Navigation system and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a navigation system capable of enhancing the convenience of a user in a vehicle including an energy storage device, and the vehicle.SOLUTION: A navigation system 500 constituted so as to guide a vehicle including a detachable / attachable energy storage device includes a guide device presenting information for guiding a vehicle to at least one of an exchange base for exchanging the energy storage device and a supply base including an energy supply facility for supplying energy to the energy storage device. The guide device guides the vehicle to the supply base when predetermined conditions are satisfied and does not guide the vehicle to the supply base when the predetermined conditions are not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a navigation system and a vehicle equipped with a navigation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2021-009108 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology for guiding a vehicle equipped with a battery to a charging station where the battery can be charged. In this technology, the battery installed in the vehicle functions as an energy storage device. The charging station functions as an energy supply facility that supplies energy (electric power) to the battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-009108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, vehicles equipped with exchangeable energy storage devices have been put into practical use. In such vehicles, the vehicle's stored energy can be increased by replacing the vehicle's energy storage device with another energy storage device that has a larger energy storage capacity. Furthermore, such vehicles may be able to receive energy from an energy supply facility. Therefore, when refueling the vehicle, user convenience may be enhanced by guiding the vehicle to a supply facility where an energy supply facility is installed, in addition to an exchange facility where the energy storage device is replaced. However, guiding the vehicle to a supply facility when refueling the vehicle does not always enhance user convenience. For example, the vehicle may not be equipped to receive energy from an energy supply facility to the energy storage device. Furthermore, the energy supply facilities around the vehicle may all be busy, resulting in long wait times for accessing the energy supply facility. Furthermore, the energy supply facilities around the vehicle may all have low performance, resulting in a long time required to supply sufficient energy to the energy storage device. In these cases, guiding the vehicle to a supply facility may actually reduce user convenience. As such, there is still room for improvement in technology for guiding vehicles equipped with energy storage devices.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a navigation system and a vehicle that can improve convenience for users of vehicles equipped with an energy storage device that can be attached and detached using an exchange device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a navigation system as follows.

[0007] (Item 1) The navigation system is configured to guide a vehicle equipped with a removable energy storage device. The navigation system includes a guidance device that presents information for guiding the vehicle to at least one of an exchange point and a supply point. The exchange point is a point where the energy storage device is exchanged. The supply point is a point where an energy supply facility is installed that supplies energy to the energy storage device. The guidance device is configured to guide the vehicle to the supply point when a predetermined condition is met, and not to guide the vehicle to the supply point when the predetermined condition is not met.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the vehicle is guided to the supply base only when a predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as a "guidance condition") is met. If it is expected that guiding the vehicle to the supply base would reduce user convenience, the guidance condition is not met, thereby preventing the reduction in user convenience. Furthermore, by guiding the vehicle to the supply base when the guidance condition is met, user convenience can be improved.

[0009] The energy storage device may be a power storage device in a BEV (electric vehicle), HEV (hybrid vehicle), or PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), or may be a hydrogen tank in an FCEV (fuel cell vehicle).

[0010] The navigation system described in the above paragraph 1 may have the configuration described in any one of paragraphs 2 to 11 below.

[0011] (Item 2) In the navigation system described in item 1, the guidance device is configured to determine whether the vehicle has a first equipment for receiving energy supply from the energy supply facility to the energy storage device. The predetermined condition (guidance condition) includes that the vehicle has the first equipment.

[0012] In the above configuration, if a vehicle does not have the first equipment (equipment for receiving energy supply from the energy supply facility to the energy storage device), the vehicle is not guided to the supply base. As a result, if the vehicle cannot use the energy supply facility, the vehicle is not guided to the supply base. This prevents a decrease in convenience for the user.

[0013] (3) In the navigation system described in paragraph 2, the guidance device is configured to present first information that guides the vehicle to an exchange base and does not guide the vehicle to a supply base when a predetermined condition (guidance condition) is not met, and to present either second information that guides the vehicle to both an exchange base and a supply base, or third information that guides the vehicle to a supply base and does not guide the vehicle to an exchange base when a predetermined condition (guidance condition) is met.

[0014] According to the above configuration, appropriate guidance is more likely to be executed depending on whether the guidance conditions are met.

[0015] (4) In the navigation system described in paragraph 3, the guidance device is configured to determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in a second equipment for attaching or detaching the energy storage device in the vehicle. The guidance device is configured to present third information when it is determined that the vehicle has the first equipment and that a malfunction has occurred in the second equipment.

[0016] According to the above configuration, if an abnormality occurs in the second equipment of the vehicle (equipment for attaching or detaching the energy storage device in the vehicle), the vehicle is not guided to an exchange point, but is guided to a supply point. As a result, if the energy storage device cannot be attached or detached in the vehicle, the vehicle is not guided to an exchange point. This prevents a decrease in user convenience. Furthermore, by guiding the vehicle to a supply point in this case, user convenience can be improved.

[0017] (Item 5) The navigation system described in item 3 or 4 further includes a search device that searches for exchange points that exist within a predetermined area. The guidance device is configured to obtain inventory information for an exchange point found within the predetermined area by the search, the inventory information indicating an inventory status of a replacement energy storage device that can be installed in the vehicle instead of the energy storage device, and to determine whether the exchange point has a replacement energy storage device using the inventory information. The guidance device is configured to present third information when it is determined that the vehicle has the first equipment and that no exchange point with a replacement energy storage device exists within the predetermined area.

[0018] According to the above configuration, if there is no exchange base having an exchange energy storage device within a predetermined area, the vehicle is guided to a supply base instead of to an exchange base, which prevents the vehicle from being guided to an exchange base that does not have an exchange energy storage device in stock.

[0019] (Item 6) In the navigation system described in item 5, each of the energy storage device and the exchange energy storage device is a power storage device that can be attached and detached by the exchange device. The exchange point is a point where the exchange device is installed. When it is determined that an exchange point having an exchange energy storage device exists within a predetermined area, the guidance device is configured to use inventory information to determine, as a target for guidance, an exchange point having an exchange energy storage device that meets predetermined requirements. The predetermined requirements are defined with respect to at least one of the amount of stored power, maximum output power, maximum regenerative power, and capacity of the power storage device.

[0020] The above parameters facilitate establishing the vehicle's preferred requirements (eg, condition or specifications) for the replacement energy storage device.

[0021] (Item 7) In the navigation system described in any one of Items 3 to 6, the guidance device includes a display device that displays information to a user of the vehicle. Presenting the first information means that the display device displays exchange depots on a map but does not display supply depots, or that the display device displays the exchange depots and supply depots on the map in a manner that allows them to be identified, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user. Presenting the second information means that the display device displays the exchange depots and supply depots on the map, or that the display device displays the exchange depots and supply depots on the map in a manner that allows them to be identified, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user. Presenting the third information means that the display device displays supply depots on a map but does not display the exchange depots, or that the display device displays the exchange depots and supply depots on the map in a manner that allows them to be identified, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user.

[0022] According to the above configuration, by displaying either the exchange base or the supply base on the map, or by displaying both the exchange base and the supply base on the map in a distinguishable manner, it is possible to appropriately guide the vehicle. Note that the guidance device may further include a speaker in addition to the display device. The guidance device may guide the vehicle by voice in addition to the above display.

[0023] (Item 8) In the navigation system described in any one of Items 1 to 7, the guidance device is configured to determine a guidance target including at least one of an exchange base and a supply base when the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device installed in the vehicle falls below a reference value, and guide the vehicle to the guidance target.

[0024] The navigation system determines a guide target when the vehicle's energy storage is low and guides the vehicle to the guide target. By determining the guide target when the vehicle needs to replenish its energy, it becomes easier to determine a guide target that is preferable for the vehicle.

[0025] (Item 9) The navigation system described in any one of Items 1 to 8 further includes an input device that accepts a guidance request from a user. When the input device receives the guidance request, the guidance device is configured to determine a guidance target that includes at least one of an exchange base and a supply base, and guide the vehicle to the guidance target.

[0026] The navigation system determines a guidance target in response to a user request and guides the vehicle to the guidance target. By determining the guidance target at the timing when the user requests guidance, it becomes easier to determine a guidance target that is preferable to the user.

[0027] (Item 10) The navigation system described in any one of Items 1 to 9 further includes a search device that searches for exchange points that exist within a predetermined area. When at least one exchange point is to be guided, the guidance device is configured to acquire inventory information indicating the inventory status of exchange energy storage devices that can be attached to the vehicle instead of the energy storage device for candidates for the guided object found within the predetermined area by the search, determine the guided object using the inventory information, and guide the vehicle to the guided object.

