Battery Exchange Equipment

Abstract

To provide a battery replacement device that can use a general-purpose removable battery.SOLUTION: A battery replacement device 100 includes a battery accommodating unit 1 that accommodates a removable battery B that supplies the drive power to an electric vehicle V, a charging unit 2 that is provided inside the battery accommodating unit 1 to charge the removable battery B, an authentication unit 4 that obtains user information U from an authentication medium M separated from the removable battery B before the removable battery B removed from the electric vehicle V is attached to the charging unit 2, and a control unit 9 that perform control to enable the provision of the charged removable battery B accommodated in the battery accommodating unit 1 on the basis of the user information U acquired by the authentication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery exchange device, and more particularly to a battery exchange device including a charging unit that charges a removable battery of an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a battery exchange device including a charging unit that charges a removable battery of an electric vehicle has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a charging sales system that includes a charging unit that charges a removable battery of an electric vehicle and an authentication unit that performs user authentication. A storage medium in which user information is stored is integrally provided with the removable battery. When a used removable battery is attached to the charging unit, the authentication unit is configured to read the user information from the storage medium and perform authentication. In addition, the charging sales system is configured to transfer the user information from the used removable battery to another charged removable battery after authentication, so that the battery can be removed by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-529821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The charging sales system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is necessary to use a dedicated removable battery with an integrated storage medium in order to perform authentication.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a battery exchange device that can use a general-purpose removable battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a battery exchange device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery storage unit that stores a removable battery that supplies driving power to an electric vehicle, a charging unit that is provided inside the battery storage unit and charges the removable battery, an authentication unit that acquires user information from an authentication medium separate from the removable battery before a removable battery removed from the electric vehicle is attached to the charging unit, and an authentication unit that is provided corresponding to each of the multiple charging units and that verifies that the charge amounts of the multiple removable batteries attached to each of the multiple charging units are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Based on the fact that the closed state of the cover of the battery storage part is released, The device includes a plurality of charging display units each displaying a predetermined display mode, a fan for cooling the plurality of removable batteries, and a control unit that performs control to enable provision of a charged removable battery contained in the battery container based on user information acquired by the authentication unit. Here, the above-mentioned electric vehicle includes both a vehicle having only an electric motor driven by electric power from a removable battery as a driving source, and a hybrid vehicle having an electric motor driven by electric power from a removable battery and an engine driven by fuel as a driving source.

[0008] In a battery exchange device according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, an authentication unit that acquires user information from an authentication medium separate from the removable battery, and a control unit that performs control to enable provision of a charged removable battery contained in a battery container based on the user information acquired by the authentication unit are provided. Since the authentication unit can acquire user information from the authentication medium separate from the removable battery, a general-purpose removable battery can be used instead of a dedicated removable battery integrated with a storage medium as in the related art.

[0009] In the battery exchange device according to the above aspect, preferably, the device further comprises a charging display unit that displays in a predetermined display manner that the charge amount of the removable battery attached to the charging unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. With this configuration, the charging display unit can easily distinguish between a removable battery that has not been sufficiently charged and that has been attached to the charging unit by another user just recently, and a removable battery that is sufficiently charged.

[0010] In this case, the charging display unit is preferably configured to display that the charge level of the removable battery attached to the charging unit is less than a predetermined threshold level by a display mode that is different and distinguishable from the predetermined display mode. With this configuration, a removable battery that is not sufficiently charged and a removable battery that is sufficiently charged can be displayed by the charging display unit in different display modes, so that a removable battery that is not sufficiently charged and a removable battery that is sufficiently charged can be more reliably distinguished from each other.

[0011] In the battery exchange device according to the above aspect, the battery storage unit preferably includes an openable first lid unit and a lock unit that locks the first lid unit to keep it in a closed state, and the control unit is configured to control the lock unit to unlock the first lid unit based on the user information acquired by the authentication unit. With this configuration, the removable battery can be placed inside the battery storage unit out of the user's reach until the first lid unit is unlocked by the lock unit after authentication. This makes it possible to prevent the removable battery from being stolen before authentication.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the locking unit to lock the first lid unit again when the first lid unit is closed after replacement of the removable battery is completed with the first lid unit unlocked. With this configuration, the first lid unit can be locked again by the locking unit simply by closing the first lid unit, so that the first lid unit can be easily returned to the locked state before authentication.

