Storage device, method for controlling the storage device, computer program, and readable storage medium

Abstract

To provide an authentication medium storage device capable of providing an authentication medium that enables the use of devices other than electric devices, a control method for the storage device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium. [Solution] A storage device for storing multiple authentication media TAs, comprising: a storage unit 210 for storing authentication media TAs used for authentication to use other devices 10, LB, different from the storage device; a reception unit 240 for receiving authentication information used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by the user of the storage device 200; an authentication unit 245 for authenticating the user based on the authentication information received by the reception unit 240; and a provision unit 272 for determining which authentication media TA to provide to the user from among the multiple authentication media TAs stored in the storage unit 210 when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device, a control method for the storage device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service is known that lends an electrical storage device provided in a battery station serving as a power device to a user. The electrical storage device lent out from the battery swapping station is used by the user, returned by the user to the battery swapping station after use, and charged at the battery swapping station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, except for private use such as use in operations including delivery, battery swapping machines are normally used by individual users. As a movement pattern of an individual user, for example, it is conceivable that the user travels by train from the nearest station at home to a station near the destination, and then travels from the station near the destination to the destination by borrowing a battery and an electric vehicle using the battery at a battery swapping station provided at the station near the destination.

[0005] However, the conventional battery swapping machine has functions limited only to battery swapping, and there is a problem that it cannot respond to the above needs.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an authentication medium storage device capable of providing an authentication medium that enables the use of devices other than electric devices, a control method for said storage device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A storage device (e.g., a battery exchange machine 200 described later) for storing multiple authentication media (e.g., contactless IC tags TA described later), comprising: a storage section (e.g., a slot 210 described later) for storing the authentication media used for authentication to use other devices different from the storage device (e.g., an electric vehicle 10, a helmet storage locker LB described later); a reception section (e.g., a reading section 240 described later) for receiving authentication information to be used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by a user of the storage device; an authentication section (e.g., an authentication section 245 described later) for authenticating the user based on the authentication information received by the reception section; and a provision section (e.g., a provision section 272 described later) for determining which of the multiple authentication media stored in the storage section to provide to the user when the authentication of the user by the authentication section is successful.

[0008] According to (1) above, it becomes possible to store authentication media in the storage section of the storage device, and to receive authentication media for using other devices by performing authentication at the storage device. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to borrow a power storage device from the storage device and receive authentication media for using other devices, making it possible to use both the power storage device and the other devices. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to borrow a battery and an electric vehicle using that battery at a battery exchange station located at a station near the destination and travel there.

[0009] (2) The storage device described in (1), wherein the authentication medium is composed of a contactless IC tag.

[0010] According to (2) above, authentication can be easily performed.

[0011] (3) The storage device according to (1) or (2), wherein the other device is at least one of an electric vehicle or a helmet storage locker.

[0012] According to (3) above, by performing authentication on the storage device, it becomes possible to use other devices.

[0013] (4) The storage device described in any of (1) to (3) wherein the authenticated information is stored in an authentication medium for the storage device (for example, a user card 30 described later) which is provided separately from the authentication medium.

[0014] According to (4) above, for example, it becomes possible to separately control the authentication for lending out energy storage devices in storage facilities and the authentication for using other devices.

[0015] (5) The storage unit is configured to store a plurality of energy storage devices (for example, the detachable battery 100 described later), each having an energy storage unit, or the storage device includes other storage units that can store a plurality of the energy storage devices, each having an energy storage unit, and the providing unit determines which of the energy storage devices stored in the storage unit or the other storage unit will be provided to the user when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit is successful. (5) The storage device according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0016] According to (5) above, since the storage unit stores the energy storage device and the authentication medium, users can obtain the energy storage device and the authentication medium by authenticating the storage unit.

[0017] (6) The authentication medium is provided so as to be detachably fixed to a power storage device having a power storage unit (for example, a detachable battery 100 described later), and the storage unit is configured to store the power storage device to which the authentication medium is fixed, according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0018] According to the above (6), when the power storage device is taken out from the power storage device, the power storage device and the authentication medium can be taken out together, so that convenience can be improved.

[0019] (7) The storage device according to (6), wherein the providing unit determines, among the plurality of power storage devices each having the authentication medium fixed thereto stored in the storage unit, the power storage device with the authentication medium fixed thereto to be provided to the usage subject, when authentication of the usage subject by the authentication unit succeeds.

[0020] According to the above (7), accordingly, when the power storage device is taken out from the storage device, the authentication of the usage subject succeeds, so that the power storage device and the authentication medium can be taken out together, and convenience can be improved.

[0021] (8) The storage device according to any one of (6) to (7), wherein the storage unit has a reading / writing unit (for example, an RFID reader / writer 2046 described later) that reads information stored in the authentication medium and / or writes information to be stored in the authentication medium.

[0022] According to the above (8), by inserting the power storage device into the storage unit, it is possible to acquire the information stored in the authentication medium.

[0023] (9) The storage device according to (8), wherein the authentication medium is provided so as to be detachably fixed to an outer surface of the power storage device.

[0024] According to the above (9), by inserting the power storage device into the storage unit, the information stored in the authentication medium can be easily acquired.

[0025] (10) The storage device according to (9), wherein the reading / writing unit is arranged at a position in the storage unit that faces the authentication medium fixed to the power storage device and stored.

[0026] According to the above (10), by inserting the power storage device into the storage unit, the information stored in the authentication medium can be reliably acquired.

[0027] (11) The storage device according to (10), wherein the authentication medium is provided so as to be fixed to a bottom surface (for example, a bottom cover 2042 described later) of the power storage device.

[0028] According to the above (11), the reading unit can be easily arranged at a position in the storage unit that faces the authentication medium mounted on the power storage device and stored therein.

[0029] (12) The storage device according to (11), wherein a recess (for example, a recess 1043 described later) is formed on the bottom surface of the power storage device, and the authentication medium is fixed by being fitted into the recess.

[0030] According to the above (12), the attachment and detachment of the authentication medium to and from the power storage device can be facilitated and ensured.

[0031] (13) The storage device according to (12), wherein the authentication medium is fixed to a side surface of the power storage device.

[0032] According to the above (13), it is possible to read the authentication medium while the power storage device is being inserted into the storage unit.

[0033] (14) A storage device (e.g., a battery changer 200 described later) for storing a plurality of authentication media (e.g., contactless IC tags TA described later), comprising a storage section (e.g., a slot 210 described later) for storing the authentication media used for authentication to use a device other than the storage device, wherein the authentication media are provided to be detachably fixed to a power storage device having a power storage section (e.g., a detachable battery 100 described later), the storage section is configured to store the power storage device to which the authentication media are fixed, and the storage section comprises a reading section (e.g., an RFID reader / writer 2046 described later) for reading information stored in the authentication media and / or writing information to be stored in the authentication media.

[0034] According to (14) above, the same effect as in (8) can be obtained.

[0035] (15) A method for controlling a storage device (for example, a battery exchange machine 200 described later) having a storage section for storing a plurality of authentication media (for example, contactless IC tags TA described later) used for authentication to use a device other than the storage device, the method comprising: receiving authentication information used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by a user of the storage device; authenticating the user based on the authentication information received in the receiving step; and determining which of the plurality of authentication media stored in the storage section to provide to the user if the authentication of the user in the authentication step is successful.

[0036] According to (15) above, the same effect as in (1) can be obtained.

[0037] (16) A computer program that enables the operation of a processor constituting a control unit (e.g., control unit 260 described below) of a storage device (e.g., battery exchange machine 200 described below) having a storage unit for storing a plurality of authentication media (e.g., contactless IC tags TA described below) used for authentication to use other devices different from the storage device, the storage unit (e.g., slot 210 described below) for storing the authentication media used for authentication to use other devices (e.g., electric vehicle 10, helmet storage locker LB described below), and input or presentation from the user of the storage device. A computer program that causes a storage device to function as a provision unit having a receiving unit (for example, a reading unit 240 described later) that receives authentication information used for authentication to use the storage device, an authentication unit (for example, an authentication unit 245 described later) that authenticates the user based on the authentication information received by the receiving unit, and a provision unit (for example, a provision unit 272 described later), when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit is successful, to determine which of the multiple authentication media stored in the storage unit to provide to the user.

[0038] According to (16) above, the same effect as in (1) can be obtained.

[0039] (17) A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in (16) above.

