Vehicle and battery replacement method

Abstract

To inhibit malfunctions from being caused in a vehicle by a battery attached to a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a first circuit and a first control device. The vehicle body is configured such that a power storage device is attachable to and removable from the vehicle body. The power storage device includes a second circuit. The second circuit includes a battery. The first control device is configured to acquire information on at least one of a state of the battery or a state of the second circuit from the power storage device when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, and determine, using the information, whether to apply a voltage of the battery to the first circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a battery replacement method.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-127969 (Patent Document 1) discloses an on-board diagnosis (OBD) technology related to a file safe function that operates when an abnormality occurs in an in-vehicle battery. In this technology, before charging the in-vehicle battery, it is confirmed whether the file safe function of the control system operates normally by using a shutdown signal for notifying overcharge, which is pseudo-set for diagnosis.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the file safe function operates when an abnormality occurs in the in-use battery mounted on the vehicle. In such a vehicle, the battery in which an abnormality (failure) has occurred may be replaced with a normal battery. The battery replacement method includes, for example, removing a first battery from a vehicle including a vehicle body and the first battery, and attaching a second battery to the vehicle body instead of the first battery. Such a battery replacement method may be executed at a battery replacement station.

[0005] The second battery is required not only to be free from failure but also to have a specification suitable for the vehicle body. Therefore, it is conceivable that the battery replacement station selects a second battery having a specification suitable for the vehicle body from among the inventory including a plurality of batteries and provides the selected second battery to the vehicle body. However, even a battery selected in this way may not operate properly when attached to the vehicle body. For example, immediately after the battery is attached to the vehicle body, the battery may not be in a state where it can operate properly because it has not yet been subjected to state management by the control device on the vehicle body side. When the voltage of a battery in a non-operating state is applied to the vehicle body (specifically, the circuit provided in the vehicle body), the vehicle body may be damaged by the voltage of the battery, or the operation of the vehicle driven by the voltage of the battery may become unstable.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to suppress the occurrence of defects in the vehicle due to the battery attached to the vehicle body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle as described below is provided.

[0008] (Item 1) The vehicle includes a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a first circuit and a first control device. The vehicle body is configured such that a power storage device is detachable. The power storage device includes a second circuit. The second circuit includes a battery. When the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device acquires information regarding at least one of the state of the battery and the state of the second circuit from the power storage device, and uses the information to determine whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the first control device of the vehicle body can obtain information regarding at least one of the state of the battery in the power storage device and the state of the second circuit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "state information") from the power storage device. Then, the first control device can determine whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit of the vehicle body based on the state of the power storage device (specifically, the state of the battery and / or the state of the second circuit) before the power storage device applies a voltage to the vehicle body. Therefore, when the power storage device (including the battery) attached to the vehicle body is in a state where it does not operate normally in the vehicle, it becomes possible not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems in the vehicle due to the battery attached to the vehicle body.

[0010] The vehicle according to the first aspect may have the configuration according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects shown below.

[0011] (Second aspect) In the vehicle according to the first aspect, the information (state information) indicates at least one of the voltage of the battery, the temperature of the battery, and the leakage state of the second circuit.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier for the first control device to accurately determine whether the power storage device (including the battery) attached to the vehicle body is in a state where it operates normally in the vehicle, and thus whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit.

[0013] (Third aspect) In the vehicle according to the first or second aspect, the first control device does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit until it obtains information (state information) from the power storage device after the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body.

[0014] In the above vehicle, when the vehicle body (the first control device) cannot obtain the state information from the power storage device due to factors such as communication abnormalities, the voltage of the battery is not applied to the vehicle body (the first circuit). This suppresses the occurrence of problems in the vehicle due to the battery attached to the vehicle body.

[0015] (Item 4) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 3, the power storage device is a battery pack that further includes a second control device in addition to the second circuit. The vehicle body further includes a power source. When the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the second control device is activated by the power supplied from the power source, and the activated second control device transmits information (status information) to the first control device.

[0016] In the above vehicle, even when a battery pack that does not have a power source for activating the second control device is attached to the vehicle body, by supplying power from the power source provided in the vehicle body to the second control device, the vehicle body (first control device) can acquire status information from the power storage device (second control device). Note that the power source provided in the vehicle body may be a low-voltage power source that outputs power at a voltage lower than the voltage of the battery provided in the power storage device. The low-voltage power source may be configured to supply power to the first control device. The low-voltage power source may be an auxiliary battery.

[0017] (Item 5) In the vehicle according to Item 4, the second control device is configured to acquire the voltage of the battery. The information (status information) indicates the voltage of the battery. When the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the voltage of the battery is within a predetermined range, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the voltage of the battery is not within the predetermined range.

[0018] In the above vehicle, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit after confirming that the voltage of the battery is within an appropriate range. Thereby, the occurrence of malfunctions in the vehicle is suppressed. Note that the voltage of the battery may vary depending on, for example, the power storage amount of the battery.

[0019] (Item 6) In the vehicle according to Item 4, the second control device is configured to acquire the temperature of the battery. The information (status information) indicates the temperature of the battery. When the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the temperature of the battery is within a predetermined range, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the temperature of the battery is not within the predetermined range.

[0020] The above-mentioned first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit after confirming that the temperature of the battery is within an appropriate range. Thereby, the occurrence of malfunctions in the vehicle is suppressed.

[0021] (Item 7) In the vehicle according to Item 4, the second control device is configured to acquire the leakage state of the second circuit. The information (state information) indicates the leakage state of the second circuit. When the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the second circuit is not leaking, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the second circuit is leaking.

[0022] The above-mentioned first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit after confirming that the battery circuit (second circuit) is not leaking. Thereby, the occurrence of malfunctions in the vehicle is suppressed.

[0023] (Item 8) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 7, the vehicle body further includes a first terminal to which the power storage device is detachable, and a first relay disposed between the first terminal and the first circuit. The first circuit includes a motor. When the first control device determines to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the first control device switches the first relay from the off state to the on state.

[0024] In the above vehicle, the first control device can switch the connection / disconnection of the circuit between the power storage device and the motor in the vehicle body by controlling the first relay in the vehicle body. Thereby, it becomes easier for the first control device to control the application timing of the battery voltage to the motor.

[0025] (Item 9) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 8, the power storage device further includes a second terminal to which the vehicle body is detachable, and a second relay disposed between the second terminal and the second circuit. When the first control device determines to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the first control device switches the second relay from the off state to the on state.

[0026] In the above vehicle, the first control device can switch the connection / disconnection of the circuit between the battery in the power storage device and the vehicle body by controlling the second relay in the power storage device. As a result, it becomes easier for the first control device to control the application timing of the battery voltage to the vehicle body.

