Battery management system

Abstract

To ensure user convenience and high safety in providing information when providing deterioration information of a secondary battery to a user.SOLUTION: A server executes the steps of executing code authentication processing (S202) when there is a code authentication request (YES in S200), transmitting the authentication result (S204), storing the battery information (S208) when receiving battery information (YES in S206), calculating an estimated deterioration value (S210), setting deterioration information according to the code (S212), and transmitting the deterioration information (S214).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery management system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a known information system that provides information on secondary batteries according to the destination for users such as repairers who repair electric vehicles (for example, electric cars or hybrid cars, etc.) powered by secondary batteries, dismantlers who disassemble electric vehicles, recyclers who reuse used secondary batteries mounted on electric vehicles, or researchers who study the state of used secondary batteries.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-099726 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique of reading out evaluation information corresponding to a required level from a battery database in which evaluation information of a plurality of items such as "room temperature capacity", "low temperature capacity", "room temperature output", and "low temperature output" is stored in response to a request including information for specifying a secondary battery and a required level, and providing the read evaluation information to the user who is the requester. Note that Patent Document 1 discloses that the required level can be increased by a user purchasing authority from an information provider.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the information system as described above, when various types of information are acquired via a communication network such as the Internet, there is a risk of a decrease in the security when providing the information. In particular, the history information about the state of the secondary battery can be used for estimating the state of the secondary battery such as the degree of deterioration and evaluating the performance, etc., has high versatility, and high security is required when providing the information. On the other hand, it is also conceivable to provide various types of information only via a dedicated line in order to ensure security, but there is a possibility that the convenience of the user may be reduced due to certain restrictions imposed on the connection to the dedicated line.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery management system that ensures the convenience of the user when providing the deterioration information of the secondary battery and ensures high security for information provision.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A battery management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a device equipped with a secondary battery and a storage unit that stores history information of the secondary battery, a server that manages the deterioration information of the secondary battery, and a first terminal that is configured to be communicable with the server via the Internet and includes an interface capable of wired communication with the device. The server is configured such that when the first terminal and the device are connected so as to enable wired communication via the interface, and when a code is received from the first terminal, if the received code is a predetermined code, the first terminal is permitted to read the history information from the device, an acquisition unit that acquires the history information from the first terminal, a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery using the acquired history information, and an output unit that outputs deterioration information of an information level corresponding to the code using the calculated estimated value.

[0008] In this way, the first terminal is permitted to read the history information from the device by the code, and the degradation information of the information level corresponding to the code is output. Therefore, when providing the degradation information to the user via the Internet, it is possible to ensure high security for information provision while ensuring the convenience of the user.

[0009] In one embodiment, the information level includes a plurality of information levels set corresponding to the types of businesses related to the secondary battery.

[0010] In this way, since the information level corresponding to the type of business is set, it is possible to ensure high security for information provision while ensuring the convenience of the user.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the output unit transmits the degradation information to the first terminal.

[0012] In this way, the degradation state of the secondary battery mounted on the device can be confirmed at the first terminal.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the battery management system is configured to be communicable with the server via a dedicated line, and further includes a second terminal including an interface. The second terminal reads the history information from the device and transmits it to the server when the second terminal and the device are connected in a wired communication via the interface.

[0014] In this way, when the second terminal and the server are connected via the dedicated line, the history information can be read without using the code, so that high security for information provision can be ensured.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, when providing the degradation information of the secondary battery to the user, it is possible to provide a battery management system that ensures the convenience of the user and high security for information provision.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a battery management system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the battery management system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 2 and 4, a server 100, a first terminal 200, and a second terminal 300.

[0019] The vehicles 2 and 4 may be vehicles equipped with secondary batteries. For example, they may be electric vehicles with an electric motor as a drive source, or hybrid vehicles equipped with an engine and an electric motor, with at least one of them as a drive source.