[0013] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the battery storage section includes a first lid section and a lock section, preferably, an authentication medium removal prevention section is further provided which prevents the authentication medium from being removed from the device body when authentication is being performed by the authentication section, and the control section is configured to perform control such that the authentication medium removal prevention section prevents the authentication medium from being removed from the device body while the first lid section is unlocked by the lock section. With this configuration, the authentication medium removal prevention section can prevent removal of the authentication medium when the removable battery is replaced, so that the theft of the removable battery can be prevented when the removable battery can be replaced after authentication.

[0014] In this case, preferably, the authentication medium removal prevention unit includes a fixing mechanism that fixes the authentication medium to the device body with the authentication medium installed in the authentication unit, or an authentication medium storage unit that has an openable second lid and confines the authentication medium by closing the second lid with the authentication medium placed inside. With this configuration, the fixing mechanism can fix the authentication medium to the device body, making it possible to prevent removal of the authentication medium with a relatively simple configuration. Furthermore, the authentication medium storage unit can confine the authentication medium in a manner that the user cannot touch it, making it possible to more reliably prevent removal of the authentication medium.

[0015] In the battery exchange device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to acquire at least one of information on the charge amount of the removable battery, information on the number of times the removable battery has been replaced, information on the temperature of the removable battery, information on the temperature inside the battery storage unit, information on the temperature of the charging unit, and operation information indicating a time period during which the removable battery is being replaced, and to control the transmission to the management server. With this configuration, it becomes possible to easily grasp various states of the battery exchange device, such as deterioration of the removable battery, being in a temperature environment in which the removable battery is likely to deteriorate, and the usage status of the battery exchange device by the user, and to quickly take measures according to the various states of the battery exchange device. Effect of the Invention

[0016] As described above, the present invention can provide a battery exchange device that can use a general-purpose removable battery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid portion of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment is open. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid portion of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment is closed. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a removable battery and an authentication medium are attached to a battery exchange device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of a control process by a control unit of the battery exchange apparatus when replacing a removable battery. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an authentication medium storage section of a battery exchange device according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] (Configuration of battery exchange device) The configuration of a battery exchange device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0020] The battery exchange device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is configured to charge a removable battery B of an electric vehicle V. The electric vehicle V includes an electric motorcycle, an electric car, an electric bicycle, and the like, and refers to any vehicle configured to obtain driving power for propulsion from a removable battery B.

[0021] Here, in FIG. 1 (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), the up-down direction is indicated by the Z direction.

[0022] In addition, in FIG. 1 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the width direction (left-right direction) of the battery exchange apparatus 100 is indicated by the X direction.

[0023] 1 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction is indicated by the Y direction. Within the Y direction, the direction from the front side to the back side of the battery exchange apparatus 100 is indicated by the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction is indicated by the Y2 direction. The battery exchange apparatus 100 is configured so that a user can perform operations such as attaching and detaching the removable battery B from the Y2 direction side (front side) of the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0024] The battery exchange device 100 stores a plurality of charged removable batteries B therein, and is configured to be able to instantly provide a charged removable battery B to a user of an electric vehicle V by exchanging a used (low charge (remaining battery capacity)) removable battery B removed from the electric vehicle V with a charged (high charge (remaining battery capacity)) removable battery B. In other words, the battery exchange device 100 is a so-called battery station that provides charged removable batteries B to users who need them.

[0025] The above "instantly" means that the time required is short compared with the time required to charge a used removable battery B.

[0026] As one example, the battery exchange device 100 is installed outdoors at a predetermined position along a road on which the electric vehicle V travels. Alternatively, the battery exchange device 100 may be installed in a predetermined location such as a store that sells and repairs the electric vehicle V and that is easy for users of the electric vehicle V to visit.

[0027] As one example, the “service of providing removable battery B by battery exchange device 100” can only be used by users who have subscribed to a specified plan provided by a rental company for electric vehicles V or a dealer for electric vehicles V.

[0028] In this case, the fee for the "service of providing removable battery B by the battery exchange device 100" may be paid in cash or electronic money each time a removable battery B is provided by the battery exchange device 100. In addition, various payment modes are possible, such as a mode in which the fee is automatically debited from a pre-registered user's account in cooperation with the management server S each time a removable battery B is provided by the battery exchange device 100, or a mode in which the user pays a fixed fee at fixed intervals regardless of the number of times a removable battery B is provided.

[0029] In consideration of theft of the removable battery B, the battery exchange device 100 is configured to request a user to perform a predetermined authentication using an authentication medium M (see Figs. 2 and 5) in order to receive the "removable battery B provision service". Details will be described later. As one example, the authentication medium M is a medium separate from the removable battery B, and is a predetermined authentication card carried by the user.