[0028] According to the above configuration, it is easy to select an exchange base that has an exchange energy storage device that can be attached to a vehicle from multiple exchange bases (candidates for exchange bases) present in a predetermined area and determine it as the exchange base to be introduced. This improves user convenience. It also makes it possible to avoid guiding a vehicle to an exchange base that does not have an exchange energy storage device. This prevents a decrease in user convenience.

[0029] (Item 11) In the navigation system described in item 10, the guidance device includes a display device that displays information to a vehicle user, and a control device that controls the display device. When the vehicle is equipped with multiple energy storage devices, the control device is configured to classify the guidance target into either a first exchange location with an inventory status where all of the multiple energy storage devices equipped in the vehicle can be replaced, or a second exchange location with an inventory status where only some of the multiple energy storage devices equipped in the vehicle can be replaced. The display device is configured to display the first exchange location and the second exchange location in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them.

[0030] In the above navigation system, the display device displays the first exchange point and the second exchange point in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them. The user can choose whether to use the first exchange point or the second exchange point. This improves user convenience.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a navigation system as follows.

[0032] (Article 12) The navigation system is configured to guide a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device. The navigation system includes a guidance device that presents information for guiding the vehicle to at least one of an exchange point and a supply point. The exchange point is a point where the energy storage device is exchanged. The supply point is a point where an energy supply facility is installed that supplies energy to the energy storage device. The guidance device is configured to guide the vehicle to the exchange point when a predetermined condition is met, and not to guide the vehicle to the exchange point when the predetermined condition is not met.

[0033] The above navigation system also makes it possible to improve convenience for users.

[0034] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle as follows.

[0035] (Item 13) The vehicle includes the navigation system according to any one of Items 1 to 12. The vehicle further includes a power storage device as an energy storage device. The vehicle is configured to be able to run using electric power output from the power storage device.

[0036] The vehicle is equipped with the above-described navigation system, and therefore, like the above-described navigation system, the vehicle can also improve user convenience. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a navigation system and a vehicle that can improve convenience for users of vehicles equipped with an energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a battery exchange system installed at an exchange base. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exchange device included in the battery exchange system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an exchange base and a supply base. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guidance mode in the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining examples of exchange base information and supply base information; [Figure 10]7 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 7 is a flowchart showing a third modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second vehicle shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 14] 7 is a flowchart showing a fourth modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 15] 7 is a flowchart showing a fifth modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile terminal equipped with a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 7 is a flowchart showing a sixth modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the display mode of an exchange base and a supply base. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a seventh modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0040] A vehicle according to this embodiment includes a vehicle body and a battery pack. The vehicle body is the portion of the vehicle other than the battery pack. In the vehicle according to this embodiment, charging equipment (first equipment) for receiving power supply (energy supply) from EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) to the battery pack (energy storage device) is available as an option. Meanwhile, in this vehicle, replacement equipment (second equipment) for attaching and detaching the battery pack (energy storage device) to the vehicle is installed as standard equipment. In other words, when purchasing a vehicle, a user can choose whether or not to add charging equipment to the vehicle. Also, a user can add charging equipment later after purchasing a vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 100A to which charging equipment (optional equipment) has been added. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100A includes a vehicle body 10A and a battery pack 20. The vehicle 100A is configured to be able to run using power output from the battery pack 20. The vehicle 100A is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV) that does not include an internal combustion engine. However, the vehicle 100A is not limited to this, and may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that includes an internal combustion engine, or another type of electrically powered vehicle (xEV).

[0042] The vehicle body 10A includes circuits CR11A and CR12. The battery pack 20 includes circuits CR21 and CR22. The circuit CR12 includes an auxiliary battery 17. The circuit CR21 includes a battery 21. The auxiliary battery 17 corresponds to a low-voltage power supply that outputs power at a voltage lower than that of the battery 21. The circuit CR21 applies a voltage (high voltage) from the battery 21 to the circuit CR11A. The circuit CR11A receives a voltage (high voltage) from the battery 21. The circuit CR12 applies a voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17 to the circuit CR22. The circuit CR22 receives a voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between the circuit CR11A and the circuit CR12.

[0043] The circuit CR11A in the vehicle body 10A 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. The circuit CR11A is provided with a ground fault detector 12. The circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20 is provided with a BMS (Battery Management System) 22a and a ground fault detector 22b. The vehicle body 10A further includes a terminal T11 to which the battery pack 20 can be detached, and an SMR 13 arranged between the terminal T11 and the circuit CR11A. The circuit CR11A (high-voltage power supply line) is connected to the terminal T11 via the SMR 13. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T21 to which the vehicle body 10A can be detached, and an SMR 23 arranged between the terminal T21 and the circuit CR21. The circuit CR21 (high-voltage power supply line) is connected to the terminal T21 via the SMR 23. "SMR" stands for System Main Relay.

[0044] The battery 21 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium ion battery. 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.

[0045] The vehicle body 10A further includes a terminal T12. A circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line) in the vehicle body 10A is connected to the terminal T12. A communication line CL1 (dashed line in FIG. 1) in the vehicle body 10A is also connected to the terminal T12. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T22. A circuit CR22 (low-voltage power supply line) in the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22. A communication line CL2 (dashed line in FIG. 1) in the battery pack 20 is also connected to the terminal T22.

[0046] The auxiliary battery 17 supplies power to drive auxiliary devices mounted on the vehicle 100A. The auxiliary battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12. The circuit CR12 further includes ECUs 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d in addition to the auxiliary battery 17. The circuit CR22 further includes ECUs 28a and 28b. The auxiliary battery 17 supplies power to each of the ECUs 18a to 18d and 28a and 28b, which are connected to, for example, a low-voltage power supply line. "ECU" stands for Electronic Control Unit.

[0047] The ECU 18a corresponds to a control device (EV-ECU) that manages various controls related to the vehicle 100A. The ECU 18b corresponds to a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the respective states of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b. The DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b each have a terminal that detects whether a charging cable (charging plug) is connected or disconnected, and output a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU 18b. 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 CR11A. 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.

[0048] Each ECU includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device is configured to be able to save stored information. The storage device stores programs as well as various information used by the programs. In this embodiment, various controls are performed by the processor executing the programs stored in the storage device. However, these processes may also be performed by hardware (electronic circuits) alone, without using software.

[0049] In the vehicle 100A, the ECUs are connected to each other via an in-vehicle network so that they can communicate with each other. The in-vehicle network is, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN). The ECU 18a acquires information from the other ECUs, controls the inverter 11b, the DC / DC converter 16, and the SMR 13, and sends control commands to the ECUs 18c and 28a.

[0050] The leakage detector 12 detects a leakage state (e.g., insulation resistance) related to the circuit CR11A and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 18d. The BMS 22a detects the state of the battery 21 (current, voltage, temperature, SOC, capacity, etc.) and outputs the detection result to the ECU 28a. The SOC (State of Charge) indicates the remaining amount of electricity, and is, for example, the ratio of the current amount of electricity to the amount of electricity stored in a fully charged state, expressed as 0 to 100%. The battery capacity corresponds to the amount of electricity (kWh) stored in a fully charged battery. The leakage detector 22b detects a leakage state (e.g., insulation resistance) related to the circuit CR21 and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 28b. The ECU 18a obtains information indicating the battery state and leakage state from the ECUs 18d, 28a, and 28b.

[0051] The DC / DC converter 16 transforms DC power between the circuit CR11A and the circuit CR12. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power from the battery 21 and outputs it to the auxiliary battery 17. The 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 becomes low. The capacity of the battery 21 is greater than that of the auxiliary battery 17. Furthermore, each of the SMRs 13 and 23 switches between connection and disconnection of the electrical path between the circuit CR11A and the circuit CR21. When the voltage of the battery 21 is applied to the circuit CR11A, the ECU 18a closes both the SMRs 13 and 23 (connected state), and when the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11A, the ECU 18a opens at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 (disconnected state).