[0020] The battery management system 1 is configured to manage information on the secondary batteries mounted on the vehicles 2 and 4 by acquiring and providing various information from the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300 that are communicably configured with the server 100.

[0021] Server 100 includes a control device 102, a storage device 104, a first communication device 106, a second communication device 108, and a communication bus 110. The control device 102, the storage device 104, the first communication device 106, and the second communication device 108 are communicably connected to each other by the communication bus 110.

[0022] The control device 102 includes, for example, a processor that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories (such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)), and input / output ports (not shown in the figure) for inputting and outputting various signals. Various controls executed by the control device 102 are software processes, that is, they are executed by the program stored in the memory being read out by the processor. Various controls by the control device 102 can also be realized by a general-purpose computer (not shown) executing a program stored in a storage medium. Various controls by the control device 102 are not limited to software processes and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0023] The storage device 104 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a removable media drive, and stores a large amount of data compared to the memory of the control device 102.

[0024] The storage device 104 stores predetermined information regarding a plurality of vehicles 2, 4. The predetermined information includes, for example, deterioration information of the secondary batteries mounted on each of the vehicles 2, 4 described later and information for identifying the secondary batteries mounted on the vehicles 2, 4 (hereinafter referred to as battery ID). The battery ID is, for example, unique identification information set for each secondary battery. It is assumed that the storage device 104 stores the battery IDs of the secondary batteries that are the management targets of the server 100. The server 100 can identify the secondary battery corresponding to the history information described later by the battery ID.

[0025] The first communication device 106 realizes two-way communication between the control device 102 and the Internet 400. The server 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the first terminal 200 via the Internet 400. The communication between the first communication device 106 and the Internet 400 is performed, for example, by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0026] The first communication device 106 includes a receiving unit 106a and a transmitting unit 106b. The receiving unit 106a receives information transmitted from the first terminal 200. The receiving unit 106a receives, for example, information about a code input to the first terminal 200 and history information on the state of the secondary battery 2a mounted on the vehicle 2 connected to the first terminal 200. The transmitting unit 106b transmits information about an authentication result indicating whether or not the above-described code has been authenticated, and information about the deterioration of the secondary battery 2a (hereinafter referred to as deterioration information).

[0027] The second communication device 108 realizes two-way communication between the control device 102 and the dedicated line 500. The server 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the second terminal 300 via the dedicated line 500. The communication between the second communication device 108 and the dedicated line 500 is performed by wired communication or wireless communication. The dedicated line 500 is configured to enable communication only between the vehicle manufacturing company (server 100) and the vehicle sales company (second terminal 300). The dedicated line 500 may be, for example, a communication network not connected to the Internet 400, or may be a communication constructed by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in the Internet 400.

[0028] The first terminal 200 is, for example, a terminal owned by various business operators other than vehicle sales companies such as dealers. Various business operators other than vehicle sales companies include, for example, at least one of a vehicle purchasing company, a vehicle dismantling company, a vehicle leasing company, a company that mediates used cars, and a company that conducts business related to the reuse of secondary batteries.

[0029] The first terminal 200 includes a communication device 202, an interface 204, a control device 206, and a connector 210. The communication device 202 is connected to the Internet 400 and is configured to be able to transmit historical information about the state of the secondary battery in the vehicle 2, which will be described later, to the server 100 via the Internet 400.

[0030] The interface 204 includes, for example, an input device that enables input of a code and a connection terminal that can be connected to the connector 210 via a communication cable.

[0031] The control device 206 controls the communication device 202 or executes predetermined processing on the data received via the interface 204. Since the detailed configuration and operation of the control device 206 are the same as those of the above-described control device 102, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0032] The connector 210 has a shape that can be connected to the connection terminal 2c of the vehicle 2. The connector 210 is connected to the interface 204 via a communication cable, and when the connector 210 is connected to the vehicle 2, communication between the first terminal 200 and the vehicle 2 becomes possible.

[0033] An input device (not shown) is connected to the interface 204. The input device receives input of character information from the user. The input device receives input of, for example, a code composed of character information.