[0027] (Item 10) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 9, when the first control device determines not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, it gives a predetermined notification to the user of the vehicle.

[0028] In the above vehicle, when the power storage device attached to the vehicle body is in a state where it does not operate normally, it is possible to give a notification corresponding to such a situation to the user of the vehicle.

[0029] (Item 11) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 10, the first control device is communicably configured with a battery replacement system including a replacement device configured to replace the power storage device attached to the vehicle body with another power storage device. When the first control device determines not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, it requests the battery replacement system to replace the power storage device attached to the vehicle body.

[0030] In the above vehicle, when the power storage device attached to the vehicle body is in a state where it does not operate normally in the vehicle, the first control device can request the battery replacement system to replace the power storage device. As a result, it becomes easier to replace the power storage device in an abnormal operating state with another power storage device before the power storage device applies voltage to the vehicle body (first circuit).

[0031] (Item 12) In the vehicle according to any one of Items 1 to 11, the first control device is configured to be communicable with a battery exchange system including an exchange device configured to exchange a power storage device attached to the vehicle body with another power storage device. The first control device determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit before the battery exchange system fixes the power storage device to the vehicle body. When it is determined to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the first control device requests the battery exchange system to fix the power storage device to the vehicle body. When it is determined not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the first control device requests the battery exchange system to remove the power storage device from the vehicle body.

[0032] When the power storage device is exchanged with another power storage device after being fixed to the vehicle body (for example, fastened with bolts), it takes time and effort to release the fixation. Also, it takes time to release the fixation. In this regard, according to the above configuration, it is determined whether to remove the power storage device from the vehicle body before fixing the power storage device to the vehicle body. This makes it possible to save the time and effort for releasing the fixation.

[0033] According to the aspect related to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the following battery exchange method is provided.

[0034] (Item 13) The battery exchange method includes removing a first power storage device including a first battery from a vehicle including a vehicle body including a first circuit and a first control device, attaching a second power storage device including a second battery, a second circuit, and a second control device to the vehicle body in place of the first power storage device, the first control device obtaining information regarding at least one of a state of the second battery and a state of the second circuit from the second control device while the second power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, and the first control device determining whether to apply the voltage of the second battery to the first circuit using the information obtained from the second control device.

[0035] Also, according to the above battery exchange method, similar to the vehicle described above, it is possible to suppress a problem occurring in the vehicle due to the battery attached to the vehicle body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0036] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction in the vehicle due to a battery attached to the vehicle body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 10 and a battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 is a part of the vehicle 100 other than the battery pack 20. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to travel using the electric power stored in the battery pack 20. The battery pack 20 corresponds to an example of the "power storage device" according to the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited to this, and the vehicle 100 may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) equipped with an internal combustion engine, or may be another electric vehicle (xEV).

[0040] The vehicle body 10 is provided with circuits CR11 and CR12. The battery pack 20 is provided with circuits CR21 and CR22. Circuit CR12 includes the auxiliary battery 17. Circuit CR21 includes the battery 21. The auxiliary battery 17 corresponds to a low-voltage power supply that outputs power at a voltage lower than the voltage of the battery 21. Circuit CR21 corresponds to a first high-voltage circuit configured to apply a voltage (high voltage) from the battery 21 to circuit CR11. Circuit CR11 corresponds to a second high-voltage circuit that receives the application of a voltage (high voltage) from the battery 21. Circuit CR12 corresponds to a first low-voltage circuit configured to apply a voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17 to circuit CR22. Circuit CR22 corresponds to a second low-voltage circuit that receives the application of a voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between circuit CR11 and circuit CR12.

[0041] The circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 includes an MG (Motor Generator) 11a, an inverter 11b, a DC charging relay 14a, a DC inlet 14b, an AC charger 15a, and an AC inlet 15b. A leakage detector 12 is provided in circuit CR11. A BMS (Battery Management System) 22a and a leakage detector 22b are provided in circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 further includes a terminal T11 (first terminal) to which the battery pack 20 is detachable, and an SMR13 (first relay) disposed between the terminal T11 and the circuit CR11. The circuit CR11 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T11 via the SMR13. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T21 (second terminal) to which the vehicle body 10 is detachable, and an SMR23 (second relay) disposed between the terminal T21 and the circuit CR21. The circuit CR21 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T21 via the SMR23. "SMR" means a System Main Relay.

[0042] The battery 21 is a secondary battery such as, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The type of the secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack.

[0043] The vehicle body 10 further includes a terminal T12. The circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line) within the vehicle body 10 is connected to the terminal T12. Also, the communication line CL1 within the vehicle body 10 is connected to the terminal T12. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T22. The circuit CR22 (low-voltage power supply line) within the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22. Also, the communication line CL2 within the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22.

[0044] The accessory battery 17 is an in-vehicle battery that supplies power for driving accessories mounted on the vehicle 100. The accessory battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line). The circuit CR12 further includes the ECUs 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d in addition to the accessory battery 17. The circuit CR22 further includes the ECUs 28a, 28b. The accessory battery 17 supplies power to each of the ECUs 18a to 18d and 28a, 28b connected to the low-voltage power supply line, for example. "ECU" means an Electronic Control Unit.

[0045] The ECU 18a corresponds to a control device (EV-ECU) that overall controls various controls related to the vehicle 100. The ECU 18b corresponds to a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the state of each of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b. The ECU 18c corresponds to a control device (Bat-C-ECU) that controls the DC charging relay 14a and the AC charger 15a. The ECU 18d corresponds to a control device (first leakage ECU) that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR11. The ECU 28a corresponds to a control device (Bat-ECU) that monitors the state of the battery 21 and controls the SMR 23. The ECU 28b corresponds to a control device (second leakage ECU) that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR21.

[0046] Each ECU includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device is configured to be able to store the stored information. In addition to the program, various kinds of information used in the program are stored in the storage device. In this embodiment, various controls are executed by the processor executing the program stored in the storage device. However, these processes may be executed only by hardware (electronic circuits) without using software.

[0047] Also, in the vehicle 100, each ECU is communicably connected to each other via an in-vehicle network. The in-vehicle network is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network). The ECU 18a acquires information from other ECUs, controls the inverter 11b, the DC / DC converter 16, and the SMRs 13 and 23, and transmits control commands to the ECU 18c and the ECU 28a.

[0048] The leakage detector 12 detects the leakage state of the circuit CR11 and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 18d. The BMS 22a detects the state (such as current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery 21 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 28a. The leakage detector 22b detects the leakage state of the circuit CR21 and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 28b. When the circuits CR11 and CR21 are connected, the leakage detector 12 or 22b detects the leakage state of the circuit formed by the circuits CR11 and CR21. On the other hand, when the battery pack 20 is removed from the vehicle body 10, the leakage detector 12 detects the leakage state of the circuit CR11, and the leakage detector 22b detects the leakage state of the circuit CR21. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the battery state and the leakage state from the ECUs 18d, 28a, and 28b.