[0052] Terminals T21 and T22 of battery pack 20 are configured to be attachable to and detachable from terminals T11 and T12 of vehicle body 10A, respectively. By connecting terminals T21 and T22 to terminals T11 and T12, battery pack 20 is attached to vehicle body 10A and vehicle 100A is completed. In vehicle 100A, circuit CR11A in vehicle body 10A is connected to circuit CR21 in battery pack 20 via SMRs 13 and 23. Circuit CR12 in vehicle body 10A is connected to circuit CR22 in battery pack 20. Communication lines CL1 and CL2 are also connected to each other. These communication lines form an in-vehicle network.

[0053] The MG 11a functions as a driving motor. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for the MG 11a. The inverter 11b drives the MG 11a using power supplied from the battery 21. The MG 11a converts the power into torque to rotate the drive wheels of the vehicle 100A. The MG 11a also performs regenerative power generation, for example, when the vehicle 100A is decelerating, to charge the battery 21.

[0054] The vehicle body 10A further includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 19a and a communication device 19b. The HMI 19a and the communication device 19b are also supplied with power from the auxiliary battery 17. The HMI 19a includes an input device and a display device provided in the vehicle body 10A. The communication device 19b is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal 200 and a server 380 (FIG. 3) described below. The mobile terminal 200 corresponds to a portable terminal that can be carried by a user. The mobile terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display. However, the mobile terminal 200 is not limited to this, and a laptop, a portable game console, a wearable device, an electronic key, or the like can also be used as the mobile terminal 200.

[0055] The vehicle body 10A is also equipped with various sensors (on-board sensors 19c) not shown. The on-board sensors 19c may include a sensor that detects the state (current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the auxiliary battery 17, a sensor that detects charging power (charging voltage and charging current), a sensor that detects input power and output power of the inverter 11b, and a sensor that detects that the battery pack 20 is connected to and / or fixed to the vehicle body 10A. The ECU 18a is configured to obtain the detection results of these sensors directly or via another ECU.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 100B to which no charging equipment (optional equipment) has been added. Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 100B includes a vehicle body 10B and a battery pack 20. The vehicle 100B has a configuration in which the DC charging relay 14a, the DC inlet 14b, the AC charger 15a, and the AC inlet 15b have been removed from the vehicle 100A shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle body 10B includes a circuit CR11B. The circuit CR11B includes a vehicle drive device (MG11a and inverter 11b) but does not include charging equipment (DC charging relay 14a, DC inlet 14b, AC charger 15a, and AC inlet 15b). By including the vehicle drive device, the vehicle 100B is configured to be able to travel using the power stored in the battery pack 20. The vehicles 100A and 100B share a common control system. The vehicle body 10B according to this embodiment includes ECUs 18b and 18c, similar to the vehicle body 10A. This makes it easier to retrofit charging equipment. However, the ECUs 18b and 18c may be omitted from the configuration of the vehicle body 10B shown in FIG.

[0057] Each of the vehicles 100A and 100B has replacement equipment for attaching and detaching a replaceable battery pack 20. The battery pack (battery pack 20) installed in each of the vehicles 100A and 100B can be replaced with another battery pack. Hereinafter, when no distinction is needed, each of the vehicles 100A and 100B will be referred to as "vehicle 100," and each of the vehicle bodies 10A and 10B will be referred to as "vehicle body 10."

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery exchange system for exchanging battery packs. The battery exchange system 300 shown in FIG. 3 is implemented in, for example, a battery exchange station. Referring to FIG. 3, the battery exchange system 300 is configured to remove a battery pack installed in a 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) collected from the vehicle 100 will be referred to as a "battery pack B1." Furthermore, the battery pack (second power storage device) attached to the vehicle 100 in place of the battery pack B1 will be referred to as a "battery pack B2." The battery pack B2 corresponds to a replacement battery pack (replacement energy storage device) that can be attached to the vehicle 100 in place of the battery pack B1. Each of the battery packs B1 and B2 has the same configuration as the battery pack 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The battery pack B2 attached to the vehicle body 10 functions as the battery pack 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) in the vehicle 100.

[0059] The battery exchange system 300 according to this embodiment includes a first storage device 310, a second storage device 320, a collection device 330, a filling 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 vehicles. The first storage device 310 includes a pack storage unit (e.g., a storage facility) as well as a charger and a supply device. The second storage device 320 stores a plurality of battery packs collected from a plurality of vehicles. The second storage device 320 includes a pack storage unit (e.g., a storage facility) as well as an inspection device and a sorting device. The server 380 includes a processor, a storage device, and a communication device. The storage device stores information about each battery pack present in the battery exchange system 300, distinguishing them by battery pack identification information. The display device 390 displays information according to instructions from the server 380.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery replacement device 350. Referring to FIG. 4, the battery replacement device 350 is configured to replace a battery pack attached to a vehicle body with another battery pack. Specifically, the battery replacement device 350 includes a vehicle body holder 351, a battery holder 352, a battery adjustment unit 353, and a battery fixing unit 354. The battery holder 352 includes a plate-shaped member and a positioning pin 352a and a transport unit 352b provided on the plate-shaped member. The transport unit 352b includes, for example, rollers that can rise, fall, and rotate. The battery adjustment unit 353 is configured to adjust the position and angle of the battery pack held in the battery holder 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 unit 354 is connected to the battery holder 352. The battery fixing unit 354 is configured to use an electric tool to fix the battery pack held in the battery holding unit 352 to the vehicle body, or to release the fixation between the vehicle body and the battery pack. The battery fixing unit 354 may also include an electric tool for tightening or loosening bolts. Although not shown, the replacement device 350 further includes an actuator (e.g., a motor) that drives each component.

[0061] The replacement device 350 replaces the battery pack of the vehicle 100, for example, using the procedure described below. Before the replacement work begins, the replacement device 350 is in State A shown in FIG. 4. That is, the vehicle body holding unit 351 and the battery holding unit 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 from the server 380, the vehicle body holding unit 351 and the battery holding unit 352 rise toward the vehicle 100, and the replacement device 350 enters State B shown in FIG. 4. Although not shown, in State B, the battery adjustment unit 353 also rises to the same height as the battery holding unit 352. In State B, the vehicle body 10 is held by the vehicle body holding unit 351. The vehicle body holding unit 351 may lift the vehicle body 10 and hold it in a floating state. Meanwhile, 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 on the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. This places the battery pack 20 and the battery holding part 352 (and the battery fixing part 354) in a predetermined positional relationship. Then, the battery fixing part 354 releases the fixation (for example, bolt fastening) between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20. This makes it possible to separate the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack 20. After the fixation is released, the battery holding part 352, while still holding the battery pack 20, descends away from the vehicle body 10, and the replacement device 350 enters state C shown in FIG. 4. This allows the battery pack 20 to be removed from the vehicle body 10. Although not shown in the figure, in state C, the battery adjustment part 353 also descends to the same height as the battery holding part 352. Subsequently, the transport unit 352b detaches the battery pack 20 held in the battery holding unit 352 from the positioning pins 352a, transports the battery pack 20, and hands it over to the collection device 330 (FIG. 3).

[0062] Thereafter, based on a command to attach the battery pack from the server 380, the battery pack 20 (battery pack B2) is supplied from the first storage device 310 (FIG. 3) to the battery holding unit 352. Then, the battery adjustment unit 353 adjusts the position and angle of the battery pack 20, so that the positioning pin 352a is inserted into a hole provided on the bottom surface of the battery pack 20. Next, the battery holding unit 352 rises toward the vehicle body 10 while holding the battery pack 20, and the exchange device 350 again enters state B. As a result, the battery pack 20 held in the battery holding unit 352 is attached to the vehicle body 10. Then, when the exchange device 350 receives a command to fix the battery pack from the server 380, the battery fixing unit 354 fixes (for example, by bolting) the battery pack 20 held in the battery holding unit 352 to the vehicle body 10. After the fixing is completed, the vehicle body holding part 351 and the battery holding part 352 are lowered away from the vehicle body 10, and the replacement device 350 returns to state A. This completes the replacement work. At this time, the display device 390 may display that the replacement work is complete. Note that the configuration of the replacement device and the replacement work procedure described above are merely examples and may be modified as appropriate. Automation of the replacement work is not essential. The user may manually replace the replaceable battery pack (power storage device).