[0030] (Configuration of each part of the battery exchange device) 1 and 2, the battery exchange device 100 includes a battery housing section 1, multiple (four) charging sections 2, multiple (four) charging display sections 2a, three operation status display sections (power display section 3a, lid opening / closing display section 3b, and authentication display section 3c), an authentication section 4, a fixing mechanism 5 (see FIG. 5), a sound generating section 6, a device status detection sensor 7, a communication section 8, and a control section 9. The fixing mechanism 5 is an example of an "authentication medium removal prevention section" in the claims.

[0031] The multiple (four) charging units 2 and the multiple (four) charging display units 2a are both provided inside the battery storage unit 1. On the other hand, the authentication unit 4 is provided outside the battery storage unit 1 so that it can be constantly viewed by the user.

[0032] Below, the providing operation (exchanging operation) of the removable battery B will be briefly explained, and then the detailed configuration of each part of the battery exchange device 100 will be explained in order.

[0033] The battery housing 1 is configured to authenticate the user by the authentication unit 4, and when the authentication is successful, to enable removal of the charged removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 from inside the battery housing 1. When the authentication is successful, the battery housing 1 prevents the authentication medium M from being removed from the device main body 100a by the fixing mechanism 5.

[0034] The battery exchange device 100 is configured to enable the authentication medium M to be removed from the device body 100a when the closed state detection sensor 12 detects that the lid 10 of the battery housing section 1 has been closed after the used removable battery B has been attached to the charging section 2 that has become empty by removing the charged removable battery B (after the replacement of the removable battery B has been completed). Considering a conventional battery exchange device (a battery exchange device in which authentication is performed by attaching a removable battery provided with a storage medium that stores user information to an empty charging section), in order to replace multiple removable batteries, an authentication operation is required for each removable battery, i.e., multiple authentication operations are required, which reduces operability. On the other hand, the battery exchange device 100 of this embodiment allows multiple removable batteries B to be exchanged (removing multiple charged removable batteries B at once and installing multiple used removable batteries B at once) with a single authentication operation, and can improve the workability for replacing removable batteries B compared to conventional battery exchange devices. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned conventional battery exchange device, authentication is performed by a removable battery attached to the charging unit, so that stronger security is required for both parties compared to the battery exchange device 100 of this embodiment. The lid portion 10 is an example of a "first lid portion" in the claims.

[0035] <Configuration of Battery Storage Section> The battery storage section 1 is configured to store a removable battery B. As one example, the battery storage section 1 is generally formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends long in the left-right direction (X direction). That is, the battery storage section 1 is formed so that the left-right direction (X direction) is larger than the depth direction (Y direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction). Also, as one example, the battery storage section 1 (charging section 2) is configured to be disposed at a relatively low height position so that the removable battery B can be easily attached and detached.

[0036] The battery storage section 1 includes an openable and closable lid section 10, a lock section 11 that locks the lid section 10 to hold it in a closed state, a closed state detection sensor 12, and a cooling section 13.

[0037] <Configuration of the lid of the battery storage section> 3 and 4, the lid 10 is configured as a shutter that opens and closes along a predetermined guide (not shown). In the open state, the lid 10 is configured to open the upper side (Z1 direction side) of the battery housing 1 and the front side (Y2 direction side) where the user is located. In the closed state, the lid 10 is configured to completely cover the removable battery B so that the removable battery B inside the battery housing 1 cannot be seen.

[0038] <Configuration of Locking Part of Battery Storage Part> The locking portions 11 are provided on both sides in the left-right direction (X direction) inside the battery receptacle 1 (only one is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The locking portions 11 are disposed inside the battery receptacle 1.

[0039] The locking part 11 is configured to lock the lid part 10 and hold it in the closed state. In detail, as an example, the locking part 11 is configured by a retractable solenoid, and is configured to engage with the lid part 10 in the closed state from the inside of the battery holder 1. The lid part 10 is provided with a predetermined engaging part (not shown) for engaging with the locking part 11. The locking part 11 is configured to restrict (lock) the movement of the lid part 10 by engaging with the battery holder 1, and to hold it in the closed state.

[0040] <Configuration of the sensor for detecting the closed state of the battery storage section> The closed state detection sensor 12 is configured to detect the closed state of the lid portion 10. That is, the closed state detection sensor 12 is configured to detect that the lid portion 10 is in a closed state. As one example, the closed state detection sensor 12 is configured with a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor that can detect the closed state of the lid portion 10. Alternatively, the closed state detection sensor may be configured with a contact sensor that detects the closed state of the lid portion by pressing a button with the end face of the lid portion.