[0034] The vehicle 2 includes a secondary battery 2a, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2b, and a connection terminal 2c.

[0035] The secondary battery 2a is a DC power source configured to be rechargeable, and is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a solid or liquid electrolyte.

[0036] ECU2b is a computer having a processor that executes programs such as a CPU, a memory, and an input / output interface (not shown). ECU2b includes various control programs for controlling various devices mounted on vehicle 2. Various processes executed by ECU2b are not limited to software processes and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0037] ECU2b has, for example, a function of monitoring the state of secondary battery 2a. The state of secondary battery 2a includes, for example, the SOC (State Of Charge), current, voltage, temperature, etc. of secondary battery 2a. ECU2b stores history information about the state of secondary battery 2a in the memory.

[0038] When connector 210 is connected to connection terminal 2c, communication between ECU2b and the first terminal 200 becomes possible. Connection terminal 2c is, for example, a communication terminal used during fault diagnosis and has a shape that can be connected to connector 210. The first terminal 200 can communicate with ECU2b including the in-vehicle fault diagnosis device (OBD (On Board Diagnostics)) of vehicle 2 when connector 210 is connected to connection terminal 2c.

[0039] The second terminal 300 includes a communication device 302, an interface 304, a control device 306, and a connector 310. Each component of the second terminal 300 has the same configuration as each component of the first terminal 200, except that communication between the second terminal 300 and the server 100 passes through a dedicated line 500 instead of the Internet 400 compared to each component of the first terminal 200. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0040] Vehicle 4 has the same configuration as vehicle 2, except that the connection target is the second terminal 300. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0041] In the battery management system 1 as described above, when historical information about the state of the secondary battery 2a stored in the vehicle 2 is acquired via the Internet 400, there is a risk of a decrease in the safety when providing the information. In particular, the historical information about the state of the secondary battery 2a can be used for estimating the state of the secondary battery such as the degree of deterioration and performance evaluation, etc., and has high versatility, and high safety is required when providing the information. On the other hand, in order to ensure safety, it is also conceivable to provide various information only via the dedicated line 500, but there is a possibility that the convenience of the user may decrease due to certain restrictions imposed on the connection to the dedicated line 500.

[0042] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the server 100 operates as follows. That is, when the first terminal 200 and the vehicle 2 are connected so as to enable wired communication via the interface 204, the connector 210, and the connection terminal 2c, and when the server 100 receives a code from the first terminal 200, if the received code is a predetermined code, the server 100 permits the first terminal 200 to read out the historical information about the state of the secondary battery 2a from the vehicle 2, and acquires the historical information from the first terminal 200. The server 100 calculates an estimated value of the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery 2a (hereinafter referred to as the deterioration estimated value) using the acquired historical information. The server 100 outputs deterioration information at an information level corresponding to the code using the calculated estimated value. In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 106a, the control device 102, and the transmitting unit 106b of the server 100 respectively correspond to the "acquiring unit", the "calculating unit", and the "outputting unit".

[0043] In this way, the first terminal 200 is permitted to read out the historical information from the vehicle 2 by the code, and the deterioration information at the information level corresponding to the code is output. Therefore, it is possible to ensure high safety for information provision while ensuring the convenience of the user when providing the deterioration information to the user via the Internet 400.

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, an example of the process executed by the first terminal 200 (specifically, the control device 206) will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the first terminal 200. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control device 206 of the first terminal 200 at a predetermined control cycle.