[0049] The DC / DC converter 16 steps up or down the DC power between circuit CR11 and circuit CR12. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power from the battery 21 and outputs it to the auxiliary battery 17. The ECU 18a may control the DC / DC converter 16 so that power is supplied from the battery 21 (main battery) to the auxiliary battery 17 when the remaining charge of the auxiliary battery 17 decreases. The capacity of the battery 21 is larger than the capacity of the auxiliary battery 17. Also, each of the SMRs 13 and 23 switches the connection / disconnection of the circuit between circuit CR11 and circuit CR21. When applying the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU 18a closes both the SMRs 13 and 23 (connection state), and when not applying the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU 18a opens at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 (disconnection state).

[0050] The terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack 20 are configured to be detachable from the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10, respectively. By connecting the terminals T21 and T22 to the terminals T11 and T12, the battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle body 10, and the vehicle 100 is completed. In the vehicle 100, the circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20 via the SMRs 13 and 23. Also, the circuit CR12 in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the circuit CR22 in the battery pack 20. Also, the communication lines CL1 and CL2 are connected. These communication lines constitute an in-vehicle network (e.g., CAN) of the vehicle 100.

[0051] MG11a functions as a motor for driving. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for MG11a. The inverter 11b drives MG11a using the power supplied from the battery 21. MG11a converts the power into torque and rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. Also, MG11a performs regenerative power generation, for example, when the vehicle 100 decelerates, and charges the battery 21.

[0052] Each of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b has a terminal for detecting the connection / disconnection of a charging cable (charging plug), and outputs a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU 18b. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the inlet state from the ECU 18b and sends a control command to the ECU 18c. In the vehicle 100, charging control is executed by the cooperation of the ECUs 18a to 18c. The DC inlet 14b receives DC power from outside the vehicle. When charging the battery 21 with the DC power input to the DC inlet 14b, the ECU 18a closes the SMRs 13 and 23, and the ECU 18c closes the DC charging relay 14a. The AC inlet 15b receives AC power from outside the vehicle. The AC charger 15a performs AC / DC conversion. The ECU 18c controls the AC charger 15a in a state where both the SMRs 13 and 23 are in the closed state and AC power is input from outside the vehicle to the AC charger 15a via the AC inlet 15b. The AC charger 15a converts the AC power into DC power according to a control command from the ECU 18c and outputs the DC power to the battery 21.

[0053] The vehicle body 10 further includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 19a and a communication device 19b. Note that the HMI 19a and the communication device 19b also receive power supply from the auxiliary battery 17.

[0054] The HMI 19a includes an input device and a display device provided in the vehicle interior. The HMI 19a may include a touch panel display. The input device may include an operation unit (for example, a button) provided on the steering wheel. The input device may include a smart speaker that accepts voice input. The input device outputs a signal corresponding to an input from the user to the ECU 18a. The display device may include a meter panel or a head-up display.

[0055] The communication device 19b is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal 200 and a server 380 (Fig. 3) described later. The ECU 18a performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 200 through the communication device 19b. The mobile terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display. However, it is not limited to this, and a laptop, a portable game machine, a wearable device, an electronic key, etc. can also be adopted as the mobile terminal 200.

[0056] The vehicle body 10 is also equipped with various sensors (in-vehicle sensors 19c) not shown in the figure. The in-vehicle sensors 19c may include a sensor for detecting the state (current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the auxiliary battery 17, a sensor for detecting the charging power (charging voltage and charging current), and a sensor for detecting the input power and output power of the inverter 11b. The ECU 18a is configured to acquire the detection results of these sensors directly or via other ECUs.

[0057] In this embodiment, the HMI 19a includes a start switch. Generally, the start switch is referred to as a "power switch" or an "ignition switch", etc. The start switch accepts a start operation and a stop operation for respectively requesting to start and stop the control system (including each ECU) of the vehicle 100, and a Ready-ON operation and a Ready-OFF operation for respectively requesting to put the vehicle 100 into the Ready-ON state and the Ready-OFF state. One user operation may correspond to a plurality of requests. For example, the start operation and the Ready-ON operation may be the same operation. Also, the stop operation and the Ready-OFF operation may be the same operation. Each operation may be a remote operation (for example, a request by wireless communication).

[0058] The Ready-ON state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-ON state, both of the SMRs 13 and 23 are in the closed state, and power is supplied from the battery 21 to the vehicle drive device (for example, MG11a and the inverter 11b). The Ready-OFF state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-OFF state, at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 is in the open state, and power is not supplied from the battery 21 to the vehicle drive device.

[0059] When an abnormality occurs in the battery 21, the ECU 18a according to this embodiment stores information indicating the abnormality of the battery 21 (hereinafter referred to as "battery diagnosis") in its own storage device. Specifically, when the HMI 19a (start switch) receives a start request (start operation) from the user, the control system of the vehicle 100 (including each ECU) is started. In this embodiment, both of the SMRs 13 and 23 are in the open state at the time of system startup. Further, when the HMI 19a (start switch) receives a Ready-ON request from the user, the ECU 18a starts the processing flow shown in FIG. 2 described below.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing related to on-vehicle battery self-diagnosis (OBD: on-board diagnosis) executed by the vehicle 100. The processing shown in this flowchart is started, for example, in response to a Ready-ON operation. "S" in the flowchart means a step.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, in S110, the ECU18a determines whether there is a battery diagnosis in the storage device of the ECU18a. The absence of a battery diagnosis means that the battery 21 is normal. If there is no battery diagnosis (YES in S110), the ECU18a transmits, in S120, a signal (SMR on command) instructing the closing drive of the SMR23 to the ECU28a. When receiving the SMR on command from the ECU18a, the ECU28a closes the SMR23. Subsequently, in S130, the ECU18a closes the SMR13. Thereby, the vehicle 100 enters the Ready-ON state. In the subsequent S140, the ECU18a determines whether the battery 21 is normal based on the state of the battery 21 detected by the BMS22a. For example, the ECU18a may acquire the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery 21 from the ECU28a. The ECU18a determines that the battery 21 is normal if all of the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery 21 are within the normal range, and may determine that there is an abnormality in the battery 21 if at least one of the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery 21 is not within the normal range. If the battery 21 is normal (YES in S140), the process proceeds to S150.