[0041] The closed state detection sensor 12 functions as a trigger for driving the lock portion 11. In detail, when closed state detection sensor 12 detects that lid unit 10 is closed, control unit 9 acquires a predetermined trigger signal indicating that lid unit 10 is in the closed state. Then, control unit 9 performs control to lock lid unit 10 using lock unit 11 to maintain the closed state. Note that closed state detection sensor 12 stops transmitting the predetermined trigger signal to control unit 9 if lid unit 10 is opened even slightly from the closed state.

[0042] <Configuration of Cooling Section of Battery Storage Section> The cooling section 13 is configured to cool the detachable battery B in the battery receptacle 1 by taking in air from outside the battery receptacle 1 and circulating the air.

[0043] The cooling section 13 includes a plurality (four) of air supply paths 13a, a plurality (two) of air exhaust paths 13b, an air supply fan 13c provided for each of the air supply paths 13a, and an exhaust fan 13d provided for each of the exhaust paths 13b.

[0044] The multiple (four) air supply paths 13a are disposed on the rear side (Y1 direction side) of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2. The air supply fan 13c is configured to send air outside the battery housing unit 1 toward the removable battery B via the air supply paths 13a.

[0045] The multiple (four) exhaust paths 13b are disposed above the air supply path 13a. The exhaust fan 13d is configured to send the air inside the battery housing 1 to the outside of the battery housing 1 through the exhaust paths 13b.

[0046] (Charging section configuration) A plurality of (four) charging units 2 are provided inside the battery housing 1. The charging units 2 are provided on the bottom surface of the battery housing 1. As an example, the plurality of (four) charging units 2 are arranged in a row aligned in the left-right direction.

[0047] The charging unit 2 is configured to charge the removable battery B. That is, the charging unit 2 is configured to supply power for charging to the attached removable battery B. The battery exchange apparatus 100 includes a power status management unit 20 that supplies power for charging to the charging unit 2. The power status management unit 20 is configured to supply power to each unit of the battery exchange apparatus 100. As an example, the power status management unit 20 is configured to receive power from a commercial power source as a power source.

[0048] (Configuration of charging display unit) One charging display unit 2a is provided for each charging unit 2. The charging display unit 2a is configured to display, in a predetermined display mode, that the charge amount of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The charging display unit 2a is also configured to display, in a display mode that is different and distinguishable from the predetermined display mode, that the charge amount of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0049] Specifically, the charging indicator 2a is configured as a lamp. As an example, the charging indicator 2a is configured to emit green light when the charge level of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the charging indicator 2a is configured to turn off when the charge level of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0050] The multiple (four) charging indicators 2a are configured to all be turned off when the user cannot see them and when replacement of the removable battery B is complete. That is, the multiple (four) charging indicators 2a are configured to emit green light for a limited period from when the closed state detection state by the closed state detection sensor 12 is released until when the charged removable battery B is removed and a used removable battery B is attached.

[0051] (Configuration of power indicator, lid open / close indicator, and authentication indicator) The power supply display unit 3a is provided outside the battery housing unit 1 so as to be constantly visible to the user. The power supply display unit 3a is configured to display whether or not the power supply of the battery exchange apparatus 100 is on.

[0052] Specifically, the power supply indicator 3a is configured with a lamp. The power supply indicator 3a is configured to emit green light when the power supply of the battery exchange apparatus 100 is on. The power supply indicator 3a is configured to turn off when the power supply of the battery exchange apparatus 100 is off.

[0053] The cover open / closed indicator 3b is provided on the outside of the battery housing 1 so as to be constantly visible to the user. The cover open / closed indicator 3b is configured to indicate whether the cover 10 is open or closed.

[0054] Specifically, the lid open / close indicator 3b is configured with a lamp that can change the light color between green and red. The lid open / close indicator 3b is configured to emit green light when the lid 10 is in the open state. The lid open / close indicator 3b is configured to emit red light when the lid 10 is in the closed state.

[0055] The authentication display unit 3c is provided outside the battery housing unit 1 so as to be constantly visible to the user. The authentication display unit 3c is configured to display the authentication state of the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0056] Specifically, the authentication display unit 3c is configured as a lamp that can change the light emission color between two colors, green and red. The authentication display unit 3c is configured to emit green light while flashing when the authentication unit 4 is in the process of authenticating the user (when it is being confirmed whether the user is a legitimate user who may provide the charged removable battery B). Moreover, the authentication display unit 3c is configured to emit green light continuously without flashing when the authentication unit 4 has succeeded in authenticating the user (when it has been confirmed that the user is a legitimate user who may provide the charged removable battery B).

