each battery holding unit 32 to instruct the operation pattern of the light body 69, a command value for instructing dimming (i.e., adjusting the luminance or brightness) of the light body 69, a command for instructing reading battery information from the battery 3, a command for instructing charging the battery 3, a command for instructing discharging the battery 3, a command value for instructing the state of the cooling fan, and a command value for instructing the operation of an actuator that drives a connection unit. The predetermined variable value includes, for example, the same timer value for synchronization and tuning that is set in common to all battery holding units 32 of all battery exchange devices 1. The timer value is, for example, a value obtained by accumulating (adding) a constant value every predetermined time Tc (e.g., 100 ms) related to the timing of switching the operation pattern of the light body 69. When the timer value reaches a predetermined upper limit value by the accumulation (addition), it is initialized to zero and the accumulation (addition) continues. Note that, for example, in the case where the same common operation is executed by a plurality of battery exchange devices 1, the same predetermined command value is simultaneously transmitted to each battery exchange device 1 that is to execute the same operation.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation pattern (time change in duty ratio D corresponding to luminous intensity) of the light body 69 in the battery exchange device 1 of the embodiment. 6 is, for example, the ratio of the lighting time to one period of lighting and extinguishing of the lamp 69. For example, when the duty ratio D is 100%, the luminous intensity of the lamp 69 is maximum, and when the duty ratio D is 0%, the lamp 69 is in an extinguished state. The first pattern P1, OFF, is a light-off state in which the duty ratio D is maintained at 0%. The lighting state according to the second pattern P2 is a lighting state in which the duty ratio D is maintained at 100%. The third pattern P3, blinking 1, is an operation pattern that is repeated periodically, for example, with a period from a predetermined time t0 to a time t11 (e.g., 1600 ms) as one cycle. Over the period from the predetermined time t0 to a time t5 (e.g., 600 ms), the duty ratio D increases from 0% to 100%. Over the period from the predetermined time t5 to a time t6 (e.g., 100 ms), the duty ratio D is maintained at 100%. Over the period from the predetermined time t6 to a time t11 (e.g., 900 ms), the duty ratio D decreases from 100% to 0%.

[0058] The fourth pattern P4, blinking 2, is an operation pattern that is repeated periodically, for example, with a period from a predetermined time t0 to a time t7 (e.g., 800 ms) as one cycle. Over the period from the predetermined time t0 to a time t3 (e.g., 400 ms), the duty ratio D increases from 0% to 100%. Over the period from the predetermined time t3 to a time t7 (e.g., 400 ms), the duty ratio D decreases from 100% to 0%. The blinking 3, which is the fifth pattern P5, is an operation pattern that is repeated periodically, for example, with a period from a predetermined time t0 to a time t14 (e.g., 4000 ms) as one cycle. Over the period from the predetermined time t0 to a time t12 (e.g., 1900 ms), the duty ratio D increases from 0% to 100%. Over the period from the predetermined time t12 to a time t13 (e.g., 1900 ms), the duty ratio D decreases from 100% to 0%. Over the period from the predetermined time t13 to a time t14 (e.g., 200 ms), the duty ratio D is maintained at 0%.

[0059] The sixth pattern P6, single 1, is an operation pattern in which the light-on state is changed during a period (e.g., 1900 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t12, and the duty ratio D is maintained at 0% after time t12, resulting in an extinguished state. The duty ratio D is maintained at 0% during a period (e.g., 100 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t1. The duty ratio D is maintained at 100% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t1 to a time t2. The duty ratio D is maintained at 0% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t2 to a time t4. The duty ratio D is maintained at 100% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t4 to a time t6. The duty ratio D changes from 100% to 0% with a decreasing tendency during a period (e.g., 1200 ms) from a predetermined time t6 to a time t12.

[0060] The seventh pattern P7, single shot 2, is an operation pattern in which the light-on state is changed during a period (e.g., 1300 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t10, and the duty ratio D is maintained at 0% after time t10, resulting in an extinguished state. The duty ratio D is maintained at 0% during a period (e.g., 100 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t1. The duty ratio D is maintained at 100% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t1 to a time t2. The duty ratio D changes from 100% to 0% with a decreasing tendency during a period (e.g., 1000 ms) from a predetermined time t2 to a time t10.