[0040] According to (17) above, the same effect as in (1) can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an authentication medium storage device that can provide an authentication medium that enables the use of devices other than electric devices, a control method for the storage device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of an overall configuration diagram of a battery replacement system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detachable battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a battery replacement device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a management server according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the contents of the user management table of a management server in one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the external appearance of a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery replacement device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the slot of a battery replacement device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of a removable battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the top surface of a detachable battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a contactless IC tag removed from the bottom of a detachable battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the bottom cover and the contactless IC tag fixed to the bottom surface of a removable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the processing flow executed by the server and battery exchange machine when a removable battery is lent out according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows the processing flow executed by the vehicle control unit of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows the processing flow executed by the server and battery exchange machine when a detachable battery according to one embodiment is returned. [Figure 17] This figure shows a series of steps involved in using an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 18]This diagram shows a series of steps involved in replacing a detachable battery according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the battery exchange system manages a plurality of battery exchange machines (charging and discharging stations) that accept the return and loan of removable batteries that supply power for the operation of electric vehicles.

[0044] Electric vehicles are equipped with one or more removable batteries borrowed from a battery exchange machine and run on electricity supplied by the installed removable batteries. Alternatively, electric vehicles may be hybrid electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles that run on a combination of removable batteries and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel or gasoline engine. Electric vehicles applicable to the battery exchange system may include electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric tricycles, electric four-wheeled vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric scooters, or robots. Multiple removable batteries installed in an electric vehicle may be borrowed from users as a battery unit.

[0045] <Overall configuration of battery replacement system 1> Figure 1 shows an example of an overall configuration diagram of the battery exchange system 1 of the embodiment. The battery exchange system 1 is a system that provides a battery exchange service to a user U. The battery exchange service is a service that charges and exchanges (returns and lends) the removable battery 100, which is the power source of the electric vehicle 10. The battery exchange system 1 comprises, for example, a plurality of removable batteries 100, a plurality of battery exchange machines 200, and a management server 300.

[0046] The user terminal device 400 is an information processing device used by user U of the battery exchange system 1. The management server 300 is communicated with multiple battery exchange machines 200 and user terminal devices 400 via a network NW. The electric vehicle 10 may also be communicated with the network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, etc. The management server 300 is an example of a "server device".

[0047] The battery exchange machine 200 is a device that charges and exchanges (returns and lends) the detachable battery 100, which is the power source of the electric vehicle 10. The detachable battery 100 is detachably attached to the electric vehicle 10. The detachable battery 100 may also be a power supply device used for applications such as a mobile portable power supply. The battery exchange machine 200 may also discharge the detachable battery 100 in order to connect to the grid, etc.

[0048] In the battery replacement system 1 shown in Figure 1, user U uses the user terminal device 400 to apply to the management server 300 for the use of the battery replacement service. Upon receiving user U's application, the management server 300 notifies the goods supplier D of this fact. Upon receiving this notification, goods supplier D delivers the goods necessary for using the battery replacement service to user U who made the application.

[0049] The goods provider D is, for example, a dealer that sells electric vehicles 10 or a leasing company that rents out electric vehicles 10. The goods provider D may also be the manufacturer of the electric vehicle 10. The goods provider D delivers the electric vehicle 10, a removable battery 100, and a user card 30 to user U as goods for using the battery replacement service. If user U owns an electric vehicle 10 that can use the removable battery 100, the goods provider D may deliver the removable battery 100 and a user card 30 to user U as goods for using the battery replacement service.

[0050] User U can use the battery replacement service by activating the provided user card 30 on the battery replacement system 1. The battery replacement service is performed by the battery replacement system 1 shown in the example in Figure 1. The following describes each component in order.

[0051] [Electric vehicle 10] The electric vehicle 10 is a vehicle equipped with a removable battery 100. In the example shown in Figure 1, a saddle-type electric vehicle (electric two-wheeled vehicle) 10-1 and an in-cabin type electric vehicle (electric four-wheeled vehicle) 10-2 are shown, both of which are driven by an electric motor powered by electricity supplied by the power storage unit 120 (described later) of the removable battery 100.

[0052] For example, electric vehicle 10-1 shown in Figure 1 can be equipped with two removable batteries 100, and electric vehicle 10-2 can be equipped with three removable batteries 100. Thus, the number of removable batteries that can be installed differs depending on the type and shape of the electric vehicle 10. Furthermore, the removable batteries that can be used may differ depending on the vehicle model. In the following explanation, electric motorcycles will be mainly referred to as "electric vehicle 10".

[0053] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment. The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a battery connection unit 12, a vehicle control unit 14, a driving force output device 16, a vehicle sensor 18, an HMI (Human-machine Interface) 20, an electric vehicle GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 22, and a communication unit 24.

[0054] The battery connection section 12 is electrically connected to the connection section 150 (connector 1050, described later) of the removable battery 100 when the removable battery 100 is installed in the electric vehicle 10. The battery connection section 12 includes, for example, a connection terminal (battery terminal) for power lines to receive power supply from the removable battery 100, and a connection terminal for communication lines to perform data communication between the removable battery 100 and the vehicle control unit 14.

[0055] The vehicle control unit 14 acquires measurement results from the vehicle sensor 18, obtains a value (SOC: State of Charge) representing the charge state of the energy storage unit 120 from the BMU (Battery Management Unit) 110 (described later) of the removable battery 100, and obtains the position of the electric vehicle 10 from the GNSS receiver 22. Based on the acquired data, the vehicle control unit 14 controls the driving force output device 16 in response to an operation on an operator (not shown) or through autonomous driving. The vehicle control unit 14 may also output the position information of the electric vehicle 10 acquired from the GNSS receiver 22 to the removable battery 100 via the battery connection unit 12.

[0056] The driving force output device 16 includes, for example, an electric motor, an inverter, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the inverter. The ECU controls the power supplied to the electric motor from the removable battery 100 by, for example, controlling the inverter. In this way, the ECU controls the driving force (torque) that the electric motor outputs to the drive wheels. Furthermore, the driving force output device 16 can operate the electric motor as a regenerative brake by controlling the output frequency of the inverter to be lower than the rotational speed of the drive wheels, thereby converting the braking energy of the drive wheels into electrical energy and charging the removable battery 100.

[0057] The vehicle sensor 18 includes a speed sensor, acceleration sensor, rotational speed sensor, odometer, and various other sensors mounted on the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle sensor 18 outputs the measurement results to the vehicle control unit 14.

[0058] The GNSS receiver 22 determines the position of the electric vehicle 10 based on radio waves arriving from GNSS satellites, such as GPS satellites.

[0059] The communication unit 24 communicates with the management server 300 via the network NW. The communication unit 24 transmits, for example, the location information of the electric vehicle 10, which has been determined by the GNSS receiver 22, along with the vehicle ID, which is identification information for identifying the vehicle, to the management server 300 at any time. Here, "any time" refers to, for example, timings at predetermined time intervals or predetermined distances traveled, the timing of starting or stopping the electric vehicle 10, or timings at predetermined times.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication unit 24 may transmit the location of the electric vehicle 10 to the management server 300 when it receives an inquiry about the location of the electric vehicle 10 from the management server 300. In addition to the location information of the electric vehicle 10, the communication unit 24 may also transmit the charge status of the two removable batteries 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10 to the management server 300. Furthermore, the communication unit 24 may communicate with the battery exchange machine 200 via the network NW.

[0061] [Detachable Battery 100] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a removable battery 100 according to the embodiment. The removable battery 100 includes, for example, a power storage unit 120, a BMU 110, and a connection unit 150. The BMU 110 also includes a measuring sensor 130 and a memory unit 140.

[0062] The BMU110 controls the charging and discharging of the energy storage unit 120, performs cell balancing, detects abnormalities in the energy storage unit 120, derives the cell temperature of the energy storage unit 120, derives the charge / discharge current of the energy storage unit 120, and estimates the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage unit 120. Based on the measurement results of the measurement sensor 130, the BMU110 stores any abnormalities or malfunctions in the energy storage unit 120 as battery status information in the storage unit 140.

[0063] The energy storage unit 120 is, for example, a battery pack formed by connecting multiple individual cells in series. The individual cells that make up the energy storage unit 120 are, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIBs), nickel-metal hydride batteries, all-solid-state batteries, etc.

[0064] The measurement sensor 130 is a voltage sensor, current sensor, temperature sensor, etc., for measuring the charge state of the energy storage unit 120. The measurement sensor 130 outputs the measured voltage, current, temperature, etc. to the BMU 110.

[0065] The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 140 stores battery status information. The storage unit 140 may also store a battery ID assigned to the removable battery 100.