[0057] On the other hand, the authentication display unit 3c is configured to emit red light when authentication by the authentication unit 4 has failed (when it cannot be confirmed that the user is a legitimate user who may provide the charged removable battery B).

[0058] (Authentication section configuration) The authentication unit 4 is configured to acquire user information U (see FIG. 2) from an authentication medium M separate from the removable battery B before the removable battery B removed from the electric vehicle V is attached to the charging unit 2.

[0059] As one example, the authentication medium M is a card having a predetermined storage medium in which user information U is stored. Also, as another example, in the case of a rented electric vehicle V, a key (not shown) for the electric vehicle V may be fixed to the authentication medium M by a string member such as a chain.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the authentication unit 4 has a slot 40 for an authentication medium M, and a reader unit 41 disposed adjacent to the authentication medium M inserted into the slot 40.

[0061] The authentication unit 4 is configured to acquire user information U from the authentication medium M by performing wireless communication with the authentication medium M in a predetermined method using the reader unit 41 when the authentication medium M is inserted into the slot 40. As one example, the wireless communication in the predetermined method is near field communication (NFC).

[0062] The battery exchange device 100 is configured to allow provision of the removable battery B when authentication in the authentication unit 4 is successful. On the other hand, the battery exchange device 100 is configured not to provide the removable battery B (see FIG. 4) when authentication in the authentication unit 4 is unsuccessful.

[0063] (Configuration of fixing mechanism) The fixing mechanism 5 has a function of preventing the authentication medium M from being removed from the device main body 100a (authentication unit 4) when authentication is being performed by the authentication unit 4. In other words, the fixing mechanism 5 has a function of preventing the authentication medium M inserted into the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4 from being removed when authentication is being performed by the authentication unit 4.

[0064] The fixing mechanism 5 is configured to fix the authentication medium M to the device main body 100a in a state in which the authentication medium M is placed in the authentication unit 4.

[0065] In detail, a through hole M1 is provided in the authentication medium M. The fixing mechanism 5 has an insertion part 50 that is inserted into the through hole M1 so as to be capable of moving forward and backward. The fixing mechanism 5 is configured to fix the authentication medium M to the device main body 100a (authentication unit 4) by inserting the insertion part 50 into the through hole M1.

[0066] (Structure of the sound generating section) The sound generating unit 6 shown in Fig. 2 is configured to emit a predetermined sound in order to notify the user of successful authentication in the authentication unit 4 when the authentication is successful. As an example, the sound generating unit 6 emits a "ping-pong" sound as the predetermined sound in the case of successful authentication. Alternatively, the sound generating unit 6 may emit an electronic sound such as a buzzer sound as the predetermined sound in the case of successful authentication.

[0067] The sound generating unit 6 is configured to emit a sound different from the above-mentioned predetermined sound in order to notify the user of the failure of authentication when authentication by the authentication unit 4 fails. As one example, the sound generating unit 6 emits a "click" sound when authentication fails. Alternatively, the sound generating unit 6 may emit an electronic sound such as a buzzer sound when authentication fails.

[0068] (Configuration of device status detection sensor) The device state detection sensor 7 includes a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information of the removable battery B, a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information of the charging unit 2, and a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information inside the battery receptacle 1. The cooling unit 13 may be configured to be driven based on the various types of information acquired by the device state detection sensor 7.

[0069] (Communication section configuration) The communication unit 8 is connected to a predetermined communication network N, and is configured to be able to communicate with a management server S connected to the predetermined communication network N. The predetermined communication network N is, for example, the Internet.

[0070] The battery exchange device 100 is configured to transmit “various types of information acquired by the device state detection sensor 7” to the management server S via the communication unit 8.

[0071] In addition, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may be configured to transmit "information on the charge amount of the removable battery B" to the management server S via the communication unit 8. In addition, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may be configured to transmit "information on the number of times the removable battery B has been replaced" to the management server S via the communication unit 8.

[0072] Furthermore, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may be configured to transmit, via the communication unit 8, to the management server S, "information indicating the time period during which the exchange operation of the removable battery B is being performed."

[0073] (Control Unit Configuration) The control unit 9 is configured to control the driving of each part of the battery exchange apparatus 100. The control unit 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0074] The control unit 9 is configured to perform control that enables provision of the charged removable battery B contained in the battery container 1, based on the user information U acquired by the authentication unit 4. Specifically, the control unit 9 performs control to release the lock of the lid unit 10 by the lock unit 11 when authentication by the authentication unit 4 is successful, based on the user information U acquired by the authentication unit 4.