[0045] In step (hereinafter, steps are described as S) 100, the first terminal 200 determines whether it is connected to the vehicle 2. For example, when the connector 210 is connected to the connection terminal 2c of the vehicle 2 and the first terminal 200 receives a signal indicating that the connector 210 is connected to the connection terminal 2c via the connection terminal 2c from the vehicle 2, it is determined that the first terminal 200 is connected to the vehicle 2. When it is determined that the first terminal 200 is connected to the vehicle 2 (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0046] In S102, the first terminal 200 determines whether there is a transmission request for history information (hereinafter, referred to as battery information) regarding the state of the secondary battery 2a. For example, when the first terminal 200 receives an operation indicating a transmission request for battery information at the input device, it is determined that there is a transmission request for battery information. When it is determined that there is a transmission request for battery information (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0047] In S104, the first terminal 200 determines whether a code has been input. For example, when the first terminal 200 receives an operation of inputting a code on an input device, it determines that the code has been input. For example, when it is determined that there is a request to transmit battery information, the first terminal 200 performs a display including character information prompting the input of the code on a display device (not shown). The code is composed of, for example, characters and symbols with a predetermined number of digits. The code may include, for example, characters and symbols indicating the type of business and characters and symbols indicating the location of the business office. The first terminal 200 receives the input of characters and symbols, for example, and stores the combination of the input characters and symbols in the memory. When the combination of characters and symbols stored in the memory is composed of the number of characters and character types used in the code, the first terminal 200 determines that the code has been input. If it is determined that the code has been input (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106. If it is determined that the code has not been input (NO in S104), this process returns to S104.

[0048] In S106, the first terminal 200 transmits the code to the server 100. Then the process proceeds to S108.

[0049] In S108, the first terminal 200 determines whether the code has been authenticated. For example, when the first terminal 200 receives an authentication result indicating that the code has been authenticated from the server 100, it determines that the code has been authenticated. Also, for example, when the first terminal 200 receives an authentication result indicating that the code has not been authenticated from the server 100, it determines that the code has not been authenticated. If it is determined that the code has been authenticated (YES in S108), the process proceeds to S110.

[0050] In S110, the first terminal 200 executes a process of transmitting battery information. Specifically, for example, the first terminal 200 transmits a read request to the vehicle 2 together with authentication information indicating that the code has been authenticated. When the vehicle 2 receives the authentication information and the read request, it transmits the battery information to the first terminal 200 together with the battery ID. The first terminal 200 transmits the battery ID and the battery information received from the vehicle 2 to the server 100 via the Internet 400 together with information indicating that the transmission source of the battery information is the first terminal 200. Then the process ends. Also, when it is determined that the vehicle 2 is not connected (NO in S100), or when it is determined that there is no request to transmit battery information (NO in S102), or when it is determined that the code has not been authenticated (NO in S108), this process ends.

[0051] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of a process executed by the server 100 (specifically, the control device 102) will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 100. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control device 102 of the server 100 at every predetermined control cycle.

[0052] In S200, the server 100 determines whether there is a code authentication request. The server 100 determines that there is a code authentication request, for example, when it receives a code from the first terminal 200 via the Internet 400. When it is determined that there is a code authentication request (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0053] In S202, the server 100 executes code authentication processing. The server 100 determines whether the received code matches a predetermined code and obtains an authentication result, and executes the process of obtaining the authentication result as code authentication processing. For example, a plurality of predetermined codes are pre-stored in the storage device 104 of the server 100. The server 100 determines whether at least any one of the plurality of predetermined codes stored in the storage device 104 matches the received code. When the codes match, the server 100 sets an authentication result indicating that the code has been authenticated. When the codes do not match, the server 100 sets an authentication result indicating that the code has not been authenticated.

[0054] In S204, the server 100 transmits the authentication result set by executing the code authentication processing to the first terminal 200. The server 100 transmits the authentication result to the transmission source that received the code together with the code from the first terminal 200, for example. The subsequent process proceeds to S206.

[0055] In S206, the server 100 determines whether to receive battery information from the first terminal 200. The server 100 determines whether to receive information indicating battery information from the first terminal 200, for example, until a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication result was transmitted. When battery information is received from the first terminal 200 (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S208.

[0056] In S208, the server 100 stores the received battery information in the storage device 104. The server 100 stores, for example, the information of the transmission source, the battery ID, and the battery information in the storage device 104 in association with each other. The subsequent process proceeds to S210.