[0063] A recycling process is performed on the removed battery pack B1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the recovery device 330 transports (recovers) the battery pack B1 from the exchange device 350 to the second storage device 320. Then, the multiple battery packs stored in the second storage device 320 are inspected in order by an inspection device, and a sorting device sorts the battery packs by purpose based on the inspection results. Each battery pack is reused for the corresponding purpose (vehicle use, stationary use, etc.). However, battery packs that cannot be reused as they are are disassembled and recycled as materials or discarded. Battery packs (for vehicle use) to be reused in the battery exchange system 300 are transported to the first storage device 310 by a filling device 340. The transported battery packs are filled into the first storage device 310.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows an example in which the removal and installation of the battery pack are performed in different positions. The vehicle position may be adjusted before the removal of the battery pack, before the installation of the battery pack (after the removal of the battery pack), or both. A transport device (e.g., a conveyor-type transport device) or a transport robot (not shown) may move the vehicle. However, the removal and installation of the battery pack may also be performed in the same position. The battery pack may be replaced (removed and installed) while the vehicle is stationary. The transport method for each of the collection device 330, the supply device, and the filling device 340 is also arbitrary. The transport method may be a conveyor system or a system using a transport robot.

[0065] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100A (FIG. 1) has replacement equipment (for example, an on-board device that enables the battery pack 20 to be attached or detached using the replacement device 350 shown in FIG. 4) and charging equipment (for example, the DC charging relay 14a, DC inlet 14b, AC charger 15a, and AC inlet 15b shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, the vehicle 100A can use both the replacement base and the supply base. On the other hand, the vehicle 100B (FIG. 2) has replacement equipment but does not have charging equipment. Therefore, the vehicle 100B can use the replacement device but cannot use the supply base. The replacement base is a location (base) where the battery pack is replaced. The replacement base is, for example, a base where the replacement device 350 is installed (for example, a battery replacement station). The supply base is a base where an EVSE is installed (for example, a charging station).

[0066] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining exchange points and supply points. Referring to Fig. 5, each of exchange points P1-1, P1-2, P1-3, P1-4, P1-5, etc. is provided with the battery exchange system 300 (including the exchange device 350) shown in Fig. 3. Each of supply points P2A-1, P2A-2, etc. is provided with a DC-EVSE 400A that outputs DC power. Each of supply points P2B-1, P2B-2, P2B-3, etc. is provided with an AC-EVSE 400B that outputs AC power. Each EVSE is connected to an external power source (e.g., a power grid) not shown.

[0067] The exchange points P1-1 and P1-2 are used by the vehicle 100A and the vehicle 100B, respectively. At these exchange points, battery packs are exchanged according to the above-described exchange procedure (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0068] Supply base P2A-2 is used by vehicle 100A. Specifically, in vehicle 100A, charging control is performed by cooperation between ECUs 18a to 18c shown in FIG. 1. ECU 18a acquires information indicating the state (connected / disconnected) of DC inlet 14b from ECU 18b and sends a control command to ECU 18c. DC inlet 14b is connected to DC-EVSE 400A via a charging cable, for example, and receives DC power from DC-EVSE 400A (outside the vehicle). Battery 21 in battery pack 20 is charged by the DC power input from DC-EVSE 400A to DC inlet 14b. At this time, ECU 18a closes SMRs 13 and 23 (connected state), and ECU 18c closes DC charging relay 14a (connected state). When charging is completed, ECU 18c opens DC charging relay 14a (disconnected state).

[0069] The supply base P2B-3 is used by the vehicle 100A. Specifically, in the vehicle 100A, charging control is performed by cooperation between the ECUs 18a to 18c shown in FIG. 1. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the state (connected / disconnected) of the AC inlet 15b from the ECU 18b and sends a control command to the ECU 18c. The AC inlet 15b is connected to the AC-EVSE 400B via, for example, a charging cable and receives AC power from the AC-EVSE 400B (outside the vehicle). The AC charger 15a performs AC / DC conversion. When both the SMRs 13 and 23 are in a closed state (connected state) and AC power is input to the AC charger 15a from outside the vehicle via the AC inlet 15b, the ECU 18c controls the AC charger 15a. The AC charger 15a converts the AC power into DC power in accordance with the control command from the ECU 18c and outputs the DC power to the battery 21 in the battery pack 20. This charges the battery 21. When charging is completed, the ECU 18c cuts off the power supply (charging power) from the AC charger 15a.

[0070] Incidentally, when the vehicle 100A or 100B needs to be refueled, the convenience of the user may be improved by guiding the vehicle (vehicle 100A or 100B) to the above-mentioned exchange or supply point. For example, at the position P A When the amount of stored energy in the vehicle 100A (for example, the amount of stored power in the battery pack 20) becomes low, the vehicle 100A may be guided to the exchange point P1-5, the supply point P2A-1, and the supply point P2B-1. This makes it easier for the vehicle 100A to receive energy replenishment from the exchange device 350, the DC-EVSE 400A, or the AC-EVSE 400B, improving the convenience for the user of the vehicle 100A. BWhen the amount of stored energy in the vehicle 100B becomes low, it is conceivable to guide the vehicle 100B to the exchange point P1-3, the supply point P2A-1, and the supply point P2B-2. However, the vehicle 100B does not have equipment for receiving power supply to the battery pack 20 from each of the DC-EVSE 400A and the AC-EVSE 400B. Therefore, if the vehicle 100B is guided to the supply points P2A-1 and P2B-2, the convenience for the user of the vehicle 100B may be impaired. Therefore, the vehicle 100 (vehicles 100A and 100B) according to this embodiment is equipped with a navigation system 500 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the navigation system 500 according to this embodiment.

[0071] 6, in this embodiment, a navigation system 500 is included in an HMI 19a of each of vehicle 100A (FIG. 1) and vehicle 100B (FIG. 2). Navigation system 500 includes a control device 510, a storage device 520, an alarm device 530, an input device 540, a position detector 550, and a wireless communication device 560.

[0072] The control device 510 includes a processor 511, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 512 that temporarily stores data. A control program and map information are pre-stored in a storage device 520. The map information includes information (e.g., location information and specification information) about a plurality of exchange points and a plurality of supply points. The processor 511 executes the program stored in the storage device 520 to execute a processing flow F1, which will be described later. However, these processes may be executed only by hardware (electronic circuits) without using software.

[0073] The notification device 530 includes a display 531 and a speaker 532. The display 531 is, for example, a touch panel display. The display 531 may include a meter panel or a head-up display. The display 531 may change its display direction according to an instruction from the control device 510. The display 531 may perform display based on XR technology (technology that combines real physical space with virtual space) such as VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality). The speaker 532 may include a buzzer.

[0074] The input device 540 outputs a signal corresponding to an input from the user to the control device 510. The input device 540 may include a smart speaker that accepts voice input. The input device 540 may include a recognition device that recognizes the state of the user. The recognition device may include a camera that captures images of the inside of the vehicle. When the recognition device recognizes a predetermined sign by the user (for example, a hand sign such as a V sign), a signal corresponding to the recognized sign may be output from the input device 540 to the control device 510. Such a recognition device allows the user to make a predetermined request to the control device 510 by sending a signal to the input device 540 using their hand or the like.

[0075] The position detector 550 may be a sensor that uses a positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) to detect the current position (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the vehicle 100. The position detector 550 may also calculate the position of the vehicle 100 using a gyro sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation (change in orientation) of the vehicle 100.

[0076] The wireless communication device 560 is a communication device capable of wireless communication with the outside of the vehicle. The control device 510 may access a communication network through the wireless communication device 560 and obtain any information (for example, the latest map information) from a data center (not shown) in the communication network.

[0077] Control device 510 executes process flow F1 (S101 to S106) in Fig. 6. Hereinafter, a vehicle (vehicle 100A or 100B) equipped with navigation system 500 will be referred to as a "target vehicle." Whether the target vehicle is vehicle 100A or 100B, control device 510 of navigation system 500 installed in the target vehicle executes process flow F1. For example, when navigation system 500 is started, process flow F1 is started.

[0078] In S101, the control device 510 determines whether the amount of stored power (e.g., SOC) of the battery 21 in the battery pack 20 is lower than a predetermined reference value. The control device 510 may acquire the detection result by the BMS 22a in the battery pack 20 from the ECU 18a. While the amount of stored power of the battery 21 is equal to or higher than the reference value (NO in S101), the determination of S101 is repeatedly executed. Then, when the amount of stored power of the battery 21 becomes lower than the reference value (YES in S101), the control device 510 controls the notification device 530 in S102 so that the notification device 530 executes a notification process for the user. The control device 510 displays, for example, a screen Sc1 on the display 531 (touch panel display). The screen Sc1 displays a message M1 indicating that the amount of stored power of the battery pack 20 (battery 21) has decreased, a message M2 prompting the user to select whether or not to request guidance from the navigation system 500, and operation units M3 and M4. The operation unit M3 receives a guide request from the user. The display 531 functions as both a display device and an input device.