[0062] In S150, the ECU18a determines whether a Ready-OFF request has been received. While the ECU18a has not received a Ready-OFF request (NO in S150), the process returns to S130, and S130, S140, and S150 are repeated. On the other hand, for example, when the HMI19a (start switch) receives a Ready-OFF operation from the user, it is determined as YES in S150, and the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the ECU18a transmits a signal (SMR off command) instructing the opening drive of the SMR23 to the ECU28a. When receiving the SMR off command from the ECU18a, the ECU28a opens the SMR23. Subsequently, in S170, the ECU18a opens the SMR13. After confirming that the vehicle 100 has entered the Ready-OFF state, the ECU18a ends the processing flow shown in FIG. 2. In addition, when the HMI19a further receives a stop request (stop operation) from the user, the control system of the vehicle 100 enters the stop state.

[0063] While the vehicle 100 is in the Ready-ON state, S130 to S150 are repeated as described above. As a result, the state of the battery 21 is monitored at S140. When an abnormality occurs in the battery 21 (NO at S140), the process proceeds to S191. At S191, the ECU 18a records a battery diagnosis in its own storage device. Subsequently, at S192, the ECU 18a activates the file safe function of the vehicle 100. The file safe function may, for example, limit the output of the battery 21. Also, the file safe function may limit the operation of the vehicle drive device (for example, the inverter 11b). Thereafter, when the ECU 18a receives a file safe release request, the ECU 18a stops the file safe function and the process proceeds to S160. Then, through the processes of S160 and S170, the vehicle 100 becomes the Ready-OFF state. Note that file safe release (restriction release) is prohibited for the traveling vehicle 100.

[0064] When, after the processing flow shown in FIG. 2 ends through S191, S192, S160, and S170 by being determined as NO at S140, the HMI 19a receives a Ready-ON request again, the processing flow shown in FIG. 2 is started with the battery diagnosis recorded in the ECU 18a. In this case, when it is determined that there is a battery diagnosis at S110 (NO at S110), the process proceeds to S180. The presence of a battery diagnosis means that an abnormality has occurred in the battery 21. At S180, the ECU 18a issues a diagnosis notification to the user terminal of the vehicle 100 (for example, the HMI 19a and / or the mobile terminal 200). The user terminal may be registered in the ECU 18a in advance. The diagnosis notification is a notification that informs the user of the vehicle 100 of the abnormality of the battery 21. When receiving the diagnosis notification, the user terminal notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the battery 21 by display or sound (including voice). Thereafter, while both the SMRs 13 and 23 remain open, the processing flow shown in FIG. 2 ends.

[0065] The battery pack (battery pack 20) mounted on the vehicle 100 is replaceable with another battery pack. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery replacement system for replacing the battery pack. The battery replacement system 300 shown in FIG. 3 is implemented, for example, at a battery replacement station.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery replacement system 300 is configured to remove the battery pack mounted on the vehicle 100 from the vehicle body 10 and attach another battery pack to the vehicle body 10. Hereinafter, the battery pack (first power storage device) recovered from the vehicle 100 will be referred to as "battery pack B1". Also, the battery pack (second power storage device) attached to the vehicle 100 in place of the battery pack B1 will be referred to as "battery pack B2". Each of the battery packs B1 and B2 has the same configuration as the battery pack 20 shown in FIG. 1. The battery pack B2 attached to the vehicle body 10 functions as the battery pack 20 (FIG. 1) in the vehicle 100.

[0067] Specifically, the battery replacement system 300 includes a first storage device 310, a second storage device 320, a recovery device 330, a charging device 340, an exchange device 350, a server 380, and a display device 390. The first storage device 310 stores a plurality of battery packs to be supplied to the vehicle. The first storage device 310 includes a charger and a supply device in addition to a pack storage section (for example, a storage). The second storage device 320 stores a plurality of battery packs recovered from a plurality of vehicles. The second storage device 320 includes an inspection device and a sorting device in addition to a pack storage section (for example, a storage). The server 380 includes a processor, a storage device, and a communication device, and functions as a control device. The storage device stores information (for example, specification information) regarding each battery pack existing in the battery replacement system 300, distinguished by the identification information (pack ID) of the battery pack. The display device 390 displays information according to an instruction from the server 380.

[0068] Hereinafter, a battery replacement method will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the battery replacement method according to this embodiment. For example, after the vehicle 100 parks in a predetermined area within the battery replacement station, the ECU 18a starts the processing flow of S11 to S14 shown in FIG. 4. The ECU 18a may start the processing flow in response to a request from, for example, the user terminal of the vehicle 100. The ECU 18a and the server 380 are configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIGS. 1 and 3, in S11, the ECU 18a transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as an "exchange request signal") requesting replacement of the battery pack to the server 380. The exchange request signal includes the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 100 and the specification information of the battery pack 20 mounted on the vehicle 100 (specification information of the battery pack B1). The exchange request signal may include the specification information of the vehicle body 10 instead of or in addition to the specification information of the battery pack B1. In the subsequent S12, the ECU 18a determines whether the battery pack has been replaced. While the replacement of the battery pack is not completed (NO in S12), the determination in S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0070] When the server 380 receives the above exchange request signal, it starts the processing flow of S31 to S34. In S31, the server 380 selects a battery pack that matches the specification of the vehicle 100 indicated by the exchange request signal (specification of the battery pack B1 or the vehicle body 10) from among the plurality of battery packs (inventory) held by the first storage device 310. If it is determined that there is no battery pack that matches the specification of the vehicle 100 in the inventory, the server 380 may cause the display device 390 to display a message for situation explanation and abort the battery replacement process. When a battery pack is selected in S31, in the subsequent S32, the server 380 controls the exchange device 350 so that the battery pack B1 is removed from the vehicle body 10. As a result, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B1 are separated.

[0071] Although not shown in the flowchart, a reuse process is executed for the removed battery pack B1. Specifically, the recovery device 330 conveys (recovers) the battery pack B1 from the replacement device 350 to the second storage device 320. Then, the plurality of battery packs stored in the second storage device 320 are inspected in order by the inspection device, and the sorting device sorts those battery packs according to the inspection results for each use. Each battery pack is reused for the corresponding use (such as in-vehicle use, stationary use, etc.). However, battery packs that cannot be reused are discarded. The battery packs (for in-vehicle use) reused in the battery replacement system 300 are conveyed to the first storage device 310 by the filling device 340. The conveyed battery packs are filled in the first storage device 310.