[0057] In S210, the server 100 calculates a degradation estimation value. The server 100 calculates a degradation estimation value using the received battery information, for example. The degradation estimation value indicates, for example, the capacity retention rate, and indicates the percentage of the current full charge capacity with respect to the full charge capacity in the initial state.

[0058] Note that the degradation estimation value may be calculated based on, for example, the temperature environment history of the vehicle 2, the temperature environment history of the secondary battery 2a, the cumulative mileage of the vehicle 2, the cumulative driving time, the cumulative charging time, the cumulative number of charging times, the cumulative discharge time, or the cumulative number of discharge times, instead of or in addition to the full charge capacity in the initial state and the current full charge capacity.

[0059] In S212, the server 100 sets the degradation information corresponding to the received code. The degradation information includes information at the information level corresponding to the code. The information level includes a plurality of information levels set corresponding to the type of business related to the secondary battery. For example, the higher the information level, the more detailed the degradation information is included, and the lower the information level, the more simple the degradation information is included. For example, if the information level includes a first level, a second level, and a third level, the first level is the information level including the most detailed degradation information, and the third level is the information level including the most simple degradation information. In this case, the first level includes the value of the calculated degradation estimation value itself, the third level includes information on whether the degradation state is reusable or non-reusable, and the second level includes information indicating which stage of the degradation state among a plurality of stages of three or more levels. When the server 100 sets the degradation information corresponding to the information level of the third level, if the degradation estimation value exceeds the threshold, it is set as a reusable degradation state, and if the degradation estimation value is less than the threshold, the degradation information is set as a non-reusable degradation state. Similarly, when the server 100 sets the degradation information corresponding to the information level of the second level, it specifies which stage of the degradation state defined by the threshold the degradation estimation value is in, and sets the specified stage of the degradation state as the degradation information.

[0060] In this embodiment, the information levels have been described as including the first level, the second level, and the third level. However, the number of levels of the information levels is not limited to three, and may include four or more levels. Further, the above-described first level only needs to be deterioration information that is more detailed than the second level, and is not limited to the level including the value of the deterioration estimation value itself. It may include information indicating the deterioration state at any stage among a plurality of stages that are more subdivided than the second level.

[0061] The information levels and the codes are associated in advance, and the correspondence relationship is stored in the storage device 104. The code is set for each operator, for example. The operator is various operators other than the vehicle sales company as described above, and includes, for example, at least any one of a vehicle purchasing dealer, a vehicle dismantling dealer, a vehicle leasing dealer, a dealer that mediates used cars, etc., and a dealer that conducts business related to the reuse of secondary batteries. The information level is set to include the information that the operator corresponding to the code minimally requires.

[0062] For example, when a purchasing dealer appraises vehicle 2 as a used car, the detailed degree of deterioration of the secondary battery 2a is required. Therefore, the code set for the purchasing dealer is associated with the first level, for example. Alternatively, as a dismantling dealer, it is required to determine whether the secondary battery 2a of vehicle 2 can be reused. Therefore, the code set for the dismantling dealer is associated with the third level, for example. Alternatively, as a reuse dealer, it is required to be roughly classified as the use purpose of the secondary battery 2a (for example, whether it can be reused as a power source for an electric vehicle or as a stationary storage battery). Therefore, the code set for the reuse dealer is associated with the second level, for example.

[0063] In S214, the server 100 transmits the degradation information to the first terminal 200. Note that when it is determined that there is no code authentication request (NO in S200), or when no information indicating battery information is received from the first terminal 200 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication result was transmitted (NO in S206), this process ends.

[0064] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the process executed by the second terminal 300 (specifically, the control device 306) will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the second terminal 300. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control device 306 of the second terminal 300 at every predetermined control cycle.