[0079] In the following S103, control device 510 determines whether display 531 has received a guidance request. Specifically, if the user has operated operation unit M3, it is determined that display 531 has received a guidance request (YES in S103), and the process proceeds to S104. If the user has operated operation unit M4, it is determined that display 531 has not received a guidance request (NO in S103), and the process returns to the first step (S101). Note that instead of or in addition to display 531, input device 540 may receive a guidance request from the user.

[0080] In S104, the control device 510 determines whether the target vehicle has charging equipment (equipment for receiving power supply from an EVSE external to the vehicle to the battery pack 20). The control device 510 may, for example, acquire information indicating whether the target vehicle has charging equipment from the ECU 18a. The ECU 18a may determine whether the target vehicle has charging equipment based on information acquired from at least one of the ECUs 18b and 18c (particularly, information related to the DC charging relay 14a, the DC inlet 14b, the AC charger 15a, and the AC inlet 15b). Alternatively, specification information indicating the equipment of the target vehicle (particularly, whether optional equipment is included) may be stored in advance in a storage device of an on-board ECU (e.g., the ECU 18a) or in the storage device 520 of the navigation system 500. Alternatively, the user may input specification information related to the equipment of the target vehicle (particularly, whether optional equipment is included) via, for example, the input device 540. The control device 510 may determine whether the target vehicle has charging equipment by referring to such specification information.

[0081] If it is determined that the target vehicle does not have charging equipment (for example, the target vehicle is vehicle 100B) (NO in S104), control device 510 controls notification device 530 by referring to the map information so that guidance for the target vehicle (first guidance) is performed in S105. Specifically, control device 510 guides the target vehicle to an exchange point, and does not guide the target vehicle to a supply point, in S105. If it is determined that the target vehicle has charging equipment (for example, the target vehicle is vehicle 100A) (YES in S104), control device 510 controls notification device 530 by referring to the map information so that guidance for the target vehicle (second guidance) is performed in S106. Specifically, control device 510 guides the target vehicle to both an exchange point and a supply point in S106. The exchange point is a point where an exchange device that can exchange battery pack 20 of the target vehicle is installed. The supply point is a point where an EVSE that can supply power to battery pack 20 of the target vehicle is installed. The control device 510 continues the guidance in S105 and S106 until it receives a request from the user to end the guidance. The user may request the control device 510 to end the guidance via the display 531 (touch panel) or the input device 540. When the control device 510 receives a request from the user to end the guidance, it ends the guidance. This ends the process flow F1.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance modes in each of S105 and S106. Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 6, the display 531 displays information to the user U of the target vehicle (vehicles 100A and 100B). In S105, the display 531 displays a screen Nv11 to guide the target vehicle driven by the user U. The screen Nv11 displays an exchange point on a map using an image D1. The screen Nv11 does not display a supply point. In S106, the display 531 displays a screen Nv12 to guide the target vehicle driven by the user U. The screen Nv12 displays an exchange point on a map using an image D1 and a supply point on the map using an image D2. The screen Nv12 displays the exchange point and the supply point in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them. The screen Nv12 displays the exchange point and the supply point on a map so that these points can be distinguished, for example, using images D1 and D2 having different shapes. Each of the screens Nv11 and Nv12 displays a map of the area around the target vehicle, and also shows the current position of the target vehicle on the map using an image P. The map of the area around the target vehicle and the current position are updated successively. When the user U selects and specifies one base from at least one base displayed on the screen Nv11 or Nv12, the control device 510 may perform a route search from the current position of the target vehicle (image P) to the specified base (destination) and display the search results on the display 531. The control device 510 may also control the speaker 532 so that the speaker 532 provides audio guidance to the user U according to the search results. The user U may specify the destination by operating a touch panel on the display 531.

[0083] As described above, the navigation system 500 according to this embodiment is configured to execute each process of the process flow F1 shown in FIG. 6. The navigation system 500 guides each of the vehicles 100A, 100B equipped with a battery pack 20 that can be attached or detached by the exchange device 350 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) (see FIG. 7). The navigation system 500 includes a guidance device that presents information for guiding the target vehicle (vehicles 100A, 100B) to at least one of an exchange point and a supply point. In this embodiment, the control device 510, the storage device 520, and the notification device 530 work together to function as the guidance device. The guidance device guides the target vehicle to the supply point if the guidance condition is met, and does not guide the target vehicle to the supply point if the guidance condition is not met. In this embodiment, the guidance condition is met if the target vehicle has charging equipment (YES in S104), and the guidance condition is not met if the target vehicle does not have charging equipment (NO in S104). For example, if the target vehicle is vehicle 100A, the guidance condition is met, and navigation system 500 guides the target vehicle to the exchange base and the supply base. On the other hand, if the target vehicle is vehicle 100B, the guidance condition is not met, and navigation system 500 guides the target vehicle only to the exchange base out of the exchange base and the supply base.

[0084] The navigation system 500 having the above configuration can be installed in either vehicle 100A or 100B. Since vehicle 100B cannot use supply bases, it is considered that the convenience of the user of vehicle 100B would be reduced if vehicle 100B were guided to a supply base. Therefore, in the above-described navigation system 500, when it is predicted that guiding the vehicle to a supply base would reduce the convenience of the user, the guidance condition is not satisfied. In this way, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the convenience of the user. On the other hand, vehicle 100A, which can use a supply base, is guided to the supply base. This improves the convenience of the user of vehicle 100A.

[0085] The guidance device of navigation system 500 according to the above embodiment presents first information (see screen Nv11 in FIG. 7) that guides the target vehicle to an exchange base and does not guide the target vehicle to a supply base when the guidance conditions are not met, and presents second information (see screen Nv12 in FIG. 7) that guides the target vehicle to both an exchange base and a supply base when the guidance conditions are met. However, without being limited to this, the guidance device may be configured to present third information that guides the target vehicle to a supply base and does not guide the target vehicle to an exchange base.

[0086] Control device 510 of navigation system 500 may execute process flow F2 shown in Fig. 8 instead of process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. Process flow F2 is the same as process flow F1 except that S107, S108A, S108B, and S108C are added.

[0087] 8, in this modification, if it is determined that the target vehicle does not have charging equipment (NO in S104), the process proceeds to S108A. If it is determined that the target vehicle has charging equipment (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S108B. In each of S108A and S108B, control device 510 determines whether the replacement equipment (equipment for attaching and detaching battery pack 20) of the target vehicle is normal. If an abnormality has occurred in the replacement equipment, NO is determined in each of S108A and S108B. For example, if an on-board sensor used in replacing battery pack 20 has malfunctioned, NO is determined in each of S108A and S108B.

[0088] If the determination in S108A is NO, in the following S108C, control device 510 causes notification device 530 to execute a predetermined notification process, and then process flow F2 ends. In S108C, for example, display 531 may display a message informing the user that the energy storage amount of the target vehicle has decreased but the target vehicle cannot receive energy refueling due to an equipment abnormality. Alternatively, speaker 532 may sound an alarm.

[0089] If NO is determined in S108B, the processing proceeds to S107. In S107, the control device 510 of the navigation system 500 controls the notification device 530 by referring to the map information so that guidance for the target vehicle (third guidance) is executed. Specifically, in S107, the control device 510 guides the target vehicle to the supply depot, but does not guide the target vehicle to the exchange depot. For example, the display 531 displays a screen Nv13 to guide the target vehicle driven by the user. The screen Nv13 displays the supply depot on the map using image D2. Furthermore, the screen Nv13 does not display the exchange depot.

[0090] If the replacement equipment of the target vehicle is normal, a YES determination is made in each of S108A and S108B. If a YES determination is made in S108A, the display 531 displays screen Nv11 (see FIG. 7) in the following S105. If a YES determination is made in S108B, the display 531 displays screen Nv12 (see FIG. 7) in the following S106.