[0066] The connection section 150 is electrically connected to the battery connection section 12 when the removable battery 100 is installed in the electric vehicle 10. The connection section 150 is also electrically connected to the battery exchange machine 200 when the removable battery 100 is placed in one of the multiple slots 210 present in the battery exchange machine 200, and receives power from the battery exchange machine 200 to charge the energy storage unit 120. The connection section 150 includes, for example, power line connection terminals (battery terminals) and communication line connection terminals, so as to correspond to the battery connection section 12 and the connection section 220 (described later).

[0067] [Battery replacement machine 200] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery replacement machine 200 according to the embodiment. The battery replacement machine 200 includes, for example, a plurality of slots 210, a plurality of connection parts 220, a charger 230, a display unit 235, a reading unit 240, an authentication unit 245, a communication unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0068] Slot 210 is a mechanism for receiving and charging the removable battery 100. In the battery exchange machine 200 shown in the example in Figure 1, the slot 210 is not limited to the configuration of the part of the battery exchange machine 200 that receives (returns) and lends out the removable battery 100. For example, the storage section for removable batteries may be arranged in a matrix.

[0069] Before the battery exchange machine 200 returns or lends out a removable battery 100 to the user, it authenticates the user using the authentication unit 245, which will be described later. The authentication unit 245, for example, permits the user who has successfully authenticated to return the used removable battery 100 or to lend out a charged removable battery 100 (hereinafter referred to as "charged battery 100"). At the time of lending, the control unit 260 transmits the user's user ID and the battery ID of the newly lent removable battery 100 to the management server 300 as usage information.

[0070] Each of the battery compartments in the multiple slots 210 has a connection portion 220 on its bottom surface. The connection portion 220 (connector 2064e, described later) is electrically connected to the connection portion 150 of the removable battery 100 when the removable battery 100 is housed in the battery compartment. The connection portion 220 includes, for example, a power line connection terminal (battery terminal) for supplying power to the removable battery 100, and a communication line connection terminal for performing data communication (e.g., serial communication) between the removable battery 100 and the control unit 260.

[0071] The charger 230 is connected to the energy storage unit 120 of the removable battery 100 via a plurality of connection points 220. The charger 230 may be provided for each of the plurality of connection points 220, or it may be provided as a common configuration for the plurality of connection points 220. A power supply for supplying power to the energy storage unit 120 is connected to the charger 230. The charger 230 converts the power supplied from the power supply into, for example, DC and supplies it to the energy storage unit 120.

[0072] The display unit 235 is one of various display devices, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and is configured as a touch panel. The display unit 235 displays various information when the user uses the battery replacement device 200 and accepts input of predetermined information (for example, authentication information) from the user.

[0073] The reading unit 240 reads authentication information and other information from a user card 30, which is an example of an authentication medium held by the user. The authentication information includes, for example, the card ID and security code, which are identification information of the user card 30. Therefore, the reading unit 240 constitutes a receiving unit that receives authentication information used for authentication to use the battery exchange machine 200, which is presented and input by the user, who is the primary user of the battery exchange machine 200. The reading unit 240 outputs the read authentication information to the control unit 260. Details of the user card 30 will be described later. The reading unit 240 is an example of a "proximity communication unit".

[0074] The authentication unit 245 determines whether or not to allow the user to use the battery changer 200 based on the authentication information received from the display unit 235 or the authentication information read by the reading unit 240. The authentication information may be obtained, for example, from the voice of the user collected by the microphone (not shown) of the battery changer 200.

[0075] For example, the authentication unit 245 uses the authentication information to compare it with the authentication list 282 stored in the storage unit 280, and determines that the user's authentication is successful if the authentication list 282 contains information that matches the authentication information. The authentication list 282 is information containing matching authentication information for one or more users and is distributed to each battery exchange machine 200 by the management server 300 at predetermined timings or intervals. The authentication unit 245 may also be configured to send authentication information to the remote management server 300 and obtain an authentication result from the management server 300. The battery exchange machine 200 permits the use of its device if the authentication list 282 contains matching authentication information that matches the authentication information presented by the user (hereinafter referred to as "authentication information"). The storage unit 280 is an example of a "second storage unit".

[0076] The authentication list 282 may include information other than the authentication information used for verification. For example, the authentication list 282 may include information such as the user ID and password of users authorized to use the battery exchange machine 200, the expiration date, the number of removable batteries 100 available for loan, and their status.

[0077] The expiration date is, for example, the last day of the period during which the battery exchange machine 200 can be used. The number of available removable batteries 100 is, for example, the number of removable batteries 100 that can be installed in the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The status is information indicating the usage status of the battery exchange system 1 in the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID.

[0078] The usage status includes, for example, that the detachable battery 100 is on loan, that authentication is in progress for battery replacement, or that use is temporarily or permanently suspended due to misuse by the user. Because additional information other than the verification authentication information is included in the authentication list 282, the battery replacement machine 200 can perform processing according to the user's authentication result.

[0079] For example, if the authentication unit 245 determines that the user's authentication has been successful, it can determine whether the user meets the predetermined usage conditions. The predetermined usage conditions include, for example, that the current date (usage date) has not expired on an expiration date included in the authentication list 282. The predetermined usage conditions may also include that the user has not engaged in fraudulent use or other actions that have rendered the device unusable (usage suspended). For example, if the current date has not expired on an expiration date included in the authentication list 282, the authentication unit 245 may permit the user to use (return and borrow) the battery exchange machine 200.

[0080] Furthermore, if the authentication list 282 does not contain matching authentication information, the authentication unit 245 may send authentication information to the management server 300 via the communication unit 250 to request authentication. In this case, the authentication unit 245 may obtain the authentication result and additional information from the management server 300 as a result of the request, and if the user's authentication was successful, it may use the additional information to determine whether the predetermined usage conditions are met. The authentication unit 245 may also permit the user to use the battery changer 200 if the predetermined usage conditions are met.

[0081] Furthermore, if user authentication is unsuccessful or if the user does not meet the specified usage conditions, the authentication unit 245 may notify the user by displaying information on the display unit 235 indicating that the device is unavailable. Note that user authentication using the authentication information described above does not necessarily need to be performed every time the removable battery 100 is replaced. In addition, the authentication unit 245 may perform biometric authentication using the user's biometric information such as fingerprint information, voiceprint information, or iris information instead of (or in addition to) the authentication described above. In this case, the authentication list 282 may store the biometric information for comparison, and the authentication unit 245 may perform authentication by comparing the biometric information with the biometric information for comparison.

[0082] The following describes the case where the authentication information used for verification is the card ID, which is the identification information of the user card 30. However, the authentication information used for verification may include information other than the card ID, as long as it can identify the user and is recognized by the user card 30. For example, if the user ID and password are displayed or recorded on the user card 30, this information may be used as the authentication information for verification.

[0083] The communications unit 250 is equipped with wired communication devices such as terminal adapters and Ethernet® communication devices, as well as wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi adapters, 3G / LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth, and communicates with the management server 300, terminal devices, etc. via the network NW.

[0084] The control unit 260 includes, for example, a replacement control unit 262, a charging control unit 264, an authentication list update control unit 266, a battery information upload unit 268, a usage information upload unit 270, a provision unit 272, and a storage unit 280. The replacement control unit 262, the charging control unit 264, the authentication list update control unit 266, the battery information upload unit 268, the usage information upload unit 270, and the provision unit 272 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software).

[0085] Furthermore, some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The above-mentioned program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device equipped with a non-transient storage medium) such as the HDD or flash memory of the battery changer 200, or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or memory card, and installed in the storage device of the battery changer 200 when the storage medium (non-transient storage medium) is inserted into a drive device or card slot.

[0086] The storage unit 280 may be implemented by the various storage devices described above, or by EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 280 stores, for example, an authentication list 282, battery information 284, a program, and various other information. The authentication list 282 is distributed by the management server 300. The battery information 284 stores the battery ID assigned to one or more removable batteries 100 managed within the battery exchange machine 200, and SOC information (an example of battery status) for each removable battery 100.

[0087] Based on the authentication result from the authentication unit 245, the exchange control unit 262 controls the return of the used detachable battery 100 (hereinafter referred to as "used battery 100") installed in the electric vehicle 10 and the lending of the charged battery 100.

[0088] Furthermore, the replacement control unit 262 may determine whether the stored used battery 100 is a genuine (original) removable battery. In this case, the replacement control unit 262 obtains the battery ID of the stored removable battery 100 and queries the management server 300 based on the obtained battery ID and user information (user ID, card ID). The management server 300 compares the battery ID and user information obtained from the battery replacement machine 200 with the user management table 352, etc., and determines that it is a genuine removable battery if matching information exists, and determines that it is not a genuine removable battery if no matching information exists.