[0065] In S300, the second terminal 300 determines whether it is connected to the vehicle 4. For example, when the connector 310 is connected to the connection terminal 4c of the vehicle 4 and the second terminal 300 receives a signal indicating that the connector 310 is connected to the connection terminal 4c via the connection terminal 4c from the vehicle 4, the second terminal 300 determines that it is connected to the vehicle 4. When it is determined that the second terminal 300 is connected to the vehicle 4 (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0066] In S302, the second terminal 300 determines whether there is a request to transmit history information about the state of the secondary battery 4a (hereinafter referred to as battery information). For example, when the second terminal 300 receives an operation indicating a request to transmit battery information on the input device, the second terminal 300 determines that there is a request to transmit battery information. When it is determined that there is a request to transmit battery information (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S304.

[0067] In S304, the second terminal 300 executes a process of transmitting battery information. Specifically, for example, the second terminal 300 transmits a read request to the vehicle 4. When the vehicle 4 receives the read request, it transmits the battery information to the second terminal 300 together with the battery ID. The second terminal 300 transmits the battery ID and the battery information received from the vehicle 4 to the server 100 via the dedicated line 500 together with information indicating that the transmission source of the battery information is the second terminal 300. Then the process ends. Also, when it is determined that the connection to the vehicle 4 is not established (NO in S300), or when it is determined that there is no request to transmit battery information (NO in S302), this process ends.

[0068] Note that when the server 100 receives battery information from the second terminal 300, it calculates a degradation estimation value and executes a process of transmitting the calculated degradation estimation value to the second terminal 300.

[0069] The operations of the server 100 and the first terminal 200 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the server 100, the first terminal 200, and the vehicle 2.

[0070] For example, assume a case where a used-car dealer appraises the vehicle 2 as a vehicle to be purchased. The used-car dealer connects the connector 210 connected to the first terminal 200 to the connection terminal 2c of the vehicle 2. As shown in (A) of FIG. 5, when the connector 210 is connected (YES in S100), it is determined whether there is a transmission request (S102). When it is determined that there is a transmission request as shown in (B) of FIG. 5 by a user operation on the first terminal 200 (YES in S102), it is determined whether a code has been input (S104).

[0071] When a code set for the used-car dealer and previously notified by the vehicle manufacturing company is input to the input device of the first terminal 200 as shown in (C) of FIG. 5, it is determined in the first terminal 200 that the code has been input (YES in S104), and as shown in (D) of FIG. 5, the code is transmitted to the server 100 (S106).

[0072] When it is determined that there is a code authentication request by receiving a code in server 100 (YES in S200), as shown in (E) of FIG. 5, the authentication process of the received code is executed (S202). Then, when the code is authenticated, as shown in (F) of FIG. 5, the authentication result is transmitted to the first terminal 200 (S204).

[0073] In the first terminal 200, when information indicating that the code has been authenticated is received (YES in S108), the process of transmitting battery information is executed (S110). That is, as shown in (G) of FIG. 5, a read request is made to vehicle 2. As shown in (H) of FIG. 5, in response to the read request, battery information is transmitted from vehicle 2 to server 100 via the first terminal 200 and the Internet 400.

[0074] When the battery information is received in server 100 (YES in S206), as shown in (I) of FIG. 5, the battery information is stored in the storage device 104 (S208), and as shown in (J) of FIG. 5, a deterioration estimated value is calculated (S210). Then, as shown in (K) of FIG. 5, deterioration information of the information level corresponding to the code is set using the calculated deterioration estimated value (S212). Then, as shown in (L) of FIG. 5, the generated deterioration information is transmitted to the first terminal 200 (S214). Then, as shown in (M) of FIG. 5, in the first terminal 200, the deterioration information from server 100 will be received.

[0075] As described above, according to the battery management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the first terminal 200 is permitted to read the history information from the vehicle 2 by the code, and the deterioration information of the information level corresponding to the code is output. Therefore, when providing the deterioration information to the user via the Internet 400, it is possible to ensure high safety for information provision while ensuring the convenience of the user. Therefore, when providing the deterioration information of the secondary battery to the user, it is possible to provide a battery management system that ensures the convenience of the user and high safety for information provision.