[0072] In S33, the server 380 controls the charger of the first storage device 310 so that the battery 21 in the battery pack (battery pack B2) selected in S31 is charged. By performing the battery charging immediately before supplying it to the vehicle, the deterioration of the battery is suppressed. However, it is not limited to this, and the charging timing can be changed as appropriate. For example, the charging of the battery pack may be started at the timing when the battery pack is filled in the first storage device 310. When the charging is completed, the server 380 controls the supply device of the first storage device 310 so that the battery pack B2 is conveyed (supplied) from the first storage device 310 to the replacement device 350. Subsequently, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 so that the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10. At this time, the SMR23 of the battery pack B2 is in the open state. In the subsequent S34, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 so that the battery pack B2 is fixed (for example, fastened with bolts) to the vehicle body 10. After the battery pack B2 is fixed, the server 380 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "replacement completion signal") indicating the completion of the attachment of the battery pack to the ECU18a.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows an example in which the removal and attachment of the battery pack are performed at different positions. Before the removal of the battery pack, before the attachment of the battery pack, or both, the adjustment of the vehicle position may be performed. A conveying device (for example, a conveyor type conveying device) or a conveying robot (not shown) may move the vehicle. However, the removal and attachment of the battery pack may be performed at the same position. The replacement (removal and attachment) of the battery pack may be performed with the vehicle in a stationary state. The conveying method of each of the recovery device 330, the supply device, and the filling device 340 is also arbitrary. These conveying methods may be a conveyor method or a method using a conveying robot.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the replacement device 350. Referring to FIG. 5, the replacement device 350 is configured to replace a battery pack attached to the vehicle body with another battery pack. Specifically, the replacement device 350 includes a vehicle body holding portion 351, a battery holding portion 352, a battery adjusting portion 353, and a battery fixing portion 354. The battery holding portion 352 has a plate-like member, a positioning pin 352a provided on the plate-like member, and a conveying portion 352b. The conveying portion 352b includes, for example, rollers that can be raised, lowered, and rotated. The battery adjusting portion 353 is configured to be able to adjust the position and angle of the battery pack held by the battery holding portion 352 by changing the position and angle of a positioning member (for example, an L-shaped block disposed at the corner of the battery pack). The battery fixing portion 354 is connected to the battery holding portion 352. The battery fixing portion 354 is configured to fix the battery pack held by the battery holding portion 352 to the vehicle body or release the fixation between the vehicle body and the battery pack using a power tool. The battery fixing portion 354 may include a power tool for tightening and loosening bolts. Although not shown, the replacement device 350 further includes an actuator (for example, a motor) that drives each part.

[0075] The battery pack of the vehicle 100 is replaced by the replacement device 350 in the procedure described below, for example. Before the replacement operation starts, the replacement device 350 is in the state A shown in FIG. 5. That is, the vehicle body holding part 351 and the battery holding part 352 are located below the vehicle 100. The replacement device 350 may detect the position of the vehicle 100 using various sensors and / or cameras. When the replacement device 350 receives a command to remove the battery pack (S32 in FIG. 4) from the server 380, the vehicle body holding part 351 and the battery holding part 352 rise toward the vehicle 100, and the replacement device 350 becomes the state B shown in FIG. 5. Although not shown, in the state B, the battery adjustment part 353 also rises to the same height as the battery holding part 352. In the state B, the vehicle body 10 is held by the vehicle body holding part 351. The vehicle body holding part 351 may lift the vehicle body 10 and hold it in a floating state. On the other hand, the battery pack 20 (battery pack B1) is held by the battery holding part 352. At this time, the positioning pin 352a is inserted into a hole provided in the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. Thereby, the battery pack 20 and the battery holding part 352 (and the battery fixing part 354) are in a predetermined positional relationship. Then, the battery fixing part 354 releases the fixing (for example, bolt fastening) between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20 can be separated. After the fixing is released, the battery holding part 352 descends away from the vehicle body 10 while holding the battery pack 20, and the replacement device 350 becomes the state C shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the battery pack 20 is removed from the vehicle body 10. Although not shown, in the state C, the battery adjustment part 353 also descends to the same height as the battery holding part 352. Subsequently, the transport part 352b detaches the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding part 352 from the positioning pin 352a, transports the battery pack 20, and delivers it to the recovery device 330 (FIG. 3).

[0076] Subsequently, based on the instruction to attach the battery pack from the server 380 (S33 in FIG. 4), the battery pack 20 (battery pack B2) is supplied from the first storage device 310 to the battery holding unit 352. Then, the position and angle of the battery pack 20 are adjusted by the battery adjustment unit 353, and the positioning pin 352a is inserted into the hole provided in the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. Subsequently, the battery holding unit 352 rises toward the vehicle body 10 while holding the battery pack 20, and the replacement device 350 returns to state B again. As a result, the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding unit 352 is attached to the vehicle body 10. When the replacement device 350 receives a battery pack fixing instruction (S34 in FIG. 4) from the server 380, the battery fixing unit 354 fixes (e.g., bolts) the battery pack 20 held by the battery holding unit 352 to the vehicle body 10. After the fixing is completed, the vehicle body holding unit 351 and the battery holding unit 352 descend away from the vehicle body 10, and the replacement device 350 returns to state A. As a result, the replacement operation is completed. Note that the configuration of the replacement device and the procedure of the replacement operation described above are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Also, automation of the replacement operation is not essential. The user may manually replace the battery pack (power storage device) without communication between the battery replacement system (station) and the vehicle.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the connection mode between the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10 and the terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack B2. Referring to FIG. 6, when the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10 in the above-described procedure, the terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack B2 are respectively connected to the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10. As a result, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2 are in the connection state as shown in FIG. 1. By attaching the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, a low-voltage power line (circuits CR12, CR22) and a communication line (communication lines CL1, CL2) are connected between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2. Then, the processing flow of S21 to S24 shown in FIG. 4 is started.

[0078] Referring again to FIG. 4, in S21, the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 is activated by the power supplied from the power source (auxiliary battery 17) in the vehicle body 10. Subsequently, in S22, the activated ECU 28a transmits information (status information) regarding the state of the battery pack B2 to the ECU 18a. In this embodiment, the status information indicates the current voltage of the battery 21 detected by the BMS 22a. The voltage of the battery 21 can vary according to the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 21. The SOC indicates the remaining charge amount, for example, it represents the ratio of the current charge amount to the full charge amount of the battery in the range of 0 to 100%.

[0079] After transmitting the above status information, in S23, the ECU 28a determines whether it has received an SMR on command (S102 in FIG. 7 described later) from the vehicle body 10. The ECU 28a waits for the SMR on command from the vehicle body 10 in S23 while keeping the SMR 23 in the open state. When the ECU 28a receives the SMR on command (YES in S23), in S24, the ECU 28a switches the SMR 23 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state). The ECU 28a keeps the SMR 23 in the open state until it receives the SMR on command from the vehicle body 10 after the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10.