[0061] The eighth pattern P8, single shot 3, is an operation pattern in which the lighting state is changed during a period (e.g., 1000 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t8, and the duty ratio D is maintained at 100% after time t8, resulting in the lighting state. The duty ratio D is maintained at 0% during a period (e.g., 100 ms) from a predetermined time t0 to a time t1. The duty ratio D is maintained at 100% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t1 to a time t2. The duty ratio D is maintained at 0% during a period (e.g., 200 ms) from a predetermined time t2 to a time t4. The duty ratio D changes from 0% to 100% with an increasing tendency during a period (e.g., 500 ms) from a predetermined time t4 to a time t8.

[0062] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a command value (command value indicating the operation pattern of the light body 69) and a timer value for synchronization transmitted from the integrated control device 65 to the housing control board 64 in the battery replacement unit 200 of the embodiment, and an example of an operation pattern of the light body 69 (change over time in the duty ratio D corresponding to the luminous intensity). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the command value indicating the operation pattern of the lamp 69 changes from OFF to ON at an appropriate time ta, for example, to indicate the start of execution of the eighth pattern P8, single shot 3. First, a command value set for an appropriate battery holding unit 32 and the same timer value for synchronization that is set in common for all battery holding units 32 of all battery exchange devices 1 are sequentially transmitted from the integrated control device 65 to the housing control boards 64 of the multiple battery exchange devices 1 in accordance with the communication order in the network topology of the battery exchange unit 200 (transmission step). Next, the housing control board 64 of the battery exchange device 1 that has received the command value and the timer value controls each battery holding unit 32, the battery 3 of each battery holding unit 32, and the light body 69 based on the command value and the timer value (control step). For example, the housing control board 64 sets the timing at which the timer value is first updated after the time ta in the command value to a predetermined time t0 at which the execution of the operation pattern of the light body 69 starts. The housing control board 64 transmits the operation pattern of the light body 69 to the interface board 63 that controls the battery holding unit 32 corresponding to the command value. Next, the interface board 63 receives the operation pattern of the light body 69 (for example, single shot 3 which is the eighth pattern P8) and controls the light body 69 according to the received operation pattern.

[0063] (Operation of the management system) The processing operation of the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of returning and lending the battery exchange unit 200 in the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the state of the light emitting unit 33 of the battery exchange device 1 accompanying the operation of returning and lending the battery exchange unit 200 in the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. 8, first, the integrated control device 65 sets a standby state (open for business) in which the battery exchange unit 200 waits until a user starts using it (step S01). The integrated control device 65 displays, for example, information such as the fact that the device is open for business and the operation content for starting exchange on the operation panel 34. In the standby state during business hours, the integrated control device 65 turns off (turns off) the display device of the operation panel 34, for example, and causes a pair of light-emitting units 33 of a battery holding unit 32 that holds a lendable battery 3 (for example, a fully charged battery 3, etc.) or a battery holding unit 32 that does not hold a battery 3 (for example, a returnable battery holding unit 32, etc.) to emit light in a predetermined lit or blinking state.

[0064] For example, the integrated control device 65 acquires transferability information based on unit information indicating the state of the battery exchange unit 200 and battery information of the battery 3 held in the battery holding unit 32. The transferability information includes, for example, information on whether the battery holding unit 32 can receive the battery 3 from the user or the power device 400, or whether the battery 3 can be provided to the user or the power device 400. The transferability information includes, for example, information on the number of batteries 3 that the battery holding unit 32 can receive from the user or the power device 400, or the transferable number that is the number of batteries 3 that can be provided to the user or the power device 400. The integrated control device 65 causes the light emitting unit 33 of each battery holding unit 32 to emit light based on the transferability information.

[0065] Next, the integrated control device 65 determines whether or not input of user information is detected (step S02). For example, the integrated control device 65 determines whether or not a user device held by the user is detected by the reading and writing device of the operation panel 34. If the integrated control device 65 has not detected the input of user information (NO side of step S02), the process proceeds to the end. On the other hand, if the integrated control device 65 detects the input of user information (YES side of step S02), the process proceeds to step S03.