[0076] Furthermore, since an information level corresponding to the type of business is set, it is possible to ensure high safety for information provision while ensuring the convenience of the user.

[0077] Furthermore, by transmitting the deterioration information from the server 100 to the first terminal 200, it is possible to check the deterioration state of the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle at the first terminal.

[0078] Furthermore, when the second terminal 300 and the server 100 are connected via the dedicated line 500, the history information can be read without using a code, so that the convenience of the user can be ensured while ensuring high safety for information provision.

[0079] Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing is executed by one processor and one memory in the control device 102 of the server 100 has been described as an example. However, one or more processors may read and execute a program stored in one or more memories so that the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing is executed by one processor and one memory in the control device 206 of the first terminal 200 has been described as an example. However, one or more processors may read and execute a program stored in one or more memories so that the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is executed.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first terminal 200 has been described as transmitting information indicating that it is the source, in addition to battery information, such as the battery ID, to the server 100. However, for example, in addition to the battery information, the position information of the first terminal 200 may be transmitted to the server 100. By doing so, since the server 100 can identify the position of the first terminal 200, it can determine whether the first terminal 200 is a legitimate operator. Note that the first terminal 200 may obtain the position information using a known position detection device that uses artificial satellites such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or base stations for wireless communication.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where an information level corresponding to the type of operator is set and degradation information of a specific information level is transmitted to a specific operator has been described as an example. However, as an operator, various levels of degradation information may be made purchasable.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the server 100 has been described as transmitting the degradation information set using the battery information received from the first terminal 200 to the first terminal 200. However, the set degradation information may be transmitted to a terminal different from the first terminal 200.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the first terminal 200 is connected to the vehicle 2 or the second terminal 300 is connected to the vehicle 4 has been described as an example. However, it is not particularly limited to a vehicle. The first terminal 200 or the second terminal 300 may be connected to, for example, a device equipped with a secondary battery and a storage unit that stores the history information of the secondary battery, instead of a vehicle. Furthermore, the battery management system 1 in the present embodiment may have a configuration in which the second terminal 300 connected by the dedicated line 500 is omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example, a case where it is determined whether or not there is a request for battery information in the first terminal 200 or the second terminal 300 has been described. However, the process of S102 in the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the process of S302 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may be omitted.

[0087] In addition, the above-described modified examples may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 1 Battery management system, 2,4 Vehicles, 2a,4a Secondary batteries, 2b,4b ECUs, 2c,4c Connection terminals, 100 Server, 102,206,306 Control devices, 104 Storage device, 106 First communication device, 106a Receiver, 106b Transmitter, 108 Second communication device, 110 Communication bus, 200 First terminal, 202,302 Communication devices, 204,304 Interfaces, 210,310 Connectors, 300 Second terminal, 400 Internet, 500 Dedicated line.

Claims

1. A device equipped with a secondary battery and a storage unit that stores history information of the secondary battery, a server that manages deterioration information of the secondary battery, and a first terminal including an interface configured to be communicable with the server via the Internet and capable of wired communication with the device, wherein the server when the first terminal and the device are connected so as to enable the wired communication via the interface and a code is received from the first terminal, permits the first terminal to read the history information from the device when the received code is a predetermined code, and has an acquisition unit that acquires the history information from the first terminal, a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the degree of deterioration of the secondary battery using the acquired history information, and an output unit that outputs the deterioration information at an information level corresponding to the code using the calculated estimated value. A battery management system.

2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the information level includes a plurality of information levels set corresponding to the type of business related to the secondary battery.

3. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit transmits the deterioration information to the first terminal.

4. The battery management system is configured to be communicable with the server via a dedicated line and further includes a second terminal including the interface, wherein the second terminal reads the history information from the device and transmits it to the server when the second terminal and the device are connected so as to enable the wired communication via the interface. The battery management system according to claim 1.

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