[0080] On the other hand, when the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a receives a replacement completion signal (S34) from the server 380. As a result, it is determined YES in S12 and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the ECU 18a determines whether it has received the above status information from the ECU 28a. When the ECU 18a receives the above status information (YES in S13), in S14, the ECU 18a executes the processing flow shown in FIG. 7. The ECU 18a keeps the SMR 13 and 23 in the open state until it acquires the status information from the battery pack B2 after the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10. For this reason, when the status information transmitted from the battery pack B2 does not reach the vehicle body 10 due to factors such as communication abnormalities, the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the ECU 18a in the vehicle body 10 after the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10. Referring to FIG. 7, in S101, the ECU 18a determines whether the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is within a predetermined first range based on the state information acquired from the ECU 28a (S22 in FIG. 4). The first range indicates the conditions under which the battery pack B2 can operate normally in the vehicle 100, and more specifically corresponds to the appropriate voltage range of the battery 21. The first range may be set according to the vehicle drive system (for example, the circuit CR11 and the control system) of the vehicle 100.

[0082] If the voltage of the battery 21 is within the first range (YES in S101), in S102, the ECU 18a transmits a signal (SMR on command) for instructing the closing drive of the SMR 23 to the ECU 28a. As a result, the SMR 23 is closed (S24 in FIG. 4). Subsequently, in S103, the ECU 18a switches the SMR 13 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state). As a result, the vehicle 100 enters the Ready-ON state, and the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is applied to the circuit CR11. Then, S14 in FIG. 4, and thus the processing flow regarding battery replacement ends.

[0083] If the voltage of the battery 21 is not within the first range (NO in S101), in S104, the ECU 18a notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 100 (for example, the HMI 19a and / or the mobile terminal 200) to prompt the replacement of the battery pack. As a result, S14 in FIG. 4 ends, and the processing flow regarding battery replacement ends.

[0084] When the user terminal receives the notification in S104, it displays, for example, screen Sc1. Screen Sc1 displays messages M1, M2 and operation units M3, M4. Message M1 prompts the user of vehicle 100 to replace the battery pack. Message M2 shows an explanation regarding operation units M3, M4. When operation unit M3 is operated, after the user terminal requests the ECU18a to replace the battery pack, it ends the display of screen Sc1. ECU18a starts the processing flow of S11 to S14 shown in FIG. 4 again in response to the request from the user terminal. Thereby, the battery pack B2 mounted on vehicle 100 is replaced with another battery pack. On the other hand, when operation unit M4 is operated, the user terminal ends the display of screen Sc1 without requesting the replacement of the battery pack.

[0085] As described above, the battery replacement method according to this embodiment includes each process shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. In S32 of FIG. 4, the battery pack B1 is removed from the vehicle 100 including the vehicle body 10 including the circuit CR11 and the ECU18a and the battery pack B1 including the first battery (battery 21). In S33 of FIG. 4, a battery pack B2 including a circuit CR21 including a second battery (battery 21) and an ECU28a is attached to the vehicle body 10 instead of the battery pack B1. In a state where the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the ECU18a waits to receive state information regarding at least one of the state of the second battery and the state of the circuit CR21 in the battery pack B2 (S13 in FIG. 4), and in the process of S22 in FIG. 4, the ECU18a acquires the state information from the ECU28a. In S101 of FIG. 7, the ECU18a determines whether to apply the voltage of the second battery to the circuit CR11 by using the state information acquired from the ECU28a.

[0086] In the vehicle 100 according to this embodiment, when the battery pack 20 (power storage device) is attached to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a (first control device) in the vehicle body 10 acquires state information from the battery pack 20, and uses the state information to determine whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 included in the circuit CR21 (second circuit) in the battery pack 20 to the circuit CR11 (first circuit) in the vehicle body 10. Specifically, the ECU 28a (second control device) in the battery pack 20 acquires the voltage of the battery 21 and transmits state information indicating the voltage of the battery 21 to the ECU 18a. When the battery pack 20 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a applies the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 if the voltage of the battery 21 is within the first range, and does not apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 if the voltage of the battery 21 is not within the first range (see FIG. 7).

[0087] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the vehicle body 10 (circuit CR11) based on the state (e.g., voltage) of the battery 21 immediately before voltage application. When the battery pack 20 attached to the vehicle body 10 is in a state where it does not operate normally in the vehicle 100, it becomes possible not to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the vehicle body 10 (circuit CR11). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems in the vehicle 100 due to the battery 21 attached to the vehicle body 10. For example, it is possible to suppress the activation of the fail-safe function (see S192 in FIG. 2) during the use of the vehicle 100.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when the ECU 18a determines not to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 (NO in S101 in FIG. 7), a predetermined notification is given to the user of the vehicle 100. Specifically, the ECU 18a gives a notification prompting the replacement of the battery pack. According to such a notification, it becomes easier to replace the battery pack 20 with another battery pack before the battery pack 20 in a state where it does not operate normally applies a voltage to the vehicle body 10 (circuit CR11).

[0089] However, the processing when it is determined not to apply the battery voltage is not limited to the above notification. For example, instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 18a may execute the processing flow shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the processing shown in FIG. 7. In the processing flow according to the first modification, S104 (FIG. 7) is changed to S105.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, in S105, the ECU 18a requests the server 380 to replace the battery pack. Specifically, the ECU 18a transmits a replacement request signal to the server 380. As a result, the processing flow of S31 to S34 shown in FIG. 4 is started again. Thereafter, the ECU 18a returns the processing to S12 in FIG. 4.

[0091] In the above first modification, when the ECU 18a determines that the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11 (NO in S101 of FIG. 8), the ECU 18a requests the battery exchange system 300 (server 380) to replace the battery pack B2 attached to the vehicle body 10. According to such a request, it becomes easier to replace the battery pack B2 with another battery pack before the battery pack B2 in a state where it does not operate normally applies a voltage to the vehicle body 10 (circuit CR11).

[0092] In the above embodiment, the ECU 18a determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 (first circuit) in the vehicle body 10 based on the voltage value of the battery 21 acquired from the battery pack 20 (S101 in FIG. 7). However, it is not limited to this, and the ECU 18a may determine whether to apply / non-apply the battery voltage based on parameters other than the voltage.