[0091] In the modified example shown in FIG. 8, if the guidance condition is not met and the replacement equipment of the target vehicle is normal, the navigation system 500 presents the above-mentioned first information (see screen Nv11 in FIG. 7). If the guidance condition is met and the replacement equipment of the target vehicle is normal, the navigation system 500 presents the above-mentioned second information (see screen Nv12 in FIG. 7). If the guidance condition is met and an abnormality has occurred in the replacement equipment of the target vehicle, the navigation system 500 presents the above-mentioned third information (see screen Nv13 in FIG. 8). With this configuration, if the target vehicle cannot use the replacement device, the target vehicle will not be guided to the replacement base. This prevents a decrease in user convenience. Furthermore, guiding the target vehicle to a supply base in this case can improve user convenience. In this modified example, the guidance condition is met if the target vehicle has charging equipment.

[0092] The navigation system 500 may be configured to be able to acquire information on a plurality of exchange points (exchange point information) and information on a plurality of supply points (supply point information). Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the exchange point information and the supply point information.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9, the server 900 holds location information and inventory information for multiple exchange points registered in the server 900. The inventory information indicates, for the corresponding exchange point, the inventory status of replacement battery packs (battery pack B2) that can be installed in the target vehicle in place of the battery pack 20 (battery pack B1) currently installed in the target vehicle. The inventory information indicates, for example, the number of replacement battery packs held by the corresponding exchange point, as well as the power storage capacity (e.g., SOC) and specifications (e.g., maximum output power, maximum regenerative power, and capacity) of each replacement battery pack. The location information and inventory information are stored in a storage device (not shown) of the server 900. The server 900 updates the inventory information of the corresponding exchange point based on, for example, information from a server 380 (FIG. 3) provided at each exchange point. The storage device of the server 900 stores the location information and inventory information for the multiple registered exchange points, distinguishing them by the identification information of the exchange point. This information corresponds to an example of exchange point information.

[0094] Server 900 also holds location information and EVSE information for multiple supply bases registered in server 900. The EVSE information indicates the current number of users and specifications (e.g., charging method and rated output) for at least one EVSE (e.g., DC-EVSE 400A and / or AC-EVSE 400B) installed at the corresponding supply base. The charging method may be indicated by a charging standard. The location information and EVSE information are stored in a storage device of server 900. Server 900 updates the EVSE information for the corresponding supply base, for example, based on information from the EVSE installed at each supply base. The storage device of server 900 stores the location information and EVSE information for the multiple registered supply bases, distinguishing them by the identification information of the supply base. This information corresponds to an example of supply base information.

[0095] The navigation system 500 installed in the target vehicle (vehicles 100A, 100B) is configured to be able to communicate with the server 900. For example, the control device 510 wirelessly communicates with the server 900 through the wireless communication device 560. The control device 510 can acquire the above-mentioned information from the server 900. The control device 510 of the navigation system 500 having such a configuration may execute the process flow F3 shown in FIG. 10 or the process flow F4 shown in FIG. 11 instead of the process flow F1 shown in FIG. 6.

[0096] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. The process flow F3 is the same as the process flow F2 (Fig. 8) except that S109A to S109C and S110A are added.

[0097] 10, in this modification, if it is determined that display 531 has received a guidance request (YES in S103), the process proceeds to S110A. In S110A, control device 510 searches for exchange and supply depots that exist within a predetermined search area. The search area may be the area surrounding the target vehicle. If no exchange or supply depot is found by the search, the search area may be expanded and the search may be performed again. Then, control device 510 acquires location information and EVSE information for at least one supply depot found within the search area by the search. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S104.

[0098] If it is determined in S104 that the target vehicle has charging equipment (YES in S104), control device 510 determines whether other requirements related to the guidance conditions are met in S109A to S109C. In S109A, control device 510 determines whether the charging equipment of the target vehicle is normal. If at least one of the DC charging equipment (DC charging relay 14a and DC inlet 14b) and AC charging equipment (AC charger 15a and AC inlet 15b) equipped in the target vehicle is normal, a determination of YES is made in S109A. In S109B, control device 510 determines, for example, based on the EVSE information, whether a supply base where an EVSE corresponding to the target vehicle is installed is present among at least one supply base found by the search. The EVSE corresponding to the target vehicle may be an EVSE that meets requirements set in advance for the target vehicle (for example, requirements related to the charging method and rated output). However, if an abnormality occurs in either the DC charging equipment or the AC charging equipment equipped in the target vehicle, only the EVSE corresponding to the normal charging equipment (DC-EVSE400A or AC-EVSE400B) is determined to correspond to the target vehicle. In S109C, the control device 510 determines, for example, based on the EVSE information, whether or not there is a supply base including an EVSE with a user count of a predetermined number or less among at least one supply base found by the search.

[0099] In this variation, the guidance conditions are met when all of the following are met: the target vehicle has charging equipment (first requirement), the charging equipment of the target vehicle is in working order (second requirement), a supply base equipped with energy supply equipment compatible with the target vehicle exists within a predetermined area (third requirement), and a supply base including energy supply equipment with a predetermined number of users or less exists within the predetermined area (fourth requirement). If any of the following requirements is not met, the guidance conditions are not met. If at least one of the first to fourth requirements is not met (NO in either S104 or S109A to S109C), the process proceeds to S108A. If all of the first to fourth requirements are met (YES in all of S104 and S109A to S109C), the process proceeds to S108B.

[0100] If the determination in S108A is YES, the control device 510 determines the exchange base as the guidance target, and in the following S105, the display 531 displays screen Nv11 (see FIG. 7). However, screen Nv11 displays the exchange base (guidance target) found in the search in S110A. If the determination in S108B is NO, the control device 510 determines the supply base as the guidance target, and in the following S107, the display 531 displays screen Nv13 (see FIG. 8). However, screen Nv13 displays the supply base (guidance target) that satisfies the third and fourth requirements. If the determination in S108B is YES, the control device 510 determines the supply base and exchange base as the guidance target, and in the following S106, the display 531 displays screen Nv12 (see FIG. 7). However, screen Nv12 displays the supply base (guidance target) that satisfies the third and fourth requirements and the exchange base (guidance target) found in the search in S110A.

[0101] In the modified example shown in FIG. 10, the guidance conditions include the first to fourth requirements. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the guidance conditions can be modified as appropriate. For example, at least one of the second to fourth requirements may be omitted. The third and fourth requirements may be omitted. Furthermore, the guidance conditions may include only one requirement selected from the second to fourth requirements in addition to the first requirement.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a third modified example of the process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. The process flow F4 is the same as the process flow F1 (Fig. 6) except that S104A and S104B are adopted instead of S104, and S107, S110B, S111, and S112 are added.

[0103] 11, in process flow F4, if it is determined that display 531 has received a guidance request (YES in S103), the process proceeds to S110B. In S110B, control device 510 searches for exchange points and supply points that exist within a predetermined search area. Then, control device 510 acquires location information and inventory information for at least one exchange point found within the search area by the search. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S111. In navigation system 500 according to this modification, control device 510, storage device 520, and notification device 530 cooperate to function as both a guidance device and a search device.

[0104] In S111, the control device 510 uses inventory information to determine whether or not there is an exchange station that has a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle among at least one exchange station found by the search. If an exchange station that has a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle is present within the search area (YES in S111), the control device 510 uses inventory information to determine an exchange station to be introduced to in S112. Specifically, the control device 510 selects an exchange station that has a replacement battery pack that meets predetermined requirements from one or more exchange stations that have a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle (candidates for introduction). The predetermined requirements are set regarding at least one of the amount of stored power, maximum output power, maximum regenerative power, and capacity of the replacement battery pack (power storage device). For example, the specified requirements may include at least one of the following for the replacement battery pack: the amount of stored electricity (e.g., SOC) is equal to or greater than a specified first reference value; the maximum output power is equal to or greater than a specified second reference value; the maximum regenerative power is equal to or greater than a specified third reference value; and the capacity (amount of electricity in a fully charged state) is equal to or greater than a specified fourth reference value.

[0105] After the exchange point to be notified is determined in S112, the process proceeds to S104B. If there is no exchange point that has a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle within the search area (NO in S111), the process proceeds to S104A. In S104A and S104B, control device 510 determines whether the target vehicle has charging equipment.

[0106] If the determination in S104A is YES, the control device 510 determines the supply base as the guidance target, and in the following S107, the display 531 displays screen Nv13 (see FIG. 8). However, screen Nv13 displays the supply base (guidance target) found in the search in S110B. If the determination in S104B is NO, the control device 510 determines the exchange base as the guidance target, and in the following S105, the display 531 displays screen Nv11 (see FIG. 7). However, screen Nv11 displays the exchange base (guidance target) determined in S112. If the determination in S104B is YES, the control device 510 determines the supply base and exchange base as the guidance targets, and in the following S106, the display 531 displays screen Nv12 (see FIG. 7). However, screen Nv12 displays the supply base (guidance target) found in the search in S110B and the exchange base (guidance target) determined in S112.