[0089] A case where the battery is not a genuine removable battery includes, for example, a battery that is not an original part, or a removable battery returned by a user other than the one who lent it to the user. If the battery is not a genuine removable battery, the management server 300 will temporarily or permanently suspend the user's use of the battery from that user onward. The management server 300 will send the above processing details as a query result to the battery exchange machine 200. Based on the received query result, the exchange control unit 262 will perform the above-mentioned lending control if the battery 100 is a genuine removable battery.

[0090] Furthermore, if the battery is not a genuine removable battery 100, the replacement control unit 262 does not perform any control related to lending, but instead notifies the user of error information, etc., or performs control to return the stored used removable battery. An example of a "battery replacement unit" is a combination of the replacement control unit 262 and multiple slots 210.

[0091] The charging control unit 264 controls the charger 230 so that the energy storage unit 120 is charged to a predetermined charge state (e.g., State of Charge) based on the charge state of the energy storage unit 120 obtained from the removable battery 100 via a signal line. The State of Charge of the energy storage unit 120 is transmitted to the charging control unit 264 sequentially, for example, and the charging control unit 264 associates the battery ID of the removable battery 100 with the State of Charge information and stores it in the storage unit 280 as battery information 284.

[0092] The authentication list update control unit 266 records the authentication list distributed from the management server 300 as authentication list 282 in the storage unit 280. For example, when a new authentication list is distributed from the management server 300, the authentication list update control unit 266 replaces the authentication list 282 stored in the storage unit 280 with the newly acquired authentication list.

[0093] Furthermore, if the authentication list update control unit 266 receives, for example, an authentication list from the management server 300 that is differential information to the authentication list 282 already received by the battery exchanger 200, it updates the authentication list 282 based on the differential information. For example, if the differential information includes additional user information, the authentication list update control unit 266 adds the authentication information for the additional user to the authentication list 282. Also, if the differential information includes a specific user, the authentication list update control unit 266 removes the authentication list for that specific user from the authentication list 282.

[0094] Specific users include, for example, users whose validity period for using the battery replacement device 200 has expired, users who have misused it, and users who have not paid their usage fees and are in arrears. Furthermore, specific users may also include users who have not used the device for a specified period of time since their last use. As described above, by distributing differential information and updating the authentication list 282, the amount of communication data during the update can be reduced.

[0095] The battery information upload unit 268 counts the number of removable batteries 100 that have completed charging (charged to a predetermined SOC) at any arbitrary timing (number of charged batteries), and transmits this count to the management server 300 along with its own device ID (identification information that identifies the battery exchange machine 200) and battery ID. Here, "any arbitrary timing" includes, for example, the timing when charging of the removable battery 100 is completed (or when it is charged to the desired SOC), or the timing when the removable battery 100 is loaned out.

[0096] In other words, any arbitrary timing may be the timing when there is a change in the number of removable batteries or the number of charged batteries stored in the battery exchanger 200. Furthermore, the battery information upload unit 268 may include the "remaining time required for charging," calculated from the charging speed and capacity, for each of the removable batteries 100 that are being charged, in the information it transmits. A combination of the charging control unit 264 and the battery information upload unit 268 is an example of a "detection unit."

[0097] The usage information upload unit 270 transmits the usage status of the battery exchange machine 200 for each user and its own device ID as usage information to the management server 300 at any time. Here, "any time" refers to, for example, the time when authentication by the authentication unit 245 is permitted and a removable battery is exchanged (e.g., returned and borrowed). The usage status may include, for example, the user ID, card ID, the battery ID of the returned removable battery 100, the battery ID of the borrowed removable battery 100, and the date and time of exchange (usage date and time). The information uploaded at any time by the battery information upload unit 268 or the usage information upload unit 270 may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 280.

[0098] The supply unit 272, after the authentication unit 245 determines whether to authorize the user to use the battery exchange machine 200, and if the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful, determines which contactless IC-tag TG and which removable battery 100 to provide to the user from among the multiple removable batteries 100, each of which is stored in a multiple slot 210 and each has a contactless IC-tag TG fixed to it (described later). Details will be described later.

[0099] [Management Server 300] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a management server 300 in an embodiment. The management server 300 includes, for example, a communication unit 310, a management unit 320, a distribution unit 330, a usage fee calculation unit 340, and a storage unit 350. The management unit 320 and the distribution unit 330 are implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Furthermore, some or all of its functions may be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0100] The above-mentioned program may be stored in advance on a storage device such as the HDD or flash memory of the management server 300 (a storage device equipped with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored on a removable storage medium such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or memory card, and installed on the storage device of the management server 300 when the storage medium (non-transient storage medium) is inserted into a drive device or card slot.

[0101] The memory unit 350 may be implemented by the various storage devices described above, or by an EEPROM, ROM, RAM, etc. The memory unit 350 stores, for example, a user management table 352, a status table 354, map information 356, billing information 358, programs, and various other information.

[0102] Figure 6 shows an example of the contents of the user management table 352. The user management table 352 contains information such as user ID and card ID, password, expiration date, number of batteries that can be installed, usable battery type, status, currently rented battery ID, usage history, and detailed information. For example, the card ID is an example of information required for user authentication.

[0103] The expiration date is set, for example, when registering for use of the battery replacement system 1 or when paying the usage fee. The expiration date may be a fixed period (for example, one year from the time of registration or renewal), or it may be an expiration date set in conjunction with the expiration date (vehicle inspection date) stipulated in the vehicle inspection (automobile renewal inspection stipulated by the government, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10. The number of batteries that can be installed is the number of batteries that the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID can be equipped with. The usable battery type is information such as the type, size, and model number of the removable battery 100 that can be used by the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID.

[0104] The loaned battery ID is identification information for the detachable battery 100 that is currently loaned to the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The usage history is information regarding the past usage history of the battery exchange system 1 associated with the user ID and card ID. The usage history includes, for example, the device ID of the battery exchange machine 200 used, the date and time of use, etc. The usage history may also include, for example, information uploaded by the usage information upload unit 270. The detailed information includes, for example, personal information of the user obtained at the time of user registration, such as address, age, and gender. The detailed information may also include performance information and vehicle type information of the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. Performance information of the electric vehicle 10 is, for example, the driving range when one charged battery 100 is installed.

[0105] The status table 354 stores information about the status of multiple battery exchange machines 200 managed by the battery exchange system 1. The status table 354 may include, for example, information uploaded by the battery information upload unit 268. The status table 354 is information that associates, for example, the number of charged batteries in the battery exchange machine 200 associated with the device ID, and the location of the battery exchange machine 200.

[0106] As mentioned above, if the uploaded information includes the remaining time required to charge each of the removable batteries 100, the status table 354 may also include the number of removable batteries 100 currently being charged and the remaining time for each of the removable batteries 100. Furthermore, the status table 354 may also include performance information for the removable batteries 100. Performance information for the removable batteries 100 may include, for example, the amount of power when fully charged, the number of charge cycles, and the degree of degradation.

[0107] The map information 356 may include, for example, information on the location of the battery exchange machine 200 in map coordinates, as well as facility information (POI: Point of Interest) such as convenience stores, restaurants, accommodations, and various activity facilities. Map coordinates are, for example, a three-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinate system determined by a GNSS receiver. The map information 356 may also include the location of roads in map coordinates and other road information. Road information may include, for example, road type (e.g., general road or highway), number of lanes, traffic regulation information, installed road signs, legal speed limit, road curvature radius (or curvature), width, gradient, unevenness, etc. The map information 356 may be updated as needed by communicating with other devices via the communication unit 310.

[0108] The communication unit 310 is equipped with wired communication devices such as terminal adapters and Ethernet® communication devices, as well as wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi adapters, 3G / LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth, and communicates with the battery exchanger 200 and the electric vehicle 10, etc., via the network NW.

[0109] The management unit 320 manages the user's usage status (including authentication, etc.) when replacing the removable battery 100 shown in Figure 6. For example, the management unit 320 manages the content of the verification authentication information required when authentication is performed at each battery replacement machine 200, and manages the timing of distributing the verification authentication information. In addition, when an authentication inquiry is received from the battery replacement machine 200, the management unit 320 may perform authentication using the authentication information obtained along with the inquiry and the user management table 352, and transmit the authentication result and verification authentication information based on the authentication result to the battery replacement machine 200.