[0066] Next, the integrated control device 65 acquires authentication information and onboard information from user information stored in the user device, for example, and executes user authentication processing (step S03). The integrated control device 65 turns off the pairs of light-emitting units 33 of all battery holding units 32, for example, from when the user device is detected until when the user authentication processing is completed.

[0067] Next, in response to the success of the user authentication, the integrated control device 65 acquires the contracted number N of batteries 3, that is, information on the number of batteries 3 mounted in the power device 400, from, for example, the mounting information of the user device, and presents the contracted number N of batteries 3 on the operation panel 34 (step S04). For example, the integrated control device 65 sets the opening and closing member of the battery holding unit 32 that does not hold a battery 3 to an open state. For example, the integrated control device 65 causes the pair of light emitting units 33 of the battery holding unit 32 that does not hold a battery 3 to emit light in a predetermined normal blinking manner as shown in (a) of FIG. The predetermined normal blinking corresponds to, for example, the blinking 1 that is the third pattern P3. Note that the number of battery holding units 32 that do not hold batteries 3 (the number of empty slots) in the entire battery exchange unit 200 is set to two in the normal reference state. In addition, the integrated control device 65 may cancel the execution of a series of processes by proceeding to the end, for example, when a user device is detected again or a predetermined time has elapsed while the contracted number N of batteries 3 is being presented on the operation panel 34.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, next, the integrated control device 65 starts a loop process according to the contracted number N of batteries 3, that is, the process from step S06 to step S09 shown below (step S05). For example, as described above, when the number of available slots in the battery replacement unit 200 is set to two in the normal reference state and the contracted number N of batteries 3 is three or more, the integrated control device 65 executes the loop process to repeatedly replace the batteries 3 in units of up to two batteries 3 multiple times. For example, when the contracted number N of batteries 3 is two or less, the integrated control device 65 executes the loop process only once. For example, when the contracted number N of batteries 3 is four, the integrated control device 65 executes the loop process only twice.

[0069] Next, the integrated control device 65 presents a return instruction on the operation panel 34 (step S06). For example, as described above, the integrated control device 65 instructs the battery replacement unit 200 to be returned in units of up to two because the number of available slots in the battery replacement unit 200 is set to two in the normal reference state. For example, when the integrated control device 65 detects the return of the battery 3 due to the insertion of the battery 3 into a battery holding unit 32 that does not hold the battery 3, the integrated control device 65 switches the pair of light-emitting units 33 of the battery holding unit 32 to which the battery 3 has been returned from a predetermined normal flashing shown in (a) of Fig. 9 to a predetermined return flashing shown in (b) to emit light. The predetermined return flashing corresponds to, for example, the single 3 which is the eighth pattern P8. For example, when the integrated control device 65 detects the return of the battery 3, it causes a predetermined sound to be generated from the sound generator 70 of the battery exchange device 1 including the battery holding unit 32 to which the battery 3 has been returned.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, next, the integrated control device 65 acquires battery information from the battery 3 returned to the battery holding unit 32 and executes the process of returning battery authentication (step S07). For example, the integrated control device 65 determines whether the returned battery 3 is a genuine product based on the identification information of the battery information. For example, the integrated control device 65 fixes the battery 3 stored in the battery holding unit 32 with a fixing member in association with starting the process of returning battery authentication. For example, the integrated control device 65 causes the pair of light emitting units 33 of the battery holding unit 32 in which the battery 3 is stored to emit light in a predetermined storage lighting shown in FIG. 9(c) in association with the execution of the process of returning battery authentication. The predetermined storage lighting corresponds to the lighting that is the second pattern P2, for example. When the integrated control device 65 completes the process of returning battery authentication due to the success of the returning battery authentication, for example, the integrated control device 65 switches the pair of light emitting units 33 of the battery holding unit 32 in which the battery 3 is stored from the predetermined storage lighting shown in FIG. 9(c) to the predetermined standby lighting shown in FIG. 9(d) and turns them off. The predetermined standby light-off state corresponds to, for example, the first pattern P1, that is, OFF.