[0107] The target vehicle may be equipped with multiple battery packs (power storage devices). Vehicle 100C shown in FIG. 12 may be adopted as the target vehicle instead of vehicle 100A (FIG. 1), and vehicle 100D shown in FIG. 13 may be adopted as the target vehicle instead of vehicle 100B (FIG. 2). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of vehicle 100A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of vehicle 100B shown in FIG. 2.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 12, vehicle 100C includes a plurality of battery packs and vehicle body 10C. In the example shown in FIG. 12, vehicle 100C includes at least three battery packs (first to third battery packs). The number of battery packs may be three or more but less than ten. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of battery packs may be two, or ten or more. Vehicle body 10C includes terminals T11A and T12A to which the first battery pack can be attached or detached, terminals T11B and T12B to which the second battery pack can be attached or detached, and terminals T11C and T12C to which the third battery pack can be attached or detached. Vehicle body 10C is configured to be attachable or detachable to at least the first to third battery packs. Vehicle body 10C also includes a parallel circuit CR13. The parallel circuit CR13 connects terminals T11A, T11B, and T11C (high-voltage power supply lines) in parallel, and also connects terminals T12A, T12B, and T12C (low-voltage power supply lines) in parallel. The parallel circuit CR13 connects multiple battery packs (including the first to third battery packs) connected to the vehicle body 10C in parallel. However, the connection of the multiple battery packs can be changed as appropriate, and they may also be connected in series.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 13, vehicle 100D includes a plurality of battery packs and vehicle body 10D. Vehicle 100D has a configuration in which DC charging relay 14a, DC inlet 14b, AC charger 15a, and AC inlet 15b are removed from vehicle 100C shown in Fig. 12. Vehicle body 10D includes parallel circuit CR13 that connects the plurality of battery packs (including first to third battery packs) connected to vehicle body 10D in parallel.

[0110] Each of vehicles 100C and 100D is equipped with a navigation system 500 having the configuration shown in Fig. 6. However, navigation system 500 installed in each of vehicles 100C and 100D executes, for example, process flow F5 shown in Fig. 14 instead of process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. In the description of this modification, a vehicle (vehicle 100C or 100D) equipped with navigation system 500 that executes process flow F5 will be referred to as a "target vehicle."

[0111] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a fourth modification of the process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. The process flow F5 is the same as the process flow F4 (Fig. 11) except that S112A, S105A, and S106A are adopted instead of S112, S105, and S106. In Fig. 14, the steps before S110B are omitted.

[0112] 14, in this modification, when it is determined that an exchange station having a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle exists within the search area (YES in S111), the control device 510 classifies the exchange station using inventory information in S112A. Specifically, the control device 510 classifies at least one exchange station existing within the search area (more specifically, an exchange station having a replacement battery pack for the target vehicle) into either a full exchange station or a partial exchange station. A full exchange station is an exchange station (first exchange station) with inventory status that allows all of the battery packs equipped in the target vehicle to be replaced. In other words, a full exchange station can replace all of the battery packs of the target vehicle. A partial exchange station is an exchange station (second exchange station) with inventory status that allows only some of the battery packs equipped in the target vehicle to be replaced. In other words, a partial exchange station cannot replace some of the battery packs of the target vehicle.

[0113] Next, in S104B, the control device 510 determines whether the target vehicle has charging equipment. If the determination in S104B is NO, in the following S105A, the control device 510 determines at least one of the full exchange point and the partial exchange point recognized in S112A as a guidance target, and guides the target vehicle to the guidance target. If the guidance target includes both a full exchange point and a partial exchange point, the display 531 displays the full exchange point and the partial exchange point in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them, in accordance with a control command from the control device 510. Specifically, the display 531 displays, for example, screen Nv20. The screen Nv20 displays the full exchange point and the partial exchange point on a map so that these points can be distinguished by, for example, images D3 and D4 having different patterns. If the determination in S104B is YES, then in S106A, the control device 510 determines the supply depot found in the search in S110B and at least one of the full exchange depot and partial exchange depot recognized in S112A as guidance targets, and guides the target vehicle to the guidance targets. If the guidance targets include both the full exchange depot and the partial exchange depot, the display 531 displays the full exchange depot and the partial exchange depot in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them, in accordance with a control command from the control device 510. For example, the display 531 displays a screen (not shown) on the screen Nv20 to which an image D2 (FIG. 7) showing the supply depot (guidance target) on a map has been added.

[0114] The process flows shown in Figures 6, 8, 10, 11, and 14 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the order of the processes may be changed or unnecessary steps may be omitted depending on the purpose. Furthermore, the content of any of the processes may be modified. For example, in process flow F5 shown in Figure 14, the control device 510 recognizes full exchange points and partial exchange points in S112A, and the display 531 displays the full exchange points and partial exchange points in a distinguishable manner in each of S105A and S106A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Process flow F5 may be modified so that the control device 510 recognizes exchange points with high-grade battery packs in S112A, and the display 531 displays exchange points with high-grade battery packs and exchange points with only low-grade battery packs in a distinguishable manner in each of S105A and S106A. Furthermore, in process flow F1 (FIG. 6), when an input device (for example, display 531 or input device 540) of navigation system 500 receives a guidance request (YES in S103), control device 510 determines a guidance target including at least one of an exchange base and a supply base, and guides the target vehicle to the determined guidance target. However, it is not essential for navigation system 500 to accept a guidance request from a user.

[0115] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a fifth modification of the process flow F1 shown in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 15, the process flow F6 is a process flow in which S102 and S103 are omitted from the process flow F1 (Fig. 6). In the process flow F6, when the amount of stored power (amount of stored energy) in the battery pack 20 mounted on the target vehicle falls below a reference value (YES in S101), the control device 510 determines a guidance target that includes at least one of an exchange base and a supply base, and guides the target vehicle to the determined guidance target.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the navigation system 500 is mounted on the target vehicle. However, this is not limiting, and at least some of the functions of the navigation system 500 may be implemented on the cloud using cloud computing. Furthermore, the navigation system 500 may be mounted on a mobile terminal instead of or in addition to the target vehicle. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a mobile terminal 200A mounted with the navigation system 500. In the navigation system 500 mounted on the mobile terminal 200A, the display 531 may display information to a user U of the target vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100A, 100B, 100C, or 100D). Each of the display 531 (e.g., a touch panel display) and the input device 540 may receive a request (e.g., a guidance request) from the user U.

[0117] Navigation system 500 installed in mobile terminal 200A may execute process flow F7 shown in FIG. 17 instead of process flow F1 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a sixth modified example of process flow F1 shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 17, when application software installed on mobile terminal 200A is started, display 531 of mobile terminal 200A displays, for example, screen Sc2. Screen Sc2 is a screen obtained by omitting message M1 from screen Sc1 (FIG. 6). Then, when operation unit M3 on screen Sc2 is operated by the user, control device 510 of mobile terminal 200A starts process flow F7. Process flow F7 is a process flow obtained by omitting S101 to S103 from process flow F1 (FIG. 6). Therefore, in process flow F7 as well, similar to process flow F1, control device 510 determines a guidance target including at least one of an exchange base and a supply base, and guides the target vehicle to the determined guidance target.

[0118] Screen Nv12 (FIG. 7) displays exchange points and supply points separately on the same map. Screen Nv20 (FIG. 14) displays full exchange points and partial exchange points separately on the same map. However, this is not limiting, and the display manner of each point can be changed as appropriate. FIG. 18 shows a modified example of the display manner of exchange points and supply points. With reference to FIG. 18, for example, in S106A of FIG. 14, control device 510 may display windows W1 to W3 on display 531. Each of windows W1 to W3 displays a map of the same location. However, only exchange points (full exchange points and partial exchange points) are displayed on the map in window W1, only supply points are displayed on the map in window W2, and only full exchange points are displayed on the map in window W3. While FIG. 18 shows a state in which window W3 is displayed in the foreground and windows W1 and W2 are hidden behind window W3, the user can freely select which window to display in the foreground. For example, a window (one of windows W1 to W3) selected by the user through a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of display 531 may be placed in the foreground.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment and each modification, each location is distinguished by changing the shape or pattern of the mark displayed on the map, but the method of distinguishing each location can be changed as appropriate. For example, the color or size of the mark may be changed depending on the type of location. Also, specific locations may be emphasized (e.g., displayed to be more noticeable than other locations). Furthermore, the marks displayed on the map are not limited to shapes such as circles or squares, but may also be numbers, letters, symbols, icons, or combinations of these. The display 531 may use XR technology to present information about each location to the user in an intuitively easy-to-understand manner (e.g., in the form of 3D VR images).