[0075] In addition, the control unit 9 is configured to perform control so that the fixing mechanism 5 does not allow the authentication medium M to be removed from the device main body 100a while the locking of the lid unit 10 by the locking unit 11 is released.

[0076] In addition, the control unit 9 is configured to perform control to lock the lid portion 10 again by the locking unit 11 (control to prevent the lid portion 10 from being opened) when the lid portion 10 is closed after the replacement of the removable battery B is completed with the lid portion 10 unlocked by the locking unit 11.

[0077] (Control processing by the control unit) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a control process by the control unit 9 of the battery exchange apparatus 100 when replacing the removable battery B will be described.

[0078] First, in step S1, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the authentication medium M has been inserted into the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4. Step S1 is repeated until the authentication medium M has been inserted into the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4, and when the authentication medium M has been inserted into the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0079] Next, in step S2, the control unit 9 drives the insertion unit 50 of the fixing mechanism 5 to insert it into the through-hole M1 of the authentication medium M, and the authentication medium M is fixed to the device body 100a. In other words, the authentication medium M cannot be removed.

[0080] Until the authentication medium M is fixed to the device main body 100a, the power indicator 3a lights up in green without blinking, the cover open / close indicator 3b lights up in red without blinking, and the authentication indicator 3c does not light up (it maintains its off state). After the authentication medium M is fixed to the device main body 100a, the power indicator 3a lights up in green without blinking, the cover open / close indicator 3b lights up in red without blinking, and the authentication indicator 3c lights up in green while blinking.

[0081] Next, in step S3, if the control unit 9 acquires a signal indicating that authentication in the authentication unit 4 has been successful, the process proceeds to step S4. If the control unit 9 does not acquire a signal indicating that authentication in the authentication unit 4 has been successful (if the control unit 9 acquires a signal indicating that authentication in the authentication unit 4 has failed), the process proceeds to step S10. If authentication is successful, the pronunciation unit 6 emits a "ping" sound indicating that authentication has been successful. If authentication is unsuccessful, the pronunciation unit 6 emits a "click" sound indicating that authentication has failed.

[0082] Next, in step S4, the control unit 9 releases the lock of the lid 10 of the battery receptacle 1 by the lock unit 11.

[0083] After the locking section 11 of the lid section 10 of the battery storage section 1 is released, the power indicator 3a lights up in green without flashing, the lid opening / closing indicator 3b lights up in green while flashing, and the authentication indicator 3c lights up in green without flashing.

[0084] Next, in step S5, the control unit 9 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the closed state of the lid unit 10 has been released has been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12. If a signal indicating that the closed state of the lid unit 10 has been released has been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12, the process proceeds to step S6. If a signal indicating that the closed state of the lid unit 10 has been released has not been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12, step S5 is repeated.

[0085] After the cover 10 is released from the closed state, the power indicator 3a lights up in green without blinking, the cover open / close indicator 3b lights up in green without blinking, and the authentication indicator 3c lights up in green without blinking. After the cover 10 is released from the closed state, the charging indicator 2a corresponding to the removable battery B that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold among the four charging indicators 2a lights up in green without blinking. On the other hand, the charging indicator 2a corresponding to the removable battery B that is less than the predetermined threshold does not light up (it maintains the off state). In FIG. 6, the three charging indicators 2a are lit up, and the user is prompted to attach one of the three charged removable batteries B corresponding to the three charging indicators 2a to the electric vehicle V.

[0086] Next, in step S6, the control unit 9 determines whether or not removal of the charged removable battery B from the charging unit 2 has been detected. If removal of the charged removable battery B from the charging unit 2 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S7. If removal of the charged removable battery B from the charging unit 2 has not been detected, step S6 is repeated.

[0087] After the charged removable battery B is removed from the charging section 2, all (four) charging display sections 2a are turned off.

[0088] Next, in step S7, the control unit 9 judges whether or not attachment of a used removable battery B to the charging unit 2 has been detected. If attachment of a used removable battery B to the charging unit 2 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S8. If attachment of a used removable battery B to the charging unit 2 has not been detected, step S7 is repeated.

[0089] Next, in step S8, the control unit 9 determines whether or not a signal indicating the closed state of the lid unit 10 has been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12. If a signal indicating the closed state of the lid unit 10 has been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12, the process proceeds to step S9. If a signal indicating the closed state of the lid unit 10 has not been acquired from the closed state detection sensor 12, step S8 is repeated.

[0090] Next, in step S9, the control unit 9 drives the lock unit 11 to lock the lid unit 10 of the battery housing unit 1.