[0110] Furthermore, the management unit 320 receives new user registrations (applications for use) and requests to change registration details, and updates the user management table 352 based on the received information. New registrations and changes to registration details are performed, for example, by the user communicating with the management server 300 from a terminal device. The management unit 320 also updates the status table 354 based on the upload information obtained from the battery exchange machine 200. The management unit 320 may also manage, for example, the billing status and expiration date for each user ID or card ID.

[0111] The distribution unit 330 generates an authentication list based on the information contained in the user management table 352 and battery-related information obtained from the battery exchange machine 200, etc., and distributes the generated authentication list to multiple battery exchange machines.

[0112] The distribution unit 330 generates an authentication list for each battery exchange machine 200 and distributes the generated authentication information for verification to the corresponding battery exchange machine 200. The distribution unit 330 may also generate a common authentication list for all battery exchange machines 200, containing the authentication information for verification of all users. While commonizing the authentication list reduces the management burden, it may also lead to an increase in the size of the authentication list. Therefore, whether or not to commonize the authentication list should be chosen based on the acceptable effort, time, and resource consumption for distributing the authentication list. The distribution unit 330 may also store information regarding the distributed authentication lists as a distribution history in the storage unit 350.

[0113] The distribution unit 330 distributes the generated authentication list at any time. Any time refers to, for example, predetermined times (e.g., 10:00 and 20:00 every day) or predetermined cycles (e.g., half a day, one day, one week). For example, the distribution unit 330 may perform the process up to generating the authentication list described above at a predetermined time before the distribution timing.

[0114] The distribution unit 330 may generate and distribute the authentication list at any time, but the convenience of the battery replacement service can be improved by performing the following timings. For example, the distribution unit 330 may be configured to distribute the authentication list with differential information at a high frequency (e.g., every 10 minutes) and distribute the entire authentication list at a low frequency (e.g., once a day).

[0115] For example, during times when communication bandwidth is relatively congested, such as during the day, updating the authentication list by distributing differential information allows new users to quickly start using the service after activating their user card 30. Also, during times when communication bandwidth is relatively less congested, such as at night, updating the authentication list by distributing the entire authentication list ensures that updates that occurred during a day are reliably reflected in the battery exchange machine 200.

[0116] The usage fee calculation unit 340 identifies the user of the returned used battery 100 based on the card information received from the battery exchange machine 200, and calculates the usage fee for the detachable battery 100 used by that user during a predetermined period based on the battery information of the used battery 100. The usage fee calculation unit 340 generates billing information 358 regarding the charges to be billed to the user based on the calculated usage fee, and stores the generated billing information 358 in the storage unit 350.

[0117] [Detailed overall configuration of battery replacement unit 200] The battery exchange machine 200 houses removable batteries 100 inside in a removable manner. The user deposits a removable battery 100 with low remaining capacity (SOC) into the battery exchange machine 200 and receives another removable battery 100 that has been fully charged from the battery exchange machine 200. The battery exchange machine 200 corresponds to the storage device of the present invention.

[0118] The battery exchange machine 200 has 12 slots 210 and one display unit 235. Removable batteries 100 are housed in the slots 210. When a user inserts a removable battery 100 into a slot 210, the battery exchange machine 200 starts charging the removable battery 100. The display unit 235 is a device operated by the user. The user can operate the display unit 235 to perform actions such as making payments.

[0119] Slot 210 opens on the front 2010a of the battery exchanger 200. The battery exchanger 200 has a control unit 260 above slot 210. The control unit 260 controls the charging of the removable battery 100, etc. The battery exchanger 200 has a utility space 2020 below slot 210. For example, a cooling device can be installed in the utility space 2020. The cooling device can cool the inside of the battery exchanger 200.

[0120] The battery exchange machine 200 will be described below based on the X, Y, and Z axes as defined below. The direction in which the removable battery 100 is inserted into and removed from the slot 210 is defined as the Z axis direction, and the direction from the innermost part of the slot 210 toward the insertion opening 2026c is defined as the +Z axis direction. The +Z axis direction is the direction in which the removable battery 100 is pulled out of the slot 210. The direction parallel to the width direction of the battery exchange machine 200 is defined as the X axis direction, and the right side when viewing the slot 210 from the side that opens to the front 2010a of the battery exchange machine 200 is defined as the +X axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z and X axes is defined as the Y axis direction, and the upper side is defined as the +Y axis direction.

[0121] In the following, a view from the +Z axis direction may be referred to as a front view, a view from the -Z axis direction as a rear view, a view from the +Y axis direction as a top view, a view from the -Y axis direction as a bottom view, a view from the +X axis direction as a right side view, and a view from the -X axis direction as a left side view.

[0122] [Overall slot configuration] Slot 210 has a slot sleeve 2023. The slot sleeve 2023 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom portion 2023a and a cylindrical portion 1023b. The slot sleeve 2023 holds the removable battery 100 inserted into slot 210. The cylindrical portion 1023b surrounds the outer circumference of the removable battery 100 held in the slot sleeve 2023. The slot sleeve 2023 has a slot body 2022, a slot flange 2026 and a bottom cover 2042. Slot 210 corresponds to the holding portion of the present invention. The removable battery 100 corresponds to the power device of the present invention.

[0123] The cylindrical portion 1023b of the slot sleeve 2023 is provided on the slot body 2022. The slot body 2022 is made of aluminum. The slot body 2022 is a cylindrical member having four sides and two openings. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer shape of the slot body 2022 is formed to be approximately rectangular. The slot body 2022 is not limited to being made of aluminum; it may be made of other metals or resin. By using aluminum for the slot body 2022, durability can be increased compared to when resin is used for the slot body 2022.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, a slot flange 2026 is attached to the opening 2022b on the +Z axis side of the slot body 2022. The slot flange 2026 is made of resin. The slot flange 2026 is not limited to resin; for example, it may be made of metal. The slot flange 2026 has a guide portion 2026a. As shown in Figure 5, a rectangular insertion opening 2026c penetrates the inside of the guide portion 2026a in the Z axis direction.

[0125] As shown in Figure 9, a bottom cover 2042 is attached to the opening 2022c on the -Z-axis side of the slot body 2022. The bottom cover 2042 is made of resin. The bottom portion 2023a of the slot sleeve 2023 is provided on the bottom cover 2042. The bottom cover 2042 is not limited to resin; for example, it may be made of metal. The bottom cover 2042 is rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0126] Resin is used for both the slot flange 2026 and the bottom cover 2042. This allows for the inexpensive production of both the slot flange 2026 and the bottom cover 2042 compared to when metal is used for both components.

[0127] The slot body 2022 is the component that bears the majority of the load of the removable battery 100. Furthermore, the slot body 2022 is larger than the slot flange 2026 and the bottom cover 2042. Therefore, it is preferable that the slot body 2022 has higher durability than the slot flange 2026 and the bottom cover 2042.

[0128] When the removable battery 100 is held in the slot sleeve 2023, the hold detection switch 2032 is pressed by the removable battery 100 and switches from off to on. The fan 2062 blows air into the inside of the slot body 2022. The connector unit 2064 has a connector 2064e that mates with the connector 1050 of the removable battery 100.

[0129] [Mobile battery configuration] The detachable battery 100 will be described below based on the U-axis, V-axis, and W-axis as defined below. The longitudinal direction of the detachable battery 100 is defined as the W-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface 1012b toward the top surface 1012a is defined as the +W-axis direction. The direction in which the sides 1012c and 1012d of the detachable battery 100 are aligned is defined as the V-direction, and the direction from side 1012c toward side 1012d is defined as the +V-direction. The direction in which the sides 1012e and 1012f are aligned is defined as the U-direction, and the direction from side 1012e toward side 1012f is defined as the +U-direction.

[0130] As shown in Figure 10, a handle 1048 is provided on the upper surface 1012a of the removable battery 100. The handle 1048 has a first gripping portion 1048a extending in the U direction and a second gripping portion 1048b extending in the V direction. The user grips the handle 1048 to insert and remove the removable battery 100 from the slot 210.

[0131] As shown in Figure 11, of the sides 1012c, 1012d, 1012e, and 1012f of the removable battery 100, side 1012d is a curved surface that is convex outwards. Of the sides 1012c, 1012d, 1012e, and 1012f, sides 1012c, 1012e, and 1012f are substantially planar.