[0071] 8, next, the integrated control device 65 presents a removal instruction on the operation panel 34 (step S08). For example, as described above, the integrated control device 65 instructs removal in units of up to two batteries because the number of free slots in the battery replacement unit 200 is set to two in the normal reference state. First, the integrated control device 65 fixes the battery 3 by a fixing member in the battery holding unit 32 that holds the battery 3 waiting to be lent or being prepared for lent, and turns off the pair of light-emitting units 33 in a predetermined preparatory light-off state shown in (e) of Fig. 9. The predetermined preparatory light-off state corresponds to, for example, the first pattern P1, that is, off. Next, the integrated control device 65, for example, releases the fixing of the battery 3 by the fixing member in the battery holding unit 32 that holds the lendable battery 3, and switches the pair of light-emitting units 33 from a predetermined preparation off state shown in (e) of Fig. 9 to a predetermined lending blinking state shown in (f) to emit light. The predetermined lending blinking corresponds to, for example, blinking 1 which is the third pattern P3. Next, when the integrated control device 65 detects, for example, the removal of a lendable battery 3 from the battery holding unit 32, it switches the pair of light emitting units 33 of the battery holding unit 32 from which the battery 3 has been removed from the predetermined lending blinking shown in (f) of Fig. 9 to the predetermined removal blinking shown in (g) and causes them to emit light. The predetermined removal blinking corresponds, for example, to single 1, which is the sixth pattern P6. Note that the predetermined removal blinking may be set to a blinking state (for example, single 2, which is the seventh pattern P7) different from that for the other removed batteries 3 for the last removed battery 3 according to the contracted number N of batteries 3. Next, the integrated control device 65 switches, for example, a pair of light-emitting elements 33 of the battery holding unit 32 from which the loanable battery 3 has been removed from a predetermined removal flashing as shown in (g) of Figure 9 to a predetermined normal flashing while waiting for return as shown in (a) or a predetermined standby off state when replacement is complete as shown in (h).

[0072] Next, the integrated control device 65 determines whether or not to continue the loop process according to the contracted number N of the batteries 3 (step S09). For example, the integrated control device 65 determines whether or not the exchange corresponding to the contracted number N of the batteries 3 has been completed. When the integrated control device 65 continues the loop processing (YES side in step S09), the process returns to step S06. On the other hand, if the integrated control device 65 does not want to continue the loop process (NO in step S09), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0073] Next, the integrated control device 65 notifies on the operation panel 34 that the replacement of the batteries 3 corresponding to the contracted number N has been completed (step S10). Next, the integrated control device 65 sets a standby state corresponding to any one of open, closed, and unavailable depending on the state of the battery exchange unit 200 (step S11), and advances the process to the end.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the housing control board 64 in the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, first, the housing control board 64 determines whether or not the timer value received from the integrated control device 65 has been updated (step S21). If the timer value has been updated (NO side of step S21), the housing control board 64 advances the process to step S22. On the other hand, if the timer value has not been updated (YES side of step S21), the housing control board 64 advances the process to step S25.

[0075] Next, the housing control board 64 initializes the elapsed time by setting the elapsed time obtained by the continuous timing to zero (step S22). Next, the housing control board 64 stores the current timer value (step S23). Next, the housing control board 64 continues timing and advances the process to the end (step S24).

[0076] Furthermore, the housing control board 64 judges whether or not the elapsed time is greater than a predetermined judgment value (step S25). If the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined judgment value (YES in step S25), the housing control board 64 advances the process to step S26. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is not greater than the predetermined judgment value (NO side of step S25), the housing control board 64 advances the process to step S24. Then, the housing control board 64 determines that the time has expired without the timer value being updated, for example, due to an abnormality in the integrated control device 65 or an abnormality in communication between the integrated control device 65 and the housing control board 64 (step S26). Next, the housing control board 64 controls various devices such as each battery holding unit 32 and the battery 3 of each battery holding unit 32 (for example, executes forced stop, etc.) regardless of various commands received from the integrated control device 65, and proceeds to the end of the process (step S27). For example, the housing control board 64 ignores various commands received from the integrated control device 65. For example, the housing control board 64 forcibly stops the operation of the sound generator 70 that is in operation. For example, the housing control board 64 forcibly turns off the light body 69 that is emitting light. For example, the housing control board 64 forcibly stops charging the battery 3. For example, the housing control board 64 forcibly stops reading battery information from the battery 3.