[0120] The configurations of the vehicle body and battery pack shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12, and 13 may be modified as appropriate. For example, at least one of the SMRs 13 and 23 may be omitted. For example, the SMR 13 may be omitted. Alternatively, the SMR 23 may be omitted. Furthermore, at least one of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b may be omitted, or may be replaced with a single inlet common to AC and DC. The inlet may be located at any position. The inlet may be provided on any of the front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, or right sides of the vehicle body. The vehicle body may be configured to enable contactless charging. The vehicle body may be equipped with solar panels. The battery pack may have a power source for starting the control device (ECU 28a) in the battery pack. Furthermore, the circuit CR22 in the battery pack may further include a temperature adjustment device driven by power from the auxiliary battery 17. The power storage device is not limited to a battery pack, and may have a packless structure.

[0121] The energy storage device is not limited to a power storage device. The vehicle may be a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and the removable energy storage device may be a hydrogen tank for the FCEV. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a fuel cell electric vehicle equipped with a navigation system 500. Referring to FIG. 19, an FCEV 100E is equipped with a hydrogen tank 20A and is configured to be able to travel using hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 20A. The navigation system 500 installed in the FCEV 100E has the configuration shown in FIG. 6. The display 531 may display screens Nv31, Nv32, and Nv33 instead of screens Nv11 (FIG. 7), Nv12 (FIG. 7), and Nv13 (FIG. 8), respectively. In each of screens Nv31 and Nv32, the exchange point indicated on the map by image D31 is a point where an exchange device configured to remove the hydrogen tank 20A from the FCEV 100E and attach another hydrogen tank to the FCEV 100E is installed. On each of the screens Nv32 and Nv33, the supply base shown on the map by the image D32 is a base (for example, a hydrogen station) where energy supply equipment is installed to supply hydrogen (energy) to the hydrogen tank 20A.

[0122] The replacement equipment may be made optional in a vehicle. For example, a navigation system installed in a vehicle that has charging equipment as standard equipment may execute process flow F8 shown in FIG. 20 instead of process flow F1 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a seventh modified example of the process flow shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 20, in S201, the navigation system determines whether the target vehicle has the replacement equipment (optional equipment). If it is determined that the target vehicle does not have the replacement equipment (NO in S201), the navigation system controls the notification device so that the third guidance described above is executed in S202. Specifically, the navigation system guides the target vehicle to a supply base, but does not guide the target vehicle to an exchange base. If it is determined that the target vehicle has the replacement equipment (YES in S201), the navigation system controls the notification device so that the second guidance described above is executed in S203. Specifically, the navigation system guides the target vehicle to both the exchange base and the supply base. Note that S203 may be modified so that the first guidance described above is executed instead of the second guidance. Also, instead of or in addition to S201, a step of determining whether the replacement equipment is normal or not may be employed.

[0123] The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car, but may be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (tractor, forklift, etc.). The vehicle may be configured to be capable of unmanned driving by automatic driving or remote driving. The vehicle may also be an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0124] The various modifications described above may be implemented in any combination.

[0125] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D vehicle body, 20 battery pack, 20A hydrogen tank, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D vehicle, 100E FCEV, 200, 200A mobile terminal, 300 battery exchange system, 350 exchange device, 500 navigation system, 510 control device, 520 storage device, 530 notification device, 531 display, 532 speaker.

Claims

1. 1. A navigation system for guiding a vehicle having a removable energy storage device, comprising: the navigation system includes a guidance device that presents information for guiding the vehicle to at least one of an exchange point and a supply point; the exchange point is a point where the energy storage device is exchanged; the supply base is a base where energy supply equipment is installed that supplies energy to the energy storage device, The guidance device guides the vehicle to the supply base when a predetermined condition is met, and does not guide the vehicle to the supply base when the predetermined condition is not met.

2. the guidance device is configured to determine whether the vehicle has a first equipment for receiving energy supply from the energy supply facility to the energy storage device; The navigation system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition includes that the vehicle has the first equipment.

3. 3. The navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the guidance device is configured to present first information that guides the vehicle to the exchange base and does not guide the vehicle to the supply base when the predetermined condition is not met, and to present either second information that guides the vehicle to both the exchange base and the supply base, or third information that guides the vehicle to the supply base and does not guide the vehicle to the exchange base when the predetermined condition is met.

4. the guidance device is configured to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a second equipment for attaching and detaching the energy storage device in the vehicle; 4. The navigation system according to claim 3, wherein the guidance device is configured to present the third information when it is determined that the vehicle has the first equipment and when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the second equipment.

5. The navigation system further includes a search device that searches for the exchange point located within a predetermined area, the guidance device is configured to acquire inventory information indicating an inventory status of a replacement energy storage device that can be attached to the vehicle in place of the energy storage device for the exchange base found within the predetermined area by the search, and to determine whether the exchange base has the replacement energy storage device using the inventory information; 4. The navigation system according to claim 3, wherein the guidance device is configured to present the third information when it is determined that the vehicle has the first equipment and when it is determined that the exchange station having the exchange energy storage device does not exist within the specified area.

6. each of the energy storage device and the replacement energy storage device is a power storage device that can be attached and detached by an exchange device; the exchange base is a base where the exchange device is installed, the guidance device is configured to, when it is determined that the exchange base having the replacement energy storage device is present within the predetermined area, determine, using the inventory information, the exchange base having the replacement energy storage device that meets predetermined requirements, as a guidance target; The navigation system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined requirement is defined with respect to at least one of the amount of stored electricity, maximum output power, maximum regenerative power, and capacity of the electricity storage device.

7. the guidance device includes a display device that displays information to a user of the vehicle; presenting the first information means that the display device displays the exchange base on a map but does not display the supply base, or that the display device displays the exchange base and the supply base on a map in a distinguishable manner, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user; presenting the second information includes displaying the exchange base and the supply base on a map by the display device, or displaying the exchange base and the supply base on a map in an identifiable manner by the display device, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user; The navigation system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein presenting the third information is, in order to guide the vehicle driven by the user, displaying the supply base on a map by the display device and not displaying the exchange base, or displaying the exchange base and the supply base on a map in a distinguishable manner by the display device.

8. 2. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the guidance device is configured to, when the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device mounted on the vehicle falls below a reference value, determine a guidance target including at least one of the exchange base and the supply base, and guide the vehicle to the guidance target.

9. the navigation system further includes an input device that accepts a guidance request from a user; 2. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the guidance device is configured, when the input device receives the guidance request, to determine a guidance target including at least one of the exchange base and the supply base, and to guide the vehicle to the guidance target.

10. the navigation system further includes a search device that searches for the exchange point located within a predetermined area; 2. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein, when at least one of the exchange bases is to be a guidance target, the guidance device is configured to acquire inventory information indicating an inventory status of a replacement energy storage device that can be attached to the vehicle in place of the energy storage device for the candidate guidance target found within the specified area by the search, determine the guidance target using the inventory information, and guide the vehicle to the guidance target.

11. the guidance device includes a display device that displays information to a user of the vehicle, and a control device that controls the display device; the control device is configured to classify the guidance target into either a first exchange station having an inventory status where all of the plurality of energy storage devices equipped in the vehicle can be replaced, or a second exchange station having an inventory status where only a portion of the plurality of energy storage devices equipped in the vehicle can be replaced, when the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of the energy storage devices; The navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the display device is configured to display the first exchange point and the second exchange point in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them.

12. A navigation system for guiding a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device, comprising: the navigation system includes a guidance device that presents information for guiding the vehicle to at least one of an exchange point and a supply point; the exchange point is a point where the energy storage device is exchanged; the supply base is a base where energy supply equipment is installed that supplies energy to the energy storage device, The navigation system wherein the guidance device guides the vehicle to the exchange point when a predetermined condition is met, and does not guide the vehicle to the exchange point when the predetermined condition is not met.

13. A navigation system according to claim 1 or 12, Further provided is a power storage device as the energy storage device, A vehicle configured to be able to run using the electric power output from the power storage device.

Images