[0132] As shown in Figures 9, 12, and 13, a connector 1050 (female connector 1050) is exposed on the bottom surface 1012b of the detachable battery 100 in the -W axis direction. The female connector 1050 corresponds to the first electrical terminal of the present invention. The connector 1050 is positioned in the +V axis direction rather than the center in the V axis direction of the bottom surface 1012b. The connector 1050 is provided in a recess 1012g of the detachable battery 100. The recess 1012g is formed to be recessed in the +W axis direction more than the bottom surface 1012b. The connector 1050 is positioned in the +W axis direction more than the bottom surface 1012b. This prevents contact between the connector 1050 and the ground when the detachable battery 100 is placed on the ground or the like with the bottom surface 1012b facing down. Therefore, dirt, damage, etc. to the connector 1050 can be suppressed. In addition, contact between conductive materials and the connector 1050 can be suppressed. Therefore, unintended discharge of the removable battery 100 can be suppressed.

[0133] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a recess 1043 is formed in the bottom surface 1012b of the removable battery 100 in the -W axis direction. The contactless IC tag TA is fitted into the recess 1043, thereby fixing the contactless IC tag TA in the recess 1043 of the bottom surface 1012b, as shown in Figure 13. The contactless IC tag TA is configured to be removable from the recess 1043. That is, the recess 1043 has a shape that is slightly smaller than the external shape of the contactless IC tag TA, and a pair of parts that extend beyond a part of the unglued contact IC tag TA.

[0134] [Contactless IC Tag TA] The contactless IC tag TA is composed of an RFID tag, but is not limited to this; for example, it may be composed of an NFC tag. The contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium, stores authentication information for authenticating other devices besides the battery changer 200, specifically the electric vehicle 10 and the helmet storage locker LB (see Figure 17). When authentication is completed by bringing the contactless IC tag TA close to an authentication unit (not shown) on the electric vehicle 10 and the helmet storage locker LB, the electric vehicle 10 becomes available for use, and a predetermined helmet HE (see Figure 17) stored in the helmet storage locker LB becomes available for use.

[0135] Therefore, since the removable battery 100 with the contactless IC tag TA fixed in place is inserted into the slot 210 and stored in the battery exchange machine 200, the battery exchange machine 200 constitutes a storage device for storing multiple authentication media. Furthermore, the slot 210 into which the removable battery 100 with the contactless IC tag TA fixed in place is inserted and stored constitutes a storage section.

[0136] [Slot machine configuration] The configuration of the slot body 2022 will be explained using Figure 9. A slider 2022a1 is formed on the inner surface of the lower plate 2022a on the -Y axis side of the slot body 2022. The slider 2022a1 extends in the Z axis direction. The slider 2022a1 protrudes convexly from the surface of the lower plate 2022a toward the +Y axis direction. A groove extending in the Z axis direction is formed on the surface of each slider 2022a1. This reduces the contact area between the removable battery 100, which is inserted into and removed from the slot 210 in the Z axis direction, and the slider 2022a1. Therefore, friction between the removable battery 100 and the slider 2022a1 can be reduced.

[0137] [Configuration of the hold detection switch] As shown in Figure 9, the retention detection switch 2032 is located in the -Y-axis direction from the center of the bottom cover 2042 in the Y-axis direction. When the removable battery 100 is inserted into the slot 210 with the side surface 1012d facing the +Y-axis direction, the bottom surface 1012b of the removable battery 100 presses the retention detection switch 2032, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, the retention detection switch 2032 switches from off to on. When the retention detection switch 2032 switches from off to on, the retention detection switch 2032 detects that the removable battery 100 is held in the slot sleeve 2023.

[0138] When the removable battery 100 is inserted into the slot 210 with its side 1012d facing the -Y axis, the retention detection switch 2032 is inserted into the recess 1012g of the removable battery 100, and the bottom surface 1012b does not come into contact with the retention detection switch 2032. At this time, the retention detection switch 2032 remains in the off state. When the retention detection switch 2032 is off, the retention detection switch 2032 does not detect that the removable battery 100 is held in the slot sleeve 2023.

[0139] Since the recess 1012g of the removable battery 100 where the connector 1050 is located can be used as a structure into which the retention detection switch 2032 is inserted, there is no need to provide a separate structure for inserting the retention detection switch 2032 into the removable battery 100. The structure into which the retention detection switch 2032 is inserted into the removable battery 100 is designed to avoid contact between the removable battery 100 and the retention detection switch 2032.

[0140] [Bottom cover assembly components] As shown in Figure 9, the fan 2062, connector unit 2064, and electronic circuit board 2066 are attached to the bottom 2023a of the bottom cover 2042, forming the bottom cover assembly 2034.

[0141] The electronic circuit board 2066 is equipped with a control unit and a memory unit (not shown). The electronic circuit board 2066, equipped with the control unit and memory unit, constitutes a computer. Electronic circuits are formed on the electronic circuit board 2066, and the control unit, memory unit, and numerous other electronic and electrical devices are mounted on these electronic circuits. The aforementioned hold detection switch 2032 is also mounted on the electronic circuits of the electronic circuit board 2066. As shown in Figure 15, the hold detection switch 2032 is mounted on the +Z axis side of the electronic circuit board 2066. The hold detection switch 2032 is included in the bottom cover assembly 2034. The hold detection switch 2032 corresponds to the electronic device of the present invention. The fan 2062, connector unit 2064, and electronic circuit board 2066 are assembled to the bottom cover 2042. The bottom cover 2042 and the -Z axis side opening 2022c of the slot body 2022 are fastened together by bolts.

[0142] A control unit (not shown) controls the charging of the removable battery 100 inserted in slot 210. The control unit is implemented, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is composed of an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processing circuit may be composed of an electronic circuit including discrete devices. Furthermore, the processing circuit may be composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In this case, the processing circuit is implemented by the execution of a program stored in a memory unit (not shown) by the processor.

[0143] As shown in Figure 13, the electronic circuit board 2066 is provided with an RFID reader / writer 2046. The RFID reader / writer 2046 is positioned opposite the contactless IC tag TA when the removable battery 100, to which the contactless IC tag TA is fixed, is inserted into the slot 210 and stored. Here, "opposite" means both cases in which the RFID reader / writer 2046 and the contactless IC tag TA are separated and facing each other, and cases in contact and facing each other. The RFID reader / writer 2046 constitutes a reading unit capable of reading information stored in the contactless IC tag TA and writing information to be stored in the contactless IC tag TA.

[0144] In the above configuration, the control unit 260 executes a computer program stored in a readable storage medium electrically connected to the control unit 260 according to this embodiment, and in order to implement the control method of the storage device according to this embodiment, the control unit 260 performs the following control.

[0145] (Control and operation during lending) When a used detachable battery 100 is returned and a fully charged detachable battery 100 is lent out (exchanged), as shown in (1) of Figure 17, a detachable battery 100 with a contactless IC tag TA attached is lent out from the battery exchange machine 200, and the contactless IC tag TA and the detachable battery 100 are separated.

[0146] The lending process is as shown in Figure 18. First, as shown in Figure 18 (1), the user card 30 is read by the reader 240 of the battery exchange machine 200. Next, as shown in Figure 18 (2), the user selects the service by touching "Exchange" on the display unit 235. Then, as shown in Figure 18 (3), the used detachable battery 100 is inserted into the slot 210 and returned. Next, as shown in Figure 18 (4), the fully charged detachable battery 100 is received. Details of the control and operation are as follows.

[0147] [Step S301] As shown in Figure 14, the management server 300 has previously sent a list of user IDs and the unlock code for the battery replacement machine 200 to the battery replacement machine 200.

[0148] [Step S302] The user has the UserID read by having the User Card 30 read by the reader unit 240 of the battery replacement machine 200.

[0149] [Step S303] The control unit 260 of the battery replacement machine 200 compares the read UserID with the list of user IDs and checks whether the UserID is present in the list of user IDs.

[0150] [Step S304] The user also inputs information via the display unit 235 indicating their desire to borrow the detachable battery 100 and the devices (electric vehicle 10 and helmet storage locker LB) on which they plan to use the detachable battery 100.

[0151] [Step S305] The control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 checks whether the battery exchange machine 200 has the required number of fully charged removable batteries 100 for the device that the user plans to use.

[0152] If the battery exchange machine 200 has the required number of fully charged removable batteries 100 stored in the battery exchange machine 200 [Step S306: In Stock], the battery exchange machine 200 requests the management server 300 to check whether the batteries are available for loan [Step S307]. In response, the management server 300 sends the results of the check to the battery exchange machine 200 [Step S308].

[0153] If the battery exchange machine 200 has the required number of fully charged removable batteries 100 stored in the battery exchange machine 200 [Step S306: Out of Stock], the control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 performs control to display on the display unit 235 that the batteries are unavailable for loan to the user [Step S310].