[0091] After the lid portion 10 is locked, the power indicator 3a lights up green without flashing, the lid opening / closing indicator 3b lights up red without flashing, and the authentication indicator 3c lights up green without flashing.

[0092] Next, in step S10, the control unit 9 drives the insertion unit 50 of the fixing mechanism 5 to remove the authentication medium M from the through-hole M1, and the fixation of the authentication medium M to the device main body 100a is released.

[0093] Next, in step S11, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the authentication medium M has been removed from the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4. If it is determined that the authentication medium M has been removed from the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4, the control process is completed. If it is not determined that the authentication medium M has been removed from the insertion port 40 of the authentication unit 4, step S11 is repeated. In this case, the control unit 9 may be configured to control the sound unit 6 to emit a sound that prompts the user to remove the authentication medium M.

[0094] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0095] In this embodiment, as described above, there are provided an authentication unit 4 that acquires user information U from an authentication medium M separate from the removable battery B, and a control unit 9 that performs control to enable provision of a charged removable battery B accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 1 based on the user information U acquired by the authentication unit 4. This allows the authentication unit 4 to acquire the user information U from the authentication medium M separate from the removable battery B, so that a general-purpose removable battery B can be used instead of a dedicated removable battery with an integrated storage medium as in the past. Here, the above-mentioned electric vehicle V includes both a vehicle equipped with only an electric motor driven by the power of the removable battery B as a driving source, and a hybrid vehicle equipped with an electric motor driven by the power of the removable battery B and an engine driven by fuel as driving sources.

[0096] As described above, this embodiment further includes a charging display unit 2a that displays in a predetermined display manner that the charge amount of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to easily distinguish, by the charging display unit 2a, between a removable battery B that is not sufficiently charged and that has just been attached to the charging unit 2 by another user, and a removable battery B that is sufficiently charged.

[0097] In this embodiment, as described above, the charging display unit 2a is configured to display, in a display mode that is different and distinguishable from the predetermined display mode, that the charge level of the removable battery B attached to the charging unit 2 is less than a predetermined threshold value. This allows the charging display unit 2a to display a removable battery B that is not sufficiently charged and a removable battery B that is sufficiently charged in different display modes, so that the removable battery B that is not sufficiently charged can be more reliably distinguished from the removable battery B that is sufficiently charged.

[0098] In this embodiment, as described above, the battery storage unit 1 includes an openable / closable lid unit 10 and a lock unit 11 that locks the lid unit 10 to keep it in a closed state, and the control unit 9 is configured to control the lock unit 11 to unlock the lid unit 10 based on the user information U acquired by the authentication unit 4. This allows the removable battery B to be placed inside the battery storage unit 1, out of the user's reach, until the lock unit 11 unlocks the lid unit 10 after authentication. This makes it possible to prevent theft of the removable battery B before authentication.

[0099] In this embodiment, as described above, control unit 9 is configured to perform control to relock lid unit 10 with lock unit 11 by closing lid unit 10 after replacement of removable battery B is completed with lid unit 10 unlocked by lock unit 11. This allows lid unit 10 to be relocked by lock unit 11 simply by closing lid unit 10, so that lid unit 10 can be easily returned to the locked state before authentication.

[0100] In this embodiment, as described above, an authentication medium removal prevention unit (fixing mechanism 5) is further provided that prevents the authentication medium M from being removed from the device main body 100a when authentication is performed by the authentication unit 4, and the control unit 9 is configured to perform control such that the authentication medium removal prevention unit (fixing mechanism 5) prevents the authentication medium M from being removed from the device main body 100a while the lock of the lid unit 10 is released by the lock unit 11. As a result, when the removable battery B is replaced, the authentication medium removal prevention unit (fixing mechanism 5) can prevent the authentication medium M from being removed, so that the removable battery B can be prevented from being stolen in a state in which the removable battery B can be replaced after authentication.

[0101] In this embodiment, as described above, the authentication medium removal prevention unit includes the fixing mechanism 5 that fixes the authentication medium M to the device main body 100a in a state in which the authentication medium M is placed in the authentication unit 4. This allows the authentication medium M to be fixed to the device main body 100a by the fixing mechanism 5, making it possible to prevent removal of the authentication medium M with a relatively simple configuration.