[0077] As described above, according to the management system (battery sharing service system) 100 of the embodiment, the battery holding unit 32, the light emitting unit 33 and the lamp 69, and the battery 3 of each battery exchange apparatus 1 can be controlled based on the timer value (synchronization information) received from the integrated control device 65. For example, even if an operation is common to each battery exchange apparatus 1, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a difference in operation timing, and improve the consistency of the operation. For example, even if a difference in communication with each battery exchange apparatus 1 occurs, it is possible to improve the consistency of the operation while suppressing the sense of discomfort felt by the user based on the timer value (synchronization information).

[0078] The integrated control device 65 simultaneously transmits the same timer value (synchronization information) to the housing control board 64 of each battery exchange device 1, so that even if a communication abnormality occurs, it is possible to prevent discrepancies in the operation timing of each housing control board 64.

[0079] Each housing control board 64 can determine an abnormality in the integrated control device 65 based on an abnormality in the timer value (synchronization information) or the like. Each housing control board 64 can determine that there is an abnormality in the integrated control device 65 or in the communication from the integrated control device 65 by not receiving a timer value (synchronization information) for a predetermined time (predetermined judgment value) or more.

[0080] Each housing control board 64 can perform appropriate operation based on the control command received from the integrated control device 65 that is functioning normally. Each housing control board 64 can operate without based on a control command received from the integrated control device 65 in which an abnormality has occurred, and can suppress the occurrence of abnormalities or inappropriate operation of, for example, the sound generator 70, the light body 69, and the battery 3.

[0081] (Modification) Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. Note that the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the above-described embodiment, the light emitting unit 33 is provided in the battery holding unit 32. However, this is not limiting and the light emitting unit 33 may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the battery holding unit 32.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, at least one of the processes executed by the integrated control device 65 may be executed by a control device provided in the management server device 300.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the network topology (connection form) of the multiple battery exchange devices 1 in the battery exchange unit 200 is a ring type, but this is not limited to this and may be other connection forms such as a line type, a tree type, a star type, etc.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the first battery exchange apparatus 1a is provided with a configuration (e.g., the integrated control device 65, etc.) for integrally controlling all the battery exchange apparatuses 1 of the battery exchange unit 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration for integrally controlling all the battery exchange apparatuses 1 may be provided separately from the battery exchange apparatus 1.

[0085] In the embodiment described above, the DC / DC converter group 62 includes a plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66-1 and a plurality of charging / discharging DC / DC converters 66-2, but is not limited to this and may include only a plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66-1 or only a plurality of charging / discharging DC / DC converters 66-2.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the integrated control device 65 determines whether or not a user device held by the user is detected by the reading and writing device of the operation panel 34 in the user input detection shown in step S02, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the integrated control device 65 may allow the user to directly return the battery 3 to the battery holding unit 32 without detecting or before detecting a user device. The integrated control device 65 may acquire authentication information and installation information from user information associated with identification information such as a battery ID, based on battery information acquired from the battery 3 returned by the user. In this case, the integrated control device 65 may omit the process of issuing a return instruction (step S06) when the loop process from step S06 to step S09 is executed for the first time.

[0087] In addition, a program for realizing all or part of the functions of the battery exchange unit 200 and the management server device 300 in the present invention may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform all or part of the processes performed by the battery exchange unit 200 and the management server device 300. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" also includes a WWW system equipped with a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to a storage device that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0088] The above program may also be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0089] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1...battery exchange device (storage device), 1a...first battery exchange device (information processing device, electronic device), 10...housing, 32...battery holding section (storage section), 32A...inner wall surface (outer surface), 33...light-emitting section, 34...operation panel, 64...housing control board (first control section, second control section), 65...integrated control device (integrated control section), 100...battery sharing service system (management system), 200...battery exchange unit, 300...management server device (information processing device, electronic device), 400...power device, 500...AC power supply.