[0093] Instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, ECU 18a may execute the processing flow shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the processing shown in FIG. 7. In the processing flow according to the second modification, S101 (FIG. 7) is changed to S101A. In the second modification, the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 transmits, at S22 in FIG. 4, status information indicating the current temperature of the battery 21 detected by the BMS 22a to the ECU 18a. Since the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is charged by the charger of the first storage device 310 (FIG. 3) and then supplied to the vehicle body 10, it may become hot due to the temperature rise during charging.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 9, in S101A, the ECU 18a determines whether the temperature of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is within a predetermined second range based on the status information acquired from the ECU 28a. The second range indicates the conditions under which the battery pack B2 can operate normally in the vehicle 100, and more specifically corresponds to the appropriate temperature range of the battery 21. If the temperature of the battery 21 is within the second range (YES in S101A), the ECU 18a applies the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 by the processing of S102 and S103. If the temperature of the battery 21 is not within the second range (NO in S101A), the ECU 18a does not apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11. With such a configuration, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of problems in the vehicle 100 due to the battery 21 attached to the vehicle body 10.

[0095] Instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, ECU 18a may execute the processing flow shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third modification of the processing shown in FIG. 7. In the processing flow according to the third modification, S101 (FIG. 7) is changed to S101B. Also, in the third modification, the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 transmits, at S22 in FIG. 4, status information indicating the current leakage state (for example, insulation resistance) of the circuit CR21 detected by the leakage detector 22b to the ECU 18a.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 10, in S101B, the ECU 18a determines whether there is a leakage in the circuit CR21 based on the status information acquired from the ECU 28a. For example, when the insulation resistance of the circuit CR21 in the battery pack B2 is not within a predetermined third range, the ECU 18a determines that there is a leakage in the circuit CR21. If the circuit CR21 is not leaking (NO in S101B), the ECU 18a applies the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 by the processes of S102 and S103. If the circuit CR21 is leaking (YES in S101B), the ECU 18a does not apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems in the vehicle 100 due to the battery 21 attached to the vehicle body 10.

[0097] The ECU 18a may determine whether to apply or not apply the battery voltage based on two or more types of parameters arbitrarily selected from the above three types of parameters (battery voltage, battery temperature, leakage state). Instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 18a may execute the processing flow shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a fourth modification of the processing shown in FIG. 7. In the processing flow according to the fourth modification, S101A and S101B are added. In the fourth modification, the ECU 28a in the battery pack B2 transmits status information indicating the voltage of the battery 21, the temperature of the battery 21, and the leakage state of the circuit CR21 to the ECU 18a in S22 of FIG. 4.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 11, when all of the following conditions are satisfied: the voltage of the battery 21 is within the first range (the first requirement), the temperature of the battery 21 is within the second range (the second requirement), and the circuit CR21 is not leaking (the third requirement) (S101: YES, S101A: YES, S101B: NO), the ECU 18a applies the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 by the processes of S102 and S103. When any of the first to third requirements is not satisfied, the ECU 18a does not apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems in the vehicle 100 due to the battery 21 attached to the vehicle body 10.

[0099] In the above embodiment, after the battery replacement system 300 fixes the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 to the circuit CR11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ECU 18a may determine whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 to the circuit CR11 before fixing the battery pack B2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 4.

[0100] The battery replacement method shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 4, except that S14A is adopted instead of S14 (FIG. 4), and S33A, S34A to S34C are adopted instead of S33, S34 (FIG. 4).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 12, in this modification, after the server 380 attaches the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 in S33A and before fixing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, the server 380 transmits a replacement completion signal to the ECU 18a. When the ECU 18a receives the replacement completion signal, it is determined as YES in S12.

[0102] After transmitting the replacement completion signal, the server 380 determines in S34A and S34B whether it has received a replacement request and a fixing request from the vehicle body 10, respectively. While the server 380 has not received either request (NO in both S34A and S34B), the determinations in S34A and S34B are repeated. When the server 380 receives a replacement request (S105C in FIG. 13 described later) (YES in S34A), the process returns to S31. The server 380 selects another battery pack in S31, removes the battery pack B2 from the vehicle body 10 in S32, and attaches the battery pack selected in S31 to the vehicle body 10 in S33A. On the other hand, when the server 380 receives a fixing request (S105A in FIG. 13 described later) (YES in S34B), the process proceeds to S34C. In S34C, the battery pack (for example, the battery pack B2) attached to the vehicle body 10 in S33A is fixed to the vehicle body 10. After fixing the battery pack, the server 380 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as "replacement fixing signal") notifying the completion of battery fixing to the ECU 18a.

[0103] In S14A, instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 18a executes the processing flow shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the ECU 18a in the vehicle body 10 after the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10. In this flowchart, S105A to S105C are adopted instead of S104 (FIG. 7).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 13, in this processing flow, when it is determined that the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is within the first range (YES in S101), the ECU 18a transmits a signal (fixing request) for requesting the fixing of the battery pack B2 to the server 380 in S105A. Thereafter, in S105B, the ECU 18a determines whether the fixing of the battery pack B2 is completed based on whether an exchange fixing signal is received from the server 380. When the battery pack B2 is fixed to the vehicle body 10 by the processing of S34C in FIG. 12 and an exchange fixing signal is transmitted from the server 380 to the ECU 18a, it is determined as YES in S105B and the processing proceeds to S102. Then, the voltage of the battery 21 is applied to the circuit CR11 by the processing of S102 and S103. On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 is not within the first range (NO in S101), the ECU 18a transmits a signal (exchange request) for requesting to exchange the battery pack B2 with another battery pack to the server 380 in S105C. Thereafter, the ECU 18a returns the processing to S12 in FIG. 12.

[0105] In the above-described battery replacement method shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, before the battery replacement system 300 fixes the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery 21 in the battery pack B2 to the circuit CR11 (S101). When the ECU 18a determines to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, it requests the battery replacement system 300 to fix the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 (S105A). Further, when the ECU 18a determines not to apply the voltage of the battery 21 to the circuit CR11, it requests the battery replacement system 300 to remove the battery pack B2 from the vehicle body 10 (S105C). According to such a configuration, since the battery pack is not fixed when the removal of the battery pack is requested in S105C, it is possible to save the time and labor for releasing the fixation regarding the removal of the battery pack.

[0106] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 4. The battery replacement method shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 4 except that S13A to S13C are added and S33A, S34A to S34C are adopted instead of S33 and S34 (FIG. 4). Note that the adoption of S33A, S34A to S34C is the same as the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 12, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 14, in this processing flow, when the ECU 18a receives the replacement completion signal (S33A) from the server 380 (YES at S12), the ECU 18a determines at S13A whether communication with the ECU 28a has been established. If the communication between the ECU 18a and the ECU 28a is normal (YES at S13A), the process proceeds to S13. Then, when the ECU 18a receives the status information from the ECU 28a (YES at S13), the ECU 18a transmits a signal (fixing request) for requesting fixing of the battery pack to the server 380 at S13B. After that, the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the communication between the ECU 18a and the ECU 28a (NO at S13A), the ECU 18a transmits a signal (replacement request) for requesting replacement of the battery pack to the server 380 at S13C. After that, the process proceeds to S14.