[0102] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 9 is configured to acquire at least one of information on the charge amount of B, information on the number of times the removable battery B has been replaced, information on the temperature of the removable battery B, information on the temperature inside the battery storage unit 1, information on the temperature of the charging unit 2, and operation information indicating the time period during which the replacement operation of the removable battery B is being performed, and control the transmission of the information to the management server S. This makes it possible to easily grasp various states of the battery replacement device 100, such as deterioration of the removable battery B, being in a temperature environment in which the removable battery B is likely to deteriorate, and the user's usage status of the battery replacement device 100, and also makes it possible to quickly take measures according to the various states of the battery replacement device 100.

[0103] (Modification) The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the fixing mechanism prevents the authentication medium from being removed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the authentication medium M may be prevented from being removed by an authentication medium storage unit 205 of the present invention. The authentication medium storage unit 205 has an openable and closable lid 205a. The authentication medium storage unit 205 is configured to confine the authentication medium M (which may include a key for an electric vehicle) by closing the lid 205a with the authentication medium M (which may include a key for an electric vehicle) placed inside. The reader unit 41 of the authentication unit 4 is placed inside the authentication medium storage unit 205. The lid 205a is an example of a "second lid" in the claims.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the authentication medium is a predetermined authentication card, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the authentication medium may be a key for an electric vehicle, a smartphone, or the like. In order to use a smartphone as the authentication medium, it is necessary to install a predetermined application for authentication on the smartphone.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the charging indicator is configured by a lamp, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the charging indicator may be configured by a digital display capable of displaying the charging amount as a percentage (%).

[0107] In the above embodiment, the multiple charging units are arranged in a single row in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the multiple charging units may be arranged in a row in the up-down direction. Also, the multiple charging units may be arranged in multiple rows in the left-right direction.

[0108] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which four charging units are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, one to three charging units, or five or more charging units may be provided.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which only one lid is provided for a battery storage unit in which multiple charging units are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a dedicated lid may be provided for each of the multiple charging units.

[0110] In addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the charging unit may be provided with a predetermined locking mechanism so that when a removable battery is attached to the charging unit, the removable battery is fixed to the charging unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Battery compartment 2 Live parts 2a Charging display 4 Authentication section 5 Fixing mechanism (authentication medium removal prevention part) 9. Control Unit 10 Lid (first lid) 11 Rock Section 100 Battery exchange device 100a Device body 205 Authentication medium storage unit (authentication medium removal prevention unit) 205a Lid (second lid) B Removable battery M Authentication Media S Management Server U User Information V Electric Vehicle

Claims

1. a battery housing section that houses a plurality of removable batteries that supply driving power to the electric vehicle; a plurality of charging units provided inside the battery storage unit and configured to charge the plurality of removable batteries; an authentication unit that acquires user information from an authentication medium separate from the removable battery before the removable battery that has been removed from the electric vehicle is attached to the charging unit; a plurality of charging display units provided corresponding to the plurality of charging units, each displaying in a predetermined display manner, based on the release of the closed state of a lid of the battery housing unit, that the charged amount of the plurality of removable batteries attached to each of the plurality of charging units is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; A fan for cooling the plurality of removable batteries; a control unit that performs control to enable provision of the charged removable battery contained in the battery storage unit based on the user information acquired by the authentication unit.

2. 2. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the charging display unit is configured to display that the charge amount of the removable battery attached to the charging unit is less than a predetermined threshold value by a display manner that is different and distinguishable from the predetermined display manner.

3. the battery storage section includes a first lid section that can be opened and closed, and a lock section that locks the first lid section to hold it in a closed state, 3 . The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to release the lock of the first lid unit by the lock unit based on the user information acquired by the authentication unit.

4. 4. The battery exchange device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to control the locking unit to lock the first lid portion again when the first lid portion is closed after the replacement of the removable battery is completed with the first lid portion unlocked by the locking unit.

5. an authentication medium removal prevention unit that prevents the authentication medium from being removed from the device body when authentication is being performed by the authentication unit; The battery exchange device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control so that the authentication medium removal prevention unit prevents the authentication medium from being removed from the device main body while the first lid unit is unlocked by the locking unit.

6. The authentication medium removal prevention unit a fixing mechanism for fixing the authentication medium to the device body in a state where the authentication medium is placed relative to the authentication unit; or 6. The battery exchange device according to claim 5, further comprising an authentication medium storage section having an openable and closable second lid portion, the authentication medium being trapped by closing the second lid portion with the authentication medium placed therein.

7. The battery exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire at least one of information on the charge amount of the removable battery, information on the number of times the removable battery has been replaced, information on the temperature of the removable battery, information on the temperature inside the battery storage unit, information on the temperature of the charging unit, and operation information indicating the time period during which the replacement operation of the removable battery is being performed, and control the transmission of the information to a management server.

Images