[0154] If the lending is possible based on the verification result from the management server 300 [Step S309: Lending possible], the supply unit 272 of the control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 selects a contactless IC tag TA to be provided from among the multiple contactless IC tags TA in storage. In other words, it indirectly selects a detachable battery 100 to which a contactless IC tag TA in storage is fixed. The control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 then controls the writing of necessary information to the contactless IC tag TA, including the unlocking code for the device to be used (electric vehicle 10 and helmet storage locker LB), as well as information such as the identification code of the battery combination and the lending end date and time [Step S311].

[0155] [Step S312] The control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 then determines which removable battery 100 to provide to the user, and controls the display unit 235 to show the user which of the stored removable batteries 100 is fully charged, and provides (lends) the removable battery 100 with the contactless IC tag TA attached to it.

[0156] [Step S313] The user removes the contactless IC tag TA from the removable battery 100, separating the removable battery 100 from the contactless IC tag TA.

[0157] [Step S314] The control unit 260 of the battery exchange machine 200 performs control to transmit information about the borrowed user and the removable battery 100 to the management server 300. In response, the management server 300 updates the loan list, that is, updates the user management table 352 of the management server 300 [Step S315].

[0158] (Control and operation in the electric vehicle 10) [Step S401] As shown in Figure 15, the user installs the detachable battery 100, which was separated from the contactless IC tag TA in [Step S313], onto the electric vehicle 10.

[0159] [Step S402] In [Step S313], the user holds the contactless IC tag TA, which was separated from the detachable battery 100, near the handle of the electric vehicle 10 to unlock the electric vehicle 10.

[0160] [Step S403] The vehicle control unit 14 of the electric vehicle 10 acquires information stored in the contactless IC tag TA. Specifically, it acquires information such as the serial number of the removable battery 100 installed in the electric vehicle 10 and information about the removable batteries 100 used in combination with other batteries.

[0161] [Step S404] The vehicle control unit 14 of the electric vehicle 10 then compares the acquired information with the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14.

[0162] [Step S406] If the results of comparing the acquired information with the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14 do not match [Step S404: Mismatch], the electric vehicle 10 is informed to the user that it is unable to start.

[0163] [Step S405] If the results of comparing the acquired information with the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14 match [Step S404: Match], the information of the loan period of the detachable battery 100 is obtained from the information stored in the contactless IC tag TA.

[0164] [Step S407] The vehicle control unit 14 of the electric vehicle 10 then compares the information on the loan period with the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14.

[0165] [Step S409] If the results of comparing the information on the loan period with the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14 do not match [Step S407: Problem found], the user is notified that there is a problem. The vehicle control unit 14 of the electric vehicle 10 then performs control to restrict the operation of the electric vehicle 10 so that the electric vehicle 10 cannot run. The use of the detachable battery 100 is then terminated (canceled) [Step S408].

[0166] If the information regarding the loan period matches the information stored in the storage medium electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 14 and there are no problems with using the electric vehicle 10 [Step S407: No problems], the user can use the electric vehicle. The user travels to their destination in the electric vehicle 10 as shown in (3) to (6) of Figure 17. Upon arrival at the destination, the user gets off the electric vehicle 10, takes the contactless IC tag TA, and parks the electric vehicle 10. To get back into the electric vehicle 10, the user holds the contactless IC tag TA near the handle of the electric vehicle 10 to unlock it, gets back in, and travels. This completes the use of the detachable battery 100 [Step S408].

[0167] [Step S412] When the use of the detachable battery 100 is finished (stopped) [Step S408], the user attaches the contactless IC tag TA to the detachable battery 100 and attaches it to the battery.

[0168] (Control and operation during return) When the detachable battery 100 is returned, as shown in (8) of Figure 17, a contactless IC tag TA is attached to the detachable battery 100 removed from the electric vehicle 10, and it is returned to the battery exchange machine 200. Details of the control and operation are as follows.

[0169] [Step S501] As shown in Figure 16, the management server 300 sends a list of user IDs to the battery replacement machine 200 in advance.

[0170] [Step S502] The user has the UserID read by having the User Card 30 read by the reader unit 240 of the battery replacement machine 200.

[0171] [Step S503] The control unit 260 of the battery replacement machine 200 compares the read UserID with the list of user IDs and checks whether the UserID is present in the list of user IDs.

[0172] [Step S504] The user inserts the removable battery 100, to which the contactless IC tag TA is attached, into the slot 210.

[0173] [Step S505] The control unit 260 of the battery replacement machine 200 checks the removable battery 100 and the contactless IC tag TA, and obtains information about the battery replacement machine 200 and user information.

[0174] [Step S506] The control unit 260 of the battery replacement machine 200 transmits the information of the battery replacement machine 200 and the user information acquired in [Step S505] to the management server 300.

[0175] [Step S507] In response, the management server 300 updates the loan list, that is, updates the user management table 352 of the management server 300. Then, the management server 300 calculates the usage amount based on the user's usage status, such as the number of times the battery replacement machine 200 has been replaced, and bills the user for the cost via a credit card company or the like [Step S508].

[0176] In the control and operation described above, as shown in Figures 17(1), (3) to (6), and (8), the electric vehicle 10, battery exchange machine 200, and contactless IC tag TA were used. In addition, Figures 17(2) and (7) are also performed. Specifically, multiple helmets HE used when riding the electric vehicle 10 are stored in the helmet storage locker LB. The user authenticates by holding the contactless IC tag TA over the reader on the helmet storage locker LB. Once authentication is complete, the user can take the helmet HE out of the helmet storage locker LB and use it. After using the helmet HE, the user authenticates by holding the contactless IC tag TA over the reader on the helmet storage locker LB. Once authentication is complete, the helmet HE can be stored back in the helmet storage locker LB.

[0177] (Effects of this embodiment) The above-described storage device (battery changer 200), control method for the storage device, computer program, and readable storage medium can achieve the following effects. According to this embodiment, the device includes a slot 210 as a storage unit for storing contactless IC tags TA used as authentication media for authentication to use the electric vehicle 10 and helmet storage locker LB as other devices; a reading unit 240 as a receiving unit for receiving authentication information used for authentication to use the battery changer 200 as a storage device, which is input or presented by the user who is the user of the battery changer 200 as a storage device; an authentication unit 245 for authenticating the user based on the authentication information received by the reading unit 240 as a receiving unit; and a providing unit 272 for determining which authentication medium to provide to the user from among the multiple contactless IC tags TA stored in the battery changer 200 as a storage unit if the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful.

[0178] This makes it possible to store the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium, in the slot 210, which serves as the storage section of the battery exchange machine 200, which serves as the storage device. The contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium for using the electric vehicle 10 and helmet storage locker LB, which serve as other devices, can be received by authenticating them at the battery exchange machine 200, which serves as the storage device. As a result, for example, it is possible to borrow a detachable battery 100 from the battery exchange machine 200, which serves as the storage device, and also borrow a contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium for using the electric vehicle 10, which serves as another device, making it possible to use both the detachable battery 100 and the electric vehicle 10. As a result, it becomes possible to borrow a battery and an electric vehicle using that battery at a battery exchange station located at a station near the destination and travel there.

[0179] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the authentication medium is composed of a contactless IC tag TA. This makes authentication easier.

[0180] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the other devices are the electric vehicle 10 and the helmet storage locker LB. This makes it possible to use the electric vehicle 10 and helmet HE by performing authentication at the battery exchange machine 200, which serves as a storage device.

[0181] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the authentication information is stored in a user card 30, which is an authentication medium for a storage device and is provided separately from the contactless IC tag TA, which is an authentication medium. This makes it possible to separately control, for example, the authentication for lending the detachable battery 100 in the battery exchange machine 200 and the authentication for using the electric vehicle 10.

[0182] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the slot 210 as a storage unit is configured to store multiple removable batteries 100 as energy storage devices having an energy storage unit, and the supply unit 272 determines the slot 210 as a storage unit when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful. As a result, the slot 210 as a storage unit stores the removable batteries 100 as energy storage devices and the contactless IC tag TA as an authentication medium, so that the user can receive the removable batteries 100 and the contactless IC tag TA by performing authentication to the battery exchange machine 200 as a storage device.