[0108] In the above-described battery replacement method shown in FIG. 14, before the battery exchange system 300 fixes the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, it is determined whether the communication between the ECU 18a and the ECU 28a is normal (S13A). And if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the communication, the ECU 18a requests the battery exchange system 300 to remove the battery pack B2 from the vehicle body 10 (S13C). Also with such a configuration, it is possible to save the time and labor for releasing the fixing regarding the removal of the battery pack.

[0109] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 14. The battery replacement method shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the battery replacement method shown in FIG. 14 except that S13D and S34D are adopted instead of S13C and S34A (FIG. 14). Referring to FIG. 15, at S13D, the ECU 18a transmits a signal (retry request) for requesting reattachment of the battery pack B2 to the server 380. At S34D, the server 380 determines whether it has received the retry request from the vehicle body 10. When the server 380 receives the retry request, the process returns to S32. The server 380 removes the battery pack B2 from the vehicle body 10 at S32 and reattaches the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10 at S33A.

[0110] In the above-described battery replacement method shown in FIG. 15, when a communication abnormality occurs between the vehicle body and the battery pack, the same battery pack is reinstalled without changing the battery pack. If the communication abnormality is caused by a defect in the battery pack installation, it can be resolved by reinstalling the battery pack. According to the above configuration, a shortage of battery packs in stock is suppressed.

[0111] The configuration of the vehicle body shown in FIG. 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, at least one of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b may be omitted, or they may be changed to one common inlet for AC / DC. The vehicle body may be configured to enable non-contact charging. The vehicle body may be provided with a solar panel.

[0112] The configuration of the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the circuit CR22 in the battery pack may further include a temperature adjustment device driven by the power from the auxiliary battery 17. The temperature adjustment device may include at least one of a heating device for heating the battery 21 and a cooling device for cooling the battery 21. Further, the power storage device (battery pack 20) according to the above embodiment does not have a power source for starting the second control device (ECU28a). However, it is not limited to this, and the power storage device may have a power source for the second control device. Further, the power storage device is not limited to the battery pack and may have a packless structure.

[0113] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, at least one of SMRs 13 and 23 may be omitted. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first modification of the vehicle configuration shown in FIG. 1. In the vehicle 100A shown in FIG. 16, SMR 13 is omitted. The vehicle body 10A does not include SMR 13. In the vehicle 100A, for example, the ECU 18a can switch the application / non-application of voltage from the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 by switching the connection state / disconnection state of SMR 23. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second modification of the vehicle configuration shown in FIG. 1. In the vehicle 100B shown in FIG. 17, SMR 23 is omitted. The battery pack 20A does not include SMR 23. In the vehicle 100B, for example, the ECU 18a can switch the application / non-application of voltage from the battery 21 to the circuit CR11 by switching the connection state / disconnection state of SMR 13.

[0114] The above various modifications may be implemented in any combination. For example, regarding the processing flows shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, modifications conforming to FIG. 8 or FIG. 13 may be made. Also, the exchange request in FIG. 8 or FIG. 13 may be changed to a retry request. Further, when the problem is not solved even after reinstalling the power storage device (battery pack) a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 time, 2 times, or 3 times), the vehicle body (first control device) may request the battery exchange system to exchange the power storage device.

[0115] The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car and may be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (for example, a tractor, a combine, or a forklift). The vehicle may be configured to be capable of autonomous driving or remote driving for driverless operation.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] Vehicles 100, 100A, 100B, bodies 10, 10A, SMR 13, ECU 18a, battery packs 20, 20A, batteries 21, SMR 23, ECU 28a, battery exchange system 300, exchange device 350, circuits CR11, CR12, CR21, CR22.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a vehicle body, wherein the vehicle body includes a first circuit and a first control device, the vehicle body is configured such that a power storage device including a second circuit containing a battery is detachable, when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device acquires information regarding at least one of the state of the battery and the state of the second circuit from the power storage device, and determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit using the information, the vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the information indicates at least one of the voltage of the battery, the temperature of the battery, and the leakage state of the second circuit.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first control device does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit until the information is acquired from the power storage device after the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body.

4. The power storage device is a battery pack further including a second control device in addition to the second circuit, the vehicle body further includes a power source, when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the second control device is activated by the power supplied from the power source, and the activated second control device transmits the information to the first control device, the vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The second control device is configured to acquire the voltage of the battery, the information indicates the voltage of the battery, when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the voltage of the battery is within a predetermined range, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the voltage of the battery is not within the predetermined range, the vehicle according to claim 4.

6. The second control device is configured to acquire the temperature of the battery, the information indicates the temperature of the battery, when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the temperature of the battery is within a predetermined range, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the temperature of the battery is not within the predetermined range, the vehicle according to claim 4.

7. The second control device is configured to acquire the leakage state of the second circuit, the information indicates the leakage state of the second circuit, The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein when the power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device applies the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the second circuit is not leaking, and does not apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit if the second circuit is leaking.

8. The vehicle body further includes a first terminal to which the power storage device is detachable, and a first relay disposed between the first terminal and the first circuit. The first circuit includes a motor. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the first control device determines to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the first relay is switched from the off state to the on state.

9. The power storage device further includes a second terminal to which the vehicle body is detachable, and a second relay disposed between the second terminal and the second circuit. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the first control device determines to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, the second relay is switched from the off state to the on state.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the first control device determines not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, a predetermined notification is given to the user of the vehicle.

11. The first control device is configured to be communicable with a battery exchange system including an exchange device configured to exchange the power storage device attached to the vehicle body with another power storage device. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the first control device determines not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, it requests the battery exchange system to exchange the power storage device attached to the vehicle body.

12. The first control device is configured to be communicable with a battery exchange system including an exchange device configured to exchange the power storage device attached to the vehicle body with another power storage device. The first control device determines whether to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit before the battery exchange system fixes the power storage device to the vehicle body. If it determines to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, it requests the battery exchange system to fix the power storage device to the vehicle body. If it determines not to apply the voltage of the battery to the first circuit, it requests the battery exchange system to remove the power storage device from the vehicle body. The vehicle according to claim 1.

13. Removing the first power storage device from a vehicle including a vehicle body including a first circuit and a first control device and a first power storage device including a first battery, Attaching a second power storage device including a second circuit including a second battery and a second control device to the vehicle body in place of the first power storage device, In a state where the second power storage device is attached to the vehicle body, the first control device acquiring information regarding at least one of a state of the second battery and a state of the second circuit from the second control device, The first control device determining whether to apply a voltage of the second battery to the first circuit using the information acquired from the second control device, A battery replacement method including the above.

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