Claims

1. A control method for a storage device having a plurality of storage units that store items, comprising: a first control unit that controls a first storage unit group, which is one group of the storage units among the plurality of storage units, or a first item group, which is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the first storage unit group; a second control unit that controls a second storage unit group, which is another group of the storage units, or a second item group, which is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the second storage unit group; an integrated control unit that is communicably connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit; The integrated control unit a transmitting step of transmitting synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit, the synchronization information being used for synchronization between the first control unit and the second control unit; The first control unit, a first control step of controlling the first storage group or the first item group based on the received synchronization information; The second control unit, a second control step of controlling the second storage group or the second group of items based on the received synchronization information; have A control method comprising:

2. The storage device is A plurality of housings formed independently of each other; a plurality of light-emitting units provided in the vicinity of the plurality of storage units or the plurality of storage units, the first storage group is disposed in a first housing of the plurality of housings, the second storage group is disposed in a second housing; The first control step a step in which the first control unit controls the plurality of light-emitting units provided in the first storage unit group based on the synchronization information; The second control step The second control unit controls the plurality of light emitting units provided in the second storage unit group based on the synchronization information.

2. The control method according to claim 1.

3. The transmitting step includes the integrated control unit simultaneously transmitting the same synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit.

2. The control method according to claim 1.

4. The integrated control unit another transmitting step of transmitting control commands to the first control unit and the second control unit to control the first control unit and the second control unit; 4. The control method according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The other transmission step includes: The integrated control unit simultaneously transmits the same control command to the first control unit and the second control unit.

5. The control method according to claim 4.

6. the synchronization information is set to change at predetermined time intervals, the first control step performs control based on a timing at which the synchronization information changes when the control command is received from the integrated control unit; The second control step controls the synchronization information based on a timing at which the synchronization information changes when the control command is received from the integrated control unit.

6. The control method according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first control unit has a determination step of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the integrated control unit based on the synchronization information.

2. The control method according to claim 1.

8. The determining step When the first control unit does not receive the synchronization information for a predetermined period of time or longer, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the integrated control unit.

8. The control method according to claim 7.

9. a third control step in which the first control unit controls the first storage unit group or the first item group based on a control command received from the integrated control unit; 9. The control method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. When an abnormality in the integrated control unit is determined in the determining step, The first control unit has a fourth control step of controlling the first storage unit group or the first article group without being based on the control command.

10. The control method according to claim 9.

11. a first control unit that controls a first storage unit group, which is one group of storage units among a plurality of storage units that store items, or a first item group, which is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the first storage unit group; a second control unit that controls a second storage unit group that is another group of the storage units, or a second item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the second storage unit group; an integrated control unit that is communicably connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit; The integrated control unit Transmitting synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit, the synchronization information being used for synchronizing the first control unit and the second control unit; The first control unit Controlling the first storage group or the first item group based on the received synchronization information; The second control unit is Controlling the second storage group or the second item group based on the received synchronization information 2. An information processing apparatus comprising:

12. a first control unit that controls a first storage unit group, which is one group of storage units among a plurality of storage units that store items, or a first item group, which is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the first storage unit group; a second control unit that controls a second storage unit group that is another group of the storage units, or a second item group that is the items communicatively connected to the storage units of the second storage unit group; an integrated control unit that is communicably connected to the first control unit and the second control unit and controls the first control unit and the second control unit; A computer comprising: The integrated control unit a transmitting step of transmitting synchronization information to the first control unit and the second control unit, the synchronization information being used for synchronization between the first control unit and the second control unit; The first control unit, a first control step of controlling the first storage group or the first item group based on the received synchronization information; The second control unit, a second control step of controlling the second storage group or the second group of items based on the received synchronization information; A program characterized by executing the following.

13. The program according to claim 12 is stored.

1. A computer-readable storage device comprising:

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