[0183] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contactless IC tag TA, as an authentication medium, is detachably fixed to the battery exchange machine 200, which is a power storage device having a power storage unit, and the slot 210, which is a storage unit, is configured to store the detachable battery 100, which is a power storage device, to which the contactless IC tag TA, as an authentication medium, is fixed. As a result, when the detachable battery 100, which is a power storage device, is removed from the battery exchange machine 200, the detachable battery 100 and the contactless IC tag TA can be removed together, thereby improving convenience.

[0184] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful, the providing unit 272 determines which of the multiple removable batteries 100, each with a contactless IC tag TA fixed as an authentication medium, stored in the slot 210 as a storage unit, will be provided to the user. As a result, when removing the removable battery 100 as an energy storage device from the battery exchange machine 200 as an energy storage device, if the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 245 is successful, the removable battery 100 and the contactless IC tag TA can be removed together, thereby improving convenience.

[0185] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the slot 210, which serves as a storage unit, has an RFID reader / writer 2046, which serves as a reader unit, for reading information stored in the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium, and / or writing information to be stored in the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium. As a result, by inserting the removable battery 100, which serves as an energy storage device, into the slot 210, which serves as a storage unit, it becomes possible to obtain the information stored in the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium.

[0186] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium, is detachably fixed to the outer surface of the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device. This makes it possible to easily retrieve the information stored in the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium, by inserting the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device, into the slot 210, which serves as the storage section.

[0187] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the RFID reader / writer 2046, which serves as the reading unit, is positioned in a slot 210, which serves as the storage unit, opposite the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium and is fixedly stored in the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device. This makes it possible to reliably acquire the information stored in the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium, by inserting the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device, into the slot 210, which serves as the storage unit.

[0188] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium, is fixed to the bottom surface of the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device. This allows the RFID reader / writer 2046, which serves as the reading unit, to be easily positioned in a slot 210, which serves as the storage unit, opposite to the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium and is fixed and stored in the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device.

[0189] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a recess 1043 is formed on the bottom surface of the detachable battery 100 as an energy storage device, and the contactless IC tag TA as an authentication medium is fixed by being fitted into the recess 1043. This makes it easy and reliable to attach and detach the contactless IC tag TA as an authentication medium to the detachable battery 100 as an energy storage device.

[0190] The embodiments described above are not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the embodiments also include the following modifications.

[0191] (First variation) For example, in this embodiment, a removable battery 100, which serves as an energy storage device and has a contactless IC tag TA fixed to it as an authentication medium, is inserted into and stored in a slot 210 serving as a storage section, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, both a storage section for storing the authentication medium and another storage section for storing the energy storage device may be provided. This increases the degree of freedom in the configuration of the storage device.

[0192] (Second variation) Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as the authentication medium, is fixed to the bottom surface of the removable battery 100, which serves as the energy storage device, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be fixed to any position on the outer surface of the energy storage device.

[0193] For example, the contactless IC tag TA, used as an authentication medium, may be fixed to the side of the removable battery 100, which serves as a power storage device. The RFID reader / writer may be provided, for example, on the lower plate 2022a of the slot body 2022, which serves as a storage unit, and configured so that the contactless IC tag TA passes over or slides past the RFID reader / writer while the removable battery 100 is being inserted into the slot 210. This makes it possible to read the contactless IC tag TA, which serves as an authentication medium, while the removable battery 100 is being inserted into the slot 210.

[0194] Furthermore, although the opening of slot 210 was open in this embodiment, if a top surface (lid member) is provided over the opening of slot 210 as a storage unit, an RFID reader / writer may be provided on this openable / closable lid member. In this case, the RFID reader / writer as a reading unit is configured to be movable. In this case, the contactless IC tag TA as an authentication medium may be provided on the top of the detachable battery 100 as a power storage device (for example, on the handle 1048, etc.) that faces the RFID reader / writer when the power storage device is stored in the storage unit.

[0195] (Third variation) For example, in this embodiment, the other devices were an electric vehicle 10 and a helmet storage locker LB, but the embodiment is not limited to these.

[0196] (Fourth variation) For example, in this embodiment, the contactless IC tag TA used as the authentication medium was capable of unlocking and authenticating both the electric vehicle 10 and the helmet storage locker LB with just one tag. However, the system is not limited to this, and a separate authentication medium may be provided for unlocking the electric vehicle 10 and for authenticating the helmet storage locker LB. In other words, an authentication medium for authentication and unlocking may be provided for each of the other devices.

[0197] (Fifth variation) Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the contactless IC tag TA as the authentication medium made it possible to unlock and authenticate both the electric vehicle 10 and the helmet storage locker LB. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the contactless IC tag TA as the authentication medium may also be used to authenticate the battery exchange machine 200 as a storage device. In this case, the reading unit 240 of the battery exchange machine 200 as a storage device only needs to have an RFID reader / writer.

[0198] <Other Embodiments> Although the embodiments have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0199] 10. Electric vehicles (other devices) 30. User card (authentication medium for storage device) 200 Battery replacement machine (storage device) 210 slots (storage section) 240 Reading Section (Reception Section) 245 Certification Department 272 Providing Department 1012b Base 1043 Recess 2046 RFID Reader / Writer (Reading Club) LB Helmet Storage Locker (Other Equipment) TA Contactless IC Tag (Authentication Medium)

Claims

1. A storage device for storing multiple authentication media, A storage unit for storing the authentication medium used for authentication to use a device other than the aforementioned storage device, A reception unit that receives authentication information used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by the user of the storage device, An authentication unit that authenticates the user based on the authentication information received by the reception unit, When the authentication of the user by the authentication unit is successful, the provision unit determines which of the multiple authentication media stored in the storage unit to provide to the user; A storage device equipped with the following features.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication medium is composed of a contactless IC tag.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the other device is at least one of an electric vehicle and a helmet storage locker.

4. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the authenticated information is stored in an authentication medium for the storage device, which is provided separately from the authentication medium.

5. The storage unit is configured to store multiple energy storage devices, each having an energy storage unit, Or, The storage device includes other storage sections capable of storing a plurality of the energy storage devices, each having an energy storage section. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the providing unit determines which of the energy storage devices stored in the storage unit or other storage units to provide to the user when the authentication unit successfully authenticates the user.

6. The authentication medium is provided so as to be detachably fixed to a power storage device having a power storage unit. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage section is configured to store the energy storage device on which the authentication medium is fixed.

7. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the providing unit determines, when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit is successful, which of the plurality of energy storage devices stored in the storage unit, each to which the authentication medium is fixed, to be provided to the user.

8. The aforementioned storage unit is Read the information stored on the aforementioned authentication medium. and / or Write the information to be stored on the aforementioned authentication medium. A storage device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, having a reading section.

9. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the authentication medium is provided so as to be detachably fixed to the outer surface of the energy storage device.

10. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein the reading section is positioned in the storage section opposite to the authentication medium which is fixed and stored in the energy storage device.

11. The storage device according to claim 10, wherein the authentication medium is provided so as to be fixed to the bottom surface of the energy storage device.

12. A recess is formed on the bottom surface of the aforementioned energy storage device. The storage device according to claim 11, wherein the authentication medium is fixed by being fitted into a recess.

13. The storage device according to claim 10, wherein the authentication medium is fixed to the side surface of the energy storage device.

14. A storage device for storing multiple authentication media, The storage unit includes a storage section for storing the authentication medium used for authentication to use a device other than the aforementioned storage device, The authentication medium is provided so as to be detachably fixed to a power storage device having a power storage unit. The storage unit is configured to store the energy storage device on which the authentication medium is fixed, The aforementioned storage unit is Read the information stored on the aforementioned authentication medium. and / or Write the information to be stored on the aforementioned authentication medium. A storage device with a reading section.

15. A control method for a storage device having a storage section for storing multiple authentication media used for authentication to use a device other than the storage device, A step of receiving authenticated information used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by the user of the storage device, A step of authenticating the user based on the authenticated information received in the aforementioned receiving step, If the authentication of the user in the authentication process is successful, the process of determining which of the multiple authentication media stored in the storage unit to provide to the user, A control method for a storage device having the following features.

16. A computer program that enables the operation of a processor constituting the control unit of a storage device having a storage section for storing multiple authentication media used for authentication to use a device other than the storage device, A storage unit for storing the authentication medium used for authentication to use other devices, A reception unit that receives authentication information used for authentication to use the storage device, which is input or presented by the user of the storage device, An authentication unit that authenticates the user based on the authentication information received by the reception unit, A storage device comprising a control unit having a supply unit, A computer program that, upon successful authentication of the user by the authentication unit, functions as a provisioning unit that determines which of the multiple authentication media stored in the storage unit is to be provided to the user.

17. A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in claim 16.

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